More than Words on a Page

More Than Words on a Page 

by David Brenneman

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:12-13.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I'm told that when some things happen to us that we do indeed go through a grieving process.  

When family or friends separate from us for whatever their reasons are and communication issues arise then yes it's painful as a loss.

My days go up n down with regards to dealing with recent events. Being falsely accused by anyone hurts let alone by people who are supposed to be family.  

But in everything the Scriptures say to give thanks. Even in the times we don't like to have lived through. In these moments we're not at all liking this part of it.  

Every good work of God in Christ Jesus comes at a price. It cost Jesus everything to give us what we've come to know in life. 

People are going to believe what they are...but we know that God knows the truth. We know from personal experience that God DOES cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  

We do know that standing in the truth of God's word isn't going to be easy at times...these are some of those times.

My Dear Reader...a life in Christ isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There's going to be painful times to go through because of growing in Christ. Because of what needs to leave our lives and be replaced with what is going to benefit us in Jesus. We aren't even able to handle all the good that will come from Jesus without all the difficulties that need to happen along the way.

While there's people out there intent on spewing their lies...my Savior knows the truth. He's promised never to leave me nor forsake me. That's found in the Word of God and I have lived that out in my life.

It's often a struggle to want to put in my 2 cents worth in defense of myself. But I know from experience that it wouldn't help. The Bible teaches us that we must be patient and wait upon the Lord's timing.  

Does God take drastic measures to reach people? Absolutely. The Bible has many stories of the great lengths that He went through to reach people. The greatest of all was what great lengths Jesus went through to become human and to die for all humanity when He did nothing wrong. 

A cursory look at humanity and its easily evident that God needs to use countless ways to reach stubborn people to reveal His love for them to them. History is replete with examples of the necessity of a life to be taken in order to open the eyes of people yet living to the truth of God's word...to show them that God loved them.

More than words on a page. I once heard that from a movie about music and of any literary work...the Bible is a symphonic masterpiece for the human race...the human heart from God to mankind. 

Pray without ceasing. 

Love God with our everything and love others as ourselves. 

He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Including those times of being misunderstood and times of misery.  

My desire for sure is that the truth be made known. But I do not want to be in God's way for what He's going to do.  

I have read where it says that it's a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God in the Bible. I have seen this happening to people in my lifetime. 

I have read of the mercies of God. I have experienced these and have seen these in the lives of many people. 

The Bible indeed is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. Piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit.  

The Word of God has a way of getting directly to the heart of anyone's matter. 

If all the Bible is was just words on a page...why is it that even Satan is bound by its power? Satan himself has to obey every word written. He cannot break the power of God's word. 

My Dear Reader...regardless of life's circumstances...life's situations...count on the Word of God.   

We, I, often want a hand in fixing things that are better left for my/our Savior to deal with.  

While this time in our lives is painful...it was permitted by Jesus to happen.  

While the false accusations are out there...He knows what really happened. He will bring justice to victory.  

The love of God in Christ Jesus holds everything together.

Love covers a multitude of sins.

The more you read it the more that you are going to find that indeed the truths of God's word are more than words on a page...they are what will sustain you during YOUR difficult times as well. 

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

Those Who Try to Disturb You in Christ

Those Who Try to Disturb You in Christ 

by David Brenneman 

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.

“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:26-33.

It's going to happen. You will run into a person or people who will come at you, malign you, say all kinds of false things against you. In the heat of that moment you might not be aware that it's spiritual in nature.  

Satan and his minions strive to thwart the plan and purpose of God for every single Believer. He's also going to try to keep all he can from finding the peace of God that comes from a right relationship with Jesus Christ. He robs peace from people however he's allowed to do so. 

You may even be only trying to live out your life in Christ quietly and might not be even disturbing anyone then out of the blue you get broadsided.  

You might even have opened up and had made yourself vulnerable before others in an attempt to show the love of Christ Jesus and it feels like it blew up in your face. 

In recent days we have had our words edited and twisted to become carefully crafted lies about us. Things we never said or with the context removed made to sound like something else entirely. 

Satan is a liar and the father of lies as per the testimony of Jesus Christ.  

The results of our ordeal are currently shown to be relationships turned to ashes. But God's not done yet. 

It's been my experience to see Jesus going places that I can't in the lives of others that Satan doing business with.  

Have seen the Spirit working in the lives of people whether they see it or not. 

Lies do not last forever. Only the truth does. God's truth can never pass away.  

While the pain is real, the reality is this is but temporary. While ashes are at out feet, we take the opportunity to give those ashes to God to do something with. 

The most famous verse in the world is probably John 3:16. Says that For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but will have everlasting life. 

