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?

Monday, April 20, 2026

That Which the Lord Requires

by David Brenneman

"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18.

At times, the adversity you face will be so long-lasting, painful,

and profound that your response to any type of encouragement may be, "That's easy for you to say." How could anyone possibly know the depth of the despair you feel? Devotions, sermons, and books about trials tend to oversimplify when it comes to the subject of suffering, and I realize that what you face may be truly heart-wrenching. But that doesn't change the fact that God wants to work through the adversity to advance your spiritual growth.

We know the Lord could erase all difficulty from our lives with just a word-and someday He may do so for you. However, Scripture tells us that when He chooses not to it's because more important than than our ease, comfort, and pleasure is our transformation into Christ's likeness. The Lord is in the process of of teaching us about Himself: His faithfulness, goodness, compassion, and holiness. He is also breaking down all the places in us where we have erroneously set ourselves up as god instead of Him. It is painful. But the process is essential if we are to mature in the Lord and represent Him to others.

Jesus, I submit to You. Do as You see best in me. Amen.

- "Trusting God with Today " Dr. Charles Stanley.

"Stand firm and you will will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today." Exodus 14:13.

This verse contains God's command to me as a believer for those times when I am confronted with dire circumstances and extra-

ordinary difficulties. What am I to do when I cannot retreat or

go forward and my way is blocked to the right and to the left?

The Master's word to me is: "Stand firm." And the best thing

I can do at these times is to listen only to my Master's word, for others will come to me with their suggestions and evil advice. Despair will come, whispering, "Give up-lie down and die." But even in the worst of times, God would have me be cheerful and courageous, rejoicing in His love and faithfulness.

Cowardice will come and say, "You must retreat to the world's

ways of acting. It is too difficult for you to continue living the part of a Christian. Abandon your principles." Yet no matter how much Satan may pressure me to follow his course, I cannot, for I am a child of God. The Lord's divine decree has commanded me to go from "strength to strength" (Psalms 84:7). Therefore I will and neither death nor hell will turn me from from my course. And if for a season He calls me to "stand firm," I will acknowledge it as time to renew my strength for greater strides in the future.

Impatience will come, crying, "Get up and do something!" To

'stand firm' and wait is sheer idleness.' Why is it I think I must be doing something right now instead of looking to the Lord? He will not only do something--He will do everything.

Arrogance will come, boasting, "If the sea is blocking your way,

march right into it and expect a miracle." Yet true faith never

listens to arrogance, impatience, cowardice, or despair but only

hears God saying, "Stand firm." And then it stands as immovable as a rock.

"Stand firm." I must maintain the posture of one who stands.

ready for action, expecting further orders, and cheerfully and

patiently awaiting the Director's voice. It will not be long until

God will say to me, as distinctly as He told Moses to tell the children of Israel, "'Move on" (Exodus 14:15). Charles H. Spurgeon.

It was, from my perspective, a God thing when He aligns what others have written about to come together.

My Dear Reader, adversity is a required tool of the Lord for our sanctification.

Following the instructions of the Spirit of God is to be our ambition.

Whether to stay or to go, to speak or remain silent, to listen only or to give an opinion...do all to the obedience of Christ Jesus to the glory of God the Father.

Ours isn't necessarily to understand but it is ours to trust and obey.

Ours isn't to seek our comfort and joy but rather that which pleases our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If our way is blocked...then stand firm. If a direction is given...proceed with confidence in the Lord and not of ourselves.

Can you pray "Jesus, I submit to You. Do as You see best in me. Amen."?

The requirements of sanctification are written in adversities. Big or small, seen and unseen, adversity is there to purify, to sanctify, to make us to become more like Jesus Christ.

We're going to face challenges to this sanctification process. We're going to hear good advice and bad advice from even those in our lives who likewise claim to be Christians. What we're to do is take such words and possible actions to the Lord in prayer and await His response.

Satan's schemes involve us in big and small ways to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. To think, speak or to do life where we don't even have it within us to stop to consider if the path we are on has the blessing of God or not.

We can't trust and obey if we aren't at all considering that which is written in the Word of God. If we aren't concerned about what concerns the Lord Jesus Christ.

I was reading through my journal this morning before writing. It's sometimes laughable what I wrote over the years and sometimes sad that there were times I wasn't in tune with the Lord.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...not figure it out and if we can't then go ask.

Adversity is what we need in order to be sanctified. Realizing that the life we have in Christ is to be more real to us than our lives in this world is where our eyes begin to open.

Our life in Christ is to be more important to us than our wants, desires are to be.

We may not see what we want to see in our life. Remember what Jesus said. What does it profit a man to gain the world but forfeits his soul? What will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Scripture says to give thanks for everything. This is to include whatever adversities that the Lord brings to your life.

As a child of God nothing can touch the life of a Christian without first being permitted by Jesus Christ.

Remember that.

Seek the Lord in this and all times of your life. Don't lean on your own understanding. Especially moreso when life appears to have no challenges or adversity. When we're enjoying life...stop to consider what God wants to say to you through even that time in your life.

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

We must have adversity to grow deeper roots in our faith. Shallow roots will never last through the storms of the spiritual life.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

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Sunday, April 19, 2026

Disappointments and Discouragements

Disappointments and Discouragements.

by David Brenneman

Life Principle #20 "Disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice."

We are going to face innumerable disappointments in life. What we do with them makes all the difference in the our world. Note that I didn't say "in the world" but rather "in our world".

We have a choice to either see the outcome of a disappointment as a sovereign choice by Jesus Christ or see it in its negative sense.

You just have to read through Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers to see how an obstinate people, being directed by the preincarnate Lord Jesus Christ, constantly chose discouragement rather than to trust in His Word about taking care of them.

We have a choice to face the disappointments as either a good thing or a bad thing.

To say the least, 10 months of being unemployed, sort of presented me with 10 months of disappointments that could have turned to discouragement in a moment.

I certainly was disappointed by many things related to being unemployed. I was disappointed that the truth if why I was let go wasn't being said. I was disappointed in the broken friendships that should have weathered this. I was disappointed in the silence from potential employers. I was disappointed at the daily spending of hours scouring websites for possible positions with nothing to show for it.

I had plenty of reasons to be disappointed...yet my choice was to trust in my Savior to provide for us during that time and to trust that there would indeed be a job that He says is suitable for me.

