Reading His Letter to You

Reading His Letter to You

by David Brenneman 

“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.

How often do you stop to think about just what kind of profound, unique, unreserved, gift that you have in possessing the very word of God in your hands---at will--at that.

How often do you take it for granted that you'll have it at your fingertips? Not many decades ago it was a crime punishable by death to be found with one. In quite a few countries today to have it is a death sentence.  

To take this for granted...wow. I personally have several physical copies of my Bibles. A chief reason is I can still read them if there's no power. Another is that it cannot be subtley altered by anyone because they're the physical print. 

Days will come when on a global scale it's highly likely that the possession of a Bible will be against the New World Order. The AntiChrist will probably be against any who talk about or preach about the real living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

How seriously do you take your discipleship with Jesus? If you come to Christ for salvation, it's also to become a disiciple of Jesus. To learn to walk in His ways and now our own. To learn what it means to be a child of God, and not promote ourselves. To point others to the salvation that we have in Christ...we need to learn, to grow, in Christ.

Long before wikipedia, the Bible has been here.  

Long before Google, the Bible has been here.  

Long before artificial intelligence, the Bible has been here. 

How will you learn what it is that you are here to be doing in the Name of the Lord if you aren't partaking, daily, of the Word of God?  

How will you ever stand before Jesus when you do give your account of your life...and not stand there ashamed because you never once took it seriously the divine privilege you were given to be able to read it?

Scripture says that our lives are not our own that we were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore what's to become of our lives in honoring Him for His sacrifice in our place should not be our desires, our wishes, our will being done. To truly honor Jesus for His taking our place on calvary, we should be living our lives, however He, through His Spirit, sees fit for us to be living.

A test of how much this means to you is not that complicated. How often are you opening up your Bible? Either physically in book form or through an app? Next, how honestly selfish are your prayers about your present and your future? How often are you praying about the opportunities that you were given to interact with people that Jesus, through His Spirit, sent your way to interact with you?

My Dear Reader...our still being here after coming to Christ is to fulfill His plans for us to shine our light before men in such a way that they see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. It's to fulfill His plans for people who are yet among the chosen to be found and likewise come to Christ for salvation. It's not at all for us to come to Christ for salvation so that we can coast until either He returns to take the Church home to be with Him or calls us home. It's certainly not at all about us getting to make our own slice of Heaven here on Earth.

How much you know about the Scriptures would also reflect on how you live your life. How often do you pray for those you know who aren't saved? It is not for you to save them but it is for you to intercede on their behalf for the Spirit to work in their lives so that they might come to the knowledge of salvation as we have.

Your priorities of self vs service reflect what values you have gained from being in the Word of God. If you're running the race that the Spirit has set before you then you don't let up until either you're called home to be with Jesus or He returns. You don't slack off, you don't stop, you don't call it quits. You don't choose the direction of your life. Honestly put even retirement isn't an option. The only hint at retirement in the Scriptures is death. That's when rest comes to those who are in Christ.

Renew your walk with Jesus today...this very moment.  

Renew your calling in Christ and get back to running the race He set before you.

Renew your life in Christ as it was intended to be, according to the Scriptures.

We're on a Wedding Anniversary get away...and I have been committed to studying God's Word daily each evening from 4 study Bibles and 2 devotionals that I cherish. I only struggled for a moment with what to do, but it was only for a moment. I had a box, I put those materials in it and took it with us. My Wife easily understood and even had a plan to not disturb me while I studied.

The race set before you is for you to run with your everything if indeed you are wanting to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. What you need for that race is found within the pages of God's Word. Honestly how embarrassed will you be if you never read...all of...the love letter that Jesus wrote to 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 

Ask...Seek...

Ask...Seek...

by David Brenneman 

“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.

How seriously are you taking your walk with Jesus? Unlike a popular meme theme, I'm not asking for a friend.  

Are you as set as flint as Jesus was in heading for the cross?

“For the Lord God helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7.

“When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; ”

Luke 9:51.

“Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ” John 12:20-23.

Are we really as determined as Jesus was to fulfill the Father’s will as Jesus was in His life here on Earth?

It's more than an hour or so on a Sunday. It's more than a prayer before the food we are about to partake. It's more.

Where is the desire to ask, to seek, to know more about, learn about Jesus? 

The Disciples learned a daily life that included Christ in it, from dawn til dusk.

Are you as determined? Are you as willing to lay down your wants and desires to learn what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ? 

This life in Christ means leaving behind, means letting go, of the things of this world in favor of such learning. 

This life in Christ means throwing away worldly conventional wisdom of when to follow Jesus and when is 'me' time. It likewise means throwing out what is expected even by family and friends.  

If we're on the altar and not in control from the throne of our hearts then everything is to be on that altar. 

We should be waking up to ask seek knock as to what, when and where Jesus wants us next. 

By these things people will see that you are followers of Jesus Christ. 

By this people will see your good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. 

For me, so far, it's meaning to remove many things from my life that weren't going to glorify my Savior and my Lord Jesus Christ. 

It's meant changing my activities from what I desire to what the Spirit desires within me. It meant letting go of certain dreams and expectations in order to shine the light of Jesus Christ in my life the way that He wants it to.

As Jesus said to Peter, so Jesus says to you..."You follow Me!".

Be bold, stand firm, suit up in the whole armor of God. Ask, seek, knock. 

You have a plan and purpose for yet being alive right now in Christ...you and I don't get to choose to follow through with this or not. It's non-negotiable.  

Whether young, middle-aged, or old. There's no one who is in Christ who's plans supercede the will of God for them in Christ Jesus.  

No daily plans, no weekly plans, no yearly plans, not even a retirement plan. Scripture doesn't support retirement from God's plan and purpose for any who are in Christ. We are to run, with our everything, the race set before us. 

As you go on about your life...ask...seek...trust...obey. 

Be the fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ that you're supposed 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 

"You Desire the Truth"

"You Desire the Truth"

by David Brenneman 

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:9-10.

“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Psalms 51:6-17.

