Be Different

Be Different 

by David Brenneman 

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either." Luke 6:27-29.

"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35-36.

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:1-6.

Our online world has been putting kerosene, gasoline and every other kind of combustible material on people's ability to rage against people. 

Even professing Believers are sucked into the fray and malign the reputation of Jesus Christ by doing so.

Jesus spoke these words and through the Spirit, Paul wrote what he did...as both warning and instruction. 

Never will you find any instance in the life of Jesus Christ where He ever uttered the words "I hate you" or any such thing towards anyone.

Never would you find Him stirring the pot, so to speak, concerning those whom His Father placed in authority over Him during His time here on Earth. Nor do we ever find it in the Scriptures as a teaching to behave in such an ill mannered way. 

We just read what we're to do and be like. To behave in any other such way is to grieve the Holy Spirit since we're soiling the reputation of Jesus Christ by words and deeds. 

This is one particular reason why I do not participate in political discussions. Because people become inflamed over this person or that person.  

To behave in such a way is to throw out the Word of God! You and I just read what we're to be doing: Praying for those who are in authority over us.  

Take it down a different path and this covers road rage, and bitterness towards another human being of any kind. Regardless of what circumstances, Christ died for those whom cross our paths just as He did for us. To place ourselves above others is exactly what He meant by not judging others. We are all sinners before a Holy God. Those who are saved are only righteous by the imputed righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We tarnish that righteousness when we join the world in our treatment of others.

In this our 250th anniversary as a nation we need indeed to remember that this nation was founded on prayer. Prayer forged the Declaration of Independence. Prayer framed the Constitution.  

This deviciveness, this dividing and not building up of others, this raging towards those whom Christ died for...is the work of Satan. Satan's schemes involve separation of people by whatever means he is allowed. To spread lies. To deceive. To keep people from the knowledge of the truth of God in Christ Jesus. He is the destroyer of families and relationships.  

We are aiding and abetting the enemy of God by participating in such behavior!

You cannot profess to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit or your neighbor as yourself if you are raging or are choosing to be embittered against, looking down upon, people.

Consider your ways is what the Scriptures say, which by direct reasoning, means the Spirit is telling us to consider our ways. 

The Spirit is trying to work the works of God in Christ Jesus in us and can only do so through our obedience to God's Word. 

We are all tempted to rage, to get upset, to deal with others in anger. We laugh at what 'content' people are creating to laugh at people raging against people. 

Consider your ways...would Jesus appreciate or approve? 

We're called to be different. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Growth Through Relationships

Growth Through Relationships 

by David Brenneman 

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend." Proverbs 27:6a.

     One of two things is true about the person who has never received guidance from another person: either that person is perfect and has never needed guiding or correcting, or that person doesn't have anyone in his or her life willing to risk the possibility of a negative response from the "correctee." Since we know there are no perfect people, guess which one is true?

     The book of Proverbs says, in more than one way, that we are

fortunate if we have a friend who loves us enough to guide and correct us. No one would allow another person to unknowingly make a serious mistake, like taking the wrong turn on a long car trip.

Yet how often do we fail to give guidance to others when they are

threatening to derail their own spiritual journeys? When we need

guidance, we should ask someone who has been where we are or

has a deeper knowledge of God and His Word. We should receive it gently, humbly, and with love. Guidance especially unsolicited

guidance should be given with the same characteristics

     Do you need guidance or know someone who does? God gives "parts" to the body of Christ so the whole may be healthy. Don't fail to do your part when it comes to guidance-whether giving or receiving.

- Walking with God, Dr. David Jeremiah. 

We often are in need of help...but can be too stubborn to ask or honestly too stupid to listen. Dr. Jeremiah is spot on with this devotional. 

In my life there's been several whom actually tried to get to know me who were this close as friends. Of late that isn't as deep a pool as it once was. The irony is those whom still do know me well live a great distance away. Some who did, it appears, that God's moved on from my life either for my good or for theirs.

But my Dear Reader we do need to hear from Godly people. Be it Godly men teaching, mentoring, men or Godly women teaching, mentoring, only women for Scripture is clear that women aren't to be teaching men.

We need our circles. Jesus's pattern was Peter, James and John, then the next was the whole 12, then those outside of these.

We are here, after all to grow in Christ until our time on Earth is through. We are here, the midst of this, to help others grow in Christ as well. As some have taken to saying it: disciples making disciples.  

We are to put what the Spirit is teaching us as our highest priority. 

These of whom I speak are both knowledgeable enough about me to be completely honest and truthful but they also do it in love.  

Many whom I know are somewhat close but not near as close as those whom I refer to who are far away.  

One of the worst examples that had happened in my life decades ago was people willing to literally judge my life's journey and start on me about how this and that needs to change without ever truly knowing me. 

To be truthful with you, I sorely miss the close company of several men who used to be involved in my life. Without going into details the separation just is honestly painful. Time passed can be as bad or worse than distance without communicating. A few have an excellent excuse...the Lord took them home to be with Him. 

My Dear Reader find the Godly men for men, women for women, that He has placed in your life to help you to grow in Christ.  

Scripture says "For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." 3 John 1:3-4.

We provide great joy to Jesus when we are walking in His truth. 

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.

Love one another enough to help one another grow in Christ. 

Be in each other's lives as Christ would be. My long distance brothers in Christ are often communicating more than those nearby but that's ok.  

My Savior says that He will never leave me nor forsake me, and the same goes for you if you're among the saved in Christ Jesus. 