There were many people who were inclined to offer their opinions on what I should or shouldn't do. Many with good intentions but who weren't being helpful. As I told as many as world hear it: my Savior holds all the keys. Until He gave me keys to the door of opportunity that I was to go through...I wasn't going to be opening any doors.

Month upon month this went on, and indeed my God was faithful. We never went without. All the bills each month got paid. We had an ample supply of food from friends, family and food pantries.

The choice was ever present to give in to discouragement. I purposed to stand firm, as the Scriptures told me, in the promises of God in Christ Jesus to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to God. I further purposed to stay committed to being in the Word daily as I was formerly before being let go. Jesus promised to take care of our needs. Standing on that promise was next.

We can choose to go in circles in our own understanding or we can choose to do what we're given to be doing each day by the Spirit of God.

Indeed every single day without fail the Spirit had directed me to be doing something either at home or wherever He sent me.

I also refused to budge on my evening studies. Refused to not write whatever He wanted me to for this blog.

My hope is and will be in the promises of my Savior and my God.

While yes there's quite a few "I's" in the material you've read today, these are in the right context. They point people to the source of why discouragement didn't come.

Was reading through my journal to see that it seems that my various attempts at hiring in where I am blessed to be now were in the month of April over the years. Reading about what I wrote of those rejections.

You can either run to discouragement or run to Jesus.

You cannot do both.

I love the old hymn "Standing on the Promises".

"Standing on the promises of Christ, my King! Through eternal ages let His praises ring. "Glory in the highest!" I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God."

- Russell Kelso Carter 1886

While wallowing in despair is the quick and easy way...run to the Father instead. Fall into His grace and mercy instead.

I've carried a burden

For too long on my own

I wasn't created

To bear it alone

I hear Your invitation

To let it all go

Yeah, I see it now

I'm laying it down

And I know that I need You

I run to the Father

I fall into grace

I'm done with the hiding

No reason to wait

My heart needs a surgeon

My soul needs a friend

So I'll run to the Father

Again and again

And again and again

Oh, oh, oh

You saw my condition

Had a plan from the start

Your Son for redemption

The price for my heart

And I don't have a context

For that kind of love

I don't understand

I can't comprehend

All I know is I need You

I run to the Father

I fall into grace

I'm done with the hiding

No reason to wait

My heart needs a surgeon

My soul needs a friend

So I'll run to the Father

Again and again

And again and again

Oh, oh

Again and again

And again and again

Oh, oh (oh)

My heart has been in Your sights

Long before my first breath

Running into Your arms

Is running to life from death

And I feel this rush deep in my chest

Your mercy is calling out

Just as I am You pull me in

And I know I need You now

I run to the Father

I fall into grace

I'm done with the hiding

No reason to wait

My heart needs a surgeon

My soul needs a friend

So I'll run to the Father

Again and again

I run to the Father

I fall into grace

I'm done with the hiding

No reason to wait

And my heart found a surgeon

My soul found a friend

So I'll run to the Father

Again and again

And again and again

Oh, oh

Again and again

And again and again

Oh, oh, oh

Again and again

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Our Best, Not Our Leftovers

by David Brenneman

"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." Philippians 3:12-14.

Are you pressing on? Is there a mindset of determination to finish the race that IS set before you?

If indeed you are saved in Christ there's a segment of the race of life for you to run with endurance.

In a relay race many participants are aligned on the track to give their best performance towards winning the race. Each one individually giving their all for the race set before them.

We take up a baton in the faith when we came to Christ, and are to give of our lives the best as unto the Lord. Running the race set before us with determination and hope in Christ.

There's really no room to be lazy about it if we're looking ahead to when we WILL stand before Jesus.

Ours is but a small part, maybe, but in Christ all parts are meaningful.

All parts matter no matter what our perspective is concerning it.

Do we really give of our time to the Lord as we should?

Are we maintaining the right heart attitude? Do we really?

To look at the attitude that the Lord Jesus was trying to instill in the children of Israel it wasn't just doing a duty it was for them to live a life well pleasing to God...and in a way that they would have appreciated had they stayed committed to it.

Our lives can't be seen for what they will be or would be in Christ until obedience defines our walk with Jesus.

Ours is to run with endurance, perseverance, commitment, towards whatever is important in our lives that God says is important.

Dedicated time in God's Word.

Honest, from the heart, prayer.

Lifting up others in prayer.

Preferring one another above ourselves.

Listening to the Spirit and following His direction even if and even when the world doesn't understand it.

Run with Jesus, staying with Jesus.

You have a particular calling in Christ that's yours to pursue with your everything, not your leftover time, leftover money or leftover strength.

Give of your best to the Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Friday, April 17, 2026

Stand With God or Stand With the World

by David Brenneman

I keep as a reminder that saying "I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than to stand with the world and be judged by God".

When we look at various parables that Jesus said about the talents and others where He condemned those who didn't believe to that place where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. That place has gone by various names in the world yet all in all its that place of the condemned called Hades or Hell.

What is falsely presumed is that Satan's ruling from there. Satan no more wants to be there than any of the countless trillions of people and certain demons who are there.

It IS a place of painful torment. We read for sure the words of Jesus when He spoke of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Jesus wasn't making it up He was speaking an absolute truth.

We were given the choice to receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior or we choose to reject Him as that. That's what was made possible when Jesus gave Himself on the cross for the sins of mankind.

This world in which we live, everyone who's lived has had to choose as well as all who live today and every day until Jesus returns, has an eternity decision to make.

To deny Jesus's offer of salvation through faith in what He did to save a person guarantees that decision means going straight to that place of torment.

There's that matter of Satan in this world. He prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. His minions follow in his footsteps. Trying to keep the minds of as many as they can from the truth of God's offer to save them through Jesus.

We have to choose because death comes upon everyone. The sooner we choose to live through the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ alone...the sooner we really do begin to live. When we choose not to, oh it may seem like it's all good, the truth is going to come upon all sooner or later.

We know not when our time is up.

We know not if we'll live a long life or in an instant be taken from this world. This world is full of obstinate people. Procrastinating people who think they would rather believe that they can be good enough without Jesus.

The Bible heartily disagrees. There are none who are good no not one. It says in Romans 3:10.

While also it says in Psalms 14 "the fool has said in his heart "there is no God".

My Dear Reader...we either are among the saved in Christ Jesus, standing with Jesus, or we are not and are standing with the world.

