Do We Let Things?

Do We Let Things?

by David Brenneman 

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “The two shall become one flesh.” But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. 

The prior section of 1 Corinthians 6 spells it out plainly that all who live in ungodliness will not see Heaven.  The world certainly doesn't want to hear words like those.  Everyone who lives a life in what God has said is any form of sexual perversion will only find the wrath of God resting upon them.  All who practice a life separated from God will find an eternity separated from God. 

For those of us who claim the name of Jesus there's the constant pressure to conform to the world's vain and empty philosophies.  To accept their lifestyles and to say nothing to them.  

Jesus said that those who seek to live a life in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted.  Silent people who say nothing, do nothing, aren't the ones that get persecuted...at least not normally.   Satan's got no problems with Christian's who are not truly living out life as the Spirit directs them.

We are always encouraged by the world to not think, just do.  We aren't in any generation that considers the consequences of their actions. 

We aren't in a world that is seeking anything but it's own self interests. 

Paul states: All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

Take care in what you embrace as a part of your life.  Take care as to what you allow and watch what you reject.  

The standard is the Word of God.  Not this person's book or lecture or that person's.  There are no other Apostles than the original 12. The titles that men and women make for themselves is a self-centered self-righteous take on life.  They will likely be among those whom Jesus will tell to depart from Me for I never knew you. 

When you participate in life...how much of it are you considering as a life lived in obedience to God's Word?

Do you let things get a foothold in your life that actually causes the Spirit to groan?

In the Old Testament many times people set up things on the way to or just outside the Temple to make people think it's endorsed by the Lord. 

When you get dressed...are you dressing in a way that honors God or something else from this world?

When you are out among people are you shining as an unhindered light or are you hiding the light of Jesus Christ to keep from drawing attention to yourself?

If you're decorating your home...is what's seen by visitors showing them that you live a life in Christ or is it really a shrine to something or someone from this world?

We're to honor Jesus in everything we do, whatever it is, for however long He determines.  The world is going to entice us to compromise. It wants a foothold in our thinking.  It wants us to believe the same exact thing that the serpent said to Adam and Eve.  "Did God really say...".

I CAN be a fan of this or that. But would God be honored in that or would that honor be taken away and misplaced elsewhere?

I CAN support someone or something that's in the headlines or even something or someone locally,  but would God be honored in that?

I CAN keep His blessings to myself with the thought that it's all there "just in case" something happens in the future.  

There's many examples.  The world knows no end to the temptations that can entice the mind and heart of man. 

Saying nothing, doing nothing, to stand firm in Christ Jesus just gets our lives to toss about and be filled with an avoidable chaos.

Paul asks: Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?

Should what we choose to engage in be allowed by us?  It's pretty plain to see that Paul is saying that what we are doing, saying, thinking, etc. is our making the Spirit participate in too.  Would you really want God to do, say or think some of the things that you are doing, saying, thinking?  

Jesus quite often didn't respond to the Jewish leaders.  He could have.  The reality is Jesus could have just spoken a word and we wouldn't be here.  The world would not even exist.  After all He's God.  

We are to make as important in our lives what He says is important for our lives.  That's what the Disciples were committed to.  Whatever Jesus said, taught, did, that was it, the end of discussion. 

What are you doing to BE a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ?

That is the question. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

A Life in Godliness...

A Life in Godliness...

by David Brenneman 

"Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." 2 Peter 1:1-11.

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." John 15:16.

‭"He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; Then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?” Declares the Lord." Jeremiah 22:16

I pray that I never cease to be amazed at what and how these posts come into my mind after reading my Bible and the Spirit brings passage upon passage to mind. I say this because it IS amazing to me in that I don't know how to memorize Scripture. What comes to my mind regarding it can only be something of the Spirit of God in me. I do have to look up the full passage but enough is there for me to do so every single time and every single day for now well over 5 years and over 220,000 views worldwide. 

A life in Godliness is for each and every one who's come to Christ for salvation. A life that from the very beginning is transformed, the process of sanctification having began in their lives. It IS a process. 

We come to Christ from all walks of life. From all corners of the world. From every type of background and culture. Yet the Spirit has no problem with molding such people into the likeness of God in Christ Jesus.

The world seeks hope on their own terms. Yet all that it bears fruit to is hopelessness. Nothing endures. 

A life in Christ is a life built on hope. 

A life in Christ is one of Godliness, of holiness. It's as interesting as it is in need of being intentional. 

I heard something recently use the phrase "Spirit Radar" in that those in Christ have little difficulty in seeking out those nearby who are Believers. 

The words to "Trust and Obey" come to mind. "When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, never fear only trust and obey."

While we might have different ideas and definitions of what a friend or an acquaintance looks like, in Christ, a life in Godliness all looks the same.  

I have seen people even in the various places that I have lived have different views on what constitutes a friend or acquaintance. Mine probably differ from yours. In Christ there is just Christ. A people beloved of the Father through Jesus the Son. Which brings to mind the grand old hymn "Praise the Lord!" 

