Grace to Me Grace to You

Grace to Me Grace to You 

by David Brenneman 

"For no one who has a defect shall approach: a blind man, or a lame man, or he who has a disfigured face, or any deformed limb, or a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, or a hunchback or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye or eczema or scabs or crushed testicles. No man among the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a defect is to come near to offer the Lord’s offerings by fire; since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the food of his God. He may eat the food of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy, only he shall not go in to the veil or come near the altar because he has a defect, so that he will not profane My sanctuaries. For I am the Lord who sanctifies them.’ ” Leviticus 21:18-23.

In the Bible we read that by what Christ Jesus did on the cross of calvary, we can stand justified before God.  

Some have come to refer to this as "just as if I hadn't sinned".

To look at this passage, in my present case and condition, regardless of how much I would want to serve the Lord, I would be disqualified from serving in the Temple.  

By the grace of God, by this salvation in Christ Jesus alone for the forgiveness of sins that I have in Christ, I am not seen for me before God, but the very righteousness of God is seen in my place.   

My favorite song, believe it or not, isn't a hymn. Many hymns come in right behind it but my favorite is a song called "He Took My Place" by Charlie Pride. 

This is what it is for you, for me, before the Holy God. We come to Christ for salvation and He indeed casts our sins as far as the east is from the west, remembering them no more.  

My life in Christ is replete with example after example of times where and when my Savior was with me and no Earthly explanation can explain away what I went through. None.

So much so that when I look back at and remember my doubts and fears, I am ashamed. I had no reason to be that way. 

Remembering your journey with Jesus and you is incredibly important. 

I do keep a personal journal. Many times I look back over the last days anniversary of the last 7 years to see what I wrote. Then I am spurred on to remember where and what Jesus got me through. 

His promises kept. 

I will admit that I can be just as much a whiner before my Savior as Moses was. 

Moses. One who kept trying to point out to Jesus why he wasn't the man that Jesus needed to use to save the Children of Israel. The man who later on would spend so much time with Jesus that he had to wear a veil to cover his face afterwards until the holiness faded.

We all can disqualify ourselves by way of personal failings or physical defects before a Holy God that Jesus Christ is. 

We come to Christ for salvation, none of those things matter where what is now seen by God is the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!

But those, aren't those things weaknesses? Aren't they going to make me unhappy or unable to serve God?

Paul had many weaknesses. Some inflicted by a messenger of Satan.  

Before anyone wants to say it was something physical and other things...consider that this is the same as what happened to Job. Messengers of Satan inflicted what physically happened to Job. 

In part, I think because it's not written, that whatever this was, it was ensuring that Paul stayed focused on a few things.  

Chief of which was the grace of God. He was specifically told that "My grace is sufficient. For power is perfected in weakness". Secondly, and this is my personal opinion and understanding, Paul would abide by this same passage we read and would no longer be able to go to his kinsman in any Temple. He would finish his race, as he so aptly wrote, being the Apostle to the Gentiles. 

You, my Dear Reader, are not disqualified from serving the Lord Jesus Christ if indeed He is your Savior. 

You, my Dear Reader, have a purpose under Heaven that's been prepared just for you.  

Do you not want to show your love for Jesus by obeying in His calling for you?  

In the parable of the talents...are you going to be that one who buried what you were given by Jesus and not share it with the world out of fear or anything else?

Do you not want to hear "Well done!" by Jesus?

Pray about what it is that He's called you to be doing. It may not be glamorous. May not be something on a stage. May not be something to be noticed by men.  

But it will be something...and don't miss this...your something was thought about, considered, and established...when the foundations of this world were formed.  

Jesus knew before you were born just what potential impact you would have for His Kingdom on this Earth. 

How awesome is that?

I know that I know that I know that my God has me doing something special with my writing skills and abilities. He deserves all the honor and praise for where it's going and has gone. His instructions to me 5 and half years ago were simple. Meet Him when He says and write what He says. I can do that. Sometimes in those years it was several times in a day.  

Jesus has a job for you that's meant for you to be doing. 

Honestly, do you really want to let fear keep you from hearing that well done? Do you want to let whatever is keeping you from serving Him be a problem? 

In Christ all Believers are seen for the righteousness of God imputed to us. The Father looks at us n sees Jesus.  

Love God, love people. Got it.

What do you want me to do? 

Simple enough prayer. 

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

Are You Delighting?

Are You Delighting?

by David Brenneman 

"Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers.  For they will wither quickly like the grass And fade like the green herb.  Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.  He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday.   Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.  Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.  For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.  Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.  But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.  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." Psalms 37:1-13.

Do you delight yourself in the Lord?

When you do what you do, think what you think, are you continuing to delight in the Lord? 

It's an interesting thought. 

To delight yourself in the Lord and Savior and He will give you the desires of your heart.  

Weelll what does that look like?  

Next, we read we are to commit your way to the Lord.  

This means to be intentional on our part to Jesus.  To seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. 

To rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.  

We are all too often impatient.  

We live in a microwave society that still thinks 3 minutes for food in one is too long. 

Do you take time to rest with Jesus?

Would you even recognize if evil were afoot around you?

Would you recognize idolatry? 

Would you recognize covetousness?

Would you recognize the things residing in your heart that don't belong there enough to ask Jesus to remove them?

The desires of your heart should be what Jesus desires for you. 

We are not under the Law as written in the Old Testament.  However, we are to walk in the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. 

We aren't to place anything higher in our hearts than what His desires are for us. 

We who are in Christ are to learn to love who He loves and be who He wants us to be.  

Are you desiring the right things?

Do you waste time, energy and effort pursuing things that will never be what He desires for you?

Are you being stubborn?

Are you being persistent in all the wrong things and ways?

No, not in everything is it "it is what it is".  Complacency has no place in the hearts of Believers.  

It's incredibly important to you and I to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...because it's these desires that He will honor and cause to flourish in our lives. 

Don't expect those who aren't saved to get it, to understand it.  They won't, God's Word says they won't. 

Like Jesus was saying to Peter...this is about you and Me.  YOU follow Me. 

YOU trust in me with all your heart And in all your ways acknowledge Me and I will make your paths straight. 

YOU love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. 

YOU love your neighbor as yourself. 

YOU. 

Jesus: You let go of whatever is encumbering you...let go of foolish desires and want what I want for you. 

We choose our tribulations sometimes.  We really do.  We desire things that are not in God's will for us and then get upset when it falls apart.

We are often our own worst enemy. 