Says the world. This means those who openly immediately receive this free gift of salvation and all those who rage at Him, cursing His name and denying His existence. 

It means everyone who was ever born up to the last human to ever be born.  

We're to live out loud our life in Christ whether people receive it or not. Paul said that whereas it be possible be at peace with all men. This certainly implies that there will be times when peace won't be possible.   

To have people angry at me is nothing new. To be falsely accused is nothing new to me either. 

To keep my fingers out of what Jesus plans for those who do these things towards me...that takes effort. We all want a piece of the action in making a wrong right. We all want to stand over someone in victory. The victory and the battle belongs to the Lord. The battle isn't against flesh and blood. It's always a spiritual battle. Eternity is at stake. My Savior has my back. 

Paul was quoting the Old Testament when he said to pray for those who persecute you. Romans 12:20 and Proverbs 25:22.

While these people might not be in your house, your business or wherever you live...you can pray for them. You can keep bringing them to Jesus to deal with. 

I have a faith history of a list of people whom attempted things towards me in my life that God took care of in ways that I could not imagine. When people malign you, say all kinds of things about you, take it to Jesus who knows the whole truth about you.

I read the book, both the book and the Author says He wins. 

Pray without ceasing. Pray for our Leaders. Pray for those in authority over us. Pray for our enemies. 

The only person capable of stopping your prayers from ascending to the Throne of God in Christ Jesus...is you if you don't utter them. Either silently or out loud, tell them to Jesus.  

The Spirit of God can and does go where we cannot. Right now the situation may make absolutely no sense. It may look like the landscape has been incinerated. What is that to the Creator of all things? If you believed that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, that He lived a sinless life. That He was cruelly beaten and crucified. Arose 3 days later as both Lord and Christ...don't you think anything else is a cakewalk in comparison to coming back from the dead having had all the sins of mankind heaped upon Him?

Jesus knows your heart and my heart. Jesus knows all about what has happened and who told what lies they did about my situation. He knows the complete truth about your situation.  

Jesus will go to all kinds of lengths to take care of His Children. Jesus will pursue all with the aim to save people. It's when people reject Him to the point of death that breaks His heart.  

It's sometimes very difficult but we really do need to, at all times, "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.

When it makes no sense and when we only think it does.  

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

He is the solid rock on which I stand. Stand on that Rock and bring all your worries and troubles to Jesus to deal with. 

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

Storms Will Come

Storms Will Come 

by David Brenneman 

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6.

Denying the work of the Spirit of God in the lives of people would be a heinous thing to do to anyone. 

To be accused by the unbelieving of various things is nothing new under the sun. It's a regular thing throughout the world.  

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-30.

All things is more than an implication...it's a firm certainty. 

As one once said...all means all and that's all all means. 

A bit of spiritual warfare and you really come to realize that the unbelieving know absolutely nothing about the things of God. 

Spouting things with a confident assertion that they know nothing about. 

These people will stand before Jesus someday and all the sudden have nothing to say. Or if they do they will be silenced by the gaze of Him with whom they have to do. 

Jesus so loved the world that He gave of Himself to take our place and to die in our stead. He said that the world hated Him so they will hate those who follow Him as well.   

I've been misunderstood much of my life. Adding false accusers to the list is nothing new. The Apostles and their Disciples that came after them had false accusers too. Scripture says that Satan is constantly accusing the Brethren daily. We see it very clearly in the opening chapters of the book of Job. 

We shouldn't be surprised when it happens to us, from anyone, anywhere at any time. 

"So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Acts 5:41-42.

Kept right on. There it is.

We are to stand firm in Christ our Savior and are to keep right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. 

Liars will continue to spew their lies. The truth is Jesus Christ is Triumphant against all the schemes of the devil. Every accusation is met with the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus defeated sin, death and the grave. Once for all. 

In God's economy you have to go through Jesus to get to a Believer. 

The word of God says that anything that you hold too tightly to you will lose. Anything you put higher in your life than your relationship with Jesus will turn to ashes. Jesus, not your status among people, is to be your most important thing. Jesus not even your family should be highest on your list of priorities. 

So what do we do when people lie and say all kinds of things that aren't true of you? Bring your troubles to Jesus and let Him deal with it. We don't need to defend the truth to The Truth. We don't need to explain why we know we didn't do anything wrong to The Truth. 

We just need to step aside and wait for Jesus to do what He will do in dealing with people whom are doing what they are doing to us.

Jesus had already sifted the hearts of all mankind before they were born. Jesus knows. 

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Colossians 3:2-4.

Storms will come. People will lie about us and say all kinds of things that are twisted and wrong.   

In due time the truth will come out. 