We are a people who can and will deceive ourselves and others. That's part of the curse of the sin nature with which we have. 

We read in this passage from the book of Psalms King David's response to Nathan's calling him out for murdering Uriah to take Bathsheba as his wife.  

Oh that I might be as sensitive to sin as King David showed himself in this moment! That all of us might!

Sin dirtys us every day. While salvation in Christ Jesus is permanent and secure in the Spirit’s seal upon us...we have a daily need to confess our sins. Scripture says that He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But we need to acknowledge these transgressions. 

We need to agree with God that these transgressions have occurred.  

This is what truth looks like...agreeing with Jesus on His views concerning us. 

When we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him...every scrap of truth regarding our lives will be revealed. There's going to be nothing hidden that won't be revealed is what the Spirit says in the Word of God. 

We would do well to remember this. We would do well to not make asking for forgiveness of our sins something we casually do or something we sometimes remember to ask for as if it were an afterthought.

Truth says that we have yet a sin nature and daily we get tarnished by it and need cleansing.

Truth says we are in a Spiritual War and we need to fully acknowledge that.

Truth says that God has a plan and purpose for the lives of everyone who is saved in Christ Jesus to glorify God the Father. 

Truth says that we are going to face temptation. What we do in response to it determines whether it turns to sin or not. There are sins and actions, thoughts, behaviors that are not sins.  

Truth says that nothing escapes His notice.  

Truth says that we are to renew our thoughts daily in the Word of God to transform our minds. 

Truth says that there's a day set by the Father’s own authority where everyone will give an account of their lives before Jesus. 

Truth is Jesus.

Truth is...we don't make "mistakes" we either are not sinning, are tempted to sin or have sinned. Jesus Christ didn't die on a cross for the mistakes of mankind. We must call a spade a spade. We either are engaged in righteousness or we're engaged in temptation or engaged in sin.  

Truth says to put on the full armor of God. This isn't to be something we take off at the end of the day. The soldiers of the time the Bible was written about the whole armor of God stayed in their armor ready at all times. 

Everyone is affected by the Spiritual forces around us. There's none who are off the radar in any Spiritual sense.  

My Dear Reader how seriously are you taking your life in Christ? 

Serious enough to ask Jesus to reveal anything in your life that He doesn't approve of and His help in removing it?  

I know that I will likely be weeping when my life's account is revealed...and that's only with what I know of it...not what Jesus knows of it.  

Are you dismissing, ignoring, blowing off, the seriousness of the life in Christ that He desires for you? Are you bold enough to ask Jesus to see if there be any hurtful, wicked, way in you that you're blind to?  

He is Truth and we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.  

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 

Open Your Eyes

Open Your Eyes 

by David Brenneman 

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

“So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12.

“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37.

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

Hebrews 4:13.

“but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ” 1 Peter 4:5.

“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 16:27.

“And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.” Revelation 20:12.

From Apostles, Prophets and the Lord Jesus Christ...do you now see? Do you now understand what is to come?

Everything we have said, thought, done, muttered, grumbled about, raged against, loved rightly or loved in vain...everyone will have everything open and laid bare before Him with whom we have to do. 

Our thoughts we had that justified the willful idolatry in our lives.

Our thoughts that we have had concerning other's that we've never spoken aloud. 

Our behavior that we thought no one would ever know about. 

Our lies we have told ourselves and others. 

Our willful sins that we try to rename as "mistakes".

Our lusts that we were never ashamed of that should never have been. 

Our...I think that by now you get the picture. 

We are exhorted to stand firm in the Lord...these reasons are listed above.  

We are exhorted to be sure of our salvation in Christ Jesus...for these same reasons given above. 

We are supposed to be children of God in Christ Jesus...we're to be acting like it.

We are supposed to be putting whatever He wants of us before our own wants and desires...are we?

I was finishing up Ecclesiastes this morning and that opening passage was from that last chapter. A book written by the wisest man who ever lived next to Jesus Christ Himself. Who, if you look at his life, really blew it. He did countless things that were not aligned with what he knew of God or what they had of God's Word. The kingdom paid for it in a civil war and other spiritual atrocities. 

We must take it ever so seriously this day we will be standing before Jesus to give an account of our lives. 

This is no joke. This isn't going to be a time where we'll be given a second chance. This will be the final essay, the final discovery, the final paper, the final report on just how well we lived for Him right there before Him whom we claim in this life to represent. 

There will be no acceptable exceptions or excuses. Truth will be on display. The reality of our lives.

What will your life show?

What will He say of your life?

You seek Him in prayer, you say you believe He will answer, do you likewise believe all that we are talking about today my Dear Reader?

We, as long as we are breathing, have the chance, choice, and ability to start right here right now to get things right.  

We don't know if we've got a whole day ahead of us. Today could be the day Jesus Christ returns. Today could be your day to leave this world and meet Jesus face-to-face. You don't know, I don't know.  

In my 59 years of experience I know very well how quickly life can take an unexpected turn. Some were for the good some were not. 

Jesus wrote of His disgust of lukewarm people. Of how much it repulsed Him.  

People who coast along, not taking up their own cross and following Him the way the Scriptures say people ought to be doing. People who use excuses to explain away their disobedience. People who want to use even grief as a reason to not obey God. People who put things and people before obedience to God's Word. People who have, as King Solomon did, idols in their lives whom they merely refer to by other names.  

Really think about your life in this here this now.  

Really understand what is coming because it IS coming. 

Paul referred to running the race set before him. Take a good guess at who set that race before him. It wasn't Paul.  

Who set the race before you?

Are you sitting down, walking aimlessly, jogging, anything but running the race set before you?

It will all be revealed when you stand before Jesus to give an account of your life before Him. 

Are you carrying baggage rather than shedding every encumbrance that would slow you down?

Take stock of your life today. Be sure of your salvation in Christ. Stand firm in the Lord. RUN the race set before you. Remove whatever needs to go from your heart that's slowing you down. 

That day could be today. 

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 

Swinging Against the Word

Swinging Against the Word 

by David Brenneman 

“Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17.

