Was I On Your Mind Lord?

Was I On Your Mind Lord?

by David Brenneman 

"I've read the words in red

How You leave the 99
To find the one missing
Feels like that was written
With me on Your mind

And the prodigal son who ran, leaving his home behind
The part where the father came running to meet him
Did You say that with me on Your mind?

Who am I that the King of the world
Would give one single thought about my broken heart?
Who am I that the God of all grace
Wipes the tears from my face and says, "Come as you are"?
You paid the price, You took the cross
You gave Your life and You did it all with me on Your mind (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Me on Your mind (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Just knowing You're mindful of me
Just knowing You call me Your child
It's flooding my soul with unspeakable hope
Thank You, Lord, that it's me on Your mind

Who am I that the King of the world
Would give one single thought about my broken heart?
Who am I that the God of all grace
Wipes the tears from my face and says, "Come as you are"?
You paid the price, You took the cross
You gave Your life and You did it all with me on Your mind (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
There was me on Your mind (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Oh, oh (Hallelujah)
Thank You, Jesus (Hallelujah)
Lord, it was me on Your mind

I've read the words in red of a heavenly home on high
You're preparing a place where the sorrow's erased
And when I stand before You, I'll find
All along, it was me on Your mind

Who am I that the King of the world
Would give one single thought about my broken heart?
And who am I that the God of all grace
Wipes the tears from my face and says, "Come as you are"?
You paid the price, You took the cross
You gave Your life and You did it all with me on Your mind (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
With me on Your mind (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)

Woah (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
It was me on Your mind" 

- "Me On Your Mind " - Matthew West 

As you read this to yourself, can you put yourself into this song?  I heard it yesterday in my truck while driving and was oh so profound to me that I was 1 reason among the countless trillions of people in human history that Jesus suffered so much to die in my place. 

Does God only work through traditional means and methods to reach people or does He use whatever is necessary?  We all who claim to be in Christ Jesus have a different story to tell concerning how we heard His call and received the free gift of salvation.  In all of human history God's gone to each person at the point of their need.  There is no set order, no set methods, to reaching people.  We aren't the one reaching them.  We are the branches He is the vine. We can do nothing of ourselves.  I think on that passage about Jesus being the vine and we are the branches. That apart from Him we can do nothing. Some translations say produce fruit.  Beget is a a closer way to read it. Closer still is the comparison to a pregnancy.  At the proper time a child comes forth. The child does not happen because of either parent.  The woman begets a child that only has happened because of the work of God.  Just as children throughout the ages have been born in any and all ways, when all the right and true circumstances come about in a person's life, a transformed by the Spirit of God life happens and salvation is the result. 

In all this we find that we indeed were on His mind.  We are written on the palms of His hands.  We have come from every corner of the world to the same place, the foot of the cross.  People of every single tribe, tongue and nation, every walk of life, all are invited to the same Cross of Calvary. 

Matthew West captured it well, and in my mind it goes well with my favorite Charlie Pride song "He Took My Place".

I have heard many amazing stories on just what it took to reach some people.  Just what it took to cause them to see just how real the love of Christ Jesus was for them.  That the truth of the matter is in everyone's case He left the 99 on the mountains to go find each who were given to Him for salvation.  

The absolute worst thing to happen to Christ's Church is in injection of human vision for what coming to Christ is supposed to look like.  In His Ministry, Jesus taught us to go. Go where the people were. Go talk to them about the mighty deeds of Jesus, wherever they are.  Looking not at what is seen but what isn't. We oh so limit the power of the Holy Spirit by essentially telling Him how the Church should be.  There's good reason that the Bible contains warnings to those who claim to lead in the Church that their level of accountability will be much higher than others. 

God's given everyone a unique story as to how they came to know Jesus as their own personal Lord and Savior.  The stories that will be told by all who have come to Christ during eternity will indeed take all eternity to be heard.  