Longing for what used to be takes your eyes off of what the Spirit is doing right now in our lives.  

Paul refers to this as a correct attitude in Christ: "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 3:13-14.

Spend your time with Jesus if there's no one close enough to share your life with. I miss nothing by taking more time in my evenings studying God's Word. I miss nothing by getting up early to read His Word and to write these posts. 

While I still miss the kind of companionship I used to have, I will rejoice in the Lord that I have Jesus...as should you. 

We are still here to grow in Christ and to point people to Jesus for salvation. "Come and see!" should be interwoven into our lives in Christ. 

"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.

"A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

What God Has Planned Vs Your Plans

What God Has Planned Vs Your Plans 

by David Brenneman 

"The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills."

1 Corinthians 12:11.

     Do you realize that there's a ministry that God has planned in advance for you to accomplish? That may sound like it's true for people called to be pastors, ministers, and missionaries, but perhaps you are doubtful about yourself. Yet the Father has opportunities to serve designed especially for you-where your unique mix of talents, personality, and spiritual giftedness would be perfect for the task. He has placed you in this specific time and among specific people to be His representative. That's why He grows you spiritually-so that you'll be able to minister to others with supernatural wisdom, compassion, and generosity.

     Do not miss the important word used in that last sentence: supernatural. That's because God Himself inspires and empowers you for the job by His Spirit. Stay connected to Him and He will

show you what to do. And when you serve others under the Lord's guidance and by the power of His Holy Spirit, their lives will be transformed eternally.

     So how has the Lord directed you to represent Him to others? Do not fear what He's calling you to do. Depend on the Holy Spirit to work through you and trust Him to bring Himself the glory.

Jesus, I will serve as You desire. Work through me, Lord.

-Trusting God with Today. 

We like to think we're in charge of our destiny. That we can direct our lives towards whatever dreams may come to us.  

Yet, in the Lord, this isn't to be so. We come to Christ, we bow before His Throne to have His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  

We come to Christ for salvation and then begin the real journey of life in what He's prepared beforehand so that we may walk in the path of life He now reveals to us. 

As we go through school we get encouraged to dream and to eventually choose a career path. Then we graduate and maybe go onto further education or right into the job market. 

The real deal is to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.  

We need to firmly understand what it is He's given us to be doing and then to do it as unto the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In my life I have had many jobs and have learned many things that are unique. In my current job I am using elements of those past experiences to yes perform the job and for the pay they give me. However, my real God-given reason for being there are the people more than the job. The mission of the Spirit of God is to continue what Jesus began that He first received from the Father. Point people to Jesus. Show them a still better way. Build relationships that may indeed be eventually eternal. 

Your God-given purpose will include reaching people for Christ. It will include you living out loud for Christ your Savior. 

I certainly went through a bit of heavy training while unemployed. Just not what most think of. Spiritual training. Learning more of what it is that I am here for and what my purpose under Heaven is to be and how to embrace my calling in the Lord. 

Building relationships begins the process of showing them Jesus and why He's so important to our lives.  

To be doing what I do is amazing in and of itself but who I get to build relationships with is more important.  

You are given people to build relationships with. Be they Believers or the as yet undecided you do have a God-given purpose of building relationships. Read the Gospels...all throughout these we read of that being one of the highest priorities of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

We aren't to compromise or decide who is or isn't worthy of a relationship with Jesus Christ. We are to have the character of Christ, to follow in His footsteps. While there will be people who reject Christ its never for us to decide for them.  

Prayer is where you put the divinely given key to unlock the door of your purpose in Christ. You have to seek what yours is and then once you have it, do it to the best of your ability, as unto the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Scripture says "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.". 

No one who is among the saved in Christ Jesus has nothing to do in Christ. Not a single person. 

No one is to go it alone in Christ either. No one is to avoid following Christ in building relationships.  

You want to bring joy to Jesus? Do what you're here to be doing in the Lord to the best of your ability in order to please Him. 

If what you're doing in life isn't honoring these truths, you really need to reconsider your ways and see if you've been denying or rejecting your spiritual calling that you HAVE been called to be doing. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Obey Rather Than Avoid

Obey Rather Than Avoid 

by David Brenneman 

"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8.

"You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4.

Conflict and confrontation are probably the two biggest things that people try the hardest to avoid. They try to steer conversations and situations towards a peaceful resolution. 

But what if that kind of resolution isn't what will glorify God?

Quite often we look for a peaceful option rather than to fully obey what the Spirit is telling us to do. 

There's times when confrontation is necessary and needed in order to bring about the righteous life that God desires for us and others. 

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

There will be times when you are to stand your ground in the Lord and not give way to popular thinking. Just because going with the flow can appear appealing doesn't mean that it is the right thing to do. 

To do as our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...we must be prepared to take the hard road to reach people for Christ. Our taking a firm stand in the Lord might be what some on-the-edge unbelieving person needs to see in order to become a believer. 

We who are in Christ are being watched and not just by God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

We are being watched by a world destined for the wrath of God. 

Over and over again in the Old Testament we find king after king failing to obey the word of God because they thought that they knew better than God. Essentially that is what they did. They didn't think to ask the Lord so went their own way.  

We read of these apparently harsh words in the book of James but as harsh as they may be they're there to evoke a godly response. 

We are to work at building relationships but not at the expense of our relationship with Jesus. 

We are to, as much as it is possible, to live at peace with those in our lives, but in standing firm in the Lord that may not be possible. 

We are to work at growing in Christ by the Word of God and prayer. Making these our highest priority.  