There are no other choices. There is no such thing as a conscientious objector in spiritual matters. There's none who will ever stand before Jesus and have any form of defense that will work as to why they refused His free gift of salvation that will grant them eternity in Heaven.

Lastly, that choice of receiving salvation through Jesus Christ alone or not is a limited time offer.

My Dear Reader you do not know if you're going to have another breath to breathe or if you'll even finish your cup of coffee or tea before your time on this Earth is over.

Jesus came and rescued me many decades ago and all I have known is a life with Jesus in it as my Lord and Savior. While I have had a very rocky life in my faithfulness to Him, He's never failed to be faithful to me. While I have had many occasions to be that returning Prodigal Son, He has always been watching the horizon for me to come back.

Jesus is watching the horizon for any who turn to Him for salvation. He will turn away nobody who comes to Him in faith to be their forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives.

As soon as the Church of Jesus Christ is complete, Jesus will return for His bride the Church. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the trumpet, all who are alive in Christ will leave this world. All who died in Christ will get their new bodies first then the rest of us will join them.

These are as certain a guarantee as the sun coming up and it setting each night.

If you're not sure...

"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.

If you're not sure, you can text the word "Jesus" to (330) 264-9459. Someone will get back with you on how to be sure that you're saved or to show you how you can be saved.

You're either standing with Jesus or you're standing with the world. There's no middle ground. Paul exhorted many churches to stand firm in the Lord. Give no ground.

My hope and prayer is that this blog helps people to either come to Christ for salvation or show them the way back to Him.

As for me...I am expectantly waiting for that shout that will call all those who are saved out of this world to forever be with Jesus.

Are you?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Thursday, April 16, 2026

The Why Behind the Why

by David Brenneman

"I trust in Vour word" (Psalm 119:42)

The strength of our faith is in direct proportion to our level of belief that God will do exactly what He has promised. Faith has nothing to do with feelings, impressions, outward appearances, nor the probability or improbability of an event. If we try to couple these things with faith, we are no longer resting on the Word of God, because faith is not dependent on them. Faith rests on the pure Word of God alone. And when we take Him at His Word, our hearts are at peace.

God delights in causing us to exercise our faith. He does so to

bless us individually, to bless the church at large, and as a witness

to unbelievers. Yet we tend to retreat from the exercising of our

faith instead of welcoming it. When trials come, our response should be, "My heavenly Father has placed this cup of trials into my hands so I may later have something pleasant.".

-exerpt from Streams in the Desert, April 15th.

One sure highlight from the last 11 months has been looking for and actively seeing Jesus keeping His promises to always take care of us and to always be with us.

We had lessons to learn through the apparent to ourselves and all difficulties. Learning how we can do better at our finances. Learning where to find help with food. Learning to pray expectantly about our financial needs to pay the mortgage and bills. Never once were we behind in paying anything.

We learned to get done some things with what we had and to see Jesus provide free things to accomplish much.

I was able to help quite a few people with completing odd jobs for them. Was able to keep my commitments in my Bible reading and Bible studies. This was the more important part.

Looking in faith for what we prayed that God would do according to His Word was and is everything.

It caused us to be strengthened and stretched in our faith. It caused others the same as well. Have been told of from some of that very thing.

Many of Dr. Stanley's Life Principles, we saw happening in our lives. Life Principles that he came up with are straight from the Word of God.

We saw even more deeply the hands of God in our lives.

My Dear Reader, we aren't going to go through a bumpless life. We aren't going to have a life without trials and tribulations. Jesus said plainly that through many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of God.

But yet still why? In the lives of my Wife and I, this here this now we have grown enough in Christ to be able to recognize and draw strength from the Lord Jesus. Had this happened years ago we likely wouldn't have come out of it the same.

There's a divine plan to our lives to grow and be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. That is the workmanship that Jesus is doing through the Spirit of God in each and every single Believer.

It isn't always going to be our understanding what we're going through. We read of one of Paul's shipwreck adventures. We read it but do we ever really know why the ship had to be destroyed or why they went through all of it? Some points yes but not all.

Our lives are going to be filled with various things to cause us to grow in Christ Jesus. If you're not going through various things you might want to have a serious conversation with Jesus about it.

We're to live our lives in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. There ought to be something that they see.

It's ok to be concerned but take that to the Lord in prayer. We have this hope in all who believe that God is a promise keeper. We have the right to cry out to God for help. We who are saved are the adopted children of God with that right given to us by God.

We have this promise that when we seek the Lord He will be found by us. That when we pray in earnest He will hear our pleas.

There've been several people who thought that I was turning down jobs during those 10 months. Truth is I only turned down 1. The pay was below anything we could live on even temporarily. The rest of the time it was mostly crickets. Silence. As I told many...I can't go through a door of opportunity unless God gives me the key. When He says it's time He will give me that key. Which He did do.

We aren't really good at waiting. For several generations people have been trained to get n go. To rush through and don't stop to consider. To be honesty impatient about getting ahead.

Jesus taught His disciples the exact opposite. Take time to be alone with Jesus. Take time to be still before Jesus. Take time to see things from His perspective. To be who He is making you to be. To make use of the gifts given to us by His Spirit. To stand firm in the Lord. To run the race set before us with all diligence in the Lord.

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.

Breathe. Pray. Repeat.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The Wall of the Lord

by David Brenneman

"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God." Philippians 1:27-28.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17.

Dr. David Jeremiah Notes on Philippians 1:27: Paul issues the challenge to stand fast in many other letters (Philippians 4:1; 1 Corinthians.16:13; Galatians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:15). The image refers to the way Roman soldiers would lock their shields together, plant their feet, and present a solid, unified wall of resolution against the enemy.

Last night I was reading in Philippians and saw this note on 1:27. Then had the wondrous image in my mind of soldiers planted at the line they were holding, standing firm in their spot. The first row down on one knee, shield planted firm. A second standing above and behind the first with his shield overlapping the first's shield. Then imagining row upon row side by side in this manner. Where there might be a crack in the wall of interlocked shields is where the sword would go through. With this arrangement nothing could get through them. Arrows would bounce off of them because they couldn't land on any.

Then my mind replaced the average gear these Roman soldiers wore with the whole armor of God. What a sight!

My Dear Reader this is what we're to be doing in the Lord. This is what our relationships with each other in Christ is supposed to look like. That's what I believe that the Spirit was showing me last night.

A lone soldier with his shield still had vulnerabilities. Soldiers who worked together were much. stronger together than apart.