I am in awe of the power of God that I indeed was on His mind. That I still am.  That as long as I breathe He has something for me to do for Him.  That His love for me knows no boundaries.  

You, my Dear Reader, have your own story before you in regards to Jesus and you.  He said that He's at the door of your heart knocking. That if you would but open it, He would come in.  It doesn't matter what you have done or where you are.  He's ready to save you where you are.  He's ready to wash your sins away, remembering them no more. He's waiting to show you just how much He loves you and what you mean to Him.  Jesus, in His Ministry, showed us that He's a "Wherever You Are, Whatever it Takes" Savior. 

"There was a man more than a man

Called Jesus Christ of Galilee
There was a place where Jesus prayed
A place that's called Gethsemane

There on a hill called Calvary
There stood a cross of agony
Nailed to that cross where I should be
He took my place at Calvary

Now I'm a child of royalty
And even angels can believe
My Jesus cared so much for me
He took my place at Calvary

Christ Jesus lives He lives today
From sin and debt He set me free
Now hand in hand each place I go
My Jesus Christ He walks with me

And when I ask how could it be
That He could care so much for me
The answer comes so tenderly
He took my place on Calvary

And now my Lord the son of God
I share with everyone I see
I give my best my all to Him
Because He gives so much to me

Now if His own you'll wanna be
Come join His royal family
Let your heart sing joyfully
He took my place on Calvary"

"He Took My Place" - Charlie Pride

People everywhere in this world, every second of the day, are on Jesus's mind.  He is waiting on oh so many people to understand what His love for them is ready to do in their lives.  He knows who will listen and who won't.  My hope and prayer is that at least one person might come to Christ for salvation even though this blog.  It is no secret what God can do.  What He's done for others He would do for you. With arms wide open He'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do. 

My Dear Reader, salvation is waiting at the door of your heart, He's knocking, won't you let Him in?

Praising, Being Thankful in the Storm

Praising, Being Thankful in the Storm

by David Brenneman 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 NASB "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit,"

We talked about this passage yesterday morning at our small group.  It, at least for me, connected well with 1 Thessalonians 4:3a NASB "For this is the will of God, your sanctification".

People today often discuss the wanting of knowing what God's Will is for them. More or less the Spirit says to all wanting to know, "Hey, we already covered that in your Bible.  It's probably a good idea to go back and review."  When we don't listen, it's because of either willful ignorance or we never learned anything the last time.  We aren't here as Believers to necessarily be living this life for our own sake or our own interests. God's Will starts in the Great Commission from Jesus Himself as found in the Gospels. 

Look at the lyrics of that song "Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns 

"I was sure by now

God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
And once again
I say, "A-men" and it's still rainin'

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry, You raised me up again
But my strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You?

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
(I lift my eyes unto the hills)
(Where does my help come from?)

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

And though my heart is torn
(Though my heart is torn)
I'll praise You in this storm
(Praise You in this storm)"

We must choose to be thankful just as much as we choose to ask God for this or that in whatever is happening in our lives. 

Late last year I was driving between what's now our hometown and our old house.  One such trip was the most harrowing driving experiences of my life.  For certain it was an exercise in faith and trust in God's direction.  I couldn't leave the highway even if I wanted to. All I could do was constantly pray and seek out the lines on the road. I was immensely grateful and thankful for God's grace and provision that day.  

The interesting thing to note in that 1 Thessalonians 5 passage, is that no suggestion is given to be thankful.  It's a command.  Someone else in the group reminded us of "ACTS" which stands for Adoration Confession Thankfulness Supplication. 

Still another brought up the truth that most of our prayers, if we are honest, are jumping to the end of that.  Skipping over all the other aspects of prayer. 

When was the last time you spoke to God in adoration?

When was the last time you spoke to Him about confession of sin? 

When was the last time you mentioned being thankful?

James 5:18 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."

