Separation Shouldn't Be Between Us And Jesus

Separation Shouldn't Be Between Us And Jesus
by David Brenneman

From the Life Principles Study on the Bible app: "We make a terrible mistake by segmenting life. We may think that Monday through Friday we go to work, Saturday we play, and Sunday we worship. God has not designed life that way. If Jesus Christ is our Savior, we can’t exclude Him from any part of life. It isn’t right to teach a Sunday school class with everything we have, then meander into work the rest of the week—we must honor and glorify Him in everything we do. It eliminates the temptation of doing our work merely to be seen by men when we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to Jesus (Matt. 6:24)." by Dr. Charles Stanley.

It's something taught to generations.  That we should separate aspects of our life from other aspects.  This area shouldn't encroach upon that area.  That it's ok to behave differently during this time that's a different situation than we are on a Sunday morning.

Dr. Stanley points out that we are to live in the character of Christ in everything, all the livelong day.  The world can't convince most Believers to do whatever is right in their own eyes all the time but it will make every attempt to sway us into doing it at least part of the time.

Convincing us of what we've earned and so should go celebrate and enjoy.  Convincing us that we can craft our own break from the heaviness of our lives and there the rules don't apply to us. Enticing us in whatever way works to believe with all our heart that we're doing nothing wrong. Sadly in most cases our lies to ourselves work better than we recognize.  It takes the conviction of the Spirit of God to open our eyes to the real truth of our lives before Jesus with whom we have to do.

King Hezekiah wasn't satisfied with his life ending when the Lord decided it should and pointed to his achievements as a reason to let him live longer.  He was granted an extension of his life and he squandered it and produced the worst king in Israel's history and was instrumental in countless lives going into exile.  King Solomon asked for wisdom and was granted it but wasn't careful to continue to do all that His father King David had done.  His heart didn't remain wholly devoted to the Lord and a civil war ensued eventually. 

We have a sin nature that we probably don't take seriously enough in living out our daily lives.

Looking at Joshua all it took for this new leader after Moses was to trust in his own judgment once and it set in motion a thorn in the side of Israel forever. 

We can and will convince ourselves that we're doing nothing wrong so we won't dare ask the Spirit if we're doing anything wrong.  We won't admit it but we figure if we don't ask the question we won't have to deal with its possibilities.

I am on my second go-round of intense study through the New Testament.  It's rather interesting to only be back through Matthew and most of Mark to now see the struggles Jesus faced in teaching His Disciples.  A great summary, to me, is the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".  Jesus was teaching them to not compare themselves to each other.  To stop with the infighting. Stop trying to jockey for positions in the Kingdom.  To keep their eyes on Him and to understand what He was doing and why He was doing it. 

Separating out our lives, one part from another, can damage our testimony. 

We can do just like King Hezekiah or Joshua and in a single moment cause a problem or allow something that will take a lifetime to set straight. 

Many of our past times we so claim to enjoy involve our use of our tongue.  We claim our tearing people apart for entertainment is all in fun.  Yet it lays a foundation that calls our testimony into question.

As the Scriptures teach us "So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!  And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.  But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?  Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.  Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom." James 3:5-13.

Will the words you use cause people to glorify your Father who is in Heaven or to keep their eyes in their present darkness?

Will they think less of Jesus because of the words that come from you or will you utter words that point to eternal life in Christ Jesus?

We need to dare to ask the Spirit to show us what areas we have compromised and have given space to our sin nature in this temple that is our body. 

Jesus cleared out the Temple of God as we read it in the Gospels.  The parts He cleared out were just outside the Temple proper.  The area where everyone ought to have been able to peaceably come to pray. That is, to communicate with God.  Jesus said it was to be a place of prayer for all the nations.

Have we defiled this temple that's our body?  Have we done as King Solomon did and keep justifying what we have allowed to take our eyes off of Jesus?  Have we put down our cross rather than carry it?

Our lack of forgiveness separates us from God.  Our compromises cause separation between us and God. Our lives are supposed to reflect the light of Jesus Christ.  People are supposed to see the character of Christ in us. 

What do people see?  Ask yourself that question.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.  
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
www.lockman.org

Noise, Noise, Noise

Noise, Noise, Noise 

by David Brenneman 

"But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray." Luke 5:16. 