We live for Christ and not ourselves. 

When the storms and rains come they do nothing to the house built on the Rock. 

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

The Lord Laughs at the Words of the Wicked

The Lord Laughs at the Words of the Wicked 

by David Brenneman 

"The wicked plots against the righteous And gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, For He sees his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To cast down the afflicted and the needy, To slay those who are upright in conduct. Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken." Psalms 37:12-15.

In recent days there's been a tumult of situations in my life. In these, I so longed to speak out the truth but those there wouldn't have it. Wanted nothing to do with it. 

As King David once said...and others...Jesus was at my right hand and told me not to speak further, nor to worry, He Himself will take care of this. Right here we read just why...the Lord sees their end. 

Many various people have made attempts at attacking aspects of my life with their lies.  

Most people do not realize this too is nothing new it's a scheme of the devil.  

He is the destroyer. He's the father of lies. In the beginning of the book of John we read that which is written of the truth of most of this world. People loved the darkness rather than the Light. 

We work with such people today. 

We associate with such people today when we shop.

We have such people in our families. 

People who love the darkness rather than the Light of Jesus Christ. 

Laughingly I have been accused of singling people out in even writing this blog.  

I can't tell you how many Pastors have told me of people after a sermon preached that said that it was like they were preaching right to them.

If indeed you think that at any time you have been "targeted" by a post...go look in your mirror and examine your heart. God's the one trying to get your attention it has nothing to do with me personally. 

My only desire is to point people to Jesus or get them to return to Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less. 

The other day we covered the point that God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap. 

Nobody lives a life of wanton pleasure doing illegal things and truly gets away with it.  

I have nothing to fear from people because My Savior is going to take care of His us.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. In our world of a gazillion videos...go look at the myriad of examples of the reactions of people being rescued. Everything is covered from the eternally grateful to those who fight to stay where they were...and everything in between. 

Jesus isn't giving up on anyone who's still breathing. Whether they are saved but backsliding or not saved and shake their fist at God...it's entirely by the grace and mercy of God that such people are even still breathing. 

Grace means unmeritted favor. There's nothing you can or have done to obtain that favor. 

Mercy is you not getting exactly what you deserve. We deserve eternity in Hell. 

As I told my Supervisor...it matters not whether people believe in the God of the Bible or not. God's word says that those who do not believe are going to suffer because of their own sins. God has said there's an enormity of evidences to prove that God exists.  

"From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord Than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord Than to trust in princes. All nations surrounded me; In the name of the Lord I will surely cut them off. They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me; In the name of the Lord I will surely cut them off. They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished as a fire of thorns; In the name of the Lord I will surely cut them off. You pushed me violently so that I was falling, But the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation." Psalms 118:5-14.

Who fights for His children? The Lord does. Who would you want in your life, your corner? Jesus Christ the Righteous King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

That's my King...as another preacher once asked...do you know Him?   

I have never lived a part of my life out from under the umbrella of God's protection. I have talked to people who have willingly stepped away from Jesus and the protection He provided...and they to this day shudder at the thought. It's a place they never want to experience again. 

While it may appear that the wicked are prospering...the Lord knows their end from their beginning. 

I really can tell you of my faith history of people whom attempted to do me wrong or did...and the results of my Savior dealing with them in ways nobody saw coming. 

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Matthew 5:44-45. 

Jesus is waiting yes for many to come to Him for salvation. 

Jesus IS also active and working in the lives of Believers and the unbelieving in this world. 

He weighs the hearts. All 8 plus billion people all at once of this world. Right now. Including yours. 

Do you pray for those who mistreat you? You should. 

Do you pray for those who persecute you? You should. 

I do pray for those who speak ill of me and know that they cannot stop my prayers. My prayers include bringing them low. Removing everything from their lives that's keeping them from a right relationship with Jesus.  

Jesus tells me He's got this...this situation. Not just this situation but has had every single situation of my entire life. 

God is not mocked whatever man sows he will reap. The Lord laughs at the wicked. The Day of the Lord is coming soon.

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

God is Not Mocked

God is Not Mocked

by David Brenneman 

Statistically speaking this blog has surpassed my dreams as to its scope and outreach. As of yesterday over 900,000 views globally. At least 84 countries. 

"So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11.

Meeting with my Savior each morning like this has always been a special time for me. The hour is usually very early but the benefits are out of this world. I have no idea what the Kingdom impact of it is. Sometimes God uses my personal experiences to add to what's written or He lays a person or people on my heart to include in the message. I write whatever I am directed to write. It is what it is. All I know is to God be the glory great things He has done. So loved He the world that He gave us His Son. Who yielded His life an atonement for sin and opened the lifegate that all may come in. Praise the Lord Praise the Lord!