We are to let our light shine in this condemned world to attract people to Jesus. 

Doing our best at what we're lead to be doing as unto the Lord first and foremost. Regardless of what we think of the worthwhileness of what we're doing is. The value is found in the obedience not in the work itself. 

If it's doing something other than what we were hired to do and it's breaking no policies or laws, do your best at it as unto the Lord. 

There's to be a definitive separation between our lives and the world. 

Our conviction in what we believe and our adherence to the Word of God should be what the unbelieving world should see.  

If the unbelieving world around you cannot see a difference between you and them then my Dear Reader you're not representing Christ. 

Resisting the devil is what we're called to be doing. The verse doesn't say "if it sounds good or feels alright in the moment steer clear of the devil if you can do that it would be great". Expect to have a confrontation with the forces of darkness around you.  

You're to be representing Christ in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven...they're there to make it more difficult to do that. They're there to ruin your testimony before men and women. They are there to shut you up. More than that they're there to ruin any future good you might be doing in the Lord. 

Dear Reader, we are soldiers in a spiritual war. We are going to run up against those who are against our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

We are victorious only in the Lord. 

We take such matters to the Lord in prayer. 

We aren't to compromise and do what feels good in the moment in order to get away.  

We're to do as the Spirit directs us to be doing in our lives in all things in all our ways...as it says elsewhere...it is the Lord God whom we serve. 

This world needs to see Jesus in us. This world is perishing. This world's days are numbered. This world isn't getting any better its progressively getting worse. The Rapture of the Church is coming soon and the Church needs to stand firm in the Lord in the face of such battles that are here now and are coming. 

Lastly, avoiding what it is that the Spirit is directing you to go through, will mean that you will keep repeating the same thing until you obey.  

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Worry is from a Spiritual Battle

Worry is from a Spiritual Battle 

by David Brenneman 

"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. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:2-4.

“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.

Seeing things from God's perspective is part of growing in Christ. To set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world sets you on the path of understanding the real world in which you live. There's way more going on than meets the eye. 

We can read "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." in Ephesians 6:12, but do we live life like we truly believe it? 

Spiritual warfare isn't just for a select few in the world. Read of who's involved in the Rapture of the Church...the whole Church throughout all Church history. Read of the judgments of God in the book of Revelation...it's upon all of humanity, the exceptions being the 144,000 and those who came to Christ during the 7 year Great Tribulation. In our day today the battle is ongoing. We are going to face temptations when we least expect to. 

Being tempted isn't sinning unless we give into it.

This world's uncertainty levels keep rising. The stability factor is on extremely shakey ground. Corruption at all levels of government keep finding their way into the news. We have compounded this with AI generated falsehoods that hide whatever may have been the truth. 

Worry is a very heavy temptation these days and it's extremely tempting to make plans without consulting in or trusting in the God of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

It's very easy to find videos and get onto a train of thought that's one thing in our minds yet the reality is us being selfish with regards to trusting in ourselves to protect ourselves.  

Trusting in the Lord with all your heart and not leaning on our own understanding points us to a 100% trust in Him as Proverbs 3:5 teaches us.  

We can very easily think we're being good stewards of our possessions and wealth and a possible reality is we're hoarding and not passing along God's blessings to others. 

We can easily start down a path of worrying and not see it yet because it's all too familiar ground. We did so in out past and are still able to fall into past habits. 

We need to really look at the rest of Ephesians 6 as more than something for others in Christ that we see heavily involved in spiritual things. It's for all who are in Christ Jesus. The whole armor of God is for everyone who claims the Name of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. 

The Bible isn't a collection of suggestions. It's not. Jesus gave commands not suggestions. The Spirit, through the writer's of the books therein, commands not suggests.

We do ourselves way more harm than good by treating the Bible as a last resort rather than the owners manual to life.

While worrying is a temptation there is an answer to it: set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. Remember the promises of God that are yours in Christ Jesus. Pray directly about your worries. Give them wings to fly to the throne of grace. 

I would also encourage you to read the words to a great hymn "Standing on the Promises".

We have no reason to fear in praying about our situations we face because Jesus was in our today before it ever came to be.  

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

He Knows Your Ways, Knows Your Thoughts and Intentions

He Knows Your Ways, Knows Your Thoughts and Intentions 

by David Brenneman 

"The mind of man plans his way,

but the Lord directs his steps." 

Proverbs 16:9.

     Some believers live in bondage to the idea that they should not plan ahead or look forward to the future because they don't know what God has in store for them. The good news is that God didn't design faith to operate that way. He instilled within you the desire to work and be forward-thinking; He wants you to anticipate His good plans for tomorrow.

     This doesn't mean you inflexibly set your agenda and expect God to bless it. Instead, goals are really a natural outgrowth of godly priorities, the things on which you place the most value. The first step in setting up a list of Christ-centered objectives is

to ensure that your focus lines up with His--you "seek first His

kingdom and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). God promises to fill your life with abundance as you learn to love Him first. Then, when your value system is shaped by His, you're on the positive road to godly understanding of what it means to set personal goals that fit His purposes. You're well prepared to make a plan based on His principles and to reach it through the strength, wisdom, and direction He provides.

Jesus, I want to carry out Your plans. Lead me, Lord, I seek

You first and foremost. Amen.

- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”" 1 Samuel 16:7.

"I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:10.

"‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance," Revelation 2:2a.

"I know..." Revelation 2:9a.

"I know..." Revelation 2:13a.

"I know..." Revelation 2:19a.