This is why we need to keep each other lifted up in prayer. This is why we need to be with each other in meeting with each other. To be a part of each other's lives in Christ.

Look at how the Lord arranged the children of Israel as they wandered through the wilderness for 40 years. There was organization to the way they set out. To how they went through living.

The extremely sad part is they were still perpetual complainers.

Grumbling and whining about their circumstances even though the Lord was with them, supernaturally keeping their clothes from wearing out. Their sandals from wearing out.

They had the Lord Jesus there with them and missed out on that unique blessing.

We too can miss out on the unique blessings of being with others in Christ. We can choose to let past hurts keep us from being with others in Christ. We can let even those within the Church who've hurt us keep us from the righteous life that God desires for us.

We are going to have difficult people to deal with in this world. Within the Church and out in the world. Nobody is immune to that.

The instructions from the Word of God are to continue praying without ceasing. To continue in the love of Christ no matter who does what towards us or others.

We are Ambassadors for Christ everywhere we go and in everything we do.

It's a sad sad moment when we run across people essentially being part-time Christians. Living a life one way at church and another under various circumstances.

When we do recognize such behavior begin at once to pray for such people. Letting nothing taint our own position before the Lord. We get shown such things in order to help bring these people back into the life in Christ that they need to be living.

Now imagine our wall of soldiers in the whole armor of God randomly getting up n going their own way, taking off parts of it. Dropping their swords. How well will that line be defended? How long do you think it would be held?

We're still here, going through what we go through as His workmanship, to grow in Christ. To help each other in their journey with Jesus. To cause the light of Jesus Christ to shine. To be obedient in all that we do in Christ, what they're to be doing in Christ.

We need each other.

We cannot live the life in Christ without each other.

The whole armor of God is never to be removed.

Our lives are always supposed to reflect Christ to ourselves and all others.

If what we're doing and saying is reflecting bad on our life in Christ, why are we doing it, saying it, thinking it?

Will our Father in Heaven ever be glorified if we're not doing, saying, thinking as we are supposed to be in Christ Jesus?

Suit up, standing firm in Christ.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

What Am I Supposed to Do?

by David Brenneman

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:20-2.

What am I supposed to be doing for Jesus? What's His plan and purpose for me?

From the onset, from the moment you're saved, the Spirit has something in mind for you to be doing for the Kingdom of God. He seals you in Christ for the day of the return of Jesus Christ. He also knows exactly how best you can serve the body of Christ.

Not just in the world but in your own relationships.

Something you should possibly know is that after coming to Christ you're quite possibly going to lose some people from your life. Some are going to be happy for you, some might go as far as to revile you. Mock you, get angry with you.

Expect this in case it happens.

Consider well this from Paul: "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one." 1 Corinthians 2:14-15.

There's just no way those who have no relationship with Jesus are going to understand much of what you now know and understand about your relationship with Jesus. That's why it's so important to live out loud the character of Christ. So that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. That they see that we have this hope that cannot be extinguished. That we show a love through forgiveness that they've never experienced.

Our live are to be that kind of light.

The light of Jesus Christ is what illuminates us. Not our own but His. It's on us not to hide that light.

The writer of Hebrews in chapter 11 points us to the Hall of Faith. People who went through much in order to be sure that the light of Jesus Christ was going to be seen.

My first full day as a Christian was incredibly hard for me. Those my age were far from kind to me. It honestly took decades to heal from their behavior and words. It's been through the work of the Spirit of God that I am who I am today. Using everything that Satan's minions thought were victories in my life for the good of the cause of Jesus Christ.

In several places in the Scriptures we read of people being drawn up out of the pit. Essentially thinking they were that far separated from God. I do believe that many have gotten it wrong that these same people were dead and were brought back to life. If this were true then I am certain the Spirit would have said as much.

Separation from God is the most horrendous thing ANYONE will ever go through in eternity yet trillions choose that over salvation in Christ Jesus. In 1999 I can look back and see that the Spirit pulled me up out of something that I felt was a pit. I was immersed, drowning in the darkness of Satan's schemes. Spiritually I couldn't breathe. He lifted me up out of that into a newness of life in Christ that was equal to or more than I knew when I first came to Christ in 1974.

Since that day in all that I can, I live for Jesus. Morning's start with being in the Word of God. Praying throughout the day. Listening to what He might be saying to me. Evening's in study Bibles and a few devotionals. I miss nothing that I was called to give up for this kind of life.

You have something for you to be doing in Christ. Begin with your commitment to be in the Word of God and build on this. Add your commitment to be in prayer. Add your willingness to listen and obey. Then see what He wants of you after that. You can't do until you're in training in 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. 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

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

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Monday, April 13, 2026

New Beginnings, Again, and Going Forward

by David Brenneman

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17.

"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." Ephesians 5:19-21.

It is a day of new beginnings for me today. Starting a new job. Looking back over the last 10 months it's been awesome to see the hands of my Savior and my God working out everything to our good.

It's been a time of reflection, of growth, of forgiveness, of peace.

In all these days...it's been important to stay the course and continue to run the race set before me. As it should be in the lives of all who believe regardless of what life appears to look like.

My past isn't where I am to live. It's shaped me and has helped define me but it's not my whole description of me. I might say that I am proud of my accomplishments where I have been but I am now to set out for new in the Lord.

Our lives are all going to be the same but different. As children of God in Christ Jesus He will use the same tools with each of us just in different ways.

The second section of Scripture we read this morning is to do with where our minds are to be going.

Colossians 3:23-24 say "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."

The right attitude in life is to always look to Jesus when anything and everything is happening...albeit the good, the bad and the ugly.

All who are in Christ are being seen by those who yet still remain in this present darkness of the world in which we live.

All, who are saved, are to shine as the Spirit works with them...wherever they are and in whatever capacity the Spirit sees fit for them to be doing.

There's no retirees in the Kingdom of God until He calls them home or He returns for the Bride of Christ, Church of Jesus Christ.

All that He allows in us is directed towards learning more about Jesus. To become more like Him in what we do, say, or think.

I am both excited and nervous at the same time. But I know that God brought me to this, He will see me through this. That's how He does life in the lives of all who have come to know Him as Savior and Lord.

Have had a few people strongly recommend that I not speak to those are becoming my coworkers today about my past work experiences. That's not how the Spirit works. The Spirit uses our commonalities to work towards fruitful relationships.

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

I know not where this new path in life is going to take me but I do know who it was who bid me to enter into this path.

