Imminent Return

Imminent Return 

by David Brenneman 

Jesus indeed is returning before the Great Tribulation as described in the Bible. 

Many various denominations have something such as this, borrowed from the Grace Brethren Church's Statement of Faith.

"The personal, visible and imminent return of Christ to remove His Church from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) before the tribulation (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Revelation 3:10) and afterward to descend with the Church to establish His millennial kingdom upon the earth (Revelation 19:11-20:6)."

There's the Scriptures to point to within.  When we lived in our old hometown, the various Baptist churches we went to shared a similar statement. 

Some today are trying to bear false witness in teaching that Christ Jesus returning before the Great Tribulation is itself a falsehood.  

Let's read those passages above. 

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NASB 

"and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is, Jesus who rescues us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:10

"Because you have kept My word of perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth." Revelation 3:10 NASB 

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great feast of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, both free and slaves, and small and great.”

And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies, assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse, and against His army.

And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire, which burns with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.

Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years." Revelation 19:11-20:6 NASB 

We also read this: "Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." Romans 1:1-2 NASB 

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NASB "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,"

Indeed we seek His return at any moment, no differently than the early Church. They lived and worked as though Christ could return at any time. 

Satan would love people to live life as though Jesus wasn't coming back.  To just live as though there's no reason to believe.  To live as those who have no hope. 

We live as people expectant. Read the parables where Jesus taught of the King returning.  Jesus presented those parables with the idea in mind to be ready. Be prepared.  

I do believe in the imminent return of Christ Jesus.  I do believe that the Church will not face the Great Tribulation that is coming. The Great Tribulation is about Israel, not the Church. It's the 70th week of Daniel the prophet.  The week of years that has not happened yet. 

The 7 year Great Tribulation is to do with completing things in regards to Israel.  It's Isreal that is to go through what's to happen. Not the Church.  The Church is the grafted in branch to the vine that is Christ Jesus.  It will be removed and Israel put back.  Satan's last great push to try to fight God will happen during those 7 years. 

Jesus mentions entering into His rest. Hebrews chapter 4.  Be sure of the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.  Be sure of it and we indeed will enter into His rest.  

Because of the sensationalism of today's media many point to the things in this world in saying we are in the midst of the Tribulation.  No, not even close.  We are in the midst of troubles.  Not the same thing.  Jesus said that in this world we would have tribulations, have troubles.  But our scope isn't His.  Jesus uses the troubles and tribulations of this world in which we live to cause us growth in Christ Jesus.  But to be of good cheer He has overcome the world.  

The Great Tribulation is full of supernatural judgments of God.  Things totally unexplained by mankind through truth that will be lied about by Satan.

Once the Judgments start, they will continue for the 7 years. No breaks other than what is outlined in Revelation. 

We have not seen Iran, Turkey and Russia form a coalition to attack Israel with overwhelming numbers.  We have not seen the remotest beginning of the Great Tribulation. 

The important thing is to be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus. 

For those in Christ Jesus who are saved its to be found by Him doing that which we were placed in the body of Christ to be doing. 

For the Church to be going therefore to make Disciples of all nations. The Great Commission. 

For those who claim the name of Jesus Christ to be living a life that reflects that.

To be ready.  Jesus taught parables of the Bridesmaids. Being ready because they knew not when the Groom was to come.

I find it interesting that most people in weddings tend to be awaiting the Bride to come into the ceremony.  Scripture seems to point to the awaiting the Groom who is Christ Jesus. 

Jesus says that many false teachers will arise in the last days. We certainly don't need to look far to find them streaming online, on radio and television. Making YouTube videos that try to say things, twisting Scripture, to deny the Rapture of the Church. 

I am ready for Jesus to return. Are you?

Are you sure of the gift of salvation in your life?

Are you living your life in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven?

We who are in Christ are here for a purpose.  It's to point people to Jesus for salvation by our lives lived for Jesus. 

We indeed will face troubles. But Jesus says that we will. The world isn't liking the Gospel message. That sin has a penalty that must be addressed. That a single sin that we are born with will prevent us from entering into Heaven. That we need a Savior who is Christ the Lord. That We need Jesus to be pur Savior and to wipe away that debt of sin. He is the only way to Heaven.  

Look at your life. If it's not a reflection of your life in Christ. Let today be that day for you to come to Christ for salvation. Let Him become your Savior and Lord. Be ready for His return.  It will not come with some big fanfare. The Bible says that it will be in the twinkling of an eye.  So fast that it won't register to those left behind until after it happens. 