"...I know..." Revelation 3:1a.

"...I know..." Revelation 3:8a.

"I know..." Revelation 3:13a.

"And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds." Revelation 2:23.

My Dear Reader...do you really consider your ways before striking out into the day set before you?

Do you really consider what all the Lord Jesus Christ has in mind for you to be doing, all that His Father and ours in Christ as for you to be doing?

Did you ever realize all those passages that you just read say about how much and how deeply the Lord really knows you?

You probably do have ambitions and desires to fulfill today. Did you think to pray about them? It matters not how little or how great those may be, a chief lesson from the Old Testament is those who didn't talk to God about them didn't fare so well. 

King David, for most all his life sought the Lord as to go to his right or his left in decisions he had to make. 

Are you willing to really put your desires, dreams and plans on the altar to let the Lord decide what you should or shouldn't do?

Are you seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness? Are you desiring to abide by His will being done in your life rather than your own?

For these are paramount considerations for the Believer in Jesus Christ, for those whom call Him Savior and Lord.  

I do have a job to go to shortly. I did have a day to prepare for. But I know that I can't step outside my home without Jesus being with me.  

You can't trust you. You really can't and never should. Your trust should be in the Lord with all your heart. He has none of your impediments. None of your blind spots. No sin to tempt. No selfishness to get in the way. 

You may plan your way, but the Lord directs your steps because it is always to be His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven for those who believe. Your path may make no sense to you but in the Lord it makes sense to Him. 

Can you pray this prayer of David?

Can you truthfully and honestly pray "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.

We can and will fall prey to trusting ourselves because we don't see anything wrong with it.

Before you begin your day...go to the One who knows...knows you knows what's in your day.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Press On, Even When You Can't

Press On, Even When You Can't 

by David Brenneman 

"For 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. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God." Romans 8:18-19.

We can be lead to go through much in this life in Christ that we live.  

Perspective is everything in the life of a Believer in Jesus Christ. 

Remembering Psalms 23 and it's impact and importance upon your life in Christ is paramount. 

We often turn inward when various trials come upon us. We lose focus on the Lord Jesus and instead focus on the problems and the associated pains and circumstances.  

If we do truly believe that which we've covered repeatedly "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, then we should be believing the rest of the Scriptures. Not just the Scriptures that we want to accept. 

As a meme said that I found a long time ago "God is not going to rewrite the Bible for your generation. Stop trying to change Scripture when it's written to change you."

"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Romans 15:4.

We do get put in some unique, often unexpected, unexplained, circumstances in life. Many, many of these we never would choose to go through. Constant, ongoing, physical pains and problems. Situations that seem to have no end and provide constant grief.  

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5.

Whether it's momentary or not...ours is to persevere and to press on towards the upward call in Christ Jesus for us.  

We must trust that the same God who parted the Red Sea, who saved Noah, his Wife, his sons and their Wives. We must trust, continually, He who went through all He did leading up to and including the crucifixion and resurrection. We must not give in to despair and fears.  

"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.

The reasons for joy, for exultation, in these things is the realization that in all of these we have Christ with us, in us, and we're never going through these alone. 

"Disappointments are inevitable. Discouragement is a choice." is one of Dr. Stanley's Life Principles.

We have to choose to stay in an unfounded state of discouragement when the Scriptures tell us we don't have to.  

While physical, maybe even mental as well, situations exist...we can still approach the throne of grace. We can still press on even when doing so is a severe challenge. We can because He did. Jesus prayed "yet not My will but Yours be done" when He was talking to His Father. 

Pray through your circumstances.  

Satan's schemes include inducing self-isolation. Self-pity. Self this and self that. Self self self.

Getting us to listen to anything other than the truths of God's Word. Getting us to listen to people other than His Spirit at times. 

Getting us to believe that these pains and circumstances are our world when Jesus is our world. 

"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.

Rejoice always in the Lord. Again I say Rejoice. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Oh the Wisdom of the Lord

Oh the Wisdom of the Lord 

by David Brenneman 

"Apply your heart to discipline And your ears to words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12

"My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad; And my inmost being will rejoice When your lips speak what is right. Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, And direct your heart in the way." Proverbs 23:15-19.

Prepared.  

God does prepare us for our next steps in life. He doesn't just dump a situation on us to see how badly we'll crumble. The work of the Spirit of God is to mold us into the character of Christ. Jesus went through every temptation and was victorious over them. Jesus faced great situations but never knuckled under them. John wrote that which he was lead to write about Jesus and said he easily could have written a whole lot more.

Desires can be either good or bad, depending on who is going to be honored as a result.  

Desires are often what drives us to do good or not. To achieve or to not achieve.  

Setting your desires on whatever we learn that God desires we will never go wrong.  

Solomon started out really well in his commitment to the Lord and over time completely lost his way.  

He let worldly desires push aside the life that the Lord wanted for him. In carefully reading the story of Solomon in 1 Kings you can see many many violations of God's Word. Things he acquired that the Lord said not to. From things to wives.  

We too can allow worldly desires push out God's desire for us. We're not immune to it and we had better understand that Satan's schemes include this particular battle for all who believe. 

Do you want what God wants for you? Even if you don't fully see it now?  

Do you read the letters to the Churches and consider how elements of those warnings and admonitions could be directed at you?

Interestingly enough...Solomon had this to say, even though he didn't live it out, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established." Proverbs 4:23-26

The worst we do is to not pray before jumping into what we think isn't beyond our ability to handle. 

"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." Ephesians 6:12-13.