My God's never ceasing to work in my life to make me more like Christ. The Spirit teaches character development in all that He does. Teaching us to live, act, think, in the character of Christ.

Our ups and downs, our valley's and mountain tops, are where this development occurs.

Our obedience is key. Without it, we will repeat lessons. It's always to be His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

The Spirit uses all of this to form bridges in our relationships to reach others who have not come to Christ for salvation yet.

Be malleable. Be moldable.

Be devoted to Christ in the day that's been set before you. Be open to the work of the Spirit in you. Don't resist when He's changed your direction. He does know way more than any of us as to what's going to fulfill God's plan and purpose for our lives.

Each day is a gift from God.

Every breath.

Every heartbeat.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

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Sunday, April 12, 2026

Having Eyes That See, Ears that Hear

by David Brenneman

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." Matthew 13:16-17.

"And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; You will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they would see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear." Matthew 13:10-16.

"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.

To know...

To know begins with listening and seeing. The input devices that our Creator gave us. These are the beginning of understanding when we process what they see and hear. But what must come next, MUST come next, to a Believer is to learn to use their spiritual eyes and spiritual ears.

"for we walk by faith, not by sight—" 2 Corinthians 5:7.

"Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." 2 Kings 6:15-17.

"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.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

My Dear Reader...we are indeed infants learning how to crawl, to walk, and maybe even perhaps run in the faith.

We're not born in this life for our own bidding. We're not here to accomplish great things for ourselves. We're not here to build empires unto our own.

In Christ we're to grow with respect to our salvation. We came to Christ at His behest. We were sealed in the Spirit. We became the adopted children of God.

And now we grow, we learn. We learn how to eat true spiritual food, to drink true spiritual drink. We learn how to exercise the new spiritual bodies we've been given.

We are to walk by faith and not by sight. Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness. That is what's to motivate us through this life.

We waste time, energy and effort trying to build a kingdom of our own. We're to live lives in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. We can only do this if our lives reflect lives that are lived in obedience to Jesus Christ.

We easily can be exemplary models of both Christianity and the world...all within seconds of each other. Doing great in life and getting caught broadside by an event or person and the old sin nature shows up instead.

A life in Christ is one of learning.

You must realize there's no room for slacking off. There's no time to take vacations from learning from the Spirit of God.

We are reborn in Christ and are immediately found to be under the gun. Scripture says that through many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of God.

But enter it we will because Jesus is with us. We are never alone in this life. The Spirit takes no teacher in service days. The Spirit is always ready to share something new with those who's hearts are set on Jesus.

But are we looking to learn?

Are we trying to hear with our new spiritual ears? Are we trying to see with our new spiritual eyes?

We are given at least one spiritual gift upon coming to Christ for salvation. We're going to give an account of how we used that gift to God's glory.

I look back over my life from where it is right now...and even I can see that much of my life will be burned up when I stand before Jesus to give an account of my life. Of what I did in my body for Him or not for Him. I cannot change the past, but I can do something about the present and the future.

My Dear Reader so can you.

"Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3.

"Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalms 37:5.

"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.

"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.

If we're living life in light of the Word of God...that we are not our own, that we were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ...should not our lives reflect that?

Or is our lives a reflection of something or someone else?

Praying for eyes that see and ears that hear the things of God will never steer you wrong.

Praying for understanding before you read your Bible will get your attention where your spiritual eyes are looking.

Praying to have a life well pleasing in His sight rather than our own will never disappoint.

To seek first His kingdom and His righteousness starts with prayer that does not lack sincerity.

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul?

What are you possibly going to get for living a life for you and not for Jesus?

We cannot afford to waste the precious seconds and minutes we're given. Paul's life exuded a life way more concerned about others than himself.

There's many things that I could have pursued in my life that maybe for a moment could have brought joy and comfort. But it wouldn't have lasted. The problem with the pursuit of worldly happiness is its really unachievable. We got a high from something and try again to get that feeling again and it's no longer potent enough.

In Christ, a life lived will never cease to experience joys and peace that we cannot really describe because they're so good.

Pray for yourself that your life, your ways, align with what God called for you to be doing, saying and thinking. Pray that you are glorifying God in your body. Pray that when the Spirit says something for you to be doing or saying, that you just obey.

Don't expect everyone to understand or to get it. Obedience is a process and we're all in different places from each other with regards to this.

Isaiah had his eyes opened and he knew how dirty he was before Jesus. Jesus took away his sins and cleansed him. Isaiah was more than happy to obey in everything that Jesus wanted of him.

Pray for your growing in Christ.

Nothing else we do in life is remotely as important.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

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Saturday, April 11, 2026

What We Asked For

by David Brenneman

"Tell me what charges you have against me." (Job 10:2)

O tested soul, perhaps the Lord is sending you through this trial to develop your gifts. You have some gifts that would never have been discovered if not for trials. Do you not know that your faith never appears as great in the warm summer weather as it does during a cold winter? Your love is all too often like a fire-fly, showing very little light except when surrounded by darkness. And hope is like the stars-unseen in the sunshine of prosperity and only discovered during a night of adversity. Afflictions are often the dark settings God uses to mount the jewels of His children's gifts, causing them to shine even brighter.

Wasn't itjust a short time ago that on your knees you prayed, "Lord, I seem to have no faith. Please show me that I do"? Wasn't your prayer, even though you may not have realized it at the time, actually asking for trials? For how can you know if you have faith, until your faith is exercised? You can depend upon the fact that God often sends trials so our gifts may be discovered and so we may be certain of their existence. And there is more than just discovering our gifts -we experience real growth in grace as another result of our trials being sanctified by Him.

God trains His soldiers not in tents of ease and luxury but by causing them to endure lengthy marches and difficult service He makes them wade across streams, swim through rivers, climb

mountains, and walk many tiring miles with heavy backpacks.

Dear Christian, could this not account for the troubles you are now experiencing? Could this not be the reason He St dealing with you? Charles H. Spurgeon.

Being left alone by Satan is not evidence of being blessed.

-Streams in the Desert, L.B. Cowman.

In the lives of Christians everywhere is the desire of an increase in our faith.

Seeking such a path in life also will guarantee an increase in trials and tribulations. Jesus told us that through many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom. Acts 14:22.

"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. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:12-14.

"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.

"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all." Psalms 34:19.

Can we really expect a life of ease and comfort when it's through such things as these we enter into the Kingdom?