“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.

Many, in this world, while children have played a game amongst themselves called "swords". Take something like a big enough stick and you swing it around, preferably outside, against imaginary foes. Maybe reenacting some scenes from a television show or a movie. 

But the true reality is that swinging motion really produces not much in the way of benefit. Should you have someone with another and these 'swords' contact each other then you now have something. 

People who've come to Christ yet stay away from others in Christ are like the first child. You have no one to "spur you on into love and good deeds" as the Scriptures say. You have no one to challenge you...as this "iron sharpening iron" passage is about. You don't have the growing in Christ that's to be central to living life until the Rapture of the Church or we're taken home to be with Jesus. 

The Scriptures call God's Word "the Sword of the Spirit". There's nothing unprofitable about the Word of God. There's everything to be gained by studying God's Word. There's everything to be gained by making it part of your daily life.  

We can be grand wasters of time, energy and effort in living life.  

We just don't recognize that that's what we are doing. 

We likewise don't realize we're agreeing with Scripture that that's what we are doing. 

When the Scriptures teach us what is a particular behavior or activity that's sin...then my Dear Reader...that's what it is...end of discussion. That's why the Word of God is fully authoritative.  

As a phrase from the 70's and 80's said "God said it, I believe it, that settles it!". But do we really agree with this? Are we putting as much importance on the Word of God that we ought to be doing?

Are we challenged by others in Christ with the Word of God?  

Since that is the defacto standard for learning in Christ, then that is what's to be utilized. 

Part of our problem is we either know or are in denial of knowing. 

We're oftentimes afraid of challenging others in Christ towards love and good deeds. We're afraid of challenging others to see what acts they engage in that are in fact sins.  

When we see this verse of iron sharpening iron there ought to be the expectation of sparks flying. There ought to be the expectation of physical and spiritual exertion. Maybe even sweat and thirst. 

We ought to expect some level of embarrassment for the exposure of sins. Should expect a need to repent.

The way this passage is written its an ongoing activity...an expected action. 

This rules out the 'lone wolf' mentality of living the Christian life. 

You need brothers and sisters in Christ to challenge you to do better, to be more, to let your light shine before men in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. 

A challenge we received this last Sunday was to ask who is on the throne of our hearts.

We must be both accepting of this challenge and take ownership of the results that follow.  

Some may say that I speak too much against sports. However, consider the challenge that the NFL put out there themselves. "Sundays used to belong to the Church, now it belongs to us." 

A challenge to find out if this is an area that's where anyone has something like sports on the throne of their hearts is to take a month and cut yourself off of all information of it. No podcasts, no scoreboards, no video clips, no video games on it, no news reports, no games to watch or be at.  

How painful would that be? A true challenge would also complete itself in that you replace such things with being in the Word of God and prayer.   

You can replace sports in the previous example with anything or truly anyone.  

But the message of today is that we need each other to challenge us in the Lord to become who He's meant for us to be. As Paul wrote to remove every encumbrance...get rid of all that is hindering our efforts in growing in Christ.  

My mind has countless useless bits of information and it's taken me decades to realize how much time I have spent on fruitless things when I should have been investing in my walk with Jesus. 

You need to take up the challenge today. Between you and Jesus, be asking Him David's question. See if there be any hurtful, wicked, way in me...show me...help me turn away from these fruitless things to the life in Christ that I am meant to live. 

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

Our Reverence Our Responsibility

Our Reverence Our Responsibility 

by David Brenneman 

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:1-21.

Paul wrote a lot in just Romans 12.

A lot but with bringing out the best in a Believer in mind. 

How much of what you just read is reflected in your life? How much do you show in reverence to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? How often are you taking the time to renew your mind in the Scriptures? How far have you gone in understanding your role in the body of Christ?  

My Dear Reader you have a part in the plan of God for mankind, do you really realize the depth of that? A friend likes to say "It's not about me and it's not about now". We have a life that's only for us to live, given to us at the point of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. The Scriptures say that the Spirit sets each Believer in the body of Christ as He sees fit.  

There are none in Christ who have nothing to be doing. 

Just like in a healthy human body there are no cells that aren't contributing to the proper working of that healthy body. 

If we're at all expecting to hear "Well done!" from Jesus it will only be because we were living out a life of obedience in Christ.  

We, as Believer's, must do as Jesus said. Take up our own cross and follow Him.  

We heard in the sermon preached yesterday that was likewise rooted in Romans 12 to ask the question of who is on the Throne of our hearts. Are we taking that seat or are we on the altar? We can't be in both places. We cannot have what we want that's in opposition to what the Spirit is wanting of us as well. 

Sure we have to take care of ourselves and our families if we're so blessed. Sure we likely have a job to do. Bills to pay. Food to obtain. Yet when doing these things we can still talk to Jesus while we do them. We can still choose to be in His Word, renewing our minds daily, to understand what it is He's saying, doing, and wanting of us. We cannot find a better understanding of God without enriching our life in Christ by intentionally avoiding the things that would benefit our life in Christ. 

You, my Dear Reader, cannot say with the writer of this verse "Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You" if you aren't intentionally in the Word so often that it becomes a part of you.

You can't learn how to pray if you aren't attempting it with all your heart. 

Jesus rebuked a church and also points this at individuals too...He will spit out, reject, the lukewarm.

We must be all-in in living for Jesus. We must question ourselves with regards to that Throne.

We must be bold enough to ask Jesus if there be any hurtful way in me...to show me and give me the strength to remove it.

We must put our all on the altar of God. 

Quite a few times the warning is given in the Scriptures to examine our lives, our hearts.

We can't trust our own understanding. 

We can't dismiss anything as being ok in our lives if it doesn't pass what the Spirit teaches us from the Word of God. 

We have to have an attitude of reverence towards our God. Towards our Father in Heaven.

Towards the Spirit of God. 

Towards our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

We should have such a level of reverence that it displays the renewing of our minds for all to see.

We should put our responsibilities in the Lord ahead of all personal wants and desires.