“When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:5-6.

"It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘ Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Luke 11:1-4.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6.

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" Numbers 23:19.

Oh the noise the noise the noise.

So many are just 'used to it' that it's to them not even a bother.

But it is. Oh how it is. Because both our sin nature and the enemy will keep turning up the volume as they are permitted.  

Thus the teaching of Jesus by word and example is all that much more important and crucial.  

We live in decades worth of a society where the noise has been given validation. Been given a foothold in the lives of billions.  

You have noise, I have noise, we all have noise of life to deal with. The noise of everyday interactions with people and things.

Much of the world touts rushing headlong into life and then there's those who are of the introvert type that notice and need time to get away to recharge. Some people pay thousands of dollars to find a peaceful quiet place to be.

We don't live in the city per-se but do live in a very quiet neighborhood.  

Within the confines of my home my study is surrounded on almost every side with parts of the house that are rooms. Only one wall faces the street. Within this space, should I so choose, sleep can come because the silence is so grand.

This is where I go to do my evening studies. At best/worst the furnace is what I hear in the winter or just the blower from it as the AC runs in the summer.  

Jesus taught His Disciples, who were to teach their disciples who were to teach theirs on down through the last 2,000 plus years to us to take the time to get away with God.

We often choose things to create noise in our lives that we say we 'love' yet they're not at all bringing out the character of Christ in us.

My examples are just those whom come to mind when I consider the activities that we engage in that we claim to 'love' and 'enjoy' yet are not bringing out the character of Christ in us.  

Most if not all sports arenas are the easiest to look to. While the concept of a sport is good, the far reaching abuse of this to the 'fans' really is not. They are encouraged to engage in 'rivalries' that absolutely do not put the character of Christ on display. While the players themselves might be Christians and while they might walk in the character of Christ both on and off the field, the fans are encouraged to NOT behave in the character of Christ when you look at it Biblically.

This, particular example, is just personal to me because I do believe that God showed me just how 'evil' I can be due to such a dumb thing as a rivalry. He showed me that my character was NOT in alignment with that of Jesus.

Then there's those who absolutely 'escape' into the ether world. The world of make believe both with and without drugs to achieve it. Their idea of a peaceful evening is to wrap their minds in fantasy. Not knowing all the while they ARE feeding their minds and in many cases are only satisfying their sin nature.

Throughout the Gospels we can see the struggles that Jesus went through to change the character of those whom were given to Him to be the 12 Disciples.  

To me it was a turning point of sorts when they asked how they should pray.  

Our world wants everyone to do whatever is right in their own eyes.

The Word of God wants us to do whatever is right in the eyes of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

The world wants us to behave in such a way where our joy, our thoughts, our happiness comes first even if it means stepping on others to get to it. To exude selfishness.

The Word of god wants us to become fully devoted followers of Christ, walking through life seeking our joy, our happiness in Him and not ourselves.

My personal examples are indeed back around 35-40 years ago when I was very deep into science fiction as my escape place. Around the same time I was also really into the various rivalries with professional football. I was convicted heavily by the Spirit concerning both, it just took place at different times in my past.  

When you consider that when Believers will stand before Jesus one day to give an account of our lives, both the good and the bad for what we were given in Christ to use for His glory...how's it going to feel to stand there when those times we cut down people 'all in the name of fun' when we should have been there to build them up?

THAT was my conviction concerning that and that's why I don't engage in such things.  

For the mid point of my life we had the 'What Would Jesus Do?" bumper stickers and pins and shirts and you name it they put it on it.

It was around that time when that conviction started setting in on me about that and other things in my life. Not that I have arrived, there's still things going on in my life that I struggle with.  

What are you doing that isn't glorifying God? What time do you make sure you take to satisfy your self that could be used to further the Kingdom of God or your knowledge of your Savior and Lord on how to live your life to please Him?

It isn't the job of any one person to bring conviction into the heart and mind of someone else. Conviction, in the truest sense, comes from the Spirit of God when we are actively listening to the voice of God.

The problem is we are so used to the noise that we say we 'want' in our lives that we don't hear the still small voice calling out to each of us. We're so used to what we have going on in our lives that we say we 'love' that we're not interested in what the Spirit wants to teach us is of interest to the Savior. We cause ourselves to be busy in ways that are only for appearances sake rather than what's important. Being Martha's rather than Mary's. 