I am indeed thankful for His getting me through that storm.  David was thankful to God for facing the lion and the bear.  He was thankful. Because of facing the hardest times in his life, and being thankful it built up his confidence in his relationship with God.  When he lapsed look at what happened in his life.

Daniel was thankful and it showed in his life. He prayed daily. Look at how he prayed.  He did so with all earnestness. He did so with all his heart.  See what he was referred to as? Beloved. 

Paul taught thankfulness.  See a theme here.  He was reminding the Thessalonians of many things that were truly important. 

So let's look at the rest of what goes with verse 18.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit," 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19a NASB 

When we neglect to do the other parts we will quench the Spirit.  It's interesting how popular songs of the Christian faith are about asking God to start a fire in them. To quench is essentially to pour water on.  To de-energize. Deflate. 

If our prayers don't include an attitude of gratitude then what is included?

Someone also pointed out something that was a "whoa" moment for me.  I have read and know the story of the fall of Satan.  He mentioned today of the rank of Satan before he fell.  He beheld the glory of God and still did what he did.  He was right there with Jesus and yet selfish pride consumed him. 

We can't afford to just think of God as AAA.  He isn't there to be our roadside assistance when life breaks down.  He's not to just be a "good friend".  He's not "the man upstairs".  He is not going to look the other way concerning sin in the lives of unbelievers.  We who are in Christ Jesus have much to be thankful for, much to be grateful for.  Our sins were wiped away.  We have the very promises of God.  

Praising God in the midst of troubles sets us apart in a world that leans towards negativity.  It forces some to give pause and want to know why we are the way we are.  Scripture tells us to live in such a way that causes people to see and know we are different for a reason. 

Look at your prayer life.  If you are the type to write a list of requests, do you likewise have lists for Adoration, for Confession for Thanksgiving?  You don't need to make those lists public or even placed where someone might find them should you be called home by God.  But it IS something to think about in terms of scope. We all have lists concerning asking God for this or that but forget about the real meat and potatoes of prayer.  Praise must be part of it even if it hurts. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they weren't sitting on the floor in chains.  They were chained TO THE WALL. Off the floor.  Yet still rang out praise songs to God.  What was the result? Read it for yourself.

I was so moved by the discussion yesterday morning that this post began yesterday. It's just now being finished. 

I tried to write what I remembered and God took it from there.  Seriously, you and I, if indeed you are part of the body of Christ, have to "bring in the wood" if you want to have "that kind of fire".  Read in Nehemiah, even the Levites had dedicated people to bring in wood to keep the fires going in the Temple that had been rebuilt. 

We aren't coming to Christ to wait out life until we die or His return.  Parts of Jesus's body have things that are to be done and should be done. His calling is above family and above friends. It's certainly about our own self interests in this life.  Jesus said as much in Matthew 10:37-39 NASB "The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it."

Find your reasons to praise Him in the Storm. Find your reasons to confess your sins. Find your reasons to be thankful.

Your Little Light, Does it Shine?

Your Little Light, Does it Shine?

by David Brenneman 

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

Many know, by way of going to a church or of late its use in commercials, the children's song "This Little Light of Mine".   

Your 'light' is the light of Jesus Christ. We ought not hide that which we were given through salvation in Christ Jesus. 

This is directly related to the deeds we do in the body.  This passage is also related to the parable of the talents.  What have we done with what we have been entrusted? 

In a most profound "duh" question: by the way you live, speak, carry yourself, do people see even a glimmer of that light?

You aren't to live life as the world does. 

You aren't to run after things as they do.

When you are on a vacation you don't live life as usual. You technically are an alien visitor to that culture and place.  You aren't from that culture or place.  You don't accumulate much because you know that you can't take it with you.  You limit choices on purpose.  You getting it yet?

We really aren't on a vacation when we come to Christ and are saved, but the analogy remains.  We are no longer of this world and by all means shouldn't be living life the same way anymore. 

Are you really ready to face Jesus to give an account of your own life as it is right now? 