We do not yet see what a fully sanctified life looks like. We all have much in the way of baggage to shed on our way. We have preconceived notions to leave behind. We have hurt feelings to let go of. We have false teachings to weed out. We have pride issues that we've not come to grips with in each of us. We have practiced sins that we've not put at the feet of Jesus to deal with. Practiced sin that we're not inclined to admit ARE practiced sin. We have habits that need replaced with Godly habits. We have roots of bitterness, roots of idolatry, roots that are connected to our sin nature. A life in Godliness in Christ Jesus sheds light on these things. When the Spirit helps you and I to identify these, then it's time to address those things, not dismissing them, not brushing them under a rug.

In your life that is right now...are you really and truly walking in Christ as you should be? Or have you settled for your idea of contentment instead? The Bible says that He came not only to give you life, but life more abundant. Jesus, throughout His painful explanations to His chosen people in the Old Testament, tried to show them the futility of their way of thinking. We're also going to be shown the futility of our own way of thinking in order to bring about a life in Godliness in Christ Jesus the way that the Spirit needs to do. 

Do you want whatever Jesus wants for you or have you put a hand up to stay His hand in your life? Telling Him that you're ok. You have enough? Are you satisfied with Jesus or are you still looking for something to fill that void in your life because you haven't been satisfied with Him?

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Jesus in every single day and way of His life here on Earth did just that. Seeking His Father's will every day. Seeking first His Kingdom. Jesus said in His model for prayer...Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

What Does It Get You?

What Does It Get You?

by David Brenneman 

‭"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,  instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,  looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds." Titus 2:11-14

‭"Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned." Titus 3:1-11.

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26.

It's a worthwhile question to ask of yourself.  What does it profit a man or woman who pursues what the Bible says are worthless endeavors?   

In Jeremiah 35, the Lord Jesus commended a faithful family for their obedience to the words of their ancestor.  He said that family earned the right to never lack a man to stand before Him.  The lesson being that those in Jerusalem weren't listening to the words of life that the Lord was again and again trying to impart to them.  The next chapter in Jeremiah the words of Jesus were so disdainful that the King never listened to them all...he took the book and burned it after cutting it.  

Do the words of Jesus mean something to you?  Are you taking them as 'suggestions' rather than as the Holy Word of God?  Do you consider the Bible as 'optional' to living life?  That it has good thoughts and not much else?  

The Bible is, from Genesis to Revelation, God's love letter to mankind.  It's the entirety of all that is on the heart of God the Father concerning His creation. The lengths that He's gone to try to convey His love for mankind. His Son Jesus who became sin in our place so that we might become the righteousness of God for all who believe.

In this great love letter we read of the Spirit of God teaching us how to live life in Christ Jesus in a way that honors that love. 

It's forgiveness, it's mercy, it's grace, it's preferring one another above ourselves.  It's all that and more. 

"but just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the human heart, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”" 1 Corinthians 2:9.

We are, through our obedience and in taking up our own cross and following Jesus, learning just what it means to be Christ-like.  What it means to be Christ to this fallen world.  We will only learn what living really is by putting ourselves second to the rule of God in us.

What does it really get you to live for you? It's worthless currency.  It's monopoly money.  It's, ironically, the game of life money.  We live in an era that spends billions on entertainment and in Biblical reality self-destruction.  

We gain emotional highs by spending gobs of money to either try to feel better or to feel nothing.  Normal scares too many people to stay that way.  So they seek chemicals to create a new normal.

We spend and spend and bury ourselves in debt and stress.  Companies provide, then berate, employees for actually using vacation time or personal time off.

Churches these days are popping up like daisy's that only provide emotional cake and cookies each Sunday rather than the truth of God's word.  That sin is real in the eyes of God and Jesus is the answer to what's wrong with the world.

People, just like that King, tear up the Word of God, throw it in the fire because they think they know how to live life better than some old words on a page.

Adam and Eve listened to Satan in thinking they knew how to get a better life than what the Lord Jesus had instructed them to live and do in life.

Certainly gives you something to think about doesn't it?  

Are you prosperous by the hand of God yet withhold blessing someone else whom He’s put in your life to help?  Are you the Levite/Priest who goes right on by someone in need rather than being like the Good Samaritan?  Are you taking time to plant the Word of God in your heart each day?  Are you investing in your relationship with Jesus every day?

If guilt is hitting you, then good!  Maybe it's really the Spirit finally getting through to you.  But will you listen?  Those priests of Jeremiah's day were heavily concerned about the words of Jeremiah...but not concerned enough to keep those words protected. Jeremiah was instructed to rewrite the whole book again.

If maybe you're seeing your life differently now...then good!  Each Believer has spiritual eyes...when the Spirit opens them...that's always a good thing.  