We don't value taking time to sit at the feet of Jesus whether He's talking or just wanting us to rest.

Many times He took the Disciples aside not to talk but to just rest.

In His book "The Promises of Heaven" Dr. David Jeremiah noted where every one of the days mentioned in creation had a morning and an evening and it was good. Only the 7th day of rest was not given an ending. That rest would find itself in Him.

Are you busy about your home doing things that really don't matter rather than spending more time with Jesus? Are you busy about your time after work with things that are not at all going to grow you in Christ but rather nurture your selfishness?  

Dr. Jeremiah's book points to what all will withstand the fire of truth when we stand before Jesus concerning how we lived our lives. Only those things done truly for Christ will be the jewels for the crown and the gold. Everything else we did that was not...will be burned up. Wasted efforts. While enjoyed in this life, they mean nothing to contribute to the crown we will give back to Jesus for all He did for us.

What are you engaged in that is not adding to that crown you'll give to Jesus? Are you convinced your busyiness is valid yet it's not at all putting the character of Christ on display for others to see and want in their lives?  

THAT was the last nail in the coffin, so to speak, for me with rivalries. What I was displaying for others to see would NEVER draw them to a right relationship with Jesus Christ. They would NEVER see any good works and glorify my Father in Heaven. Same went for my knowlege of science fiction.  

The noises we choose to keep in our lives can drown out the work of the Spirit of God in our lives.  

Oh we get away from the world in our own ways but we still yet choose to listen to the noise rather than to choose to grown with respect to salvation.

Think about it my Dear Reader, think about it.  

Years ago I was given news that there's things in my eating that had to go. Devestating was a good way to put it. But in time I learned to adapt and it's been ok.  

Likewise years ago we chose to not continue cable tv or even over the air tv because it was a waste. All the news has been for decades is a production number to sway people to a certain opinion. All the advertisements were just there to sway our opinions on purchases. All the political ads were there to sway our thoughts on politics and to engage in the evil practices of this party vs that party.

We don't miss it. I don't miss the things that the Spirit took from my life even though at the time it was painful. Reading the Gospels we can see that the Disciples had to learn to let go of things they grew up knowing and were taught by family and people they knew. Jesus was teaching them a still better way to a life living in His character.

You have to choose to get away to be with Jesus. It's not going to be forced upon you but you have to choose.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Eyes Opened to Obey

Eyes Opened to Obey 

by David Brenneman 

Life Principle 2: Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

Obedience can be a challenge, especially when we feel tempted to believe that we stand to lose more through our obedience than we might gain. However, obeying God is essential to pleasing Him—not just in times of temptation, but at all times.

When God commands us to obey Him, He’s giving us a principle by which to live. He’s also setting a framework around our lives that forms a hedge of protection from evil.

Can you remember the last time you felt tempted to do the opposite of what you knew God desired for you to do? Most likely, a struggle erupted within your heart. The questions arose: Will obeying God cost me more than disobeying Him? Can I experience greater happiness by committing this sin than I would by obeying God?

When we choose to obey God, we take the way of wisdom. His promises of blessing for obedience far outweigh any possible consequences. He asks us to submit ourselves to Him and leave whatever happens to His loving care.

We must remember that God loves us and is committed to us. He commands our obedience, not because He is a strict taskmaster, but because He knows the devastating affect that disobedience and sin will have on our lives.

Obedience may not be easy—you may receive criticism from others or face fierce obstacles and opposition—but it will always put you in a favorable position before God. He will take care of all that concerns you; therefore, stay on the path of obedience and leave the rest to Him. - from the Bible app Devotional "Life Principles" by Dr. Charles Stanley. 

I decided that the Spirit was telling me after finishing my studies through the New Testament to go back through them again rather than going back to the very beginning of things in Genesis. The things that I am now seeing this time around are incredible!

There indeed are things that in all my times reading through the Bible in my life that I am only seeing now. 

There's evidence of more to do with how the Disciples really were than what's generally accepted without the study notes. Jesus's comments in a few places in Mark weren't what many have thought them to be and that they were actually said to His Disciples not the people present. 

What does this have to do with obedience? Hmm. Everything. 