As a Believer, should the Rapture happen today and you get to Heaven, would you try to hide in the "back of the room"?

Your possessions say much about you.  Your speech says much about you when you are upset or under duress. 

There's freedom in Christ to those who know what to let go of.  I have been through many seasons of learning how to let go of things in my life.  The more that I have the more that light of Jesus Christ shines.  

So look closely at your life.  Shed the things that aren't helping you grow in respect to your salvation.  Lighten the load so that the light of Jesus will shine.  Lighten the load so that you can run the race set before you.  Run in such a way that causes God to be glorified by those around you. 

I believe in God! God: That's Not Enough

I believe in God! God: That's Not Enough 

by David Brenneman 

"What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?  In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." James 2:14-26 NASB 

Many people thinking they are "good" with God are going to find Hell horrible place to live when they die.  

People who think that simply agreeing that God is for real is enough to ger to Heaven are in for a rude awakening.

People who think that God will hopefully consider all the good they have done, hopefully ourweighing their bad, will cut them some slack and let them into Heaven...will find that will never be the case. 

Really??  You might be thinking...yes...Really.

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. 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.  And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one of them according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:11-15 NASB 

Read that Scripture slowly.  What's it saying?  It is saying that everyone in human history that has not put their faith and trust in Christ Jesus alone for salvation will be indeed judged by what they did in their lives while here on Earth. Every single person. And to bring your attention to the fact that a life of great works means nothing...note the last part of that passage from Revelation. "And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Deeds, great and wonderful, mean nothing if not accompanied by salvation in Christ Jesus alone.  Believing means nothing if that belief didn't lead to salvation in Christ Jesus.  Demons were created and before Satan's attempt to usurp the Throne of God, were WITH God. Saw Him all the time.  There's no hope for Demons. None. There is no salvation for them.  They know this. They at least shudder and it disturbs them at the power and truth about God. 

It's foolishness to think that there's no consequences to living life apart from God and not believing there will be consequences for doing so.  

You need to look at your eternity.  We all have an eternity.  

The question you have to answer is where you will spend it.  If your faith and trust in Christ Jesus alone for salvation, then you will spend it with Jesus in His Heaven.  This isn't just deciding to say those words and then go back to living your life your way.  It's not a way to just get out of Hell. It's not a way to just escape the Lake of Fire.  It's not a red pill to let you continue in sin because God will look the other way. 

When we truly come to Christ for salvation, life isn't meant to be business as usual. It's not meant to fulfill what fantasies or dreams we have, it's not even about creating our own slice of Heaven here on Earth.  It's not about hiding out until we die, hoping we don't get called to do something for God. It's a transformed life as Paul wrote in Romans 12. It's becoming who God intended for you to be in His eyes, not yours.

So many millions are believing that God's not going to cast them away in Hell or later on into the Lake of Fire.  

If they truly understood they wouldn't be so cavalier with their lives.  

There is a day set where Jesus will be returning.   It will be accompanied by an earthquake of global proportions.  My belief is that global earthquake will originate in Heaven, because those who have died in Christ Jesus will shout for joy, knowing full well why He is standing up. Heaven's doors will open as Jesus leaves to receive those who have died in Christ, and those who are alive and remain in this world today who are really believers.  Their souls will be united with a new glorified body that disease and sickness will never touch again.  The joyful shout of those who believe, I believe, will cross over from the Spiritual world to the physical.

If you're relying on some idea that God's hopefully going to just let you in, without coming by way of salvation in Christ Jesus, please stop and reconsider.  It's never going to happen.  Jesus said that every single part of the Bible will be fulfilled.  Not one part will fail to be true or fulfilled.  By no other name under Heaven has been given among mankind by which we must be saved. The word says MUST be saved.  Not maybe, not possibly, not one among many.  Must.

Are you considering your eternity yet?

Think about it quickly.  Your very breath is a gift to you as it is.  God's not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance and salvation in Christ Jesus. 