Paul taught to put off the old self with its practices.  

We come to Christ we are SUPPOSED to question why we are doing what we do and why we're doing it.  We aren't given a free pass to continue in sin simply because we're forgiven. 

A desire of Jesus for you would be to not swear.  Do you?  Why?  Just because isn't an answer.  It's a bad habit that you can't break?  Wrong answer.  You can, in Christ, you are choosing not to.

A desire of Jesus Christ for you is to spend time with Him.  Do you?  Don't have enough time?  Why?  What's more important than time with Jesus?  Oh you might have to give up something?  Bummer!  Get over it.  

A desire of Jesus Christ for you is to have you be a light in this present  darkness.  Are you more interested in hiding it?  Why?  Why would you?

Jesus said that He is the vine we are the branches.  Any branch that doesn't bear fruit He prunes.  

Ouch.

Many times in the Bible we read that we are to consider our ways. 

Do you? Do you look for Jesus to show up in your life?

Do you talk to Him first about what's troubling you?

Are you at all trying to delight yourself in the Lord?

Are you walking close enough with Jesus to recognize the foulness of sin?

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

The Reminder Continues to All Who Believe

The Reminder Continues to All Who Believe 

by David Brenneman 

"And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed," Romans 15:14-18.

Many wonder what it is that God wants of them. The first is to learn to be more like Christ. Here in the latter parts of Romans we see another aspect of God's Will for us. 

"remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God,"

All who claim the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are priests unto God. We have a divine purpose brought to our lives because of the promises of God and the shed blood of Jesus Christ. 

The Great Commission wasn't some set of marching orders given only to the Disciples. You read this portion of Romans and you see that here as well within those words. 

All who aren't Jews are Gentiles. Should any who are Jewish have hearts that are tender to the Word of God, sure, they too can find the same salvation as we in Christ Jesus. They then become Messianic Jews. Jews who have become part of the current remnant. 

We aren't here to dabble into things that will cause others to stumble by way of our desire for enjoyment of the same. We can easily be the same justifiers of our actions as many of us were before we came to Christ Jesus for salvation. 

We can say we're not hurting anyone. Truth be known we're lying. We're just desensitized to the condition we are in. Doesn't make it right or acceptable in the Lord. 

We embrace something. We either embrace our calling the shots in our lives or we look to the Spirit.  

If our extracurricular actions and activities are delving into areas that are not at all going to bring glory to God...then my Dear Reader why are we doing them?

"It's all ok, it's just all in fun!" Really? Paul just wrote earlier in this book of if anything he would eat or do that would cause someone else to stumble he would never eat/drink or do again. 

Are you that sensitive to the needs of others? Isn't being sensitive to the needs of others an attribute of Jesus?

Our calling in Christ is absolute. 

We have a greater responsibility to that than anything else. No business policies no laws of man supercede the obedience to God's Word. No worldly anything has the right to negate the Word of God or the Will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 

The world would have everyone believe that if we say that we aren't believing that we are not hurting anyone that it's ok. 

The world is perishing. All over again. Dr. John C. Whitcomb had a book out called "The World that Perished" that was a follow-up to his book with Henry Morris called "The Genesis Flood".  

We are living in those days that Jesus told His Disciples was coming. It's here. It's now. 

Time is running out for many in this world because they don't see nor believe the truth of the Bible. 

We are still obligated to live lives honoring to the Lord Jesus Christ who took our place on calvary. 

We are obligated to put the needs of the Spirit of God ahead of our own. 

All that we have will become someone else's when God calls us home or the Rapture of the Church happens.  

What will those things say to the world about our lives in Christ?

In Christ we are called to be lights in this present darkness. Not freeloaders or coasters through life until we die. 

We show the world what's important to Jesus. If what we show isn't glorifying God then why?

Why are we embracing these things?  

We should be, daily, asking Jesus what is it you have for me to do today? What's on your agenda? Paul said that to live is Christ, do you believe that is true for you?

For me it's been decades ago and to be truthful it's a struggle at times to not run after what I did in my youth. The world of fantasy. Of science fiction. Looking back I certainly was wasting time that was meant to be spent with Jesus either in fellowship with Him or in serving others in His sted.

These days I look forward to my times in my reading and writing here in these early morning hours. I look forward to my evening reading in my Bible and a couple devotionals. It takes my mind and resets it to what's important to Jesus. While yes there are possibilities of entertaining things in this world...I prefer the solitude and silence of being with Jesus.  

My life is to reflect Jesus. 

Your life if you're saved in Christ Jesus is to reflect Jesus too. Not to reflect things of this world.  

Perception is everything I was once told. It's very true. I have learned that delusions can be as well. We can be deluded and think that it's perfectly fine and ok. That would be our perception. A wrong perception. 

Asking Jesus to open our eyes to the truth of our perceptions and a willing heart to let go of what is revealed shows growth and maturity in Christ. We are here to grow in Christ. We are here to make disciples. We are here to love God with our everything and love others as ourselves.  

Do you? Does your life show that you want what Jesus wants? Or does it show a life caught up in things of this world?

You really ought to sit down and talk about it with Jesus. Be sure of your salvation in Christ Jesus and then find out what it is that's for you to be doing for Him out of gratitude for all He's done for you. It may not be the life you imagined...it will be more.

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

Do You Hear it?

Do You Hear it?

by David Brenneman 

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20.

The door would be that door to your heart. That place where throughout the years you've let in everything and everyone else in this world in an attempt to find joy and happiness and peace. 

We all look for things that bring joy, peace and happiness to our lives. We want acceptance and try to shun rejection. 

We also sometimes project our fears onto others in order to not feel so bad about our choices. 

Jesus should have unhindered access to the hearts of all people but He doesn't. 

Jesus, along with the Father and the Spirit created mankind for fellowship with God. Created in their image. 

There are those who reject Jesus out of anger from past incidents. They foolishly rage against the very one who grants them a breath to breathe.  

There are those who are on the fence about this Jesus thing. They are in-between believing that there might be something more to it and not. 

There are those who have seen or heard or lived enough that they needed no further convincing that the noise they were hearing was indeed Jesus knocking at the door of their hearts. 

The saddest of days to a Believer is to be face-to-face with someone who's adamant about rejecting all that they've known concerning a life in Christ Jesus. They know that a life in Christ can't be fully explained it must be experienced. Just as the Bible says. The unbelieving man or woman cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. You need the Spirit of God within you in order to have it explained to you. 