This isn't directed just at evangelists, Pastor or teachers.  

This is directed to all Believers. 

The desires of Christ are towards those who are perishing. The desire of the Father is the same.

When the Church is complete...all these desires we see in this world...will be shattered from the ground up.  

So what good is it to crave what the world craves?  

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. These things are those things that will grow us in Christ. To make us better Ambassadors for Christ. To be lights in our dark world. 

In James we read "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:5-8.

It still is being asked: Do you desire what Jesus desires? Do you put that before your own desires?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

That Cross, Our Cross

That Cross, Our Cross 

by David Brenneman 

"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? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:24-27.

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." Matthew 6:9-15.

"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. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:2-4.

There is but there isn't a lot to unwrap in these three sets of the Scriptures. 

The point that's common is that this life we live...well read it here: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20.

We probably aren't ever considering just how much we're still trying to see our will being done, even in the smallest of ways, rather than that which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wills to be done. 

While having dreams is nice, might even be a good thing, they're not entirely necessary for a successful life in Christ.  

The core truth about OUR dreams is that they must fit in with GOD'S plans.  

What we dreams might indeed be great, wonderful, extremely plausible, beneficial to mankind let alone ourselves. Yet the truth is they're not going to fit in with the Father’s plans for humanity.  

There's still yet to come a 7 year great tribulation. There's still yet after this period a thousand year reign of Jesus Christ here on Earth. These are absolutely immovable points in human history that are going to be coming.  

So what's best? What's best is to check your dreams with God's plans for you. Check your desires with God's plans for you. Don't waste time, energy, resources, on what does not have His blessing. Don't fill your mind, heart, with the useless, fill it with what honors His plans for you.

I have, if it were measured as such, gigabytes and gigabytes of useless data in my head. Wasted time, wasted learning, because those things had nothing to do with taking up my own cross and follow Jesus. Of wasted ventures on both the selfish and perhaps the unselfish things of this world.  

The Disciples were taught to take up their own cross and to follow Jesus. Their lives were spent learning how to live in the character of Christ. They weren't taught to fit in doing their own thing. They were taught to fulfill their purpose in Christ...and to teach others to do the same. 

I am now a year and a half into a morning and evening commitment to spend time in God's Word and a few devotionals. It does mean saying no to many of the more common things the world indulges in. Sometimes it means losing sleep.  

When you read "Your kingdom come, your will be done. On earth as it is in Heaven." do you take that personally or are you just thinking good thoughts about it and perhaps trying to fit that in after you get what you want in life out of the way?

Daniel kept his commitment to pray 3 times a day. His was a heartfelt time of prayer.  

Jesus often got away to talk to His Father, our Father. 

We read in Hebrews 11 of those in the faith who did great things. These are the cloud of witnesses that have shown us all what a more excellent way looks like in the Lord.

My own cross may or may not look like your own cross but there is a cross to bear to follow Jesus. Jesus wasn't making a suggestion when He said it. He wasn't making suggestions when He taught what prayer should include from the heart. Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior never taught suggestions to live the righteous life that God desires for us all.  

It may indeed mean watching your dreams never coming to fruition. Many of mine will only exist in the land of what might have been only because God said no. Which is perfectly fine with me because His will being done is beyond far more important to me.  

Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness is what should be driving us. Prayer with a sincere heart. Keeping our commitment to meet with Him daily. This is the beginning of taking up that cross. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Where's Your Grace?

Where's Your Grace?

by David Brenneman 

"Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:21-35.

“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:9-10.

What do people see when they see you? Who do people see when they consider your life?  

Do they see the character of Christ or do they see something darker?  

It's either going to be the light of Jesus Christ or its not.

We certainly aren't a people who follow this: "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:19-27.

We sure can forget who it is we represent can't we? We sure can miss opportunities to show the light of Jesus Christ can't we?

I too miss opportunities. I too neglect to remember in the heat of the moment. 

This grace we have been given is for us to bestow upon others. 

We, like the one Jesus spoke of in our opening passage, have been forgiven much and should by all means remember this and forgive in the same manner, the same way.

We are not to keep the grace and mercy of God in our hands. We're to give it to those whom the Lord causes to cross our paths.

A year now and it doesn't escape me that the temptation was there and at times is there to retract the forgiveness that I knew that I had to bestow on those who did me wrong. Weekly I still pray for salvation for these people. A reputable source reassured me that I did nothing to contribute to what transpired. Additionally, I believe the Spirit when He too said it wasn't of me, that that situation a year ago was from God. The more important outcome of that particular situation is the continued prayer for the salvation of those involved. 

You may face deeper situations or not so deep. But in everything we face these are just situations in the eyes of Jesus Christ.  

You can either bestow grace and thereby glorify God in your situation or you can withhold it and deal with the consequences of a heart that isn't aligned with the character of Christ.

My personal example is but one. We face situations every single day of every type of thing. If we're walking with Jesus we should be acting in the character of Christ. 

There shouldn't be grumbling or complaining. Shouldn't be outbursts of anger. Shouldn't be us shaking an visible or invisible fist at people we encounter. We should have the mind of Christ. Should be setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. This extensive passage we opened with ties in directly with what Jesus used in His model prayer to teach the Disciples how to pray. If we do not forgive we won't be forgiven. 

Add this to your thoughts today: "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12.

You have the choice to let Jesus shine through you or to hide His light from others by withholding the grace, the unmerited favor, Jesus gave you. 

You.

Jesus forgave you of all your sins so you ought to wholly forgive others who sin against you.  