We are running the race HE set before us. Therefore He sets the course, the speed.  

We need to keep Romans 12 in mind as we follow through with the learning and living the righteous life that God desires for us. 

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 

View of the World

View of the World 

by David Brenneman 

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8.

“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 2:12-16.

“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.

What does the world see when it sees you?

There's a question that begs for an answer.  

My Dear Reader...the 3rd quote is from Jesus Christ Himself...what say you for your answer, what is your reply?

Do they see temporary insanity due to road rage? Do they see words coming from your mouth that ought not be heard? Do they see the love of God? Do they hear you tearing people down? Your justification is inconsequential as to why you're tearing someone else down. If Christ would say it, if the behavior of your life wouldn't be what Christ would be doing, then why My Dear Reader are you doing it?

Are you practicing what the other quotes of Scripture are saying to be done by the disciples of Jesus?

Are you using your words as a double edged sword?  

Are you going about actually bringing shame to the Name of Jesus because of your words?

Are you doing the same with your actions?

The news to all is this: we will give an account of our lives before Him with whom we have to do. 

There's no acceptable exceptions to what we read in today's passages or the many others on this subject.

None.

There's no clause for speaking or behaving in non-Christian ways that's acceptable to Jesus Christ our Lord. 

No Not one. 

So no, your language and your behavior about even some like a sports game isn't allowed according to the Scriptures.

No your language and behavior in any public or private setting, on Instagram, Facebook, X, or any other form of social media is acceptable if it's said or done without considering one another above ourselves.  

Consider this, My Dear Reader, during the thousand year reign of Christ...such things certainly won't be acceptable...for the entire world. 

The words and actions of supposed Believers do more damage to the cause of Christ than what the unbelieving do or say because they're representing Jesus Christ. 

We give the enemy of God reason to rejoice when we behavior in an ungodly way before men and women. 

When we aren't renewing our minds by daily being in the Word, we quickly forget what His Word has to say on how we should be before Him as well as men and women. 

When we are renewing our minds with what only the world is saying, teaching, then the result is a mind and mouth speaking in such a way that Christ is not honored. 

There's no acceptable exceptions to the Word of God in the eyes of God. 

So nothing done in 'fun' that violates God's Word is acceptable.

Nothing. Not in jest, not in hypothetical, not in any and all things. If it's not acceptable in Heaven then it shouldn't be here.

Remember "on Earth as it is in Heaven" is our standard. 

My Dear Reader...it's going to be painful for you I know because it was and is for me as well...remove whatever you're finding enjoyment in that isn't acceptable before Jesus. 

We represent Christ in our daily lives. What and who does the world see when they look at us or hear us?

Scripture says to consider our ways.

Do that today. Be as those in the book of Acts who immediately turned from what they were doing wrong in the Lord and act now, not later.

Who does this world see when it looks at 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

Wanting What Jesus Wants

Wanting What Jesus Wants 

by David Brenneman 

“Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God.”

Proverbs 30:7-9 NASB1995

We want want want in life. I know that there's wants that I have. There's also needs that I have.  

The greater question is do I want what Jesus wants of me?

Many these days, with online shopping, online ordering of food, get their wants very quickly. 

40 years ago those things were unheard-of. 30 years ago you needed to be someone special to have access to these things.  

The ways of the world are always towards whatever is right in the eyes of the individual. 

Then, these same said people, look for other's of the same depravity in order to try to establish a safe place for their thoughts and actions. 

In most all such endeavors the sin nature is exposed yet not seen for what it is.

As Christians we are tempted daily towards things that either we don't really need or don't need right now. We are tempted to go with the world and it's solutions rather than to ask of the Lord and patiently wait. We are sometimes tempted to go it alone. Not at all recognizing that waiting on the Lord will bring His best for us.  

We are self-inflicting damage to our walk with Jesus when we get ahead of God. Likewise when we stubbornly hold to something or a way of life or of thinking that's contrary to the Word of God or the teaching of the Spirit of God. 

An then we do not see His best for us.

We are often not asking Jesus what is there that needs to change in our lives to make us more like Christ. 

We are still the tempted just like the rest of the world. 

This thought is nothing new...but how often are you really sabotaging your walk with Jesus with your own selfish choices, thoughts and desires?

How often are you really dedicated to living the Christian life the way that He desires for you?

There's an excellent saying that says: "God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him".

Likewise we need to understand that our obedience must come before the full blessings of God.

If we want to what He wants for us then we must set aside what our thoughts are concerning it.

We are supposed to be fully devoted fully involved followers of Jesus Christ.

Fully. 

As in completely. 

If we really are trusting Him and aren't leaning on our own understanding then we shouldn't be trying to mess with what He's trying to do in our lives. We shouldn't get ahead of Him. Shouldn't be lagging behind Him.  

Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. 

My Dear Reader absolutely everything Jesus thought, said or did was to honor and obey His Father in Heaven. 

What ought our lives reflect?

Jesus wanted what His Father wanted. Jesus taught us to want what He wants for us. 

Pray and ask David's prayer.

“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.

Start today with wanting what Jesus wants for 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

Seek

Seek

by David Brenneman 

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11.

“For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel, “Seek Me that you may live.” Amos 5:4.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25.

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

We seek many kinds and forms of joy and happiness...for you my Dear Reader...is a life in Godliness something you seek?

It took seconds to search "seek the Lord" to gain that list above. What's bothersome to me is just how most people aren't truly seeking the Lord in their daily lives. They think they are seeking Him on the days and times they go to Church but rarely in-between those times. 

Are you a truly committed fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ or aren't you? 

Are you seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness or aren't you?

Is your life best described as you idea of a balance between what you think you want and what you think God wants of you? May this never be! As Paul would most likely say. 

The description of a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ comes from the mouths of the Disciples themselves. "Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?”” Matthew 19:27.

I highly doubt that Peter was referring to whatever time they had leftover in their day. 

Many of the Disciples were married and still were fully devoted followers of Jesus. 

We seek out what makes us happy or at least stuff we think will make us happy. We just often aren't equating happiness with being a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.  