My friend, don't be deceived.  Don't put this off til tomorrow because realistically, who's to say that you have a today?

We don't know the day nor the hour. Jesus will arise one of these days from His Throne and all Heaven will know exactly why. The global earthquake that will accompany the Rapture I believe will be from Heaven shouting for joy at the day coming at last. 

I am ready for that shout that will take me out...are you?

For

For

by David Brenneman 

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 NASB 

Just as when we come across a "therefore" to read earlier to find out what that therefore is there for...we might consider looking deeper at what a for is there for.

We often get taught to consider a career. In the case of many people it's plainly obvious as to what they ought to do and what they shouldn't.

In the case of many throughout history God's plans superceded their own desires. 

We often are tempted to go left rather than right.  As my experience was yesterday.  I certainly should have turned to leave a parking lot to the right of where I was parked rather than the left.  Now my truck needs some body work. 

We often are tempted to be wise in our own eyes.  We go through something difficult and get gun shy about going farther on the path that we are on.

We feel the pain of the experience each time we consider the past.  But what if it was God's intent to see you through that experience to do more for Him?  

For we are His workmanship...we are essentially His work in progress.  We are the living embodiment of a project He has embarked upon.  We are going to have painful times and times for recuperating.  We are going to think the painful experience is going on forever when it's not. 

The for in this verse is to look for the reason that's coming.  In my short life I have had many jobs. Some Longer than others.  I indeed know a great many things and indeed God's allowed me to learn a great many things.  I, however, have come to realize that none of those things that I have been given to do define me.  What defines me is who I am in Christ Jesus. What's being done by me should be towards my sanctification in Christ Jesus. Pointing people to Jesus.  

We have a for that applies to all of us. As mentioned earlier some God's plan has superceded their desires because His Will must be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. In this here and this now those individuals have a special role in that plan of God for mankind.  Satan's well aware of these people and will do and go as far as he can to derail them.  Jesus will only permit so much in their lives because of His plans for them.  Those people will need to indeed stay strong in the Lord all the time. 

Which God has prepared beforehand.

Think about that right there.  Before you were born God's had a segment in time set aside for your work for the Kingdom of God.

We can either deviate from that plan and purpose, thus prolonging the work He’s doing in and through us, or we can submit to what He's called us to be doing. 

Romans 11:29 NASB "for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."

This passage stood out to me in my reading the other day.  Those called of God are called for life.  Indeed they will go through probably harder times than most others.  They are indeed a special work in Christ Jesus.  We also read in 1 Corinthians 12:18 NASB that the Spirit placed each Believer in the body of Christ as HE sees fit. "But now God has arranged the parts, each one of them in the body, just as He desired.".

Our only "career" is that work that is necessary for our sanctification in Christ Jesus. 

That we would walk in them. 

In what I read here, willful willingness, is a requirement.  We should want to be doing what He's prepared for us to be doing.  It may not look important but it is important to God.

We may want to run from it, but, it's important to Jesus. 

We may not like it because it hurts, but Jesus says it's necessary.  We may never understand the absolute true reason why but it's necessary. 

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 NASB 

We are each called to do our part in the body of Christ.  It's not negotiable. It's for us to be doing even if it's difficult. Paul said he would boast in his weaknesses. He too faced something extremely difficult to him and asked several times for God to take it away.  He was told no. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB "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.

We will always be tempted to take the easy road.  We will indeed be facing those exit signs to leave that road we are called to be on.  Many have and have as the Bible says been shipwrecked in their faith. 

My prayer for me is to be found faithful and found doing that work that He prepared for me to be doing.  

We will either faithfully obey or faithfully disobey.  We will either have a mindset of "Your Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven" or we will want our will done on Earth as it certainly isn't in Heaven. Jesus said that every last word of God's word WILL happen.  Our obedience to what we have been called to be doing either shortens or prolongs things.  If we aren't doing what we were called in Christ Jesus to be doing then He has to find someone else in the meantime until we come back to obedience. 

Pray about your walk with Jesus. Be sure of your calling in Christ Jesus. You my Dear Reader, if indeed you are in Christ Jesus, have a special, specific, spectacular job to be doing in Jesus because of that work He prepared for you. 