Give away the grace that was given to you...the Scriptures easily state that there's a lot more where that came from. 

Forgive as you've been forgiven. 

Give away as freely as you have received.  

Walk in the character of Christ. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

The Anger of Man...

The Anger of Man...

by David Brenneman 

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you."Ephesians 4:31.

     Are you struggling with memories of people who've treated you badly? Whether or not you deserved what they did to you, it may still hurt terribly and have continuing repercussions. And it may be difficult to stop thinking about it. Yet God instructs

you to cast off your anger and forgive. But how can you do so-especially if you've been disrespected, treated cruelly, or even outright betrayed? It's not easy, but it is necessary.

     The best way to keep your heart from succumbing to bitterness is to see the Lord's hand in every circumstance that touches your life. Believe that He can work through whatever has been done to

you for your good and His glory- and praise Him. Because when you say to God, "My times are in Your hand" (Psalm 31:15), you acknowledge His ultimate sovereignty over your life and His good plan. You take the power away from your destructive thoughts and give Him room to heal your wounds, deliver you from bitterness, and set you free from whatever bondage is in your life. So regardless of what others have done, forgive them, trust God to vìndicate you in His time, and be grateful that He always has the last word.

Jesus, I will obey You and forgive- -help me to do so completely., Amen. 

-Trusting God with Today. Dr. Charles Stanley. 

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:19-27.

"The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them." Proverbs 20:12.

"Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you." Proverbs 20:22.

It doesn't take much to find people bent on payback, bent on revenge, for even the most trivial of things. Look at how synonymous "Karen" has become concerning portraying women and now even men as dolts who's anger and self-righteous stances has become. 

Lest we forget: "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7. And: "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:10.

So so many Christians as well neglect these truths. Read how the story ends. Read the letters to the Churches in the book of Revelation.  

My Dear Reader what good is it to maybe gain personal satisfaction for a mere moment but lose out on what the Lord will have accomplished on your behalf that would be more than anything you could possibly have ever considered?

If we set aside whatever is going through our minds and do as commanded...praying for those who persecute you...we would do well. We would be going down the road towards the righteous life that God desires for us.

We likewise would do well to remember that what we read here as well as what else we received through God's Word on the subject aren't suggestions. They're not hints. They're not hacks to get what our sinful hearts are looking for.

We have what Jesus said.

We have to take up our own cross and follow Him. The character of Christ is to be our goal.  

When anger rises...and by far nobody including myself are immune to it...we need to keep firm hold of the word of God in our hearts.  

When we are letting unbridled anger rule we will always fail.

There is a thing as righteous anger. This isn't what we are talking about today. We need to really evaluate our situation before we are going to react or act in anger.  

People the world over put Christians under a microscope.  

People are ready to pounce on professing Christians for their behavior.  

Then we also, as we read earlier, have the Lord Jesus Christ who examines our hearts. 

For those who are saved...His Spirit resides within our hearts. He knows our thoughts and intentions.  

Practice your Spirit empowered ability to be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger".  

Broken things from the physical to the relational are strewn about our lives because of anger not held in check. 

Consider before you take a step. 

Consider before you speak a word. 

Take up your own cross and follow Jesus.  

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

What if You were the Recipient?

What if You were the Recipient?

by David Brenneman 

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:" Revelation 2:1.

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:" Revelation 2:8.

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:" Revelation 2:12.

All in all 7 churches were written to and all 7 eventually vanished from the pages of history. 

But what they were written to about wasn't just for them...what they were written to about was words of encouragement and warning to the future church of Jesus Christ...and us.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." is repeated at the end of every letter that John was to write and to take to each church after his time on Patmos was completed. 

The early Church was getting both commendations and condemnation from Jesus. These churches all existed at the same time and yet in retrospect they mirror the various seasons that have come and gone with the universal church. 

You were written to in this final book of the Bible as well as I and everyone who's been a part of it and will be until the Rapture of the Church. 

You could, if you looked, find aspects of the condition of your heart in these letters if you're being honest with yourself. 

The whole of the Bible is a love letter to mankind. Of the rise n fall of mankind because of sin and the redemption plan of God the Father through Jesus Christ.  

Have you ever read through your entire love letter from Jesus?  

If you have not, why not? The Bible wasn't just written, it was inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.  

Your guesses at living the righteous life that God desires for you aren't going to cut it.  

Your reading in your Bible what constitutes the righteous life that God desires for you will.

Jesus loved you enough to die a horrific death to conquer sin, death and the grave and He wrote you all of that and more for you to enjoy and learn from. 

You see, if you have ears to hear, eyes to see, then you have what you need to begin to hear and see what the Spirit has to say to you. 

All Believers can hear and learn from the Spirit of God...if they but open up themselves to be taught. 

Who should care about what they think they'll miss out on should they put their life in Christ first?

Do you really ever consider the Word of God as 'optional' in living life for Christ? Do you ever commit to sitting down to read and then brush it aside because something came on tv or the computer or your phone instead? "I'll catch up tomorrow". Really, my Dear Reader, are you so fully certain that you have a tomorrow? What if God calls you home tonight? Are you really willing to stand before the Author of your life, of the Word of God, and ply an excuse for not taking the time to get to know Jesus better, to walk in His footsteps?

Your letter awaits. 

You were written to.

You are the recipient just as I have been.

You who have ears to hear, hear what is written to the Churches.

Nobody in Christ should be ashamed at His appearing when He returns for His Church...but Scripture indicates many will be.