So many people are shocked to wake up in Hell one second after they die. They were way too content to leave Jesus out on the front porch rather than to invite Him into their lives to be their own Lord and Savior. 

Jesus never ever said that He only wants to just be friends.  

Jesus never said to anyone that a life in Christ meant that you can just go on and live your life your way after coming to Christ for salvation.  

If there's no fruits to show a changed heart then by all means question whether or not you are saved!

Jesus did say that those who are Children would know if others they encounter are saved by examining their lives for the fruits of the Spirit. 

Jesus is incredibly patient towards everyone. He also knows already who will or won't come to Him for salvation. But for all He gives the chance to realize He never left the door of their hearts. 

Nowhere do we read that after a while Jesus gave up and walked away. Jesus died once for all mankind.  

He died for every single person in all of human history. Whether they believed it or not He still died for them.  

Choice came from the cross He died upon. The choice to open that door or keep it closed. 

Too many people treat Jesus at the door of their hearts as a solicitor. 

He earnestly desires to have a vibrant real relationship with you. 

He loves to talk with you. 

He loves to walk with you. 

He loves to just hold you when you don't know what to say. 

He really would for all who would open that door and let Him in. 

Hell was never meant for mankind. 

Did you know that? God never meant for a single person to ever go there. It was meant for Satan and his demons. Those angelic beings who rebelled against God. 

Then Cain killed Abel, rejecting the will of God for himself. Becoming the first human being to go there. 

When Cain had died, he arrived to that place and saw his brother Abel across that chasm that Jesus describes in the story of the Rich man and Lazarus. Cain in torment while his brother was not. 

Then others joined both. Choices in their physical lives determined their eternal future.  

Your decision concerning receiving Christ Jesus as your Savior and Lord in your physical life will determine your future destination.  

Since the cross that place where those who had believed throughout history to that point is no more. Those people left where they were and they all went with Jesus to Heaven. 

Everyone left there are still probably crying out to God but they will not be heard. Some crying out from disbelief at finding themselves there, some enraged because they found themselves there. They will all acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord in the near future. 

Jesus patiently awaits at the door of your heart. He says that all who come to Christ for salvation by no means will He cast out. 

Don't let what anyone else says to you about this keep you from letting Jesus in. Your eternity mattered enough that Jesus died for you. He paid the price in full. All that remains is for us to open that door and invite Him in. 

Don't go looking around at your heart at its filthiness. He will take care of all of that.  

Don't worry about your past. When you receive His free gift of salvation, you are forgiven. He remembers your sins no more. 

What will you do about that knocking at the door of your heart?

He loves you too much to walk away. 

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

Do You Know the Time?

Do You Know the Time?

by David Brenneman 

"Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.  The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." Romans 13:11-14.

While Paul wrote this a few thousand years ago, it's extremely relevant to today.  We also read in the Bible where Jesus said that no man knows the day nor the hour but the Father alone.  Jesus taught many parables on being ready for we do not know the hour of our reckoning. 

Yesterday, we went to yet another viewing.  A friend and coworker passed unexpectedly last Tuesday.  He didn't know the hour of his home going anymore than you know yours.

The inevitable deep thoughts about our mortality revolve around funerals.   We wonder what these who have passed on are experiencing now.  We wonder at what will become of us.  How we will survive their absence. 

My thoughts on this might be clear to me, but perhaps they aren't to you.  My Dear Reader, indeed all Creation cries out that there is an intelligent designer behind everything.  A Creator.  Denial of such is never going to salve the conscience of any over time. 

Yesterday I saw many people with the hope of the resurrection in mind concerning my friend.  I also saw people lost without hope, lost in thoughts that don't need to be so complicated if they too knew what my friend knew.  

Jesus said that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.  To that end, realize it will be everyone, after death has been dealt it's final blows.  To the Believer its nothing to fear for we gladly will bow and acknowledge our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We know that truth and its set us free.  For those who are alive who haven't yet come to Christ for salvation...that burden...that weight is immense. 

I can never imagine the weight of uncertainty that someone who hasn't come to the knowledge of the truth of God in Christ. 

I can never know that pain of worrying about what happens one second after you die. 

I can never know what might be crossing their minds when they can't figure out that moment in time. 

I can't because the promises of God in Christ Jesus took all that away!

Paul wrote that we do not mourn as those who have no hope.  We know that only their address has changed.  They now reside in Heaven with Jesus.  

The truth of God concerning the next moment in time for those who have rejected the truth of God in Christ Jesus for salvation...is they will find themselves in painful torment in Hell.  One second after a person dies...their eternal future is sealed. 

The Bible teaches us to make the most of every opportunity, every opportunity.  To set our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 

This world is perishing.  It's dying.  The curse of God upon it because of Adam's sin is coming to its conclusion. 

My friend is in Heaven.  Probably being introduced to all the family he knew would be there.

My relatives who have gone on before who also died as Believers likewise have done the same.

These people are also being introduced to all the lives they impacted for Christ.  All the others whom are now sons and daughters of God. 

We have this hope because of the promises of God.  We have this hope that is real.  

That hope is available to everyone who believes.  Salvation in Jesus Christ is free.  There's no strings attached, although it is a limited time offer.  Those same Angels who proclaimed His birth, proclaimed that He would return again.  The early Church's were taught this and told He would return.  That He would receive to Himself all who have first died in Christ and then all those who are alive and remain. Currently those who have died in Christ are separated from their earthly bodies.  When Jesus returns those bodies will be rebuilt.  Whole, rejuvenated, perfect.  No curse of sin to be found. No diseases. No cancer. No missing limbs.  To mental disability.  No results of addictions.  Perfect and whole as Jesus.

This promise is for all who believe in God's promise of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. 

I rejoice at the thought of where friends and family are who died as Believers. 

I grieve for those who died without Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Do you know the time? 

Are you sure of your new address when you die?

Do you realize that you do not have a say in when that address is going to change?

"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning." Psalms 22:1.

While this is directly related to Jesus when He was on the cross...I believe it's probably the first cries of all who enter into Hell. 

Psalms 22 depicts even to the comments of those there at the time of His crucifixion the details of His death...hundreds of years earlier. 

What about you?

I have often quoted Romans 10:8-13. But my Dear Reader, read what follows it.

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;  for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?  How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”  However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.  But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” Romans 10:8-18

I know in whom I have believed and know that He is able to bring me safely to His Heaven...all because of Jesus Christ.

The Bible says that the cross of Jesus Christ is foolishness to those who are perishing.  It doesn't have to be that way for you.