Yet there indeed is happiness in following Jesus.  

Some fear the accountability that comes from knowing more about Jesus and the Word of God.

What would you rather look forward to, an open rebuke for failure to do and be who you were meant to be in Christ or to hear "Well done! Enter into the joy of your Master".

It's extremely saddening to watch more fire, more zeal, more excitement, come from a Believer's mouth about worldly desires and things than they have about something that the Spirit is teaching them. 

We aren't still here after coming to Christ for salvation in order to create our own personalized Heaven on Earth. We are not yet still here aftet coming to Christ for salvation in order to survive until we die. We aren't still here to seek happiness in this world in whatever we put our minds to.

We were created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. So that people can see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. 

These are the things that a person who seeks first His kingdom and His righteousness reveal about the work of the Spirit in them. 

It's easy to go with the flow of the world in seeking out personal happiness. The Scriptures direct us to stand firm in the Lord.  

Do you intentionally start your day in the Scriptures and prayer?

Do you find yourself praying during your day when the moment comes?

Do you take time in your evenings to be again in the Word of God and in prayer?  

These are some of the traits of a fully devoted follower of Jesus 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

Who Do You Live For?

Who Do You Live For?

by David Brenneman 

“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.

“For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20.

“For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:7-8.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 12:1-2.

A common first thought for people in deep despair is to ask "What do I have to live for?" The real question is not what but who.

We who are in Christ were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ. 

“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 1:18-19.

How do you then live a life that honors such an act as what Jesus did for you? By living each day honorably in His sight. Striving for a life lived with His approval. 

I have been blessed with knowing quite a few really Godly men in my life. I often look to these as role models of what a life in Christ is to look like. What characteristics did they share that stood out as followers of Jesus Christ?

A very big thought that they all had in common was that there's no Biblical path of retirement on this Earth. They all lived or are living all their days in service to their personal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

There was and is no mistaking who they lived for. 

Many in the faith struggle because their commitment to what the Spirit is teaching them is no where near as solid as it should be. 

Look at the examples in the New Testament. Look at what was indeed written for our instruction as the Scriptures says of itself. 

We have what we need to live a life in Christ Jesus that will honor His blood sacrifice to save us. What's required of us is the follow-through to stay the course. To run the race set before us in Christ. To pursue a life in Christ that will earn us a "Well done!" from our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

We don't truly have the option of retirement from serving and dedicated learning from the Lord in any capacity. 

We should never consider time in the Word of God as optional. 

We should never have an acquaintance relationship with Jesus. 

Our relationship with Jesus ought to be personal. Personal in that we continue on no matter what in this race set before us until we cross that line leading into Heaven's door or the Rapture of the Church. 

Jesus endured the cross for us. 

Jesus took on the beatings meant for us.

Jesus received the nails in His feet and His hands in our place. 

Jesus was scourged in our place. 

These are the reasons for who we live for.  

We live for Him for the great love with which He's loved us.

Think about this today and every day.  

As the old hymn says "Living for Jesus a life that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do, yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

this is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior,

I give myself to Thee;

for Thou, in Thine attonement,

didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other master;

my heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live,

O Christ, for Thee alone.

-Thomas Chisholm 1917 "Living for 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

Yes YOUR Heart Too

Yes YOUR Heart Too

by David Brenneman 

“Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:2-3.

“He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor.” Proverbs 21:21.

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.” Proverbs 21:23.

“A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape.” Proverbs 19:5.

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand.” Proverbs 19:21.

“Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?”

Proverbs 20:9.

“Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?” Proverbs 20:24.

“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.” Proverbs 20:27.

“There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord.” Proverbs 21:30.

We don't often consider the truth of the Scriptures whereas we read what we just did...that the Lord knows your heart. 

Every single microsecond, nanosecond, if there's a smaller measurement than that...the Lord is there. 

We can often be callous towards the knowledge that every single thought and intention of our hearts will be known to Jesus AS IT HAPPENS. 

You're never alone in your thoughts. 

You're never alone by yourself at home, on a drive, on a walk. 

A Believer in Christ or not, the Lord Jesus Christ is everywhere at all times.  

We read a sample of the Scriptures this morning and every blessed one of those statements are as true today as when written and even before they were written.

Those dark thoughts you have had about other people? Yes He saw you think them. 

My Dear Reader the knowledge of such from our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ isn't to bring about fear in our lives...on the contrary it's to urge us to live holy lives until either He calls us home or the Rapture of the Church.

We aren't here, still, after coming to Christ to just live it up.

We aren't here because of any conceivable idea we might have towards our benefit in worldly living. 

We are not here for the job nor the retirement program. We aren't here to be absorbed in things or ideas outside of growing in Christ.  

We are still here by His plan and purpose to grow in Christ, continue in the Father’s business, and glorify our Father in Heaven just as Jesus did. To be a disciple making disciples. To be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. 

He weighs your heart. 

He has been everywhere in it.

In all the long forgotten locked rooms of it He's been there and knows everything about it. 

In everything about you He knows. 

It is He who weighs your heart. 

We are often fooling ourselves when we think otherwise in the small stuff or even the big stuff impacting our daily lives. 

We sometimes don't give our all or still cling to this or that out of fear that He wouldn't understand. What a absurd idea!  

Would not He who created your heart not understand everything about it?

Take this thought with you today...

He knows your heart and yet still wants a deeper relationship with you. 

He knows and regardless of what deep thoughts or intentions you have had He's there ready to forgive. He can and does because He already knows and understands all about what you've been trying to hide from yourself let alone Him.

Remember this post today and then move forward to this with it:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:4-9 NASB1995

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 Do We Think We're Going?

Where Do We Think We're Going?

by David Brenneman 

“Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?” Proverbs 20:24.

“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.” Proverbs 20:27.

“Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established.”

Proverbs 16:3.

“The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 16:9.

Putting these verses together you gain a greater understanding of the truth of the life of a child of God. 

We really complicate life by trying to change the plans that Jesus has for us.  

We complicate things by comparing ourselves to others in Christ.  