Peace

Peace

by David Brenneman 

"

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
   When sorrows like sea billows roll;
   Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
   It is well, it is well with my soul.
   • Refrain:
     It is well with my soul,
     It is well, it is well with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
   Let this blest assurance control,
   That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
   And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
3. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
   My sin, not in part but the whole,
   Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
   Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
   If Jordan above me shall roll,
   No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
   Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
5. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
   The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
   Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
   Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
6. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
   The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
   The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
   Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Spafford 1873 "It Is Well"

Mankind spends so much time, energy and effort seeking to create what he or she thinks of in terms of peace.  Billions of dollars or whatever currency is being used, is spent every year seeking peace.  People go to movies to essentially forget about life for a while.  Some immerse in physical activity to forget life for a while. Some engage in intellectual things to escape life. Still others look for other means of escape.  

Wasn't sure where God was going to take me this morning until I got up for a second cup of coffee.  The words to that hymn began going through my head.  At around midnight til near 1 am I was awake. Of all dumb things going through my mind was getting coffee filters.  Peace was elusive. 

At some point in that hour I simply began praying.  I went to the Prince of Peace to find peace for my mind. 

It indeed came a little while later and I was able to get back to sleep. 

Peace is a mainstay of Heaven.  Peace is never again to be found or enjoyed by those who find themselves in Hell. 

Peace isn't found in any intellectual pursuits.  It's not found anywhere we can look today outside of the arms of Jesus.  

We really delude ourselves to look for ways to make it here.  We consider what we call rest as being rest.  Our ideas of rest aren't what God calls rest.  

Situations arise and panic threatens to move in. Everything from a bad health scare to anything imaginable. Peace can be ripped away quickly. 

In the last few years peace looked to be getting redefined.  People couldn't go anywhere or if they did because of protocols couldn't even see the people in front of them.  People longed for peace again. The peace they knew and understood. 

Jesus said to come to Him all who are weak and heavy laiden and He would give them rest.  Matthew 11:28-30 NASB "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.”

Looking for peace and rest outside of Jesus really gets us nothing. Maybe a temporary respite but it's only temporary. 

We find ourselves back to where we we were before after the movie or whatever had occupied our minds. 

My day often begins in my peaceful place in my recliner, with my coffee in front of our fireplace.  I begin my day reading my Bible. Waiting expectantly for whatever it is that God would have me write. There's been no plan concerning this blog.  It's written as it comes to me. It's written during my peaceful time with Jesus.  The world can wait while I wait on Him. Being at the feet of Jesus is a bit more important.  It amazes me every time for the last 1,400 plus posts at just what has been written.  

Peace with God comes only through salvation in Jesus alone. 

Peace after coming to Christ for salvation is only possible through the Spirit within each who believe. 

Jesus tells us to be of good cheer for in this world we would have tribulations but He has overcome the world. 

We will have so many times even in a single morning to seek peace because of the things the world will try to throw at us. 

Busyness tends to leech away peace.  Look at the story of Mary and Martha. We can be consumed with anything and everything that desires to take our minds off of God. As a recent sermon I heard had asked the question, what do you do with your 42 hours?

After work, sleep, the necessary day-to-day, there's about 42 hours remaining. 

What do you do in that time for God, for your relationship with Jesus? Anything? Are you spending any of it with Jesus?

We read of King David's heart. We read of how open and honest he was in his feelings towards God.  Can you see yourself being the same? 

Do you focus on all the things the world has to offer in search for peace within?

The Bible says that it is the Lord who searches the hearts of mankind. He knows every single thing that would bring you peace.  If we would but ask.  

We won't find peace outside of a right relationship with Jesus.  We can climb the highest mountain or go to the lowest valley and never come close to the peace found only in Jesus. 

Take a look at your life. Look closely to see if you've exchanged His peace for your idea of it.  Ask Jesus to show you true peace.  Come, sit at His feet, shut out the noise of the world for a time and see.

Where to Fight...

Where to Fight 

by David Brenneman 

As said yesterday, songs play an important role in my life, as well as my time with Jesus every morning around this time.  There's no noise from outside, inside there's the gentle tic tock of a very very old clock. Atypical as well is that one of my cats whom in recent months has shown she loves it when I am rocking in my recliner, joins me.