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You." Psalms 139:13-18.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." Psalms 139:23-24.

Have been hearing people claiming that there's not enough evidence to prove that God exists to them.  

I am saddened and laughing to myself at the same time. Saddened because it's right there in front of them and bits and pieces have come right out of their own mouth. I laugh to myself because the reality they so deny will catch up to them someday.  

People may twist our words or the words of other Believers but God will not be mocked concerning the truth of God's word. 

He has said it and He has both accomplished His Will and will continue to accomplish it. 

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." Galatians 6:7-10.

Our lives are but a vapor. "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:14.

What will you really do to live, to truly live?

People mock God and deny His existence yet they are firm in their own conviction thar demons are real and evil exists! Demons believe that God is real and they shudder...they tremble...because they KNOW. 

Good and evil, right and wrong, are constructs of a morality standard first written in the Bible.  

Contrary to popular use, God's name isn't a swear word. Each and every single time God's name is used in vain its documented by God. He knows your beginning from your end. He has already seen your entire life before you had ever been a glint in your father's eye or your mother's desire to be.

My Dear Reader you are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

If whatever you might have read feels like it's been too personal to you in any of these blog posts...that's because Jesus is a PERSONAL Savior! His desire is for all to be saved! By His definition this includes you my Dear Friend. 

FAITH comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 

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.

Doing life apart from Jesus is oh so incredibly hard and difficult! It doesn't have to be that way!

You'll never get away with a single thing before God who sees everything. Abraham's concubine after Jesus came to her in the wilderness said "You are the God who sees". The wilderness...she was away from everyone and everything and Jesus still came straight to her. 

The Bible says that our sins will find us out. Do illegal things and you'll get caught. It's not a matter of if but when. God will not be mocked. Whatever you sow you will reap.  

Dr. Charles Stanley said that we reap what we sow more than we sow much later than we sow.  

You and I and everyone who has ever lived will stand before Jesus either as one of His saved Children of God or as condemned people soon to be put in the lake of fire for all eternity. 

What you have or own or may have lost doesn't matter more than answering the question of whether or not Jesus is the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. 

Whatever we sow we will reap. 

God will not be mocked. 

You cannot deny belief in someone without first believing the existence in the first place.  

Jesus is waiting at the doors of millions of people's hearts.

Waiting for them to open that door to invite Him in to be their personal Lord and Savior. To be the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives.

Take time to either take that invitation seriously for yourself personally or if you are already saved...pick someone to pray for that they would invite Jesus into their lives to be their Savior. 

Time is running out. Jesus is going to return and take with Him all who have believed on His Name. Men, women and children will vanish in the twinkling, the blink of an eye. No warnings at all to be seen by anyone.  

The god of this world will assert himself and will take whatever mankind has left to itself in terms of dignity, honor, and everything they hold dear and will demand that people worship him. 

My prayers for family, friends, and acquaintances will persist. I really don't care if any are mad at me now. I will continue to pray because my God is greater and I know He WILL have His say concerning everyone we pray for. He will make a way where there was no way. Been there done that and have the proof of restored relationships to prove it. 

To God be the glory great things He has done so loved He the world that He gave us His Son. Who yielded His life an atonement for sin and opened the lifegate that all may come in! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the Earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice! Oh come to the Father through Jesus the Son and give Him the glory great things He has done!

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

Mere Man?

Mere Man?

by David Brenneman 

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;  Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.  God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.  The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted.  The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah." Psalms 46:1-7.

"From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me in a large place.  The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?" Psalms 118:5-6.

When life isn't good from my perspective...and it's people who are the cause...God more often than not reminds me who's really in control. 

In recent weeks and maybe a few months life's been exceedingly challenging.  Much as it is at an amusement park you end up running from ride to ride before the place closes.  Only its been far from funny.

Of late its been more centered around family and situations at work.  Disinformation abounding and the truth being twisted to someone else's benefit.  Relationships being constrained. Easily hearts are broken. 

People never realizing the truth that it's always Satan's thing to destroy the family unit because God created it.  

God created us all to be relational beings.  The first relationship was and is supposed to be with Jesus. Then spouse then everyone else. 

Being falsely accused never helps in building relationships.  In due time I am certain the truth will come out.  In time I know that my Savior will produce the victory in Jesus. 

Could a defense by me be mounted?  Maybe.  But when the Spirit says to let it go...that I would be casting pearls before swine...it means to drop it.  

The interesting facts are these...no lie lasts forever...only the truth does.  God always wins.  Lies and deceit will always be found out.  Those in the darkness hate the light of Christ.  