In a later passage we read that Jesus specifically said to the Pharisees and Sadducees to and learn what this means, that He desires obedience over sacrifice.

We can be a flavor of Pharisee or a flavor of Sadducee. We can 'write' our own laws on how we are going to live our lives, what that WILL include and what it WON'T. We can have aspects of this world woven into our lives that have affected our hearts towards our Lord Jesus Christ and not really realize it. To the tune that our obedience is becoming optional to us rather than what the Bible says should be non-optional. 

We can because our sin nature doesn't want our obedience to God's Word. It's a smooth talker. It's a literal silver tongued devil in how it crafts what we fall into. 

To take the stand to obey God and leave the consequences to Him means we will likely be misunderstood by even those in our lives claiming to be Christians. Why? Because a deeper level of obedience is actually foreign to them.  

I love the saying that I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than to stand with the world and be judged by God. 

We choose who we are going to follow. Whether it's Jesus or self. The next hurdle is obeying Jesus when the world, and our sin nature, says that His way is nuts. That it will never work that doing things that way will leave you alone and wanting. Newsflash: nowhere does it say that we need to understand in order to obey the Lord. We need to know that obeying is what He wants and obedience is what He should get. 

An often repeated analogy of mine is that what can you carry of this world along with your own cross? The right answer is nothing. 

We must realize that the Spiritual battle is real and that obedience is a requirement not an option. We need to agree with Jesus on what He has established as sin and sinful practices. We need to quit redefining sin in order to find an acceptable way for it to stay in our lives. There is no tit for tat with obedience. No do this particular thing for Jesus so that you can continue doing what you shouldn't as part of some unwritten deal you want between you and God. 

We don't bargain with God in order to tweak our obedience level. 

Remember my Dear Reader that EVERYTHING we have said, thought, considered, done, neglected to do, every single atom of our time on this planet will be reviewed before Jesus when we give an accounting of our lives before Him. All the idols we called something else that made us feel good about having in our lives. All the sins we redefined that are still going to be revealed as sins on that day. All the opportunities lost because our self justification of our selfishness won the day. 

Again, don't expect others to fully understand your obedience to God's Word. Many who claim to be walking with Jesus are yet still living self-sabotaged lives. They believe that they understand you but truth be known they never got involved in your life to remotely get to know you. As Peter was told so are we all told. "What's that to you? You follow Me!". You obey Me. You go where I send you. You acknowledge what I tell you is truth and adjust your life accordingly. 

Obey Me and leave the consequences to Me.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Focused on God in Everything

Focused on God in Everything 

by David Brenneman 

"But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold And a refuge in the day of my distress." Psalm 59:16.

    Driven from his home and everything he knew, David- who had been anointed by God to be the future king of Israel-ran for his life. Humanly, it made no sense. He was pursued by King Saul, who should have been his mentor but instead had gone mad with envy and rage. So for years, rather than learning the intricacies of the throne, David lived the forsaken life of a fugitive.

Everyone he loved or who helped him was in danger, and some were

even killed. The only people who followed him were in trouble or

in debt or ... were just discontented" (1 Samuel 22:2 NLT).

    So how could David wake up in the morning with praise in his heart? As a boy in the sheep fields, he wrote and sang songs of

worship and praise to God. And as he fled, those hymns- which today comprise much of the book of Psalms-rose within him as a constant reminder of the Lord's closeness, protection, and deliverance. Had David fixated on his circumstances, he would have

become hopelessly discouraged. But instead he focused on God's

love and promises and received the encouragement he needed to

persevere and honor the Lord in all he did.

Jesus, help me to focus on You and praise You in every situation. Amen.

Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley. 

Distractions distractions distractions everybody deals with distractions. Sinful tendencies and temptations within and the effects of the outpouring of the hearts of those around us.  

We can have people in our lives that are no different than those whom Job had in his. We can have just those of the world in our lives. We can be inundated by subtle and subliminal messages. We can be certain that we are going to have these to deal with. Yet in our examples in the Gospels from our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ...take the time to get away with Him. 

We are going to be tempted to lean on our own understanding in situations in life. We're going to get told how our lives should be by well meaning people and by those who have no vested interest in our success but rather their own peace of mind. It's the way of our world. 

King David knew of the need to praise God anyway. When he was at rest, when people chased him. When things were going wrong as well as when they were going right. 