"When all I see is the battle, You see my victory

When all I see is the mountain, You see a mountain moved
And as I walk through the shadow, Your love surrounds me
There's nothing to fear now for I am safe with You

So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I'll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to You

And if You are for me, who can be against me? Yeah
For Jesus, there's nothing impossible for You
When all I see are the ashes, You see the beauty
Thank You God
When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb

So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I'll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to You

Almighty fortress, You go before us
Nothing can stand against the power of our God
You shine in the shadow, You win every battle
Nothing can stand against the power of our God

An almighty fortress, You go before us
Nothing can stand against the power of our God
You shine in the shadow, You win every battle
Nothing can stand against the power of our God

An almighty fortress, You go before us
Nothing can stand against the power of our God
You shine in the shadows, You win every battle
Nothing can stand against the power of our God

So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God, the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I'll sing through the night
Oh God, the battle belongs to You

Oh God, the battle belongs to You"

- Phil Wickham "Battle Belongs"

In my most recent decades of life, prayer has become the most important thing to me nexr to my time with Jesus every morning.  I don't NEED to get up this early, but I choose to.  

In my short life I have seen God do things before I ask or even are aware of a problem or situation of the revealed magnitude even happening. 

I have seen the results of years of prayer in the lives of others.  Have seen the immediate results of going to God in prayer. 

But what of you?  I used to live in a highly stressed life.  Atypical was 10 hour days only because what needed done couldn't be done in 8. Saturday's became common to work because of management decisions.  Prayer becomes a necessity. It's a lifeline. 

Oh the things that God's done through prayer. I have seen Him build a bridge and environment between myself and someone who wasn't open to physically talking.  The person would meet with me on this bridge.  They weren't talking but were made to listen.  Then, one day, the physical, situational walls came down. The relationship was restored. 

I have seen so much that can only be attributed to God's hand in things. Have seen God deal with people who were impossible for me to deal with.  It certainly wasn't any coincidence of the things that happened to them.  The Bible says to leave room for the wrath of God. Romans 12:19.

Trust me, God's plans and methods are far greater than you can possibly come up with.  Even in His wrath, God's got a clear head in that He can still leave an opportunity for salvation in those people if they are indeed allowed to live. 

I have often told people that worry is a prayer with no direction. Give it a direction...up!  Prayer is an extremely powerful tool from God out of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Perhaps one of if not the greatest of tools. Satan cannot stop a prayer from getting to Jesus.  You can by not praying but he cannot stop it from arriving at the Throne of God.  The Spirit, the Bible says, even can intercede with groans too deep for words when we don't know how or what to say.  Romans 8:26.

Some attempt to argue points online that really have no place there.  Hostility has no place there.  I do not target people in posts. If conviction comes that's between the reader and God.  Really no different than people who find conviction after a sermon.  If the Spirit is talking to someone then maybe it would be an excellent idea to listen. 

If a conscious is pricked by someone's prayer then again maybe listening to God is in order.

When we consider Romans 8:28 NASB "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." And "My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;" John 10:27 NASB, add in "Trust in the Lord with all your, and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight". Prayer is kind of obvious. 

Letting go of stress through prayer is a wonderful thing.  Taking the panic we feel in situations to Jesus is right there as well.  We may not know why but then again, in all truthfulness, we don't need to know.  We are to trust and obey.  

Jesus is always present. He's already in tomorrow before we get there. He's still in yesterday.  He's in today.  Everything in everyone's lives is before Him.  He knows what is in the hearts of every single person, all the time.  He knows every single intention of the hearts of mankind. It's impossible to lie to God because the truth is ever before Him. 

Books by mankind, videos, instructionals as they now call them, institutional learning, cannot take the place of what the Spirit teaches a person who's mind is set on Jesus. Read King David's heart in the book of Psalms. 

We indeed will sometimes see that we have been praying for the wrong choices at times.  What we ask for sometimes isn't in God's plan for us or others. It's as simple as that.  Sometimes it's out honestly selfish requests that He won't answer because of their nature.  Sometimes He answers in ways we never dreamed possible. 

Two of my "hero's" in the Old Testament are Daniel and Nehemiah.  Nehemiah is probably not the originator of what I call the bullet prayer but the Bible records him doing it.  His entire prayer was that short. "I prayed to the God of Heaven". Then spoke immediately to his King. 

Daniel prayed constantly and consistently. With all earnestness. With all sincerity. He was considered "beloved" and "highly esteemed" in Heaven.

We will indeed face the temptation to pray selfishly. We will indeed face extremely hard times. We will be tempted to go with the world's solutions to problems that really are for God to handle. Still other answers to prayer are found in what He provides through others. It's the wisdom to know the difference that requires more prayer not impulsive responses.  