If indeed you are saved...are you truly living it out?  

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

Characteristics of Jesus

Characteristics of Jesus 

by David Brenneman 

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 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. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:9-21.

What's the will of God for you and I? 

First is our sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3a "This is the will of God for your sanctification".

Then, Paul mentions putting off the old self with its practices and putting on the new self in Christ. "that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." Ephesians 4:22-24.

There are things to be doing in Christ that are the practices of one who is growing in Christ. That's what we read in the opening passages today. 

A transformed life is going to see aspects and attributes going away and having them be replaced with the attributes of God in Christ Jesus. 

You shouldn't think that you are losing out on the things that used to make you feel good or maybe even happy. There's absolutely no doubt that our sin nature's deeds of darkness play on our emotions.  

It takes intentionality to leave off the old self and to keep the new self put on in Christ. 

You and I, because of the cross of Jesus Christ, are given the opportunity called choice. 

Paul taught us all that we can and must choose who it is who's going to reign in our mortal bodies. 

"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." Romans 6:12-14.

You and I must choose to be holy as He is holy.  

It's going to hurt. It's going to get us mocked and scorned. It's going to bring persecutions and tribulations to us. 

In the same way they treated our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said if they hated Him they would hate us as well for we represent Christ to the world. 

The world loves their deeds of darkness that exemplify their selfish desires. They love calling evil good and good evil.

Then they die and wake up in Hell 1 moment later to only then realize all who warned them in Christ weren't wrong after all. 

All who die in Christ 1 moment after they die realize indeed that everything they knew about Jesus and then some from the Bible and teachings of the Spirit were right after all. 

Are you showing the characteristics of Jesus in your life? Are what's important to Jesus important to you? Are you justifying practices in your life that shouldn't be there? Are you intentionally setting aside the new self in Christ because of something you desire and then afterwards pick up the new self again and see nothing wrong with it?

My Dear Reader this must not be so!

We aren't to keep putting off what we have in Christ to go enjoy the world and put Christ back on when we're done! This isn't a job. This decision to follow Jesus after we've come to Christ is a forever priesthood. Once the priestly garments are on they are to stay on.

In no way am I insinuating that I have arrived. This is much a convicting thought to me as it probably is to you. 

We are in Christ now and forever. 

We do not retire from service to our God until we are called home to Heaven or the Rapture of the Church takes place. 

We're to pursue righteousness. 

"But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:11-12.

We can't know all that God has prepared for those who are in Christ Jesus if we aren't pursuing what we are called to pursue. 

It's something that I have been working on is to remove something that's been idle time and add a book reading time. Reading my Bible in the morning right now as well as a different reading plan in the evening. Adding devotionals that are going to help me understand written by known men of God.  

We must choose to have the mind of Christ.  

If our actions are not showing Christ then we ought to question our salvation.  

Satan is a liar and the father of lies as Jesus said. He will twist and distort our thoughts to allow a foothold in our lives. 

Pray for the character of Christ to be seen in you. 

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

The Relationship is Real

The Relationship is Real 

by David Brenneman 

"For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; " Romans 11:25

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:33-36

Was reading Jesus's responses to Job in the book of Job yesterday evening. In these responses Jesus is barely stating a few examples of what all He governs in keeping this world we live in going at any given moment. 

Just these samples began overwhelming Job! Now consider our very much so-called complicated world we live in today. 

Is it more complicated than it was in Job's time? Not in the eyes of God. 

The teaching of the vine and the branches...of the grafted in branch of the Gentiles...that is all those saved in the world who aren't Jews.

Think about a vine growing. There does come a time when full growth is achieved. That pruning isn't going to help.  

Jesus, after rejoining His Father, now knows the day, hour and all that of when He will return.  

All things are being orchestrated for that moment. World weather, world events, all the billions of people in this world are all being directed towards that day. All the intricate complicated things that Jesus is doing and has never missed a single point about. 

We are not missed in all His plans or His actions! 

Jesus sees everything, knows, everything. Permits this, denies that from happening. Much of mankind believes that they are in full control of their destiny apart from God. That is only partially true. Their choices now, personally, determine their eternal future.

Oh the power of God! There's no single person who will be denied the knowledge of salvation in Jesus Christ! 

There will be many who will deny wanting to know how to be saved. 

But all whom He knows will come to Him to be saved He says that by no means He will cast out. 

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

When we are walking with Jesus we cannot help but be changed!

When we are apart from Jesus we cannot help but be changed!

We are only partially a product of our environment. We choose a life in Christ or we choose our own way. 

This fullness of the Gentiles...is all that must come about in human history before Jesus Christ returns. 

There's very very few prophecies left that must take place before Jesus comes back. Even in the last 100 years we have seen Biblical prophecies coming true.  

Satan has tried yet still to thwart the Bible but he cannot. Jesus said that nothing will keep the word of God from being fulfilled. 

Are you really ready to meet Jesus?

Really think about that before a quick answer. Are you really ready to be face-to-face with your Savior and Lord?  

As more days go by I am more and more ready to collapse in His arms. 

Yesterday I attempted a 24 mile bike ride for a charity. I have never tried anything of the sort before. Grueling as it was at times, oh the beauty and majesty of God's creation! I hope I never forget what my eyes saw.  

I was truly blessed in that experience. Jesus was with me the whole distance.  

I know not when Jesus will come back. I just know that I need to be ready. I know that it's important to be ready because His Word says that. The lessons are repeated concerning being ready for the King to come for His bride.  

The Church is His bride.  

While life will not cease to be complicated, we do not have to live it like we're alone in it.  

Jesus knows your heart and knows your needs to grow as one of the branches of His vine.  

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.  

The relationship with Jesus is real in this here this now for you if you pursue it.  

Jesus has a personal plan for your life. He wants to talk to you about it. It doesn't matter how old you are. Go read about Abraham and how old he was.

Ask. Seek. Knock.

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

What the Lord Says: Do

What the Lord Says: Do

by David Brenneman 

"I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live." Psalms 116:1-2.

"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works." Psalms 73:28.

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

Our world today isn't much different than in all the ages past.

Fears within and without assail us all. It often doesn't take much if something recent triggers a new one. 

In Christ what have we to fear?

Our lives are not our own. We belong to Christ in God. 

To be more fearful of what the world thinks rather than whether or not we are offending our Holy God is never good. 

As said before: I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than to stand with the world and be judged by God. 