Reality is you believing that God exists isn't enough.  Those that deny He exists have to realize that to deny means you had to have believed at some point. 

The question of how to be saved isn't complicated.  

Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, who is Christ Jesus. Ask Him to save you.  Romans 10 says "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

There's no need to guess or hope concerning your eternity.  Everyone will either spend it in Heaven or in Hell in the here and now. After the 7 year Tribulation, after the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ upon this Earth, that final judgment is indeed final.  Your name is only written down in the Book of Life when you come to Christ for salvation.  

Consider your life.  There's a good reason you are reading this right now.  Jesus doesn't want you to pay for your own sins when He paid the price for you if only you would receive His free gift of salvation. 

But you must ask for it. There's no other way.  Ask Him to forgive you, to come into your life and be your Savior and Lord. Ask Him for His free gift of salvation. Look again at that passage from Romans 10.  

He is coming soon.  Today could be that day.   

Specific Prayer Specifically

Specific Prayer Specifically 

by David Brenneman 

"Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." Psalm 103:13 NASB 

Matthew 7:11 NASB "So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

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."

My Dear Reader, do you consider prayer or praying as something to do as a last resort?  Do you think such things are what the weak in this world do?  Does it not cross your mind at all the true and real successes found in the lives of those who pray?  There's no way possible to truly and realistically call what all happens through prayer as a coincidence.  Godinstances yes, coincidences no.

“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth. God does nothing but in answer to prayer.” John Wesley.  

Read the true translation of what the passage in Matthew 16:18 NASB says and it supports what John Wesley said.  "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."  "will not overpower it" is rightly translated "will not withstand the onslaught of".  Takes on a different context to the power in Christ's Church.  Note well that is NOT the church's created by mankind in 2,000 plus years.  Not the various denominations. 

Prayer shook Jerusalem as an earthquake in the Church was formed. People came from all over at the manifestation of the Spirit of God showed up through His Apostles.  Prayer was the reason.  Indeed the result of that great occurrence did indeed prove other Scriptures. Matthew 5:16 "Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

The absolute cure for anxiety is a fruitful conversation with Jesus Christ.  See anyone who believed Him walking away anxious about anything?

James 5:16 isn't saying that everything a righteous person prays for will come about.  First confession of sin is key.  We sin in ways we know about and we sin in ways we both hide from others and ourselves.  A right real relationship with Jesus is where that of the righteous prayer has its roots. 

As I was taught and it's Biblically sound, you want a general answer to prayer pray in general terms. You want a specific answer to prayer pray specifically.  How else would you know it was answered?

A prayer of a righteous person.  It certainly means being people who are after God's own heart.  It means for you and I to be living out our salvation in Christ Jesus.  

We will not see every single prayer answered even if our righteousness is exceedingly great.  Even Paul wasn't able to heal someone after a time.  No reflection on Paul, but the true realization of what prayer is includes "no" as an answer. 

Prayer is always answered.  Always. 

"Yes", "No", "Not right now", and "Wait. I have something better in mind". 

Prayer changes us in as much as its responded to by God.  Look at the prayer if Jacob concerning his brother Esau.  Both were changed by God in response to Jacob's prayer. 

Daniel the man of God that he is, was strengthened by God's response to his prayers. 

I intentionally said "is" in that last sentence because even Jesus said to remember the power of God.  He is not the God of the dead but of the living. 

We sometimes think that God's there to be our Butler or Genie when we pray.  Hardly the case.  God's not going to ever answer yes to a prayer that violates His own Word.   God's not going to ever answer yes to a prayer that isn't His Will for you or in a way that will be against His Will for others.

He will never answer yes to a prayer that's backward progress in your sanctification or that of someone else.  He will never answer yes to anything that will be any of those things. 

A key reminder is that our definition to an answer to prayer must be aligned with His answers to prayer.  

Prime example is death.  Death seems to be a last resort ending to many.  It's realistically a healing in God's eyes.  We don't look at it that way.  Considering that a healing is defined as no longer suffering under whatever physical or mental or spiritual problem that was happening to a person, death fits that definition.  

