What the Christian Life Looks Like

What the Christian Life Looks Like
by David Brenneman

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.  We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.  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.  But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;  abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-21.

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17.

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.” Colossians 3:23-25.

To the casual observer it is hopefully something worthy of their attention.

To those who profess to be a child of God hopefully this is something that is lived.

While we're daily immersed in temptations, possibly even trials and snares, we are still His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. 

We already know, my Dear Reader, from what we read in Romans of the deplorable state of mankind by virtue of our sin nature. 

We also read from the Gospels what our Lord Jesus Christ said concerning laying down our lives, taking up our own cross and following Him.

Some may look at a prior post or two and think that the Scriptures are pointing people towards an isolated life from the world. 

On the contrary the Scriptures teach you and I how to truly live lives that reflect children of God who are growing in Christ through sanctification.  Children who display the character of Christ in what we do, say and think.

We will have dreams and desires for sure, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't.  However, as the Apostle Paul wrote...of first importance is the sharing of the Gospel to those who don't believe.

Of first importance means we choose to lay aside our wants and desires in favor of Him whom we love enough to shine for in this present darkness.

Jesus said if we love Him we will keep His commandments.

I wasn't writing things nor have I written anything here that does anything other than to point people either to Christ for salvation and or point people to a renewed life in Christ where obedience is at the center of their lives.

As I am directed so comes the writing.  Simple as that.

A life in Christ is to be open so that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.

Truth is people should never see us out of the character of Christ.

That's not bashing hobbies, bashing sports or bashing anything that people claim to value.

It is by way of reminder to all of us is that 24/7 365 from sun up to sundown we are to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ...sharing through our living life that Jesus is alive, is real, is waiting with open arms for all to come to them.  That's the will of God for us in Christ Jesus...along with our sanctification. 

The will of God for us is our sanctification.  Why would a true follower of Jesus Christ ever want to set that aside in order to "enjoy" things, thoughts, activities of this world? 

Why would we ever want people to see angry, bitterness, malice or any such thing come from our lives?

Why would we ever want people to see how ungrateful we are for the blessings that we never earned that have come to us in Christ?

Why would we ever, honestly, disgrace our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by our way of thinking and living life in the world?

Think about it.  Why did the Spirit direct Paul to teach on standing firm in the Lord?  Why did He direct the teaching to all who believe on what things that ought not to be named among those claiming to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ?

Why do we, now be truthful, resist the work of the Spirit of God in our lives and deny we are doing so? 

Jesus said we would know others by their fruits...look at yourself in reflection...what real fruits shine in your life?  Do the words of your mouth always reflect your life in Christ?  Does what you wear always reflect the character of Christ?  Does what you do show the world that your desire is to obey God in everything?

What does your life show?  We don't get time off from taking up our own cross and following Jesus.  We don't have days or hours or minutes where we can set aside the race that the Spirit of God has set before us. 

Think about your life and really consider whether you are really a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ or not.

Think about your life and really consider whether you've compromised in areas of your life and allowed idolatry in.  Naming it other things does nothing to change what it is in the eyes of God.

Does your life really look like a life in Christ wholly and completely or are you diligently, actively, pursuing the righteous life that God desires for you?

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

His Name is Jesus

His Name is Jesus 

by David Brenneman 

"Jesus" by Chris Tomlin (C) 2016

There is a truth older than the ages

There is a promise of things yet to come

There is one, born for our salvation

Jesus

There is a light that overwhelms the darkness

There is a kingdom that forever reigns

There is freedom from the chains that bind us

Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the waters

Who speaks to the sea

Who stands in the fire beside me

He roars like a lion

He bled as the lamb

He carries my healing in his hands

Jesus

There is a name I call in times of trouble

There is a song that comforts in the night

There is a voice that calms the storm that rages

He is Jesus, Jesus

Who walks on the waters

Who speaks to the sea

Who stands in the fire beside me

He roars like a lion

He bled as the lamb

He carries my healing in his hands

Jesus

Messiah, my Saviour

There is power in Your name

You're my rock and, my redeemer

There is power in Your name

In Your name

You walk on the waters

You speak to the sea

You stand in the fire beside me

You roar like a lion

You bled as the lamb

You carry my healing in Your hands

God, you walk on the waters

You speak to the sea

You stand in the fire beside me

You roar like a lion

You bled as the lamb

You carry my healing in Your hands

Jesus

There is no one like you

Jesus

There is no one like you

----------

This morning as I sit to read and write...this song we heard the choir at our church sing was still playing in my mind. 