The world will indeed try to say we don't need prayer, don't need to rely on others. That's Satan's way.  Satan's way doesn't include God because he wants to be God. 

So how's your prayer life?  What do you talk to Jesus about?  Is it only a grocery list of your problems or do you talk about what's on your heart and mind?  Do you show gratitude in your prayers?  Are you thankful in both the good and bad of what you perceive life to be?  We often attribute His answers to our prayers to things mankind has created.  We believe the wrong things and it truly limits our prayers. 

My responsibilities in being a Husband requires me to lift up my Wife before Jesus.  My responsibilities in being a Christian are to lift up others before Jesus.  We who are in Christ are in a relationship with Jesus. A relationship requires interaction.  He's not our Holy Butler.  He's not a Holy Genie. He's THE Holy God. 

If I have achieved anything in my life it's because of Jesus. If I know anything it's because of Jesus.  If there's anything beneficial to others that's come from me,  it's because of Jesus.  

We are told to pray without ceasing in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.". We read the other day in not trusting in horses or chariots. But to indeed trust in the name of our God. 

The writer of Hebrews says in Chapter 11 verse 6 "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.".

When we face difficulty, hardship, emergencies of any kind, the place to be in on our knees in prayer. If you can't be on your knees still pray. Jesus understands. 

James 5:16 NASB "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A  prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.".

Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB "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."

My own understanding gets me into trouble.  My ways are not His ways. Nor my thoughts His thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9.

My life has a plan in His great plans for mankind. We have a calling in our life in Christ Jesus. This calling is from God and is our first best destiny. It's not for us to forsake or to get out of because of difficulty. It's for us to continue steadfast in prayer to see us through it. "for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29 NASB. I have met many Christians who have been called of God who have been living in defiance of their calling. Sometimes it's because of what that calling is that they've rejected it, sometimes it was because of a painful experience.  This still doesn't negate it.  The Bible says that the Spirit places people in the body as He sees fit.  Read it closer and you notice He doesn't ask anyone's opinion on it. 

Pray before deciding a life changing thing. Pray when life is hard and when it's not. 

Pray without ceasing.  Be thankful in everything. Rejoice always. Remember Jonah, don't run from what God's plan for you is. Just keep praying more earnestly. 

Forgetting

Forgetting 

by David Brenneman 

"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 NASB 

It's probably a late lesson in life to learn but it's a dawning realization that my memory problems are a blessing more than a curse.  That I really ought to embrace the idea of forgetting and do more of the reaching forward to what lies ahead. 

What and who I am in the body of Christ isn't revokeable by me or anyone else.  I didn't come up with what I am doing in the body of Christ.  The Spirit places each one including me. 

My personal happiness isn't necessarily on the table.  Many people never get a chance at personal happiness after coming to Christ. Many, due to God's plan, walk into glory in Heaven soon after a profession of faith in Jesus for salvation. Some due to it being their deathbed decision. Some because the country in which they lived will murder converts.  

My personal happiness is something honestly nailed to the cross of Jesus Christ right up there with everything else that's of me.

Jesus is more concerned about your holiness than your happiness.

Our sanctification, our justification in Christ Jesus is paramount to our lives and the lives of those who we interact with.  A brother in Christ, whom I am now friends with, set aside his reason for being at a form employer of mine to check on my well-being.  How I was doing mattered more than his job. That's what so impressed me about him to reach out to him.  That's what lead me to learn the reason.  He certainly is of the body of Christ.  He's a brother in Christ Jesus. Leading by example.  

In recent weeks I have heard a sermon here at my home church as to moving past stubborn sins.  Being intentional on forgetting what was behind is a key part of it.  

What I had been honestly disturbed about in my inability to remember the things that I wanted to.  I don't have ready access to most of my memories like many others do. I struggle to remember what I did this morning let alone anything in recent days, months or years.  Music seems to be the only thing that I seem to be able to truly memorize.  So I focus on God honoring music. 

Some wonder at what I post on here. To tell the truth, I can read this in a few hours and be amazed at what was written. At roughly 4 am, having gotten up at 3:15 am, I am not awake enough to know coherent thoughts.  What's written isn't in the scope of my abilities. The coffee is only beginning to do something at that stage. 

My direction in life abruptly changed in October of last year. Some call it a change of seasons.  I appear to have lost friendships along with my past life there.  I mourn the loss of the friends and the apparent loss of some, and am trying to embrace the new that are in my life now.  