The worst kind of person to be is one who's apathetic to the words of the Spirit in their lives.  Where they get and get and get blessed by God and yet do not bless in return.  Then wonder why the blessings get cut off.  King Solomon was probably blessed more than any other human being.  Yet he fell into more temptations than probably any other as well. He lost sight of his relationship with Jesus and it cost him dearly. He inadvertently taught his sons that a relationship with God wasn't just optional but wasn't necessarily true. 

What does your day look like? 

What are you making a priority?  What Jesus wants of you or what you want of you? 

Read again what Paul said to Titus. 

Consider the words n don't throw them into the fire as all too many professing Christians do.  All too many people sitting in pews, sitting at home watching church services online...take what the Spirit prepared for them and toss it into the fire rather than doubling down on living obediently in Christ Jesus.

When we discard what we are being taught by God through the Spirit we are throwing it into the fire just the same. 

Jesus often got away to talk to His Father.  It wasn't just a "Hi! How's it going?" conversation.  Jesus was after whatever was important to His Father's purpose for His being here. Removing either Himself from the distractions of the enemy of God or going headlong into them to destroy the foothold of the Devil.

We're here for a purpose.  

We're here also to grow in Christ Jesus...into His character. 

What is your life getting you if you're not living for Jesus in all that you do?  Pray about finding your purpose in the body of Christ. The Spirit put you in a specific role as a specific part. We don't choose those things. We don't choose to be an eye or a hand when He needs us to be the leg.  

Think about all the things that you have made a priority.  Do those align with a life in Godliness in Christ Jesus? 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation. 

Who Do You Seek?

Who Do You Seek?

by David Brenneman 

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God

And His righteousness

And all these things shall be added unto you

Hallelu, Hallelujah

Ask and it shall be given unto you

Seek and ye shall find

Knock and it shall be opened unto you

Hallelu, Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

When two or three are gathered in My Name

(Hallelujah) There am I in their midst

(Hallelujah) And, whatsoever ye ask I will do

(Hallelujah) Hallelu, Hallelujah

-David Huff, Karen Lafferty 

"And Jesus turned and saw them following, and *said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” John 1:18.

"Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” John 18:4.

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

Besides the possibility of a beverage...what or who do you seek in your early morning hours?

Was sitting here wondering what Jesus was to have me write...and that song just started playing in my mind.

Was reading in Titus this morning as well...and Paul was giving instructions on some things to him. What to do, who to seek out and where.

Who do you seek in the morning? Do you think about just what it is that's so important about your today that you're still breathing?

Nobody who's in Christ, nobody who isn't in Christ, is here by happenstance. Everyone who's still here is here for a specific reason in God's plan. Both the personal plan and His plans for the ages...but, my Dear Reader, you're never going to really know unless you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. 

What's got your attention? Are you already so far ahead in your thoughts that mentally your already about some task or maybe you're mentally already on the job? Are you already mentally driving your vehicle, already thinking about a bus ride or something like that?

Are you at all in the here and now? 

Quite often the lessons to the Disciples were to be in the here and now.  

For those familiar with the Star Wars movie "The Empire Strikes Back", Luke gets chastised by Yoda for the very thing. That his mind was never on where he was or what he was doing. That to the future he was always looking.

People make plans all the time and to some extent that's not a bad thing. Planning for some things is essential and critical. My personal take on personal plans outside of that takes a different tack. I am reluctant to make certain kinds of plans because of a Scripture passage. Let your yes be yes, your no be no. Anything else is not of God. 

My day today was already in the works before I got here. Jesus was already in my today before I ever set foot into it. Why would anyone want to set foot into uncharted waters when the Creator of all things already knows every atom of details concerning it?

Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you wasn't a mere suggestion. Scriptures put to music or song is a way for us to more readily recall the truths of God's word. The Psalms are a book of songs. 

A well known to many in the church that I grew up in is 1 John 4:7-8.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Beloved let us love one another." 1 John 4:7-8.

Do you seek what it is that the Spirit says is important for you?  

It's not success as the world says success is. It's not prosperity as the world says prosperity is. It's not health as the world says health is. 

It's not even obedience as the world defines obedience.  

The endgame of a life lived in obedience to God's Word is a life transformation into the character of Christ Jesus. We are going to be distracted by every single thing possible in every single shape and size available in our world to keep us from that goal. 

We're going to face some tough times because we choose to live for Jesus. 

We're going to face people who do not understand us. We all have our own definitions of commonly used words. What you call friendship isn't what others do. What you call a relationship isn't what others think a relationship is. We live in a sin cursed fallen world. We move and enter into a whole new culture. 

It may be the same language but not the same deep down. 

Just said to ask, seek and knock in our prayers. He said in a very prime example that some dealings we have with demons will only be rectified by extensive prayers. 

Sometimes it's going to stretch us. 

Sometimes it's going to go easy for a while. 

But we're all going to face obstacles and until the Rapture of the Church or God calls us home we have a purpose in growing in Christ Jesus. Life isn't about us it is Christ in us transforming us one situation at a time. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.