What of you? Do you embrace facets of this world that are offensive to your God because it might offend someone?

Today we look at those friends of Daniel in the book of Daniel. We look at Daniel himself as well. 

They were honored by Jesus because they refused to bow to the worldview at the moment or the decisions made to trap them.

There's plenty of people in my life, some might be even family or friends, co-workers, acquaintances, who are offended by where I stand with God. That's not my problem. 

I have a t-shirt that states quite clearly that passage that reads: every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  

Most everyone who's offended by the Word of God is only offended because it's hitting too close to home. Their sins are finding them out. Their guilt before a Holy God is being revealed yet again and is being shown for what it is.  

Jesus, at the behest of His Father, taught the Disciples to be lights in this dark world. Before leaving for Heaven, He told them to teach others to do the same.  

Paul taught that those involved with the deeds of darkness should even be exposed. If Believers are caught up in hidden sins they should be exposed. 

We who are in Christ represent Christ Jesus to this fallen world in our time here on Earth. 

We are taught in the Scriptures to make the most of every opportunity. To set our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 

Our choices either show Jesus or the just might be showing that we're nothing special to this dying world. 

Do you at all try to learn more about Jesus? Are you investing your time, energy and effort into knowing the person who saved your life for all eternity? 

Paul taught that there would be people within the Church who would mislead many. Would you be so into the Word of God to recognize if you were?  

Jesus said that He wants doers of the Word and not just hearers only. 

Sadly there will be billions of people claiming to have lived a Christian life who never came to Christ Jesus for salvation at all.  

We know this because Jesus tells us that it will be true.  

First, be sure of your salvation.  

Secondly, take steps towards a real relationship with Jesus. 

Thirdly, live it out. No matter what people might say. 

Be in a real relationship with Jesus. 

Be willing to step into Isaiah's sandals. "Here am I, send me!".

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

no turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, I still will follow;

though none go with me, I still will follow;

though none go with me, I still will follow;

no turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;

the world behind me, the cross before me,

the world behind me, the cross before me;

no turning back, no turning back.

-Simon Marak

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

Faith Saves...

Faith Saves...

by David Brenneman 

"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10:9-10.

There's many people in this world who believe that you must do something more to be saved in Christ Jesus. 

The words of Paul here, as well as the very testimony written in the Gospels prove otherwise. 

"One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”  And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:39-43.

The thief on the cross next to Jesus received salvation and was not baptized.  

As many have stated in numerous sermons, he attended no classes on doctrines.  He had no set version of the Bible to be told to read.  He didn't get baptized.  Didn't do a single thing but believe through faith. 

Alistair Begg's sermon on this included a wonderful representation of his arrival in Paradise.  "The man on the middle cross said that he could come".

That's it, that's everything.  We come by faith and it's us who gets to come. 

It's us who gets sealed in the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus.  We get the righteousness of God and He takes away our sins.  

My Dear Reader...it's by faith and faith alone can you find forgiveness for your own sins.  It's by faith that we believe Jesus.  

Jesus will never force salvation upon you or anyone.

At no point after the confession of the one thief did Jesus say anything to the other thief: "And what about you?".

After coming to Christ for salvation...you're just going to want to live life differently.  Out of your love for Christ and all He did for you, you're going to want to tell others.  Some will receive what is said with gladness still others will rage at you.  They did with Jesus so they will do with you. 

The word from Jesus is "Many".

Many will say to Him in that day of accountability before Him of all that they claim to have done for Him and even in His Name...and those many will be told to go away for He never knew them.  They all tried to come to Christ by some other way.  They tried to come to Christ through all the things they did.  Many people claiming to be preachers deceive millions every single week.  

My Dear Reader you must decide if you indeed are coming by the narrow gate.  That gate narrow enough for only one to pass through...you. It has to only be you coming to that door, opening it for Jesus to come to you. 

There is a clock that scientists have that is a doomsday clock. Based on scientific research they tell the world of how close humanity is to utter destruction.  

In Heaven there's a date set.  A year, day, hour, minute and second set by the Father for Jesus to return to gather His Church.  All the saints of old, all those who have passed away. All those alive today who are saved in Christ Jesus.  All will leave with Him. Their physical bodies glorified.  Reassembled and perfected.  No illnesses found. No limbs missing. Nothing amiss.   

They will leave this world and all who remain will endure the wrath of God upon the Earth and mankind. 

It's as guaranteed to happen as the virgin birth, perfect life of Jesus Christ. 

It's as guaranteed to happen as the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I can't choose for you. 

Nobody can pray you out of Hell. 

Nobody can give enough money to the Church to get you out of Hell. 

In Christ...nothing can separate us from the love of God!  It doesn't matter what we are to endure in this life, this world!  

One second after we die, we are in the arms of Jesus!  Finding the joy of our salvation in Him!  No sins to encumber or weight you down anymore. 

One second after you die without Christ as your Savior...you find instant painful torment in Hell.  Always reminded of your sins every single moment for all eternity. Always reminded of how your sins, that Jesus offered to take away, have permanently separated you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

Always reminded that you had been given chance after chance while you yet were alive and able but always turned away. 

Those are not my choices...those...as per the Word of God are your choices. 

The Father’s plan for salvation required a perfect sacrifice...the only perfect sacrifice possible was His own Son, Jesus Christ. 

The Father’s plan for salvation is so simple a child understands it.  

Jesus is at the door of your heart today, in this very moment, hoping to come in if you would let Him. 

In recent days several whom I have known have stepped into eternity.  Safe in the arms of Jesus.  I know of others who should they die today will find themselves screaming out to God in Hell to save them and to give them another chance...as the rich man was told after he arrived in the true story Jesus told...there is no second chance.  People today have all they will ever need to be able to find salvation in Jesus Christ. 

Is Jesus Christ the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life?

This blog exists to point people to Jesus and to maybe turn people back to Him.  

It's been my calling for several years now and Lord willing I will continue until either I am told its time to come home to Heaven or He returns.  I am extremely confident that Jesus will return in my lifetime. 

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20.

"Softly and Tenderly"

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

calling for you and for me;

see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,

watching for you and for me.

Refrain:

Come home, come home;

you who are weary come home;

earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

calling, O sinner, come home!

2 Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,

pleading for you and for me?

Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,

mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]

3 Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,

passing from you and from me;

shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,

coming for you and for me. [Refrain]

4 O for the wonderful love he has promised,

promised for you and for me!

Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,

pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]

-Will L. Thompson 1880

United Methodist Hymnal. 