With this change I am focusing on being better organized. Focusing on doing more to keep up with things around the house. Focusing on what it is I have been called to be doing in Jesus Christ.  I firmly believe that part of Romans where it says that we are placed as the Spirit sees fit to put us in the body.  We should stay true to our calling in Christ until only such a time as He sees fit to move us to a different ministry.  We don't live for us in Christ Jesus. 

Part of the lesson on forgetting what lies behind is to do with letting go of past sins.  To not dwell on them. To not give them literally the time of day.  To break that chain so that we can move forward in becoming more like Christ Jesus.

I have seen pictures in recent days saying to the effect that when Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. 

Satan's not as consumed with you personally as you might think.  He has minions to mess with you.  Your sin nature messes with you. He counts on our painful times to keep us from serving in the body as we were called to be doing. He counts on us remembering the past in the wrong light to bind our hands and feet. 

His work doesn't and cannot cancel out the truth that we are Christ's workmanship. Created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. 

My responsibilities include being true to who I am in Christ Jesus. My role in the body of Christ is to do what my Heavenly Father wants of me.  Setting my eyes on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 

Toby Mac has a song called Move. It's a really good motivational song. It's a reminder to keep moving and not stop. Life's going to hurt, I still will sin, but I need to keep moving. I need to keep living a life that is what God wants of me in Christ Jesus. 

Just like everyone else, I too have a painful past.  Crushing hurts and distressing times. Rejection, people being excessive in their criticism of me.  People not understanding me.  Satan and his minions love to throw those things at me.  

Today's passage is a healthy helpful reminder to forget what lies behind.  To focus on who and what I am to be in Christ Jesus.  My identity isn't wrapped up in my anything other than who I am in Christ Jesus.  Anything in this life is in addition to that description.  It was extremely important to me to find what I was called to do after moving. I sought out people to help me understand what I was to be doing for Jesus.  Staying true to my calling in Christ Jesus is extremely important to me.  I want to be found by Him doing that which He wanted me to be doing.  As weird as it may sound Earthly employment means nothing to me in defining my identity.  

I point again to what was written earlier, that has to do with what's written each morning at this hour. I do not intentionally write anything towards any particular person.  On at least one occasion Paul was provoked in his spirit to write about things he saw.  If God says to write about something then that's what I write about.  This is posted entirely publicly. It's not for me to question why, it's just for me to do.  If people are convicted by what's written then maybe that's why they were drawn to read it in the first place. 

The goal of this blog is to write what I am told to write.  

Getting back to the forgetting part...it was taught in that sermon that we need to let go of the past. Part of that letting go is forgetting it. Intentionally. Laying ahold of what is ahead. To embrace what Jesus has for you in Him. Forgiveness and peace.  

I have probably more peace today than I have ever had in my life.  I take whatever is on my heart to my Savior each morning on the way to work, often during the day as well.  

Look at what sins you struggle with. See about praying about this passage. Ask God to help you be who He intended you to be in the body of Christ. He has peace that passes all understanding waiting for us when we are living in obedience to Him.  

Some May Trust in Chariots

Some May Trust in Chariots 

by David Brenneman 

"Some praise their chariots and some their horses, But we will praise the name of the Lord, our God."

It's an amazing collection of songs and music in my head.  That oftentimes something comes to the surface when either God's telling me something or is using it to "stir you up by way of reminder" as it's written in 2 Peter 1.

We need reminders. We have brains easily distracted.  Sure we laugh at dogs that in a split second go from paying attention to you, to being ready to run after a squirrel. 

We are also easily drawn down the wrong path of trusting in people whom we honestly know nothing, Spiritually, about.  Television, radio, internet preachers are probably the most difficult to know personally.  Those who write books, create video blogs, write blogs are right up there.

When you examine what you investigate concerning them, do you find yourself tempted to raise them up on a pedestal of your life?

I have made that mistake more often than I care to admit.  I've come to understand that THAT is what is meant in Scripture as giving the glory due to God alone to another. 

There's such a thing as a healthy respect for someone and then there is crossing the line into various degrees of worship of them.  

Admiration is one thing, but when we start down the path to looking more to these people rather than to God then there's a significant problem.  

In our lives as Believers, we are to follow Andrew's example. Point people to Jesus Christ. God indeed uses people to help us in our lives but never with the intent of us latching onto them as some sudo-Savior in our darkest hour.  