I know yesterday's post was very difficult to take for some. Some possibly thought I was taking things too seriously.  

You see, the truth of the life of all Believers is that they live their lives as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ...not what they want but what He wants of them must take first priority. 

We can't know the things that He's prepared for those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose if we are not taking our calling in Christ as seriously as Jesus took His calling from our Father in Heaven.

Yes it's going to mean saying no to many things and yes to others. 

The Scriptures confirm that we have a part to fulfill in the body of Christ that's for us to be doing. We have responsibilities in our lives that are divinely directed.

Yes it's very likely we won't be popular. Jesus oftentimes wasn't popular.  

We're in training in righteousness...which has no snow days, inclement weather days, not feeling it days. 

When Jesus was up and ready the Disciples were on the move with Him. Their personal wants and desires took a back seat to what Jesus was teaching them. 

We as a "modern" world people really don't truly understand Peter's statement about giving up everything to follow Jesus. 

Jesus...just what DOES His name mean to you? Just what do you give a higher priority to than what He's wanting to teach you? Who is getting your time, energy and efforts that could be spent with Him at His feet learning from Him?

We have calendars both written and digital and yet most don't have a dedicated time to be with Jesus.

We don't take the time to learn the importance of sitting at the feet of Jesus. 

We don't consider that an non-optional thing in our lives. 

I began writing this blog in the spring of 2019. Can't remember a day of not doing it. 

I see with my Bible app that I haven't missed over 1100 days of Bible reading in it.  

In the fall of 2024 I felt the Spirit directing me to study more. That began really January 1st 2025. Can't go an evening without it.

Consider what you can be doing.

Yes it's going to mean sacrifices from what the world finds fun and fascinating and all sorts of things. 

The Disciples learned what that meant in order to truly follow Jesus Christ.

What's in your life that really shouldn't be because Jesus is wanting more time with you that you're not giving Him?

If you can dedicate time, money, towards useless things this world offers you can just as easily spend it on eternal things to please the One who gave His all for you. 

His Name is Jesus. 

Not Called to be Any Fan, Rather Am the Called

Not Called to be Any Fan, Rather Am the Called
by David Brenneman

What's bothers me the most about  fans of people, groups, things, even teams or corporations is the reckless abandoning of the principles of God's Word that occurs without any regard to the impact on a person's testimony and what happens to the Name of Jesus because of it. 

I'm sure that I will be told that I am taking this too seriously...to refer all such comments appropriately...Jesus took my sins seriously unto death and paid for them on the cross. 

No where in the Scriptures is it ever excused to willfully put aside the character of Christ in favor of fitting in, of making fun of, of belittling, berating, speaking angry words about anyone for any reason.  Nor is there anywhere it's appropriate to set up what amounts to shrines in homes to show dedication to a person, place or things.

I will not willingly participate in anything that will ruin my testimony in Christ.  This is my choice. I get it if others don't agree. However, I am trying my best to not grieve the Spirit of God. I am trying my best to not add to the things to what I already have to give an account about before my Savior Jesus Christ.

I know what I am capable of doing in the name of fitting in.  Of being a fan of and it eventually left me appalled.  I was passionate about being a fan and I was ripping people, trash talking, and honestly felt disappointed in myself, disgusted even, for doing that.  So I stopped cold turkey.  I looked at my life and saw other things that I unwittingly had allowed to become, by the Biblical definition, an idol in my life.  Those went too. 

As a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ there's no room for such an attitude about things or people or any such thing in the life of those who claim the Name of Jesus.

The temptation to return to such things doesn't go away.  It's to me the very definition of what it means to stand firm in the Lord.  That Satan and or simply my sin nature is going to try to get me to return.

Pointing people to Jesus means more to me than fitting in with any crowd.

I won't promote any person, place, thing, that gives anyone the chance of the notion that I am a fan of it.  I stopped buying any shirts or hats that promote people, places or things that do not have Christ in mind.

What Jesus thinks of me is more important than if a person or group of people thinks well of me.

Going on...
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.  For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.  What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!  Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” Romans 6:12-16.