Also, we often don't think in unselfish terms in prayer.  What's the motivation behind what you pray for?  In the idea of praying for someone's health that's close to death, is it to keep them in this world or place them in the hands of God should they be saved?  Much different story if they aren't saved yet...which is in agreement with considering your motivation to pray.

I often don't understand many things even when praying often concerning them.  Like Peter was told, same goes for us.  Whatever God decides is God's decision.  Trust Him for the results. 

We often don't want to let go of aspects of our lives when Jesus is saying we need to in order to grow in Christ.  We aren't here to further a career, we aren't here to create a utopia on Earth. We aren't here to create a lasting legacy.  We are here because of our sanctification and plans and purpose of God for our lives.  We aren't here for our will to be done. We aren't here to live for health wealth and prosperity.  We are aliens in this world. We are behind enemy lines.  We are targeted by the enemy of God.  Prayer enables us to continue in the Will of God.  Prayer empowers the Christian life.  Prayer is to breathing as the Bible is to the soul. 

So really look at your view of prayer. 

Really look at your level of understanding concerning what you pray about and for. 

Ask the Spirit to open your eyes to better, greater prayer.  Ask Him to grow your faith through prayer.  Watch what happens.  Be ready for new things, new thoughts. Be ready to let go of old things and old thoughts.  

Your Time?

Your Time?

By David Brenneman 

It's certainly a great disservice that we do to ourselves to not at least consider our own mortality.  We don't consider how quickly our days are really numbered. 

Time is not on our side,  nor is it a friend in all ways that matter. 

The Bible tells us to make the most of every opportunity.  We live in a world of chemically infused, in one way or another, food and drink.  We are no closer today than we were decades ago in learning what that is really doing to the human body. 

In your today,  in this particular moment of your today, consider how little time you really have left.  Not to be considered in any anxiousness but just in review.  

If we believe the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible, we know of some pertinent things about this world and how we should live in it. 

We are visitors here, are citizens of Heaven.  Why do we put so much time, energy and effort into trying to create a version of Heaven here on Earth?  Why do we seek what the world has to offer in regards to what it says is entertainment or enjoyment?

Life is short. Life is going to have tribulations, troubles, etc. Jesus offers His comfort in that we should be happy that He's overcome the world.  

Life is supposed to have Spiritual thoughts and ideas impacting your daily life. 

If we set our minds on things above and not on the things of this world, what does that look like?

What does Ephesians 5:19-21 NASB "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ." look like in today's world?  Is that a part of your mindset?

If we are indeed looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ, are we showing that?

If we are indeed laying aside the things that so easily entangle us...does it show? 

Are we at all considering our sanctification in Christ Jesus? 

Or are we really living two lives?  

Our time can be at any moment.  That time of when we stand face-to-face with Jesus.

How often do you consider that at any given second you are a heartbeat away from that?

How often do you look at your Bible and really think on how little you have used it?

How often have you thought about your tastes in music? Does it honor God or is it something else?

How often are you spending your time on you and not investing in your relationship with Jesus?

Where is your passion and zeal being used?  I am constantly saddened by people who are indeed claiming to be Christians who have shown a greater passion and loyalty to a sport than they do their purported Savior.  They show their love and devotion to movies, music, sports teams, yet hide their relationship with Jesus.  To show their attachment to the first garners acceptance from others, to show that towards Jesus often garners separation from others.  So to ask that question: do we seek the favor of God or of man?  That's for you to decide. 

You really are, we all really are, on borrowed time.  Every heartbeat is on loan.  Every breath is a gift.  We were given a set amount of time on this Earth by our Creator, are you spending that on you or on becoming more like Christ?  Are you indeed living in such a way that people see and glorify your Father in Heaven?  

There are indeed dreams that I dream of what I would have liked to have done in my life.  