We complicate things because we decided we don't see anything wrong with what we have included in our lives even when faced with what God's Word says shouldn't be in our lives. 

We complicate things by telling ourselves that God must be ok with it because whatever it is is still in our lives. Only we never will ask Him if it should stay or go. 

We are the forgiven in Christ...but we still have a sin nature that yet still wants even small victories in our lives to keep us from our full potential in living for Jesus. 

My Dear Reader...do you at all question? Have you ever placed everything you value before Jesus to ask Him should it stay or should it go?

Not everything we think we perceive is good for us. Likewise not everything we perceive as bad is actually bad either. 

There's a plan for the lives of all who are saved in Christ designed by Him to bring out our best for God. 

Our opening passages point us into the thoughts of God concerning us.

We should seek Him in the morning and always look to be walking in His ways. Look up the words to "Step by Step" by Rich Mullins. 

We have a divinely inspired path of life set before us that will bring honor and glory to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

It's quite possibly not what you think it will look like. 

The Apostle John is but one example. Walking with Jesus in his ministry, life radically changed at the cross. Now responsible to watch after and take care of Mary, Jesus's earthly Mother. Gets eventually boiled in oil and comes out unharmed, then gets exiled to Patmos and ends up writing one of the most powerful books of the Bible. Nothing that had ever crossed his mind when Jesus asked him to follow Him. Yet John would trade nothing for what the Spirit took him through.

You too have a great, special, life that Jesus wants for you. Submitting to whatever He wants gets you on that path. 

Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness must come first. 

Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength must be your daily go to. 

But also as eluded to earlier...we also need to be willing to ask what needs to go.

Take what you need for this path you walk with Jesus. We don't need a trailer to go where He takes us.

Ask with a sincere heart David's prayer. See if there be any hurtful way in me. Lead me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? What will a man give in exchange for his soul?  

You follow Me!

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Who Are You?

Who Are You?

by David Brenneman 

"We will worship God or the gods we have created."

Was reminded of this statement, or one very similar to it, yesterday during a service that I was listening to. 

We live in a world today that has way more things in it that have grabbed a piece of our hearts than we realize.  

In more ways than we will willingly admit, God doesn't necessarily have our whole heart.  

Look at the standards set forth in the Scriptures. 

We 'love' things and people more than we love what God loves.  

We aren't praying as we ought to be. 

We aren't prioritizing our lives after what pleases Jesus. 

I continue to say we because I am pointing this at myself as well.

We are guilty of silently closing an imaginary door to have our idea of "fun" apart from the Spirit of God.  

You do it, I have, we all are doing it. 

We have way more passion about all sorts of this, that and the other, than we have about what Jesus gets excited about. 

Get brutally honest...you likely get way more offended by the words people say about what it is you're passionate about, what you 'love' than you are when they say something against Jesus, the Father, the Spirit or the Word of God. 

It was a driving point of revelation in my life to get me to stop being passionate about sports. Not to mention that that same passion that I had for it brought out the worst behavior from within me. I hate to break it to EVERYONE but those nasty, cruel, things said in jest during a game are will be entirely considered when we give an account of our lives before Jesus. 

Don't take my word for it my Dear Reader, read what Jesus said: "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:36-37.

When we speak in such derision, such anger, such unjustifyable disgust, those careless words will be brought up when we stand before Jesus. 

We do rage for no Godly reason at all the wrong things...because of who we're worshipping. 

We either are going to worship God or those we have created.

We will because we already have in the past. 

We read the Bible and have countless examples of other's doing it. 

Human beings do this. 

Ours is to daily submit our entire life to the obedience of Christ.

Ours is to remove that which is becoming or has been an idol in our hearts.

Ours is to be bold enough to ask in prayer the same as King David "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.

Words. A some reading this will just blow it off n say "they're just words".  

Really. An no it's not a cultural thing, it's a lesson to be learned from the Word of God. 

Words spoken quite often lead to being stoned. Words could cause a person to run for their lives to find some place to live out their days. 

Words were what the Pharisees and the Sadducies wanted to use to condemn Jesus. Just words.

Throughout the centuries after the crucifixion words would cost people their lives for saying they either were Christians or that they were found to be devil worshippers. 

Words too can be used against us in the court of law. 

"For by your words you will be justified by your words you will be condemned". 

Jesus takes what we say that seriously. 

There's no "unless you were just kidding, that you weren't serious" part of that verse. 

There's no exceptions. 

I cannot bring myself to be kidding or joking or excusing my words about others. 

My speaking in any of those ways may push someone away from wanting to hear about Jesus. 

Seriously. 

Your behavior before men and women as a Believer can be trashing your testimony because of what you 'love' that's blinding you to the effect it's having on your life. 

By your words you will be justified by your words you will be condemned. 

Scripture says many times in many ways...to consider our ways. 

My Dear Reader are you considering your ways? Are you actually, honestly, worshippers of things or people other than God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ? 

More importantly would Jesus say that you are?

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 We Show the World

What We Show the World 

by David Brenneman 

“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 2:12-16.

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.” Philippians 4:11-14.

My Dear Reader...what are you showing the world in how you live your life?

Are you showing a life in Christ or a life conformed to the world so well that it pretty much leaves you alone?  

One where the light of Jesus Christ shines all the time or one where you pick and choose as to when you let it out?  

One where you put living for Jesus on the sidelines because of what you want to "enjoy" or one where no matter what people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven?

Many countless people are living the lukewarm, if they're lucky, lifestyle in Christ rather than the all in life in Christ that the saved in Christ are supposed to be living. 

They have availed themselves to choosing opportunities to lay aside their life in Christ for the entertainment purposes they want to enjoy.  

Because of music, television, movies, streaming, gaming, sports especially, they essentially tell the Spirit that He's not needed for a while and to come back after they're done. 

That's what message we tell God when we are choosing the life we want to keep ahold of instead of the righteous life that God desires for us.

Read between the lines of what Jesus has said about following Him.

There's no acceptable exceptions. 