Some indeed do put too much emphasis on what someone has done for them and inadvertently turn that into a very unhealthy relationship.  

Scripture says in Romans 12 not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. In that same line of thinking we should not encourage others to do it as well.  We should not because it's encouraging people towards sharing that glory that only belongs to God with a human being.  We will inevitably be causing someone to stumble in their faith and cause them to think more highly of themselves.

We are indeed warned concerning to not be the cause of someone stumbling.  That we should keep a healthy focused relationship with Jesus Christ alone. 

God is to be our all in all. We are to indeed take Peter's words to heart and stir one another up by way of reminder.  To also not cause other to think of others more highly than they ought to.  

I get honestly discouraged to hear of people lavishing praise on people when it's plainly obvious that no it wasn't them, it was God.  Paul and Barnabus had at least one occasion where they had people trying to raise them up above others because of the work of God manifested in them. 

I indeed like Dr. David Jeremiah. I indeed like Dr. Michael Youseff. But as they are indeed people whom I will likely never get to know personally, I ought not take them strictly at their word, but ought to compare what they say to the Word of God.

We live in a world of videos on everything imaginable. We still should compare in everything that's said to the Word of God. 

We place ourselves in danger of putting our trust somewhere other than God. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. 

It's ok, in my opinion, to be inspired by others who have done what we consider great things. I have been inspired by many in my walk with Jesus to remain true to my relationship with Him.  I have been inspired by various inventors. Their personal lives leave a lot to be desired. I do not publicly or privately lift them up in my heart and mind.  

It's a great thing to be inspired in a positive direction and way.  It's not when we, without self-control in that excitement go off and don't realize we have begun to worship them.  That they have become something of an idol. 

The most important of points of view in life is to only lift up the name of Jesus. 

Inevitably people will in some way let you down. People will indeed show themselves to be flawed. Companies are flawed. Governments are flawed. Politicians are certainly flawed. 

When you look at your life, do you have a healthy view on other's who have had an impact on your life?  Even Paul and Barnabus had great difficulty in persuading the people not to worship them. I imagine Peter and John had similar experiences.  Look at the history of certain denominations that have raised up Mary to a place she isn't in God's plan or purpose. 

The only Author and Perfecter of our faith is Jesus. The only one who deserves all of the honor, praise and worship for what He's done in our lives is Jesus. I love that song by Passion Conferences called "What He's Done". 

"See on the hill of Calvary

My Savior bled for me
My Jesus set me free
And look at the wounds that give me life
Grace flowing from His side
No greater sacrifice

What He's done
What He's done
All the glory and the honor to the Son
My sins are forgiven
My future is Heaven
I praise God for what He's done

Sing for the freedom He has won
Even death is dead and done
His life has overcome
Speak, say the Name above all names
Over every broken place
He is risen from the grave

What He's done
What He's done
All the glory and the honor to the Son
My sins are forgiven
My future is Heaven
I praise God for what He's done

Now on a throne of majesty
The Father's will complete
He reigns in victory
Sing hallelujah to the King
He is worthy to receive
All the worship we can bring

What He's done
What He's done
All the glory and the honor to the Son
My sins are forgiven
My future is Heaven
I praise God for what He's done

What He's done
What He's done
All the glory and the honor to the Son
My sins are forgiven
My future is Heaven
I praise God for what He's done
I praise God for what He's done"

People may indeed impress, positively impact, aide us, come along side of us but every good thing happening in our lives is because of what He's done. Every lesson learned, every dark hour we have been pulled through is because of what He's done. All glory and honor to the Son. 

Not Until You Let Go

Not Until You Let Go

by David Brenneman 

Oh this verse:

Isaiah 55:8-9 NASB "“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

There was something of a phrase I remember "God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him".

We are born with the idea of thinking we can understand the who, what, where, when and why's of situations and people in life.  Countless thousands of books have been written proving that claim. 

Yet only 1 book in all human history has proven that humanity knows not what it thinks it does, that only God truly understands everything about everything. 

We want to believe that we have figured out this or that. That we have a handle on what's really best for ourselves or others. 

We even think we know exactly what it is we're going to be doing. We think that our well thought out plans and ideas are worth pursuing.  That what we see is the best it will be.

Then there's that verse again.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NASB "“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

We have been hurt so we look for, seek out, solutions so that it doesn't happen again.  We see others hurt and try to do the same. 

We seek out what hurts us the least. 

But what about the thoughts of Jesus concerning what is best for you and I?