     "In the 1960s, an Episcopal priest named Joseph Fletcher developed a theory of Christian ethics known as "situational ethics." He said that the highest biblical law was selfless (agape) love and that other, lesser laws could be disobeyed if necessary in the pursuit of love. Therefore, the ends can justify the means. And one's circumstances or situation can determine which of
God's laws one keeps.
     This unbiblical approach to God's laws can also lead to "circumstantial character"-character that is dictated by one's circumstances. If God says He does not change (Malachi 3:6),
and if it is God who lives in us (Galatians 2:20), it's hard to see how we could be justified in changing who we are our
character-as a response to our circumstances. One of the characteristics of those who dwelt in the presence of God in the 0ld
Testament was a willingness to suffer loss rather than compromise their character (Psalm 15:4).
Character has often been described as what people do when they know no one is looking. Because God's eyes are always open, our character needs to be constant before Him." Dr. David Jeremiah "Walking with God".

The CSV for the passage in Romans 6:12-16, where we read "instruments" says "weapons".  Reread that with that word changed.

We ruin our character before others when we take off Christ for to follow after anything or anyone in this world.  We ruin our testimony before others when what comes out of our mouth would never come out of the mouth of Christ.

Would we ever think that Jesus would treat others the way many Christians do before, during, or after a football game the way Christians today do? 

Would we see Jesus behaving as many today do in their homes, wearing what they wear? 

No we wouldn't because He would only be looking to think, speak, act, as His Father in Heaven would want Him.

I get it that this will mean being shunned by others in this world.  I get it that it means not being included. 

My Dear Reader...living a life approved by Jesus Christ means and should always mean, something more important than anything the world thinks must be.

We who are called out of this world, for such we become in Christ Jesus, are fully His representatives to the rest of the world. 

We ruin our testimony by sounding like the evil of this world. 

We give no reason to draw near to Jesus when we show the world there's nothing different enough to leave their present darkness for the light of Jesus Christ.

We are representatives of Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

I know such teaching isn't going to be popular.  I know the hard choices and decisions that a Believer must make in pursuing a life that exemplifies being a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. But never do we read of Jesus setting aside anything He was here to do, be, in order to please people, not even unto Himself.  He was here in full obedience to His Father in Heaven.

You may have similar choices to make as I've had to do all my life.  Choices about movies, music, sports, people, everything.

Scripture says that we are called out of this world to represent Jesus and glorify His Name, grow with respect to our salvation, and to make more Disciples because of all He's done for us. 

You must examine your life to see if you are pursuing that objective.

No you won't be popular but you will be living a life that is what you were called to be in Christ.

We are to reflect the light of Jesus Christ from sun up to sundown.  A follower of Christ sets aside their wants and desires in favor of the One whom they follow.

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

Your True Daily Life

Your True Daily Life 

by David Brenneman 

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-7.

From Trusting God with Today by Dr. Charles Stanley. 

     Every morning when you wake up, whether you realize it or not, you are at war. Many believers acknowledge this but don't take it as seriously as they should. When we talk about spiritual warfare, however, we must remember that daily we face face a a real and personal battle with spiritual forces that are trying to defeat us. Failure to recognize this has resulted in painful losses for even the

most dedicated Christians. Just when they think they have an area

of sinfulness conquered, it rises back up to overpower them again.

     Perhaps you've experienced this and wonder, If Scripture is as

mighty as God has promised, then why am I still facing defeat? The

problem isn't that the Word is lacking in power-it's that we do not

always understand how to clothe ourselves in it to fight effectively.

It's not merely something we can quote when we feel vulnerable

though that's always a great thing to do. Rather, it's both a defensive

and offensive weapon that must become an active and daily part of

each area of our lives, And if you wield it correctly, it will not only

protect you but will put your every enemy on the run.

Jesus, show me how to use Your Word as an effective weapon of spiritual warfare. Amen. 

------------------------

“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.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21.

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Galatians 2:20.

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

The foundation Scriptures today in addition to what Dr. Stanley taught in his devotional from yesterday place us in a different position from the rest of the world. 

We are at war in the spirit world along with everyone else who's come to Christ. 

We are to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ every waking moment, from the moment our eyes open until we hit the pillow in sleep at night. Dawn to dusk we are on call as Ambassadors for Christ. 

We don't take PTO, personal time off, from being an Ambassador of Jesus Christ.

We aren't to ever take off the whole armor of God. We are supposed to be taking in the Word of God daily in order to hide His Word in our hearts so that we may not sin against God. 

We are to contemplate, meditate, on the Word of God in order for it to transform our hearts and minds. 

We cannot fight a spiritual war with physical means.  

Understanding the truth of what we face each day in light of the Scriptures is what allows people to see Jesus in us and not us.

When we speak or act, will people see Jesus or see us?  

When we pray, we need to pray that we think, act and live in the character of Christ so that He may receive all the honor and glory. 

Yes, it's going to mean leaving things of this world behind. 