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

That's Not Good Enough

That's Not Good Enough 

by David Brenneman 

What the Bible doesn't say:

"Listen to your heart"

"Be true to yourself"

"Trust your gut"

"Feel good about yourself"

"Happiness is what matters"

"Just be a good person"

"Lookout for yourself first"

"Being good most of the time is enough"

"Everyone is going to go to Heaven"

"If your good outweighs your bad you'll go to Heaven"

There's so many misconceptions about the Bible that these aren't even the tip of the iceberg. 

In Romans Paul speaks so much to these and all other aspects of what it means to be saved that we have a method taught called the "Romans Road to Salvation".  

You deciding on how decent, how good, how righteous you are will have no bearing on your getting into Heaven. 

You choosing to live a good life, maybe even at taking care of someone else, will not get you into Heaven. 

You choosing to do anything other than coming to Christ for salvation...will actually send you to Hell instead. That's what the Bible says. 

Even our worldly definition of love is skewed. We hear people write songs or poetry on what they feel love is and that becomes our definition if it fits our feelings. 

Jesus is the only way to Heaven. 

Your loving your husband or wife as you see fit will not get you any "points" to get into Heaven. 

Your loving your children will not get you "points" to get into Heaven. 

You loving all of creation will not get you "points" to get into Heaven. 

My Dear Reader there is no point system to get into Heaven. 

Only through faith and trust in what Christ Jesus alone did on the cross of calvary will open that door to Heaven. 

"But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:8-13.

What does it say to those who would think such things about all they think they did to earn the right to enter into Heaven?

Don't take it from me. Read what Jesus said about it.

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23.

Jesus will go to great lengths to pursue you...but you also need to stop running. He truly wishes to have a personal relationship with you.  

Without salvation in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins, you will not see Heaven. 

The gift and the offer is free to all who would call upon His Name. 

Why persist in trying to get to Heaven your way when Jesus says its impossible for you?

Being good, being successful. 

Being a loving person. Being a friend to others. Being anything you or the world values as enough...only leads straight to Hell. 

We can't learn what true love is until after coming to Christ. 

We can't learn how to be good until after we come to Christ. 

We can't learn what true success is until after we come to Christ. 

We can't learn until we are taught by the Spirit of God how to live a life in this world that pleases God. 

My Dear Reader you must choose to ask Jesus to be the forgiver of your sins and to be the leader of your life. That's where living life begins. The Bible says we are as good as dead because of our trespasses and sins. A more modern approach is to say we're marked for death. Apart from salvation in Christ we are condemned in the eyes of God automatically. 

Jesus is at the door of your heart waiting. Waiting for you...knocking and calling for you to come home to Him. He will not open the door for you. 

My prayer for all who read this today is that you would know that Jesus is the forgiver of your sins and is the leader of your life.  

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Paul wrote in Romans. Means that everyone is in need of a Savior who is Christ the Lord because our sins keep us from the standard of perfection found only in Jesus Christ. 

My Dear Reader please be sure of your salvation. Jesus said this is a limited time offer. At some point He will return and take all who have called upon His Name for salvation. Everyone else will be left behind to face the wrath of God upon this world.  

Our good isn't good enough in the eyes of God. It isn't and God has said so.

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

Oh Those Moments

Oh Those Moments 

by David Brenneman 

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 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 8:26-30.

There's been many a time when indeed I have been without words yet know that I needed to pray. 

There's been many times when my grief is so overwhelming that the words cannot begin to flow. 

There's freedom in the truth that the Spirit of God within does understand our hearts and minds.

When my thoughts assail me and I have nothing but chaos...I know that somehow the Spirit finds His way through it all. 

We cannot see the beginning from the end most of the time. We often delude ourselves by thinking that this or that is over. 

We are not God with respect to that kind of knowledge.  

Life's been chaotic more in the last few months than has been for a while now. This happens, that happened. This broke and needs fixing, that too a week later. This event is somehow in the middle of fixing things. Then at work I get dropped in the middle of learning something that is beyond intense to me. Here comes the optical migraines. 

Yet none of these things will ever stop God from causing all things to work together for good for me because He loves me. 

The shock of losing a very close coworker yesterday has yet to sink in. While I know he's with Jesus I fight a form of jealousy at where he is. I know not how or what the future is going to look like at work now. People are soon going to learn just how much he was really doing, beyond what he was responsible for doing, while at work. 

I normally do not get optical migraines yet in the last week I have had several. Waiting them out as I make myself calm down is the only thing I can do. 

I have no words at times like these. 

Yet, in Christ, I am not without words. Even if I cannot articulate my emotions or feelings, the Spirit of God within understands. 

I was lead to find that passage yesterday where it says that we who are in Christ do not grieve like those who have no hope. My friend Steve, exactly like what a very popular evangelist once said, "One day you will read in the papers that I have died. I want you to know that you shouldn't believe a word of it. For I will be more alive than I ever have been. All I have done is changed my address!".

While I struggle with what's going on in my head and heart Jesus knows and understands. The Bible says that He was a man of sorrows, well acquainted with grief. Furthermore it says that we do not have a Savior who is distant or doesn’t understand.  

Jesus knows me. 

Jesus knows you.

We can hide behind words and say we're alright even when we aren't. 

We cannot do that with Jesus. 

Life will not be the same, but it will be different. Jesus is the one who prunes His branches. To obtain the growth necessary sometimes it's required to remove branches.  

We simply must rest in the arms of Jesus until we are able to stand. 

We must cling to His promises and His purpose for us while we yet have the breath of life still in our lungs.

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.

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

I don't need to understand everything. Everything doesn't need to make sense to me.  

Everything always makes sense to my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. 

It's on me to rest in Him until He says it's time to move on.

These moments of uncertainty will always be a part of life.  

The certain thing is that those in Christ are not alone in it. 

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

What Does It?

What Does It?

by David Brenneman 

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

"And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.  For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?  For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:23-26

We have this hope...that in living life  as the Spirit directs each of us...that we indeed will see God working in and through our lives.  

Many self-condemn when it comes to living the Christian life.  Whereas Jesus has forgiven them, they seem to have a problem forgiving themselves. 

Our sin nature is really good at the self-condemnation game.  Perhaps a different way of looking at it is a guilty conscience on steroids. Perpetual in scope.  Going on and on.   In truth, keeping us from seeing the power of forgiveness in Christ Jesus as He meant it to be.