We've returned many times in recent weeks to "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 NASB. 

We have read 2 Thessalonians 4:3, that God's will is our sanctification. That work He’s doing in us is to make us like Himself. 

Our best plans in life might not be that same plan He has for our lives.

I have, on more than one occasion, tried accumulating things for projects. Ideas that I had to build this or that and God allowed me to do it.  I ended up frustrated because things that I didn't know or account for came up. 

Many know that passage of "I know the plans that I have for you...". God's plans for those in the body of Christ aren't necessarily for personal satisfaction or prosperity or even health.  His plans are for what He placed us in the body as He saw fit, to do that specific work, for His Kingdom.  

Many of my thoughts and ideas I have I honestly believe could change humanity on a global scale.  God says no. It's not part of His plans for mankind. 

Some ideas that I have aren't so grand in scale and He still says no, the time isn't right.  These aren't the Earth shatteringly large ideas, just personal ones.

We see, hear and smell and try to reason out things based on those senses. Sometimes we even think we are doing the best that we know how.  But even with all that, the best doesn't happen. 

We still on some level find disappointment.  We want our plans and ideas to work out. I certainly would love to see even one of my grand scale ideas happen.  

The thing is, our purpose.  It comes back to our purpose.  God indeed may still grant our desires, but as the Scriptures say, His purposes will stand.  Our purpose is what we have been placed in the body of Christ to be doing.  It must come first, not second, not in tandem with other things. First. We must be true to our first, best, destiny.  Doing what we do as unto the Lord. Colossians 3:23-24.  

As an example, many decades ago, I was wanting a specific computer. Essentially for the very same reasons that I wanted one now. I scraped up the money back then and got one back then.  It didn't last long. I had no group of people like I have today to help figure out how to fix it.  So I gave up and threw it away.  It was my plans and idea. But not God's timing. I was so hesitant to let go. But finally did.

It wasn't that God had provided and failed somehow.  It was me getting ahead of God. 

I, sadly, and maybe you do too have a history of getting ahead of God. Of pursuing your plans in life without asking Jesus if they are right to be pursued. 

Sometimes we do indeed, like that opening picture, need to let go in order to find that which Jesus intended for us to have. 

What changed in my life that many things that I sought after for years has happened?  In October of last year something significant really happened. It's roots began a long time ago. We prayed in earnest to know if we should take a leap of faith.  I asked for Godly counsel concerning it. I was asked a simple question. Was where we were bringing about our sanctification? No it wasn't and hadn't for over 20 years. Would where we would be going bring about our sanctification? Yes. So amazingly fast, God worked out every detail of our lives to move us, employee me, that it's been incredible. Fascinating even.  We got moved, had already chosen a church.  Began attending, connecting, growing in our sanctification. 

Over and over again things began happening that we honestly had been wanting in our old hometown that God kept saying no to began happening here.

God's plan and purpose for you and I must be first on our priorities.  A no today doesn't necessarily mean a no forever. It might mean letting go right now to make room for what He's really intending for you. 

This is more than about possessions. It's not that. It's more than that. 

We have to let go of anything that we have elevated to importance that's not what God has in mind for us in the here and now.  

Everything from ideas to plans because of not just that passage in Isaiah but in Proverbs.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.  The mind of man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps. 

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them.  Take up your own cross and follow Me. 

God's plans for you and I must come before our plans for you and I.  Our sanctification comes before all other things.  We can easily justify our thinking and planning. But do we ask Him if we should?

We don't know what He knows. We don't understand as He understands. We don't walk as we should because we justify so much in our lives. That we might even be doing in Jesus name but isn't of God. 

We put value on what isn't valued in God's plans.  Ouch.  

We who are in Christ Jesus are placed as He sees fit in His body. Romans 12. 

We have a purpose in the body of Christ. To do two things. Grow in Christ and to do our part for the Kingdom of God. Our sanctification and His plans for mankind as spelled out in the Bible are what's going on in your life and mine. 

We do indeed have desires of our hearts. Psalm 37:4 NASB "Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart." goes easily and well with "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 NASB. . 

A modern melding of these is "God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him".

Will you trust God to let go of anything that you are holding on to in order to see what He has in mind for you?  

Will you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness? 

Will you let go of even the pains and hurts of your past?  Those hold you back just as much as holding onto present ideas and plans we have that aren't His. 

Indeed, you will need to let go, trust God and see what He really has in mind for you.