There's nothing to be more important than whatever it is that the has for us to be learning and practicing in Christ. 

We become the spreaders of distrust, dissension, strife, anger, malice and everything else of our sin nature rather than the fruit of the Spirit.  

Again reread the Gospels specifically...no where will anyone find Jesus saying He was joking about what living for Him is all about.

Fools say they only do this or do that, in order to "reach people for Christ" by participating in the deeds of darkness that the world offers. 

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 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 5:13-16.

Why doesn't this next passage not cause EVERY SINGLE Believer to stop and consider their ways?!?

“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.

Especially that last part.  

Your deeds, my deeds, are going to be open and laid bare before Him with whom we have to do.

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

Hebrews 4:13.

Before you make choices, stop and consider your choice. 

Is this going to be me telling the Spirit to step aside for a while?

Would I be doing something, engaging in something, that will be having me not inviting the Spirit to be fully involved in? Would you be saying what you would be saying, behaving as you will be behaving like, speaking as you will be speaking if Jesus stood there with you? 

Would Jesus say that you are laying down your life for Him? 

Would Jesus describe you as saying that you took up your own cross and were indeed following Him?

Would He be calling you out as being lukewarm as He did churches in the book of Revelation?

Be bold and pray a prayer to ask Jesus: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”

Psalms 139:23-24.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

No Not Anything

No Not Anything 

by David Brenneman 

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:28-39.

Oh the things that seem to be "bad timing" that stuff of "why did that have to happen now?" is not outside of God's plans or His grace and mercy. 

My Dear Reader read on again what the Apostle Paul wrote. 

"Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"

“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, ” 2 Corinthians 1:8-10.

We who are in Christ are GOING to face both the big and small things in life that will be beyond our understanding as to why or why now. We won't understand until we get to the other side of this life and only when Jesus explains it to us.

That bad cold you had? Yes you missed work. Yes you used up some PTO time. Yes you felt miserable going through it.

But you don't see or know why God allowed it. I can't see why he's allowed me to go through this. I have a doctors appointment on Monday about something else and going into it will be cutting it close because of this.

But my Dear Reader...God allowed it.

He will still cause even this to work together for good for me because He loves me. 

When the car breaks down, when we're facing something that delays us, whatever it is He has His reasons because He is in control and He is the all-wise, all-powerful, all-knowing One. Not you or I.

We shouldn't gripe at Him for allowing us facing adversity. All adversity is unpleasant in the moment but it always intended to bear the fruit of righteousness that God desires for us. Our adversity is there to cause us to learn to grow in Christ. Our adversity is NOT there because God is punishing us for something.  

Scripture says that there is, therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 

So get THAT thought out of your mind. 

Continue in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

Even in your adversity. 

As Dr. Stanley said, adversity will last only as long as is necessary for God to accomplish what He's doing in our lives. Not one second more. 

Ask yourself if God's teaching you something in this to show you what it is so that you can glorify Him in it.

So nothing is separating you from His love because you're possibly miserable in your circumstances. 

Just as yourself what He wants you to get out of it and then write it down to remember it for the next time. 

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 

Fighting Within the Body of Christ

Fighting Within the Body of Christ 

by David Brenneman 

Many do not realize how much it affects the body of Christ when professed Believer's attack other Believer's. In fact the Scriptures warn us against such frivolous acts.

While no Believer in Jesus Christ is going to get everything about his or her life right, we are repeatedly forewarned to not go there. 

For beginners, for starters, this brings shame to the Name of Jesus.

We are told how to treat others within the Church. Of how Husbands are supposed to love their Wives as Christ loved the Church. We are told what to do if you're thinking of going up against another in Christ.

We are taught to prefer one another above ourselves. 

What I can tell you with all certainty is that the one whom you attack will be defended by Christ Himself. 

We do not know where others are in their walk with Jesus. 

We don't know what's been happening in their lives.  

We don't have all the details. 

We display arrogant presumption by choosing to attack rather than to back up and seek understanding. 

I also can provide a litany of evidence to support what happens when someone attacks another child of God. It never ends well. 

Instead of attacking try understanding. 

Instead of berating try empathy. 

Instead of whatever it is you're doing try taking the road that Christ wants you to take.

I know of several people who are wrongfully attacking other Believer's. They are presumed guilty before they ever have the facts. To be honest they would actually find more compassion in a court of law. 

What happens when Believer's attack other Believer's? Satan wins.

The body of Christ suffers.

Nobody knows the hearts of all involved except the Lord Jesus Christ.

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.”

Matthew 18:15.

“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Matthew 5:23-24.

“Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4.

“Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.” 1 Corinthians 6:7-8.

“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.” Matthew 18:21-22.

To the extent that grace, the unmerited undeserved favor of God rests upon us...so extend to others, especially to those of the household of God. 

I too know what it's like to be completely misunderstood in a leadership position. My demeanor had to change with the demands of my position. It cost me several friends. To this day they won't forgive me. Yet I did nothing wrong but to follow the Word of God in the workplace. Let all that you do be done as unto the Lord.

Lastly how do you think it will fare for any who are Believer's who have caused dissension within the body of Christ when they stand before Jesus to give an account of their lives before Him?

How will any defend themselves while facing the Truth?

Be careful of the battles you choose to fight. You're either on God's side or you're on Satan's side. You are either furthering the Kingdom of God or you are hurting it.

When we pray Jesus said in no uncertain terms that we MUST forgive or we won't be forgiven.

My prayer concerning this subject is that those who read it would be sure they aren't attacking the body of Christ...the very thing that Satan is eager to do. 

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 

Don't Know Why

Don't Know Why

by David Brenneman 

When you don't know why...press on anyway towards the upward call of God in Christ Jesus for you.   

Right now, medically, I have no explanation for what I am going through. Swelling of my right leg, a little to my left. A nasty cold or whatever this is on top of that.  

Yet in this, God's timing is always perfect.  

There may indeed be some spiritual battle that I am not aware of or it just may be for me to go through for no other reason than because God says so. 

We will go through things with no understanding as to why. Look at the prophets in the Old Testament. 