Will you be among those or will you return to your commitment to learn from the Spirit on how to live a life approved by Jesus Christ?

You are the recipient. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Confused? Unhappy? To Find, You Must Lose

Confused? Unhappy? To Find, You Must Lose 

by David Brenneman 

"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Micah 6:8

     Life can be complicated, but your relationship with God doesn't have to be. Instead of relating to the Lord based on a demanding set of rules, the prophet Micah gave us some simple guidelines to help us keep our faith uncluttered. What does God require of you!

     First, do justice. Do what you know is right. Don't compromise the truth or rationalize away what the Word of God instructs. Obey whatever God has shown you to do and quit worrying about the rest.

     Second, love kindness. Put others first and view them with

compassion-even if they've hurt you or you disagree with them. Instead of insisting on your rights, trust the Lord to defend you. God will take care of both your reputation and rewards. 

     Third, walk bumbly with your God. Esteem the Lord for who He is-the living, eternal, all-knowing Sovereign of all that exists. He knows what He is talking about, So do whatever He says, acknowledge

Him in all your ways, and keep Christ at the center of your life.

     Put these principles into action and be at peace with the knowledge that you're being pleasing to God.

Jesus, thank You for showing me how to please You and empowering me to do so. Amen

-Trusting God with Today. Dr. Charles Stanley. 

Good vibes, happy thoughts, good feelings, positivity, talking good about yourself to bolster your self-image...none of these will do a thing to truly help you through your life. 

While Scripture says "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." Philippians 4:8 there is this that immediately follows: "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 4:9.

Paul, in the book of Romans, spoke of practiced sin. Here we read of him referring to practiced righteousness.

My Dear Reader you are going to be tempted to diverge from God's plan for you, and it happens, or you will walk as He's wanting you to.  

The Bible maked life actually far more abundantly clear about life than the thousands of self-help books, lectures, college and university courses portray life.

When life isn't clear then stop. Stop and pray to our Father in Heaven in Jesus Name and ask your questions that you have. 

Secondly is never assume you are on the right track. Check yourself often to be sure that you're walking with Jesus as His Word directs.

Thirdly, be listening to the promptings of the Spirit of God. Everyone who is saved in Christ Jesus does hear from the Spirit of God within them.  

Read this slowly and take it in, take it to heart, because the message is for all who are in Christ. It gives the command and the reasoning behind it: "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.

The Scriptures we're not written to be good suggestions for a happy life.  

"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.

We will often mess things up in trying to still seek our own kingdom here on Earth. Then life becomes a chain of disappointments. A chain of discouragements. Nothing done really seems to work or matter. 

Go back to your first love which is only found in Christ.

Let go of the things you have tried and return to what always works all the time.

Then you'll find an unexplainable joy and peace that you were trying to create for yourself.  

Don't take it from me, or Dr. Stanley, or Dr. Jeremiah, or Pastor Begg or Pastor MacArthur, or anyone else...take it 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.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

The Time is Near...Always

The Time is Near...Always 

by David Brenneman 

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near." Revelation 1:1-3.

Throughout many of the books that we read in the New Testament are the teachings that tell us that we are to live each day as if today were the day Jesus will return. 

To live life as if today could be that day would certainly change how a great many people view their lives. 

As odd as life is depicted in Hollywood and the other places these types of scenes are filmed...they do quite often get this aspect right. The aspect that in potential world ending events people's priorities abruptly change. Most everything gets tossed out the window that isn't about the direct need of the moment for which they are facing.

Yet all too many professing Believers in Jesus Christ aren't at all living life as if His promise to return for them is a high priority for them. 

Part of how we live our lives isn't just to live in the character of Christ, but also to live as though we fully embrace His promised return. 

We are to allow the grace poured out upon us to others. We are to show mercy as we have been shown mercy from on high by God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

We are also supposed to do what we do as unto the Lord with one hand and be ready to stand before Jesus with the other. Just as Nehemiah had those who returned to Jerusalem with him do.  

We cannot, as professing Christians, live lives as if we can just go live life however we please. We are still here to further the gospel. We are still here to live transformed lives. We are still here because of His purposes for us. We aren't to live as though we have a ticket to go to Heaven so anything else doesn't matter. 

We aren't here to bring glory to ourselves. Scripture explicitly states that we're to live lives in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. We are to be students of God's Word for our entire life. We are not promised health, wealth or prosperity. We are promised a new life in Christ that will bring honor and glory to God. 

How are you doing in being prepared for Jesus to return for you?

Make sure that you read that statement again and make it intensely personal.  

How honestly selfish have you been living your life for you more than you have for your calling in Christ?

We all do it in all kinds of ways and don't really see it that way. 

We can often treat prayer to our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as optional and attach an self-justified excuse to it.

We can often treat meeting with Jesus daily in our Bibles as optional and attach another self-justified excuse to it.

We can often excuse our behavior towards others with a good self-justified excuse.  

Notice the pattern? Self-justification is a cancerous weed in our lives. We are to be dying to ourselves daily and living for Jesus daily. 

We are to take the Word of God as commands and not suggestions.  

I've done it, I am certain you've done it too.

We need to be ready for Jesus.  

We need to be aware of what our spiritual gifts are and to be sure we're using them to glorify God in Christ Jesus.  

We need to do more self-examination to be sure we're not allowing selfish decisions, selfish desires, to be growing in our lives. 

Jesus IS coming. Will you be. among the excited or among the ashamed? Among those looking forward to what He might say about how you lived your life or among those who will be ashamed at not having done what you were called to be doing for Him?