We can be so fixated on a situation that we can't see beyond it. That's a prime example of a situation that doesn't belong in our hands. 

We can give this and every situation into God's hands to resolve but take care as to not take it back.  

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7.

Dr. Stanley's life Principle #2 "Obey God and leave the consequences to Him" comes to mind as well.  

We cannot pray for God to provide and then be impatient about His timing for doing so. We cannot permit frustration between ourselves and God. We are indeed to follow this other principle of life "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.

My Friend do not get ahead of God's plan for you. Do not run ahead of Jesus. We run this race called life by being along side of Jesus. As a friend has correctly pointed out to our Saturday group...in any race with Jesus who will always win?

Our focus must stay on where Jesus is, what He is doing, where He is leading. Not on the storms going on around us. Those storms cannot deter the will of God for us in Christ Jesus. The storms are going to be there in our lives but Jesus is always also going to be there too. That's His promise. 

Pray that your eyes stay on Jesus and to seek Him in the morning every day. Seek Him throughout the day. Thank Him at the end of every day.  

Has Jesus ever broken a promise? Why live as though today will be the day when that's to happen?  

Stand firm in the Lord. Keep your eyes focused on Him in your life. 

Run the race set before you with Jesus. Things will be ok.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org

Yes in Everything: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Yes in Everything: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly 

by David Brenneman 

"always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" Ephesians 5:20.

    As we read the word everything in today's verse, it may trouble us. Does God really mean we're to give thanks in all things, or can we make a few exceptions? But understand that the man who wrote this passage was a man who knew what it meant to be hungry, betrayed, imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked, persecuted, and left for dead. He suffered all kinds of difficulties and heartaches. Yet the apostle Paul declared we are to give thanks in everything That includes the good things that we enjoy--the health, friends, promotions, and blessings. But it also involves the painful things --sickness, disappointment, criticism, mistreatment, trials, temptations, and the loss of loved ones.

    Why are we to give thanks? Because when we express our gratefulness, we acknowledge the sovereignty and wisdom of God.

He's in control of everything we face and can take whatever we

experience and transform it for our good and His glory. You may

not understand how or why; you're simply to trust that He can.

Because in every difficulty there's an opportunity to learn essential

spiritual lessons that will strengthen your relationship with Jesus, transform your character, and fit you for service. So stay close to God, have faith, and praise Him for all of it. 

Jesus, I will thank You even when I don't understand. Amen. (From Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley).

It's really summed up in obedience to God's Word. "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. Add in Jesus's words to take up your own cross and follow Him you have your choices of things reduced to two. Your understanding and trusting in God's plan and purpose for your life. When we go with the second one we're going to face things in ways we never saw coming and understandably so they probably won't be comfortable things. 

Yet we are to still give thanks.  

Where we really mess things up and really struggle is when in our own understanding we get ahead of God. Then being thankful in all things gets more difficult because we know we are the ones who messed up and did something in a panic and embarrassment naturally follows. 

In Job's life and trials of his life that we read...3 of his 4 best friends were rebuked by the Lord for their advice to Job. Their understanding wasn't what was right and true. 

Giving thanks for being made to take a detour? Yes.

Giving thanks when the answer is no to a job you sought after? Yes.

Giving thanks when life is good? Yes.

Giving thanks when disaster strikes? Yes.

Giving thanks when...the answer, according to the Scriptures is a resounding yes.

We want to understand things. The who, what, where, how and why's. 

Yet in several places in the Scriptures, easily noted in the book of Daniel, our understanding at the time isn't of particular importance. 

Just don't get ahead of God's plan for you. That's how we end up going down roads that make it difficult to remember to be thankful. 

It's odd in a way that I always see people posts on LinkedIn where the picture says to remember to thank God for your answer to prayer for your new job.  

When my new one is ready, in God's timing, I certainly will be thanking God. I am already thanking Him ahead of time for what He is preparing for me.  

Further too...and this comes from a hard lesson learned...don't get ahead of God. You're going to be tempted to take a different road from God's plan for you. To answer your own prayer request because panic is setting in. You cannot thank God for that kind of response. 

Keep pace with Jesus. Be sure that you're letting Him hold your hand through life and not you holding His. If you are holding His hand you're going to be tempted to let go. If He's holding yours He will never let go. Big difference. 