There's people and people groups out there teaching a different gospel of what amounts to condemnation.  That when we face Jesus after He returns that we're going to be judged.  

Really flies in the face of our opening passage from Romans. 

Our lives aren't our own...we indeed were bought with a price...the precious blood of Jesus Christ.  

"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.

God knows we aren't perfect nor are we condemned when we are not.  We have as our Advocate Jesus Christ the Triumphant.  He knows our weaknesses and knows what we go through...and have been through. 

Grace means unmeritted favor.  Favor granted that we did nothing to earn.  

Grace and mercy are from God our Father through Jesus Christ to each of us.

To be truthful...I am grateful for the various limitations in my life that have been there most all my life.  Limitations of income, of ability, of knowledge, of strength, of wisdom, of well, anything that the world holds dear.  

I could strive for what the world says is important but what good is that really?  There's never been a successful U-Haul trip after a funeral for anything that a person who dies has accumulated.  That is to say you can't take it with you. 

What's the point in striving to live a life of wanton pleasure and missing out on the righteous life that God desires for you?  You only have a world's-eye view of the potential in your life.  Jesus has a God's-eye view of all that He's promised concerning you as lived for Him. 

What do you gain, really, from living life for yourself?  Momentary satisfaction? Momentary pleasure?  

What really would have happened with the Church had Peter stayed in his wallowing self pity and despair after denying His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?  What if he hadn't been pursued by Jesus after the resurrection?  Oh and yes he was pursued. 

When we really realize that we too are being pursued...it changes things.  Changes perspectives. 

Jesus is going to pursue all who He knows are supposed to be in His book of Life.  

The Great White Throne Judgment day is of no surprise to Jesus.  There's no shocking plot twists coming.  There's no questions being asked when people are separated.  He knows all who are His.  

Those who are His on that day, at the end of human history, are not condemned.  

Oh but the life we miss when we aren't striving to live in obedience to Him!  

Some may consider those with a higher IQ as smart or smarter than most.  Intelligence doesn't grant favor with God.  At their own moments in time that they died many millions of the smartest people died and went to Hell. 

Jesus wants us to have a personal relationship with Him in all aspects of life.  It doesn't matter how smart we are or think we are.  In Christ we have the righteousness of God.  

Oh that we would do more to believe God.  Believe when He says: "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

Consider this: “Behold, I know your thoughts, And the plans by which you would wrong me." Job 21:27.

Jesus taught of asking, seeking and knocking. 

My Dear Friend, pray the following Psalm:

 "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.

Consider that prayer along with "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.

"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.

You choose to walk with Jesus as He really intended for you to walk or you don't.  

You choose to take up your own cross and follow Him or you don't.  

You choose...but you will give an account of your life before Jesus.

You will never know what might have been until you are face-to-face with Jesus.  

Things, achievements, accolades, whatever the world holds dear...count it as loss.

"More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,  and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;  in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:8-14.

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

The Testimony is Before Your Eyes

The Testimony is Before Your Eyes 

by David Brenneman 

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:1-14

Most of the time we are in so much of a hurry that we miss whatever the Spirit had in mind for us to see. 

We get schedules in our mind and miss the people He's placed before us.

We get desires in our minds and brush aside the beauty of His creation.  

We get involved with so much useless stuff that we miss the story of God displayed before us.

We can let our pain blind us to something that was meant to console us. 

It's interesting how we can easily ramp up to the world's expectations yet have the hardest time releasing those things to be still before Jesus. 

We read of how Jesus often got away to be with His Father. We read of Him being in the wilderness for 40 days. Wilderness...what an honestly ridiculous thing to say of where He was!  

There's no such thing as a wilderness place for the Creator of the Universe.

For those yet undecided...all throughout everything the eyes see and the ears hear...there's evidence to prove there must be an intelligent designer behind it.

Evolution was debunked. Scientists are coming back around to be who they were at their beginning...supporters and the evidence gatherers of the truth of God in our world. 

I find it incredible that outside of what your eyes see and your ears hear...creation WOULD cry out to do more to get your attention. 

We moved at the end of 2021. I am still learning how to deal with peace and quiet. Of how to not have nervous expectations of being pro-reactive. Of not needing to be always anticipating what people might have a mind to be doing. 

My favorite times as a Christ-follower are my times in the early morning with Jesus and my evening times in my Bible before going to bed. My times on my riding mower are filled with praise and worship music. My rides to work are spent talking out loud to Jesus on my drive. 

This world craves peace more than ever and yet looks everywhere but to the Prince of Peace Himself.   

People indeed want to debunk the Bible saying it was written by men and can't be trusted. These same-said people read horoscopes, try talking to dead people, read fortune cookies, newspapers, news articles, science journals all written by men and women as well and call that truth. 

The world is moving towards a one world government. A one world leader. Think of this reality, this truth, if all the rest of the Bible is true, those two points ARE coming to mankind. 

Once Jesus does come back to take His Church and all who have awaited His coming...that one world leader is going to be known to all. That one world government will be established. A one world monetary system will be established. This world leader will insist on being worshiped. 

My Dear Reader the evidence is in and the verdict is known if only you would admit it. If what you see in creation is pointing you to Jesus with what all it can...then it's on you to believe.  

Jesus leaving His perfect Heaven to live as a man, to live a perfect life. Jesus being cruelly beaten and crucified. 3 days later rising from the dead victorious over sin, death and the grave. To what end?  

To

Pursue 

You.

If creation were allowed, it probably would never be silent about the wonders of its Creator to all who would listen. 

Jesus is pursuing you.  

He had every single person who would ever live on His mind while He was on the cross. 

Jesus thought of you while He was up there on the cross...because you are worth dying for. 

You are the one who decides to accept that truth or deny it. To receive it or reject it.  

What's at stake? What difference does it make? Where you spend your eternity.  

To throw the free gift of salvation away is to say you don't want to be with Jesus in His Heaven forever. That you would rather take your chances in God's Court alone. 

Only those who have believed and do have Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have their names written in His book of Life.   

There's no defense in God's Courts regarding sin that will ever exonerated you. The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All fall short of the perfection of Christ. All are in need of His saving grace and mercy. 

Think long and hard about all that Jesus is trying to show you.  

He doesn't care about your past, or how dirty you think you are. He will cleanse you whiter than snow when you ask Him to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. Your circumstances might not go away, but your life will be saved, and perhaps will take on a new meaning that you never imagined. 

Look around you my Dear Friend.

Take time to withdraw from the world a moment to see that Jesus has been waiting for you...all the time...all the while. 