Can we really think this?

Jesus went through many tribulations while here on Earth. Especially in the Garden of Gethsemane. Likewise while being beaten and scourged. Let is not forget the pinnacle, His being nailed to a cross.

We shouldn't expect anything less than for class to always be in session with our lives in Christ. The Advocate, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, was brought not just to seal us for the day of Christ Jesus in salvation, but to teach us-bringing to remembrance all that Jesus taught.

Our lives are hidden in Christ Jesus...and our sanctification is an ongoing process until we are through with this physical life and step into Heaven.

While yes we read in Psalms 23 of being made to rest...it's not going to last forever in this life. It's meant as a respite until the next challenge we need to face to grow in Christ Jesus.

Becoming more like Jesus Christ is to be our ambition in our lives. To have the fruit of the Spirit shining in our lives. To see to it that the Father is glorified.

And it's a hefty process.

It's going to stretch us.

It's meant to.

While in school, year-upon-year, teachers stretched our minds to learn and explore new ideas and concepts.

The Spirit of God will do oh so much more in each of us.

Paul wrote of only some of the things that he endured for the cross of Jesus Christ. Sharing in the sufferings of Christ is how he put it.

We too ought to think better of the things we go through, as long as we're going through it for the right reasons.

Be sure of your salvation...and be sure of the things that you're going through aren't really self-inflicted.

We are to glorify God in our bodies.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 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 5:1-5.

Keep in the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6).

Keep in prayer.

Keep in mind that what we're to be going through is to glorify our Father in Heaven.

Be on guard.

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

Lastly...“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:42.

We ought to be living lives in readiness for Jesus to return for us. Making the most of every opportunity.

Suit up in the whole armor of God.

We're in training and we will be challenged to grow in Christ.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Friday, April 10, 2026

More Than Time to Get in the Game

by David Brenneman

"In other words, God has chosen the specific era, location, and giftedness with which you would exist for the purpose of serving Him. You are not a mistake-your strengths, weaknesses, and situation in life are part of His plan to be glorified through you. Your

ministry does not start sometime in the future when your circumstances change. It begins the moment you believe in Christ. Serve Him obediently with this in view."

"I have a right to..."

"What about my rights?"

"When is it my turn to..."

"But what about me? When do I..."

These thoughts are very much in the world today as well as many others like these. In this, it's as prolific in the Church as it is outside of it.

People are indoctrinated into selfishness from a young age with many parents doing nothing to curb it in the very young. So it becomes a greater problem as they grow older.

Our world isn't what the world wants us to believe about it. It's not global warming. It's not social injustice. It's not racial inequality. It is a sin cursed world and the days of judgment by God through Jesus Christ are coming.

We who are among the saved in Christ Jesus are not to be wasting our days here on Earth that we've been given. We cannot afford to be living for self when the world around us is heading quickly for the Great Tribulation.

We can't afford to keep calling sins 'mistakes'. Nobody is in Hell due to mistakes. They chose to reject Jesus and died in their own sins.

We, you and I, were born in this here this now to live a life in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. To live in such a way that people want to know why we're different and to show them how to find what we found in Jesus.

We do ourselves and the cause of Christ a grave injustice when our selfish nature rises up when we ought to be silencing it.

We ought to be completely aligned with what the Bible calls sin and avoid it. We are to be living examples of Jesus to the world in which we find ourselves.

People ought to see the fruit of the Spirit in us. People ought to recognize something more in us than the world is offering.

How can we ever expect to hear "Well done!" from Jesus when we haven't been striving to please Him in all that we do, say, or think?

Why? Why are we doing so little to be committed to the calling by which we have been called? Why is it so difficult to consistently be in the Bible every day yet we can check up on movies, sports scores and stories, news stories, a Facebook newsfeed, a plethora of videos? Why is it we are falling for what's tripping up the rest of the world so easily?

I am not here simply harping...I have to look in the mirror too. I have by no means arrived any more than others in Christ.

It's a constant daily challenge to stay consistent. To persevere when life's showing an easy way to get by or go through seasons of life.

We can't afford to just accept the world's ideologies or definitions to life's difficulties either. There ARE demon possessed people in our lives today. Some may be out in the world when we leave our homes, some may be in our homes.

In Ephesians Paul is writing about how to engage the world from a spiritual perspective. We need to be fully devoted, fully committed, to suiting up in the whole armor of God each and every day. The implication in how he was lead to write it by the Spirit is that suiting up in the whole armor of God has to begin when we wake up. Right where we are...immediately...not later after we've had coffee or tea or whatever morning beverage.

We are among the called out ones to be walking in a manner worthy of our calling.

Do you really want shame to be your covering when you give an account of your life before Jesus?

How do you think you're going to feel when all these times you kept convincing yourself that you were making mistakes, you get shown that no, you were sinning instead?

Jesus has so much more in store for all who believe and are willing to put obedience first in their lives in everything they do.

We aren't part-time Christians either. We aren't to only live holy lives when we're in Church and live as we want the rest of the time.

Are you striving to please Jesus in all that you do? Are you committed to obeying God? Are you suited up in the whole armor of God? Are you seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness? Are you asking Him for whatever is next for you to be doing?

We were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ, we're to always glorify God in our bodies.

We need to ask the Spirit to open our eyes to the truth of what God says needs to go from our lives.

Why such talk in this message? It matters to God! The Jewish Leaders redefined the Law in many ways and oppressed the Jewish people and Jesus called them out concerning it. They wrote hundreds of extra things to be in control over the people. As Christians we should not be redefining anything in order to keep from calling what God says is sin as being anything else.

We are to confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It is never translated confessing our mistakes.

Striving to please Him in all that you do. There's the motivation for a Godly life in Christ.

Time is running out. As soon as the Church of Jesus Christ is complete there is then no longer any reason for Jesus to delay in returning.

Get in the game. Get suited up and engage. Let your light shine in such a way that people see your good works and so glorify our Father in Heaven.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Thursday, April 9, 2026

A Life that Always Honors Christ

by David Brenneman

What to do with your time? Let's take it a little bit deeper. Who's time is it that you're spending? Who's to be directing your life? Who's to be choosing what you're to be doing? Is there to be a worldly view of retirement for a Believer?

The answers to these are possibly more than some want to acknowledge. Most in this world view retirement as a right that they earn or have earned and that they have a right to the rest of their days spent doing whatever they want.