Don't forget thankfulness in your life for all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done and permitted in your life. 

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Even if...I Choose to Praise Him

Even if...I Choose to Praise Him 

by David Brenneman 

Choose to Praise

"Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering....I rejoice and share my joy with you all." Philippians 2:17. 

    The journey had not gone as Paul and Silas had anticipated. God had called them to the city of Philippi, and the people responded to the gospel. But then the situation went awry quickly-they were falsely accused, stripped, severely beaten, thrown into prison, and restrained in stocks.

    You can imagine that the duo- bloodied and badly bruised could have given in to despair. But instead, they began to sing hymns and worship God. And the Lord responded to their act of faith by sending an earthquake that broke the chains that held Paul and Silas tight. The jailer, certain that they had escaped and fearful that he might lose his life, instead found them sitting composed in their cells. So compelling was their witness that the incredulous

jailer invited them to his house, where he and his family accepted

Christ.

    Paul and Silas probably hadn't felt like singing. Their circumstances were awful, and their prospects were grim. But they did something that every believer can do that will make an amazing difference-they chose to praise God. You can too. And when you do, you can be certain that the Lord hears and does miraculous things on your behalf as well.

Jesus, like Paul and Silas, I praise You in all situations. Amen.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality." Romans 12:10-13.

"Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God." Psalms 40:17.

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

It is a most difficult thing at times to have a heavy heart and yet strive to praise God anyway. 

It's a struggle to keep persevering when it's all but apparent that for the time being life isn't making a whole lot of sense.  

When words fail and when situations remain in a constant state of concern and fear crouches at the door of the heart it's hard.

But as others wiser than myself have written, a person cannot be fearful and offer sincere praise to God at the same time. 

We're nearing the end of the help from the state of Ohio concerning unemployment benefits. While having applied to many places nearly none have responded with so much as an email let alone a phone call. Yet even in this I still hold to the hope that my Savior has a plan and a job for me that will be evident in His time, not mine.  

Once I knew a farmer who reaped little what he sowed

While the neighbors' crops grew prosp’rous all around

And every year at harvest time this farmer did no good

Smaller crops kept coming from his ground

He’d smile and say:

Thank you Lord, we’ll do better come next year

I know you have a reason for it all. I’ll try a little harder

And be thankful for the day. And next year’s crops are gathered in the fall.

The neighbors saw the times get worse and couldn’t understand

How this humble soul could call himself a man

They would gather round the market place

And brag on their success, this farmer’s faith they didn’t understand

He’d smile and say:

Thank you Lord, we’ll do better come next year

I know you have a reason for it all. I’ll try a little harder

And be thankful for the day. And next year’s crops are gathered in the fall.

Then came the day when all their land was bare and worn-out soil but the farmer’s land kept growin' rich with rain

And everything he sowed he reaped in wealthy fertile years

And thanked the Lord that next year finally came

He’d just smile and say:

Thank you Lord, we’ll do better come next year

I know you have a reason for it all. I’ll try a little harder

And be thankful for the day. And next year’s crops are gathered in the fall.

And thanks the Lord that next year finally came

- Next Year Finally Came 

Charley Pride 2014.

We can dwell on ourselves in circles all we want and still end up where we were. Or we can yet still praise Jesus in the midst of the storm. Casting Crowns has a song by that name that is applicable too.  

Habakkuk couldn't understand why the Lord was going to use people as evil as those He did to bring about was going to come with Israel but he still praised God anyway.

Daniel's great concern for the Jews was on his heart heavily after all the prophecies were revealed to him but rather than get a full explanation he was told to go his way. He would join those who had gone before and an explanation wouldn't be coming. 

We are intentional people whether we want to see it or not. We intentionally choose obedience or we don't to the Word of God. We can have a rational excuse for everything we've allowed in our lives to be there that's unbeknownst to us, hampered our walk with Jesus.  

We become less intentional towards our own wants and desires when we listen to the Spirit when He’s pointing out what we need to do and be like. Being thankful is what we're called to be. Thankfulness is to be as much to us as breathing.  

In closing, keep in mind the message behind this song too. 