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

The King Is Coming

The King Is Coming 

by David Brenneman 

"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains; Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness And the peoples in His faithfulness." Psalms 96:11-13

 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3.

"He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20.

"But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”" Luke 19:40.

The plan of God for mankind will not be thwarted by human intervention. It may seem as such from worldly conventional wisdom but oh my Dear Reader nothing is farther from the truth. 

No human being, no former angelic being is powerful enough to cast aside the plans or purpose of God. 

The world hates wars and rumors of wars yet we have them in an unfortunate abundance. In the heavenly places we have wars as shown in the book of Daniel.  

In your life, especially if you have not come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ wants to save you, you are at the center of a war---over you. 

Satan's schemes are carefully constructed lies, since he is a liar and the father of lies, to try to keep people from finding the truth of their need to find salvation in Jesus Christ alone. 

The war has raged since Adam and Eve. It has a definite ending point.  

The Father knows exactly who the last person who will be saved prior to the Rapture of the Church is. 

It might be you. 

Jesus is the one who called His shot and pulled it off as my Pastor often says.  

Jesus called it that He would go through everything He said He would and then be crucified on a cross. It happened exactly as it's written, exactly as He said.  

Three days later He came out of the tomb. Arose from the dead victorious over sin, death and the grave. Not only written in the four Gospels, but it can be found in other documents in other places. 

Jesus is going to come back. He has kept every single promise that He has ever made and in this He promised to return. 

What's keeping you from accepting His free gift of salvation? What are you holding onto that you mistakingly think is that important to gamble your eternal destination on?

Cultural experience?

Government ideologies?

Supposed Church practices?

What family or friends have told you?

This same Jesus says that everyone will stand before Him.

Believers are not going to be condemned for their sins because Jesus cast them away at their coming to Christ for salvation. 

Everyone else will stand condemned before they even try to mount a defense. The literal last nail in the coffin is that all these billions of people will not have their names written in the book of life.

My Dear Reader the only moment in your life when that happens is when you come to Christ for salvation. 

When you give your life to Jesus your works that you do for Jesus are what you will receive a reward from Him for doing.

If you think that all the good things you do, even supposedly for God, will have an impact on your condemnation you are gravely mistaken. 

Read the judgment part in the end of Revelation. That's exactly how it will be. Everyone's works will be added up. Then the book of life will be opened. If your name isn't there...then that's it. No party with others...it's eternity in the lake of fire. 

Those alive right now do not fully understand or recognize their connection to Jesus. When someone dies they are either really experiencing their separation in Hell from God or all His goodness with Him in Heaven.  

My Dear Reader I do not want anyone to miss the opportunity to come to Christ for salvation. 

The hope of this blog is to show people the way back to Jesus or show them how to open up the door of their hearts to receive His free gift of salvation. 

Make no mistake, He IS coming at the appointed year, day, hour, minute and second designated by His Father. 

You, until you do come to Christ, cannot fully grasp the true love of God for you. You cannot understand it until you say yes to Jesus being the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. 

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20

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

Not for Harm, But Rather for Growth

Not for Harm, But Rather for Growth 

by David Brenneman

 "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation." Romans 5:1-11.

"Why's this happening to me?"

"What did I do to deserve this?"

"Where did I go wrong?"

Perhaps you're in a tight spot and have had thoughts like this or something similar. 

I know that in my weakness I have uttered or thought such things. 

It's a wildly incorrect notion that our lives will be all sunshine and rainbows after coming to Christ for salvation. 

My Dear Reader, we come to Christ for salvation WE are that injured Samaritan on the side of the road of life that is found by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one who had gathered us up and taken us to be healed, transformed from our lowly estate into the likeness of Christ Jesus Himself. 

It's hard because the curse of sin that His shed blood defeated is an extremely sore loser at life. 

It's hard because we are learning how to truly live how to truly love as God intended not as we have muddled through life believing. 

It's not supposed to be all comfort and easy living the Christian life. 

If you have come to Christ for salvation and all you're experiencing is a cushy life of self pleasure and ease...you really need to examine yourself and be sure of your salvation.  

A life in Christ Jesus is going to mean a transformed life. One where we open our spiritual eyes for the first time and learn how to use them. One where our spiritual legs are slowly strengthened and we learn how to walk. One where we learn how to use this spiritual body because...we have never used it before.

It's a movie quote from "The Matrix". Neo: "Why do my eyes hurt?" Morpheous: "It's because you've never used them."

We are going to go through exactly what Paul wrote about that we just read in the book of Romans. 

Tribulations to bring about perseverance to bring proven character which brings hope.

Is there a why behind whatever befalls you? Always. 

Do you bring some of it upon yourself? Undoubtedly. You still have free will to choose to obey Christ or to drive your life yourself.

Do you have a right to know why?

Actually that answer is no.

In His sovereignty, Jesus isn't obligated to explain Himself to you. 

"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. This says nothing about, nor will you find it in the Bible anywhere, that He must tell you why concerning any decisions regarding the path of your life.

Job knew nothing until he died. 

My Dear Reader, children trust their parents because they have no reason not to. Parents are to be the Biblical representation of Christ to their children. 

I was born with certain birth defects, both physically and mentally. We all actually have something that we are limited by with regards to these things. That is the curse of sin. It corrupted what was by God's design perfect. 

But these things in which we see as limitations are not limitations to our Lord Jesus Christ. Was the stuttering problem of Moses a limitation to keep the children of Israel from leaving Egypt? What was Jesus's response to Moses? Wasn't it Me who created your mouth? (paraphrased).

Lastly Jesus said plainly, no parable in mind: In this world we will have troubles and tribulation but to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. 

No we won't be protected from every single thing this world throws at us. We will be from those things that will mess with God's plans for our lives. Satan and his minions do not have free reign with messing with our lives. We, most of us anyway, are not significant enough to be directly on Satan's radar. So don't give him credit where none is due. All Believer's will go through a cleansing process. All will learn how to let go of things that we have or we do that do not make us more like Christ. All. 

Pray for strength. Pray for endurance. Pray for encouragement. Intentionally surround your thoughts with praise and worship music to bolster the work of the Spirit of God in you. Don't fill your head and heart with music or ideologies that aren't going to glorify God. These will hinder the work of God in you and WILL prolong whatever lessons He's trying to teach you. 

Pray. Without. Ceasing. 

Grow in Christ so that you will be useful to the One who gave His life to save you.

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