Many went through things that defy explanations other than it was the will of God for them.

You too may be going through a rough patch or two. The important thing is to still bring everything to God in prayer.  

When looking at our individual faith history we will see these rough periods and will remember how the Lord saw us through them.

At no point are we going through anything alone. Always remember that. 

There's times when we go through things at what appears to be bad timing yet there's no such thing in the Lord. 

Pray on, Pray Over, Pray Through. 

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 Danger of Our Own Standards

The Danger of Our Own Standards
by David Brenneman

When reading through the Old Testament, then seeing what's found in the New Testament...you can see lessons from the past and how they relate to the present.

Throughout the Old Testament we see what happens when people do whatever is right in their own eyes.  Even many of the righteous ones fell now and again to not ask the Lord about their plans before doing them.

In the New Testament we read in depth of the necessity of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 

Simply put there's too much evidence that demands the verdict of not trusting ourselves when it comes to what's going to honor God in our lives and what shouldn't be there.  What's safe and what is not. 

A for certain lie of both Satan and our sin nature is that we don't need to pray about this or that. That we can handle it, no need to bother God with it.  It's not THAT important to pray and wait for an answer.

Then we read of how little it took to alter the course of the children of Israel.  Many many dying in the wilderness not being permitted into the Promised Land.

We do it ourselves every single day.
We make decisions, commitments even, without a single consideration as to whether or not it will impact the world around us or us in the long-term.

We embrace this or that and it feels oh so good, how could it be bad for me?

Quite often all it takes to start a landslide is a pebble at the right time and place.

God wants me to enjoy this life doesn't He?  Yes.  However, we need to be sure He's the one we keep our thoughts concerning. 

We do have kingdom work to be accomplishing.

The duration of which is our lifetime. 

Will we sabotage our walk with Jesus by entertaining what we think isn't that bad?

Will what we listen to feed the heart in such a way that we're living lives approved by God?

Jesus said to be careful how you listen.

We read of how our thoughts and intentions will be weighed.

With respect to this...what manner of man or woman of God ought we to be?

Are we really questioning what is trying to get a piece of our hearts and minds?

I know through personal experience how trying to fit in with other's, even other Christians, actually brought out some of my worst behavior and speech.

I know through personal experience how delving into things that I shouldn't have seriously hurt my walk with Jesus.  I was surrounded in darkness and it was on me faster than I thought possible.

Taking every thought captive.
Standing firm in the Lord.
Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world.
Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.

Are you really honoring what Jesus did on the cross to save you by what you are allowing in your life?  Whether or not you think you enjoy it...will you still embrace it if it's not conducive to a Spirit filled life in Christ?

You have to decide who is going to come first. You or Jesus.

You have to consider your choices more carefully.  You are either going to honor God or honor self.  You'll either send your sin nature into the corner of you or allow it to run rampant.  Either Jesus will be seen by others in your life or they will only see you.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14.

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

Holy Calling, Holy Service

Holy Calling, Holy Service 

by David Brenneman 

As I was wrapping up my reading of the Gospel accounts and began into the book of Acts...one of Dr. Charles Stanley's comments was really interesting. The Disciples, now Apostles-sent ones, were each doing as lead by the Spirit. Even to the point made by Jesus to Peter after he was restored by Jesus, "What's that to you? You follow Me!"

We really do often struggle with the "next" in our lives as we progress in our time on this Earth. In school we look forward to being out of it. Some look to further schooling, some to careers, some to family businesses, some to military life. The world then shuffles most everyone towards an idea of retirement.  

Yet, in the Bible, the only retirement program is when either Christ returns or we pass on from this life to the next. In the chapter I was reading in Acts, when the Apostles decided to appoint 7 men to oversee the distribution of things to the Church the comment that Dr. Stanley made was to the effect: do what the Lord has invited you to be doing. Don't get into what you were not invited by Him to participate in. 

I was then considering the lives of the Apostles from the Gospels as well as what history records of how their lives ended. By no means did they ever consider leaving that which they were appointed by the Spirit to be doing in service to the Lord. 

I have known quite a few very Godly Men in my lifetime. These men exemplify what I am talking about this morning. To keep on doing what it is you were called to be doing until God says otherwise. Our retirement program is only in Heaven. Jesus only sat down at the right hand of the Father when His work was done. The Apostles did not cease from their calling in Christ until they breathed their last. 

The body of Christ, the Church, is to keep on keeping on in whatever capacity, activities, that the Spirit sees fit to assign to each member until or unless He alters that plan. 

Is it those in the Church who sabotage the progress of the Lord within and without of the Church by pursuing their own desires of worldly retirement by ceasing on their own from what they were called to be doing? I do not know.  

I only can go by what we can establish within the Scriptures.  

It took decades to see the beginning of what this ministry that God called me to be doing with this blog. To write whatever He gives me to write when He wants it shared. I see the pattern of the lives of the Apostles...and believe that the only way this ministry for me will end will be when Jesus returns.  

An example that I hold up as a profound encouragement is that of my Spiritual Dad. Mike Wingfield writes and distributes Prophecy Today Newsletter through Prophecy Today Ministries, www.ptnews.org. 

Mike began as a Pastor and after leading at various churches felt that the Spirit was going to redirect his service to the Lord. Which is when the Newsletter was born. He's been completely faithful in keeping his assignment. He too plans on continuing until the Lord Jesus Christ returns or he is called home.  

Other strong examples are Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor John MacArthur, Dr. John C. Whitcomb, Dr. James Boyer, Dr. Herman Hoyt, who all continued in their calling until called home to be with Jesus. Dr. David Jeremiah continues in his calling. Pastor Alistair Begg continues to write and speak even though stepping down as Lead Pastor. 

Our examples in the Lord show us to keep on giving our best as unto the Lord until or unless He says otherwise.  

My personal point of view is seen throughout this post. I will have plenty of time to rest when I rest in the Lord after leaving this world. 

For you, my Dear Reader, you need to do as the Apostle wrote.  

“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.

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

Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB1995

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