Blind man can't see flowers

Growing in the garden

Crippled man can't walk places where

He wants to go

Man that can't talk things he will never say

And a man that can't hear

Words he will never know

So if you can see and if you can walk

If you can hear and if you can talk

Then be grateful be grateful

For what you've got

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

I once heard a man say all he

Wanted out of life was money

To be the richest man have

Wealth and fame untold

But he could see he could walk he

Could hear and he could talk

And for some folks this would

Mean much more than gold

So if you can see and if you can walk

If you can hear and if you can talk

Then be grateful be grateful

For what you've got

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

So if you can see and if you can walk

If you can hear and if you can talk

Then be grateful be grateful

For what you've got

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

Cause for some folks these things

Would mean a lot

Be Grateful 

- Charley Pride 1976.

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org 

Who is in Authority Over Us? Who Put Them There?

Who is in Authority Over Us? Who Put Them There?

by David Brenneman 

"This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers And the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of men.” Daniel 4:17.

"that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes." Daniel 4:25.

"and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’" Daniel 4:32.

"It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding." Daniel 2:21.

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." Romans 13:1.

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

"So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39.

Much as it's never been my thing to write messages that could be taken as political in nature...I've been reminded of Paul being provoked in his spirit concerning where he'd been and seeing a monument to 'an unknown god'. Therefore also having been in the book of Daniel...my favorite book of the Bible...and seeing comments by people professing to be Christians...representatives of Christ...I'm provoked into writing this today.

We may indeed be a part of some form of election process but as the Scriptures say in Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the Lord.".

Our perception of our inclusion into the process by which leaders are placed among men is not random, it is not entirely by our choice and decision. The Lord Himself sets up rulers and it is He who removes them. Once the King of Kings and Lord of Lords has made His decision on who's to lead any nation or kingdom here on Earth it's upon His people, and His Church, to pray for those in authority over them. To lead a quiet life as it says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your own hands, just as we instructed you.".

It's not on Believers to go out an start publicly protesting and wasting their witness before men and women because they don't like whomever THE LORD CHOSE to lead over them (note the emphasis!).

We may not like whomever was placed over them but we must must must remember that the Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ is STILL sovereign over all His creation.  

It's on each Believer to live their lives in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. It is NOT for us to bad mouth anyone in authority over us. It's not for us to constantly nag and rip those in authority over us. We do NOT show a lost and dying world the character of Christ when we are being this way!

Don't take my opinion on this for anything...but look at what Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:37 "for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.".

We are NOT glorifying God by our verbal or textual protests on social media. We are NOT glorifying God by slandering those in authority over us.  

I hate to break it to EVERYONE...but what does the Scriptures say? Christ died once for ALL. Even those people in authority over us that we may not like. Even those people with whom we don't agree with. Look back at the history of Israel. King Nebuchadnezzar. At first he took those from Jerusalem and made them serve his gods. The Lord God corrected his theology personally driving him away from his throne and his people until he recognized that it is the Lord God who rules.  

It's on all who call themselves Believers in Jesus Christ, who say they are Christ-followers, to be praying for those who are in authority over them. Secondly, we have no rights in the scheme of things. We are visitors to this world, only passing through. Our citizenship is in Heaven. We are Ambassadors of Christ. This being realized we are NOT Democrats or Republicans or Liberals or Conservatives. We are to be one in Christ Jesus. We have no true political affiliation. We are part of the body of Christ which has no affiliation at all except to live in obedience to Christ and by extension obedience unto our Father in Heaven.

So my Dear reader...lay aside these wasted arguments and feelings. Cast them far from you. Instead pray for those who are in authority over you as the Spirit teaches all of us.  

Grace is what we have had extended unto each of us in Christ.

Grace is what we are to freely give ALL OTHERS.

Remember also that we WILL give an account of our lives before Christ.

It's a well known thing that you cannot encourage and tear down at the same time. You cannot lift someone up before Christ and tear them apart at the same time. Nor does Christ ever want to see you tearing people apart over a choice that HE MADE.

We have our instructions in Christ Jesus...pray for those in authority over us. Pray pray pray. Which means...that conversation is between you and God not you and all the known world.

Will you be ashamed of what your life reveals before Jesus or will He be glorified by your thoughts and actions?

All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. 

New American Standard Bible 

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

A corporation not for profit.   

La Habra, CA All rights reserved 

www.lockman.org