“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11.

I honestly have been around children wise beyond their years spiritually and around adults who are as children spiritually. 

Peter and all the Disciples learned to let go of everything, not just what they thought was everything, in order to follow Jesus. 

Ever the impetuous, presumptuous, one, Peter had declared to Jesus that they had left everything to follow Him...and learned that they really hadn't yet. 

You may think you have given everything you are to Jesus...but if you are trusting you to define what everything means...then like Peter...you have a lot to learn on what God says is everything. I know enough to know that I don't know to what extent everything of me is in Christ yet...but I have learned to be in a position to ask and not trust me in this.

Many Believer's don't understand just what everything means in Christ. 

They don't understand the full extent of totally forgiving others is.

They don't understand the true meaning of fully devoted follower of Jesus yet.  

They don't place the immense importance of being in the Word of God is yet.  

Then wonder why life isn't really content as Paul said he learned contentment to be.

There's many things that I have learned to walk away from that honestly I found enjoyment in that were in truth opposed to the will of God for me. I couldn't represent Christ and indulge in those things. I couldn't grow in Christ and participate in those things. I couldn't honor Christ and His sacrifice on the cross and keep those things in my life. I couldn't be the Ambassador of Christ and be those things or include those things in my life too. 

My Dear Reader to understand what I just said took understanding the spiritual war that I am in. Satan's schemes cannot remove the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ from my life but his schemes fully involve trying to keep me from growing in Christ and representing Him well in my world. 

The same goes for you. 

You may, as I did, really enjoy the things in your life. But if you are truly failing as an Ambassador of Christ by keeping them in your life then get rid of them. Don't trust yourself and your thoughts on what is right and wrong. Of what is tripping you up and what you're convinced isn't.

Keep the full armor of God on at all times. Keep yourself in the Word of God daily. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness daily. Look objectively at your choices of what you say you enjoy in your life...is It tarnishing your walk with Jesus?

We will be giving an account of our lives before Him for how we obeyed and lived as His Ambassadors.

You need to acknowledge and accept the full truth about what is going on in your life as you live it.

We are at war and we are representing Christ everywhere and in everything. 

If the world only sees us...we're failing. 

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.

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 

Never Alone

Never Alone 

by David Brenneman 

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4.

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:20.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? ” Romans 8:31.

“Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”” Hebrews 13:5.

“The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” Psalms 46:7.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

How often do we admit that we feel like we are alone? How often do we feel that kind of despair?

Keep this list of passages handy. Along with the other's the first few points to His promises to us and that He keeps His word to not just those who believe but to those who rejected Him as well. 

When we face uncertainty, face grief, face abuse, face mankind, we can feel as though we're going it all alone. 

The promises of God are forever. 

Learning to do life differently in Christ is going to take some time to adjust to. 

The Disciples had to be retrained concerning what they knew to be their truth from birth to what God's truth said concerning them and the world in which they lived. 

Jesus spoke to them of what the battles ahead for them were going to look like. Of how these battles wouldn't really be fought in the physical world but on spiritual battlefields.  

My Dear Reader your battles take place in the same places. That same Jesus who assured them assures us. That same Jesus who went through everything we read of the cross and arose again to conquer sin, death and the grave and encouraged the Disciples also is there to encourage us.

We can get fixated on our issues and forget we aren't alone in them.

We can get comfortable with the pain when Jesus keeps saying "Give that to Me".

We can "suffer in silence" rather than cry out to Jesus "help me!".

We can be insufferably stubborn about our lives and whatever is going on in them to go it alone when we who are in Christ were never meant to go it alone. 

We likewise can "enjoy" such successes in life that we are still going it alone apart from the relationship with Jesus that we were supposed to be having. 

A Disciple, from sun up to sundown, walks with their Master to learn to walk in their ways. All the while denying themselves and their wants and desires in favor of what's to be learned. 

The Master, our Master and Lord Jesus Christ, assures them and us, that the Disciple who follows fully won't be alone.  

My Dear Reader...really consider, really really consider what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Really think about what you experience and perceive about being alone or even in a crowd and align that with His truths about daily life in Christ. 

You may be going through what you think is the worst day of your life...He is there with you. 

You may be going through a mediocre day...He is there with you. 

You may be in a place of hurt and pain over whatever has happened in your life...He is still right there with you. 

Sometimes in my life I have just prayed for Jesus to just hold me.

Sometimes my only prayer was "Help!".

If you are among the saved in Christ Jesus...He is always right with you. He is the promise keeper. 