Scripture seems to point to something different. Paul's exhortation to the Churches was to run the race, that is life in Christ, as one seeking to win the prize. In no race ever held has there been drastic changes of intensity simply on account of an age being achieved.

We do know that there's Biblical evidence that the scope of what we do in Christ changing in later years but never should our service cease.

Most assuredly we are supposed to do everything we do as unto the Lord...with our everything.

What brought this to mind, I do not know, other than what I've been reading in Leviticus in my morning readings and the New Testament in my evening reading.

We are to continue in serving Christ in whatever capacity the Spirit sees fit. We are placed in the body of Christ as He sees fit as well as our vocations in life.

Truly does any Believer want to have an excuse, when standing before Jesus, that after they hit their retirement years that they just stopped and took it easy rather than continuing to serve Him for all He's done for them?

Biblical rest for a Believer is when we step into Heaven. My thoughts, personally, used to go either way concerning retirement. Used to be something that you were taught to look forward to and usually, if we're truly being honest, for selfish reasons. To spend it on ourselves.

Biblical examples show us that we are indeed to keep seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Which must include however we're to continue serving. Be it ending one job and beginning another or whatever it is that the Spirit directs us to be doing.

There's nobody saved in Christ Jesus who will ever be able to do enough for all Jesus did to save them. We are to love because He first loved us. We are to follow Him in His example of a servant's heart.

We are to run the race with endurance. That race that's set before us.

Does it say anything, anywhere, in the Bible that anything we do for Jesus is allowed to be done half-hearted? Less than with our everything?

Serving may take on a different appearance but it should never cease. Especially for selfish reasons.

"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?" 1 Corinthians 6:19.

"If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:17-19.

"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.

Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain.

He washed it white as snow.

Consider these thoughts today and where your heart is. Jesus said that where your treasure is there your heart will be also. Is your treasure in Heaven? Is your motivation to spend every moment of your life approved by Jesus? Are you in this race with Jesus with your everything for Jesus?

There's many things that we must give up in order to lead a life well pleasing to God. The Scriptures are clear that this world is going to pass away but His Word will never pass away.

Our lives will be tested by the fires of Truth. All that is wood, hay, stubble, will be burned up. Incinerated. Obliterated. Annihilated. Shown to have been an utter waste of the time, energy and efforts we gave such things that weren't glorifying to Him.

It's insanely easy to live for self.

It's insanely easy to justify our actions and thoughts.

Remember the words of Jesus. "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven".

Think about how much of your thoughts and actions are benefiting the cross of Jesus Christ and how much isn't. How much of your life is Christ shining in a dark place and how much is being hidden under a basket.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Never Compare

by David Brenneman

"But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another." Galatians 6:4.

6:4-Refuse to fall to the trap of comparing yourself to other people or competing with them to see who is the better Christian. We are all de-

pendent upon God's grace for every good thing in our lives, including our growth (see James 1:17). Rather, measure your progress according to the Lord's standards and make sure that you are walking in accordance with His will. Because then instead of undermining others because of jealousy, you will reach out in compassion and minister to them as Christ would. (Notes from the Life Principles Bible, Dr. Charles Stanley.

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

It's an easy thing to do, this comparing yourself to others. We live in a society that, for decades, has pushed comparing yourself to other's in their successes and their failures. That you need to measure yourself against something or someone to know where you stand.

In Christ, we all stand before Jesus Christ with His righteousness being seen and not our own. There's nothing to compare that to for any who are indeed among the saved in Christ.

We do ourselves and others a serious disservice by following the world's ideologies in this. We likewise should never be introducing such things to new believers either.

We are all on the same playing field. We are all walking in step with the same Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We do not see a single instance of Jesus acknowledging or condoning any kind of competitive spirit between the Disciples. In fact He teaches the exact opposite.

It's where we learned about servant leadership. It's how we learned that Jesus didn't come to be who the Jews really wanted Him to be.

There's this and other such opposites to consider.

"And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”" Matthew 20:24-28.

We are to come along side of others in the faith to lift them up, to be an encouragement, to help them along the way in their becoming more like Jesus Christ. It's not a competition, it's a compassionate caring to see others becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

We began our sanctification when we came to Christ. We continue it while we yet live. We will see it's completion when we stand before Jesus in His Heaven. That is the path of life for all who claim the Name of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

We damage ourselves and our thinking when we begin this comparison game. We begin to be blinded to the damage we do to ourselves and others. We alienate people because we spoke or acted without consideration for the consequences of the same.

"But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9.

"Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves." Romans 14:13-22.

"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 2:14-16.

So my Dear Reader, we need to be careful. Paul only used food as an example because of the particular audience he was addressing but the concept aligns with everything in the world.

We shouldn't give a hint of anything by words or deeds that causes someone to stumble.

Paul, if he knew, caused someone to stumble he says he would never do it ever again.

We could hardly do worse to be more sensitive to the needs of others. Meeting them in their time of need and not ignoring what our hearts in Christ are showing us that we need to be doing or saying.

While we do read of Paul's exhortation to run the race as to win the prize...it's a singular race. Our running with Jesus and nobody else. Jesus always wins but we are to only compare ourselves to Him in how we are progressing in the sanctifying transforming work He began in us.

Are you someone who prays with an honest heart? Are you one who listens for the word of the Spirit of God in your life?

Or are you listening to others instead? Are you following other's bad examples of how literally not to live a right and acceptable life in Christ?

Don't be fooled...these erroneous concepts are being introduced and have been in many many churches who all claim that there's nothing wrong with them. Paul wrote of the last days when such things would be preached and taught as good things.

We are to bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ. If you're into comparing yourself you're not to likely to be considering other above yourself.

Look at your relationships and consider those whom you're not in a relationship with any longer. Consider if there's evidence that your erroneous thinking or actions lead to where that relationship is today. Is God honored by you in how you might have introduced comparing yourself to other's?

"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Are You? Really?

by David Brenneman

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:25 CSB.

"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.

"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." Proverbs 3:5-7.

"Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” John 21:22.

Was something similar that my Saturday Men's Group leader says to us often "keep pace with the Savior". Here in the Christian Standard Bible it reads to "keep in step" with the Spirit.

In 1890, E. W. Blandy wrote "Where He Leads Me" and its so fitting this morning to keeping in step with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

"I can hear my Savior calling,

I can hear my Savior calling,

"Take thy cross and follow, follow Me."

2 I'll go with Him through the garden,

I'll go with Him through the garden,

I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.