The reality is those dreams cannot co-exist with the plans that God has for myself or mankind.   We need to realize we need to number our days.  Need to realize that significant truth that we will give an account of the deeds done in our bodies.  Scripture is clear in that some will be eternally embarrassed by what their deeds will in fact show.  They will have nothing to show. Nothing that will produce anything to give back to Jesus for all He's done for them. Nothing.  If that doesn't bother you in the least, my Friend, you really need to check your heart. If standing before Jesus with nothing is ok with you, your heart isn't right. 

You are placed in the body of Christ where He saw fit to place you, with a Spiritual purpose in mind.  With a Godly expectation of you doing what He placed you to be doing.  It may not be as huge or as significantly seen as a Billy Graham ministry but it IS YOUR ministry.  It's for YOU to be doing for your Savior with the time you have been given.  

We are told to make the most of our time for the days are evil.  Look around your life. See any evidence of the truth of this?  If indeed you're not living life with blinders on, you know that the truth is that we do indeed live in days that are evil.  People who are lover's of themselves.  

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose their soul?  What could a man give in exchange for his soul?  

Are you more knowledgeable about a team than you are your Savior?  

Are you more unwilling to let someone insult or cut-down something or someone in your life but it doesn't matter to you that the name of Christ Jesus is maligned or used in an unholy way?

Think about your time.  God gave you a gift of the breath of life.  He gave you a set amount of days. What have you done with them?  

Major and Minor It's Just Perspective

Major and Minor It's Just Perspective 

by David Brenneman 

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;" Philippians 3:20 NASB 

"Just" is both an adjective and an adverb. It means "based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair." as an adjective and "exactly", "very recently as in the immediate past" as an adverb. 

We can look at just what our eyes see or our ears hear, or we can just seek what God's perspective on life really is.  Interestingly enough you cannot succeed in life if you're doing both with the intent of doing both.  

1 Corinthians 2:9 NASB "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.”"

Anxiety is often our trying to make sense of a perspective that's not ours to understand.  I fight anxiety a lot because comprehension of problems is mostly what my brain does.  Often "just letting it go" doesn't work.  I have a multitasking mind.  Quite often I have so many trains of thought that people think the wrong things about me.  Perspective.  Perception is right there with Perspective. 

David's perspective on life came from all the little lessons of life adding up to that moment before Goliath. 

Daniel's perspective on life came from the little lessons of life adding up to that moment before each incident we read of him going through. 

We can fret, worry, shutdown, run the other way, or we can embrace our faith more than our sight. 

The people of Jesus's day were sign seekers.  Jesus performed many signs. Way more than are recorded in the four Gospels.  John attests to this at the end of his Gospel.  They had Jesus, His Words, His Teaching, His miracles, yet their perspective just wasn't there to receive it correctly.  The very same people who threw down palm branches hailing His triumphant entry were among those crying out to crucify Him. 

I have a particular anxiety that goes back 50 years or more.  It has to do with my eyes.  At some point I likely will need cataract surgery.  It's based on a perspective from that long ago that my anxiety comes from.  I have memories of my first eye surgeries.  Real or not the perspective follows me in my life. 

Our economy is a source of concern but it's not to be worried over.  Realistically God's Word shows over and over again how during absolutely impossible times of worldly economic distress, He still made a way to provide for those living in obedience to His Word.  Your perspective might be that it's a major problem or it could be a minor problem. 

Separating from people isn't the cure. Separating from an environment can certainly help.  We are called to be in the world but not of the world.  We are called to be obedient regardless of our personal thoughts and feelings on a matter.  

As Mark Lowery aptly said in one of his videos "Christ said that I have come to give you life, but not just life - life more abundant.

First of all you've got to know what life is, y'all. Do you know what life is? Whether you are a believer or you're not a believer life is life - life is a series of emotions. Life is a mountain after a valley. A wife to feed, a husband to clothe, children to raise, a boss to put up with, car notes, taxes, April 15th. Life is life.