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

The Path of Life for You

The Path of Life for You
by David Brenneman

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9.

“There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalms 23:3.

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34.

A peaceful life is what most people seek and say that they want and desire yet they don't let go of the literally unrighteous things that infest their lives to gain this.

Scripture is extremely explicit and extremely clear on who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

“and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Revelation 21:27.

Yet so many of us try to keep so many things in our lives that do nothing to keep us on the path of righteousness.  The race set before us is this same said path on righteousness.  One and the same.

Removing whatever is causing us to drift from that path of righteousness should be what we desire...just as it's the Spirit’s desire for us.

We cannot embrace what the world likes or loves or accepts as truth and embrace the living Word of God as truth as well.

Jesus clearly said you cannot serve two masters.  You will love one and hate the other.  Cling to one and despise the other.

We know what makes for a right relationship with Jesus.  We know what is wrong for us to pursue.  So why do we do it?  We know what idolatry is and yet many professing Believer's engage in it all while denying that's what it is.  Scripture condemns their thoughts on this matter!  While there is indeed no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...we completely dishonor His life and sacrifice by embracing such things.

We need to take this race set before us as seriously as our heartbeats within us.

We need to agree with Jesus on what is wrong and should be never named among those claiming to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

We need to shed every encumbrance that is weighing us down from running to the best of our ability in the Lord.

Look at the character of those in the early Church.  They didn't care what it was...they didn't care of how they would be perceived...they destroyed whatever it was that was an encumbrance to running the race set before them.

They laid it all down, took up their own cross and followed Jesus.

Can we remotely say we have done the same?

Are you lying to yourself about the things you've embraced in your life from the world?

Are you trying to live life your way and the way the Spirit is leading you to live?

Are you honestly finding it that you're fighting the Spirit of God because of what you won't let go of? 

My Dear Reader...is the life you're choosing to keep living your way going to burn up completely when you stand before Jesus to give an account of your life before Him?  A life shown to be a waste because you knew how He wanted you to live and you chose the world's way anyway?

Consider these words and see if in your heart of hearts they apply to you.

“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.

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

Your Life, His Plan for You

Your Life, His Plan for You 

by David Brenneman 

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,” Ephesians 6:10-19.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” Isaiah 6:8.

““Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.””

Matthew 11:28-30.

“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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

Proverbs 3:5-7.

There's a partial pattern in all the Scriptures that we just read...a pattern that is to be the life of the Believer in Christ Jesus. 

The Christian life. 

Let us not neglect as well this part: 

“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.

The point of view we have about living in the world should be that of a transformed life. A life that, regardless of the situation, reflects Christ and shows the world to whom we belong. 

We don't have time for side tracks when we're running the race set before us.  

We don't have all the learning in the Lord that we need for each day because the days keep changing. 

Thank God He stays the same. 

As a Disciple of Christ we are to take up our own cross and follow Him. The point heavily implied that we aren't putting it down again. 

We do have a day set before us...are we going to show ourselves and others the light of Jesus Christ or show them our version of life?

Are they going to see Jesus or our temper?

Are they going to hear Jesus or hear our outburst of anger over things that don't matter in God's economy?

Are they going to see Jesus or see us obviously not at our best since anything less than Jesus being seen isn't going to be good?

My Dear Reader...the opening passages reflect just part of the life of a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. A life that's changed. A life that's different.

What does your life really show the world in what you believe?

Jesus wasn't being mean to Peter when He said "What is that to you? You follow Me!".

Regardless of persons or circumstances that's our calling in Christ: You follow Me!

Many Christians don't have a vibrant study life in the Scriptures.

Ignorance will not be an excuse when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives before Him. We will see we had every opportunity to be in His Word. 

Claiming to not have had the time will not be an excuse when He will show us just how much time He gave us that we wasted.

You, if you claim the Name of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior...have a life in Christ set before you that will honor and glorify God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ if we live it His way. 

Getting rid of every encumbrance and sin that weighs us down. 

We get so used to these encumbrances that we don't realize we have them.  

Just how seriously, how personal, is your walk with Jesus? Is He getting your first fruits of your time, energy and effort or the leftovers? 

Are you honoring Him in words, thoughts and actions or?

Pray that He renew a steadfast spirit in you. Pray that He shows you what needs to go, what needs to change and then do it. Pray for those in authority over you. Pray without ceasing...that is bring everything to God in prayer that concerns you. 

As a Believer in Jesus Christ, you DO have a race set before you. 

Are you standing around or are you focused on it?  

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