3 I'll go with Him through the judgment,

I'll go with Him through the judgment,

I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.

4 He will give me grace and glory,

He will give me grace and glory,

and go with me, with me all the way.

5 Where He leads me I will follow,

where He leads me I will follow,

I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.

Are you in step with Jesus or are you more about doing your own thing each day? Do you check in your Bible to see if what you've been taught and told is true to God's Word?

A very big sign of the end times is false teachers in the churches of the world. Note that I did not say the professing Church. There's practically countless churches out there who've been taken in by the false teachers of this world.

We can only spot such heresies by knowing the Word of God ourselves. We can only know if we've been deceived if we know what God's own truth, the Word of God, says.

There in Proverbs 7 King Solomon begins giving instruction that if heeded will keep one from such lies about life and living.

We can so easily be as swayed as the world when the lies it spreads are as decorated desserts.

This world is filled with dangers, toils, and snares these days that are beyond more than it was even 10 years ago. AI, artificial intelligence, has wormed its way into churches. From behind the scenes in sermons and sermon preparation, to the music and songs used.

We have to stand firm in the Lord.

We must test the things taught and presented by the world, especially those from within our churches, to be sure they 100% match up with the truth found only in God's Word.

We must keep the whole armor of God on in every waking moment of our daily lives. We are, after all, soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ. We are to take up our own cross and follow Him. Not just on a few hours of a day or two but at all times in all places.

We should never participate in the deeds of darkness in this world. We should never practice what the world without Christ enjoys without measure.

We should be taking the time to write on the tablets of our hearts the living Word of God.

Are you? Do you commit time to be in God's Word daily? Is it your number one priority? Do you seek Jesus in prayer? Are you committed to what it is God's called you to be doing in your life for Christ?

My Dear Reader...these things are what will survive the fires of truth when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him.

Everything that we've done NOT for Christ will be shown to have been a colossal waste of time as it's consumed by the fires of His truth.

"Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3.

"Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalms 37:5.

"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 6:33-34.

Many of the letters written that we have in the New Testament address false teachers and false leaders. The stage may have changed but the problem still remains. We cannot blindly take in teaching without seeing if it s so by the Word of God.

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

Monday, April 6, 2026

Your Mission in Life

by David Brenneman

My point of still being alive today is the same as it is for YOU, as long as you have salvation in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins that is.

I am to be intentional about my days to both live them in the character of Christ and to grow with respect to my salvation. To grow in Christ...so should you be.

It's not about how many places we can visit, nor how many books we can read. It's not about what sports that we know the most about. Nor has it anything to do with the television or movies or games that are out in the world.

Jesus taught His disciples to always live for the obedience due God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

While I do have, much as I am certain you do as well, have a bucket list. Things you want to do or experience before you die.

While my list is mostly possible, it's not a priority to me. What God wants of me and for me is to grow in Christ. To live my life in Christ Jesus in such a way that people see the works that I do and glorify my Father in Heaven.

The world is ever increasing in its abilities to distract people from spiritual growth. AI is being treated as a miracle of humanity to grant all kinds of things.

Cell phone addiction is a real thing. AI conversations are a daily thing for most even if that don't realize that's what they're doing. The culture is creating a multitude of groups of people to keep the masses preoccupied with anything but a life in Christ.

It takes discipline to shut off the world and to focus on growing in Christ. Are you willing to accept such discipline to become what Jesus wants for you?

Are you willing to give of your best to the Master, the Lord Jesus Christ?

Have you fallen for the lies of the world, of Satan, that you deserve the things that preoccupy your life that have nothing to do with what your being saved has anything to do with?

Do you live a life that is truly looking forward to hearing how well you did living for Jesus? Or have you settled for less? Are you settling for less when the Spirit wants to do more with you?

The Spirit wants to grow you in Christ. Wants you to glorify God all that you say and do.

Question is: Do you truly want the same?

Is there evidence of the fruit of the Spirit of God showing in you?

You and I must daily, throughout the day, make choices that ought to be directed towards seeking God's approval with our lives.

I can do many things but I need to do whatever the Spirit directs me to be doing. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and obey His commands.

Are you listening for His voice? Are you obeying in what you're commanded to be doing, saying or thinking?

We all will give an account of our lives before Jesus...in all likelihood there will be people who will see their lives amount to very little.

You need to make Godly choices but you can only do that by being intentional about learning what constitutes a Godly choice.

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

Praying at all times. Intent on obedience. Spending time in prayer. Spending time in the Word of God.

We've been shown clearly what we should be doing, saying and thinking...it's on us to follow Jesus...it's on us to obey.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Risen and Returning

by David Brenneman

This morning is the 7 year anniversary of starting this blog. The message of it has never changed. To point people to Jesus or show them that He's willing and ready to have those who've gone astray come back to Him.

My thoughts this morning are rather intense, heavy, even.

While I still have much of the song "More About Jesus" in my mind, "He Took My Place" is there as well. Along with Cece Winans "Come Jesus Come".

The Easter message isn't just that the only possible way for salvation to be accomplished had happened in the person of Jesus Christ, but that the certainty of His former promise was now on the table.

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3.

With Jesus fulfilling all that the Scriptures said about Him, we now have the gift of salvation available to all who would call upon His Name to be saved.

We are not at all automatically saved.

We must choose to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sins.

We can never get to Heaven without Jesus's crucifixion at the heart of everything. We cannot ever do enough good to satisfy the penalty of even a single sin let alone a lifetime of them.

My Dear Reader, let today be the first day of the rest of your life in Christ. If you haven't made that choice to ask Jesus to come into your life to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life, you ARE going to die in your sins. Your next destination after dying is never going to be Heaven. Jesus plainly said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Him.

If indeed you have come to Christ but haven't been living it, make today that day that you came back to Him. Everyone, at one time or another, has been that Prodigal Son or Prodigal Daughter. Sometimes several times in their lifetime.

Jesus is right there waiting with open arms to receive you back.

I would encourage you all to look up the song "When God Ran". Many years ago it certainly did drop me to my knees when I realized that song was about me.

Jesus Christ is coming back soon. Everyone who names the name of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior will one day be taken from this world and into His waiting arms. The rest of this world will begin to see the full judgment of God being brought upon mankind.

Come to Christ while He as yet may be found!

He is RISEN!

He IS coming again!

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.

New American Standard Bible

A corporation not for profit.

www.lockman.org