Christ says I have come to give you life, more abundant.

If I could put the Christian life into one word you know what it would be? It wouldn't be joyous, it wouldn't be victorious, it wouldn't be sad, it wouldn't be depressing even though it has been all of those things at some point in time. If I could put it in one word, if I could put my entire Christian experience into one word it would be this - the Christian life is interesting.

You want a boring life, don't come to Christ. You want an interesting life come to Christ.

But I've got a great scripture for you, if your heart ever gets broken. This is my favorite scripture, its my life verse. I love this verse. It says this:

And it came to pass.

I love that verse, don't you? And it came to pass - it didn't come to stay. It came to pass! No matter where you are on that experience it will pass. Hey, you young 18 year old jocks who've got muscles in your earlobes enjoy them, they will pass!

You older crowd, 35 and up, you've got gray hair now, some of you've got blue hair. You know who you are. Some of you got no hair. Some of you went out and bought you some hair, didn't ya? I saw a guy on TV the other day some TV preacher he had the nastyest looking wig I've ever seen in my life. I think the thing was made out of cat hair. Everytime he scratched his head his rear went up. But enjoy it, it will pass.

Hey, you may have arthritis living in your joints, hey enjoy it. It will pass. Either it will pass or you will pass. It came to pass.

No matter where you are in your life, it will pass. Did you have a bad year last year? Hold on, it will pass. Did you have a good year last year? Hold on, it will pass. No matter what you are going through, this too shall pass."

It came to pass...it didn't come to stay. 

Until storms come, they cannot leave. 

Until the rains come, plants cannot grow. 

Until you face adversity you cannot learn to overcome it.

Until you come to Christ for salvation, you cannot understand the things of God. 

Until you go through the hard times you cannot appreciate the other times. 

So much, if not everything, is perspective and perception.  It matters not how big it really is or as small as it really is.  As a very wise man once counseled me: everything in life is based on perception. 

What I perceive as a big problem might not be to you. 

The chief reason for bearing one another’s burdens is that in all of God's preparations for the lives of His people is that we would comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from someone else. Galatians 6:2 NASB "Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NASB" Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

This too is another reason why it's so important to know just what it is that you who are in Christ Jesus are supposed to be doing in the body of Christ.  

You can't claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus and do not do what you are told to be doing in and by the Spirit of God. 

Jesus commanded us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers only.  James 1:22-27.

So how am I dealing with my particular anxiety?  Daily prayer. Daily. Many times many times in a day.  Worry is a prayer that doesn't go anywhere. Give it a direction: up. 

God's got this economy thing and whatever else you're facing under control. Remain in Christ, pray often and earnestly. Set your mind on things above and not on the things of this world. Colossians 3:2.

Anxiety hit Jesus too. Scripture says that in everything we face He already has been through it.  Look at the last days of Jesus. In the garden in prayer to His Father. You don't think that wasn't anxiety in written form for us to see and know?  Think again. He was tempted in every way and yet did not sin.  In His hour of most stress He took His thoughts to His Father. 

The more I pray the lower my anxiety.  It's as simple as that. This too shall pass. 

"Woke up this morning with the years I've spent Hanging heavy on my mind.

At times I see
So much in me
I wish I'd left behind.
But the one thing I've learned
As the years have turned,
And they sure have traveled fast.
I don't have to stay where I am today because
This too shall pass.

This too shall pass.
This too shall pass.
And the tears that fall like raindrops now
Will finally dry at last.
This too shall pass.

Sometimes I'm laughing with a crowd of friends,
And still I feel alone.
There's a place inside
Full of tears I hide
That I've only cried alone.
But I know that He's near,
And I know He hears,
And I know these tears won't last.
This pain today
Will be swept away because
This too shall pass.

This too shall pass.
This too shall pass.
And the tears that fall like raindrops now
Will finally dry at last.
This too shall pass." 

- Mark Lowery