Mere man...means that there's no real significance to be given to those who falsely accuse...to those who wrap themselves in self-centeredness and trample on others.  All who oppose Jesus lose.

Those stuck in that mirey mud and clay of lies and twisted truths can never understand the truth because of the darkness they embrace so much.  

My prayers will continue for all involved.  When I could have spoken a defense...I felt my Savior's hand on my shoulder telling me not to...that He will take care of this.  I am His child and it's His responsibility.  That honestly was both comforting and difficult.  I really wanted to say something.  

That's when I honestly shuddered...but not for myself. 

"It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31.

Why all of this?  We may never know.  We do know that God is God and we are not.  He doesn't have to nor need to explain Himself.  

I fear that which I have thought will come to pass concerning such people.  

My days continue.  Our lives go on. 

Prayers cannot be stopped anymore than we can stop breathing.  The world hasn't stopped turning.  Jesus is still on the Throne.  

Faith history shows me that Jesus wins every single time. 

What can mere man do to me?  What can anyone do to thwart the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Absolutely nothing. 

God brings many things into the lives of specific Believers because at that point in their growth in Christ they can handle the challenge.  Nothing reaches any Believer that hasn't passed through the hands of Jesus Christ first.  

Jesus said that we are in His hands. 

So don't give up hope.  Don't give into what looks like an impossible situation as being hopeless.  Hope only ends when someone stops breathing.  The Bible says that the comfort we have been given we will use to comfort someone else who needs it.  Pray without ceasing.  The Bible also says that Jesus is near to the broken-hearted.  He was a man of sorrows well acquainted with grief.  

We who are in Christ have a Savior who understands our hearts and will fight for us. 

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

Things We Only Think We Hide

Things We Only Think We Hide

by David Brenneman 

"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops. “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. “And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him. When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:2-12.

Hiding from the truth will never make that truth go away nor will it cause it to become any less true. 

Denying the truth of a need for salvation in Christ Jesus alone will never negate that truth. 

Believing lies, no matter how often repeated nor from whatever supposed trusted source, will never make those lies a single truth. 

Our world teaches children who later often become adults to use lies to bring about their own desired results. None of this is a surprise or should be a surprise to those who are saved already. Jesus said that Satan is a liar and the father of lies. 

In my life I have heard many a Preacher say that we ought to always have our Bibles at the ready to verify for ourselves what is being preached that day. 

Lies are potent but never all powerful. The Spirit of God cuts through all lies like a hot knife through butter. More often than not even faster than that.

All lies have no trouble being said.

All liars hate being challenged by the truth of God.  

We were given choice by the work of Jesus Christ at the cross of calvary. Choice to come to Him and receive salvation or to reject Him and the free gift thereof. 

We choose most of our paths in life. As Sovereign as the Lord Jesus Christ is...there are times and places where people are allowed to do certain things and other times when He intervenes to prevent actions. There's no living strictly by chance.  

We just think that luck happens.

We just think that karma happens. 

Neither exists in the reality of God's word.  

People will only appear to get away with things that they do. Nothing done by anyone will ever surprise God.  

Prayer can, and will, go where people don't want it to go who have things to hide. 

Likewise prayer will create ways where there were none towards reconciliation and healing of relationships. 

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16.

The Word of God, the Word of Truth, will accomplish everything that Jesus said. Every single knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Every single person will have their own moment before Jesus to give an account of their lives before Him. Either as Lord and Savior or as Judge.  

Scripture says that He knows our thoughts and intentions. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

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

"Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord." Jeremiah 23:24.

"Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways!" Haggai 1:7.

"Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, “Consider your ways!" Haggai 1:5.

We can choose ignorance but that will do nothing to negate the truth of God's word. 

My Dear Reader, you cannot stop God from being God. Your ways and your thoughts are ever before Jesus at all times!  

Anger, rage, bitterness, all do nothing but cloud our judgment.  

"The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good. The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men To see if there are any who understand, Who seek after God. They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one. Do all the workers of wickedness not know, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And do not call upon the Lord? There they are in great dread, For God is with the righteous generation. You would put to shame the counsel of the afflicted, But the Lord is his refuge." Psalms 14:1-6.

Turn aside to the truth. God's truth. Not your truth not your husband's, your wife's, your children's your best friend's your bosses your manager's anyone’s truth.  

Sadly it often takes the taking of a life for truth to burn through the lies that a person lives in. 

People who have embraced the darkness rather than the Light of Jesus Christ will always stumble through life making up excuses for what is or isn't in their lives.  

My prayer to all is to get right with Jesus and ask Him to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. Realize the truth that there is coming a day when everything will be revealed. 

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