Right now, in this here this now, you can do something about it. You cannot change your past but you can change your present.

Because...the time is near. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Temptation and Persecution Aren't the Same, Some are Situations

Temptation and Persecution Aren't the Same, Some are Situations 

By David Brenneman 

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13.

"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

In too many circles there's Christian people who are believing that God won't give you more than you can bear in this life. 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many." 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.

What is happening are Believers mixing these two pieces up.

Being tempted and being in difficult situations aren't the same thing.  

Our hearts and minds are where temptations run amuck. Situations, persecutions, are what we find ourselves in. Temptations will be those things that attempt to steer us away from the righteous life that God desires for us. Situations, persecutions, are either due to our attempts to live life without following the Word of God or of our Savior bringing about our sanctification.  

Never are the things that we face in our day-to-day life 'problems' to Almighty God. They are merely situations.  

Some situations are there to grow us in Christ. Some have come about because we failed to seek the Lord Jesus Christ when they came up. 

Persecutions are called as such because they are the result of Godly living. Of doing life in the way that honors God, honors our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father. 

Situations can be persecutions but not necessarily. When faced with something significant and we don't pray about it in that moment we create a situation that isn't necessarily a persecution although it might turn into one. 

Temptations are about sin and about enticing us to permit something that is not going to grow us in Christ. Something that will potentially become a practiced sin that Paul wrote extensively about avoiding and not participating in. 

Scripture says that in Christ we overwhelmingly conquer through Him over sin. This agrees with the passage that we read about no temptation overtaking us that isn't common to man.  

Throughout Church history we see countless people who were persecuted to the point of death. Death, for only the Believer in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, is merely changing addresses to their home in Heaven.  

If historical information is accurate all but one Apostle was persecuted unto death. The Apostle John is perhaps the only exception. A Roman Emporer tried to kill him and he wasn't able to so John was banished to the island of Patmos. 

You will go through this life with countless attempts by Satan's minions to tempt you. Standing firm in Christ you can defeat every single one. 

You may go through this life encountering persecutions...while possibly complex or difficult...in Christ you will get through them to the glory of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

You will face situations every single day. How you choose to look at them is how well and how far you've come in your walk with Jesus and a testament towards how much you've grown in Christ. 

As a Believer look at your life through the lense of the Word of God. Don't trust your eyes or ears. 

Look at life the way that Jesus did and wants you to do as well. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Love Even Those You Think Are Undeserving

Love Even Those You Think Are Undeserving 

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.

"You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18.

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3.

Our world teaches that our dealings with others should be direct and should be blunt and forceful. Some go as far as to certainly embrace the whole eye for an eye mentality.

The Lord Jesus Christ certainly doesn't adhere to any of these trains of thought let alone any others that are different from what He's said.  

Ours is to love as He loved. Love as He loved us. To not take revenge but leave room for the wrath of God. It's not for us to do nor should it be something we ruminate on as well. Does not the Scriptures say "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay."?

We do not show Christ to this fallen world when our hearts are being lead astray towards anger, bitterness and wrath.  

Ours is to follow Christ's example. Jesus had many and plenty of opportunities to take up wrath against those whom did Him wrong during His time on the Earth, especially during His crucifixion. 

Yet we read in His prayer to His, our Father in Heaven, not His will but rather the will of the Father be done.

We see countless movies, television shows, novels written, where people have used these platforms to espouse revenge in all kinds of ways upon those 'evil' people in their stories.

The way of Jesus Christ says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself." 

There's no room, or should be no room, in our hearts for anything but the grace and mercy shown to us that we should give this to others as Christ gave us.

This was something that God began teaching me long ago. I can recount many many times where part of me wanted to use my imagination to pour out my idea of vengeance and wrath upon others. Yet my God spoke louder in my heart and His words prevailed. Later, I saw what the Lord had done concerning these people and it was beyond whatever I had in mind. 

When I get out of His way in these things, He does always deal with these types of people. 

My Dear Reader...the Scriptures are plain...we aren't to seek revenge, we are to pray for those who persecute us. We aren't to scheme for payback but to pray for God to deal with them in however He sees fit. 

Who knows, my Dear Reader, if the person or people doing such things is going to eventually come to Christ for salvation and maybe even be that last person who is to be saved before Jesus returns?

Add to this, we don't know what Jesus is doing in these moments in the lives of others.  

We are not suggested to pray, we are commanded to pray. 

Ours isn't to rip people on Facebook, Instagram, X, in person or on other websites. Ours is to truly only take the matter to the Lord in prayer and leave it there.

Ours is to obey Christ Jesus in all things. Ours is to live our lives in Christ in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. Ours isn't to play God.  

What we deem as being justice may not come in our lifetime but rest assured nobody escapes the notice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture says that He never slumbers nor sleeps. That He is always watching the whole Earth. He knows every aspect of every situation of every single man, woman, and child on this Earth. 

So what if we have people coming down on us for this, that, or the other.  

For anyone to get to us they must go through Jesus first. 

If Jesus has allowed someone to impact our lives in adverse ways, then seek the Lord to understand why and what you should do in such things. Don't assume. Don't presume. 

Several in the Old Testament had no idea why their lives were as they were. Yet we read of how God dealt with each in ways they never would have guessed. 

Pray for those who persecute you. 

Bless and do not curse.  

Lastly...remember:

"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." 1 Peter 4:8-11.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Disguised Bitterness, Revealed Grace

Disguised Bitterness, Revealed Grace 

by David Brenneman 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org