Having Ears to Hear

Having Ears to Hear 

by David Brenneman 

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’" Revelation 2:7.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’" Revelation 2:11.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’" Revelation 2:17.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’" Revelation 2:29.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’" Revelation 3:6.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’" Revelation 3:13.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” Revelation 3:22.

"For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they would see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.’" Matthew 13:15.

It's either easy or difficult to pray TO Jesus...but my Dear Reader, how much effort do you put into listening to Jesus in prayer?

When the Bible repeats something it's a really good idea to stop and find out what is going on.

Someone else I know was reading in the book of Revelation towards the other end of it and these words stuck with me: "has ears to hear".

Do you have ears to really hear? Do you really want to know what it is that Jesus really does want to say to you?  

You DO realize that no matter how great or small a person you are in Christ that He DOES have things to talk to you about? In the ecosystem of the body of Christ, unlike our often disconnected human bodies, His body -the Church- stays connected.  

Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the branches. He said that apart from Himself we could do nothing.

Are you actively listening for Jesus to talk to you? If not, why not?

Jesus didn't go through all that He did for us to run off and do our own thing.  

We come to Christ we are given a mission, a new purpose in life, that's uniquely for each of us to be doing. 

There's something special and specific for each part of the body of Christ to be doing...if we're listening that is.

Are you? Are you listening for what it is that the Spirit has been training you to be doing?  

He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. That's what my Bible says. 

We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. My Bible says that too.

Certain things are already told for all who are in Christ to follow. 

Pray without ceasing. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. Love God with our everything and love others as ourselves. Pointing people to Jesus.  

Then there's the next level. Asking Jesus what does He want me to be doing for Him. Get out of your comfort zone and ask. After all He is the one who died for you. Don't you WANT to show appreciation for all He's done for you?  

It starts with listening...it's how it began...the Spirit spoke life to us and we received the free gift of salvation...through listening. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. My Bible says that too.

So what's next? Are you now wondering what you have missed?

Many are missing out on what God is telling them daily because the worries of this life are doing a number on them.  

"All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." 1 Corinthians 10:23.

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12.

Just because you CAN do something, think something, say something, doesn't mean you should. 

Where are your priorities? Where are your desires? Do you WANT to hear "Well done!" from Jesus?

It begins with listening...he or she who has ears let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches...

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

Man's Boasts are Empty Boasts

Man's Boasts are Empty Boasts

by David Brenneman 

"Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God." Psalms 20:7.

"Why should I fear in days of adversity, When the iniquity of my foes surrounds me, Even those who trust in their wealth And boast in the abundance of their riches? No man can by any means redeem his brother Or give to God a ransom for him—For the redemption of his soul is costly, And he should cease trying forever—That he should live on eternally, That he should not undergo decay. For he sees that even wise men die; The stupid and the senseless alike perish And leave their wealth to others. Their inner thought is that their houses are forever And their dwelling places to all generations; They have called their lands after their own names. But man in his pomp will not endure; He is like the beasts that perish. This is the way of those who are foolish, And of those after them who approve their words. Selah. As sheep they are appointed for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd; And the upright shall rule over them in the morning, And their form shall be for Sheol to consume So that they have no habitation. But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me. Selah. Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased; For when he dies he will carry nothing away; His glory will not descend after him. Though while he lives he congratulates himself—And though men praise you when you do well for yourself--He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They will never see the light. Man in his pomp, yet without understanding, Is like the beasts that perish." Psalms 49:5-20.

More times than I want to recount I have had people boast of themselves before me. Ranting and raving at who they are, what they have done, what they think of me, the list goes on and on. 

But...what does the Spirit say through the Word of God?  

Paul wrote "If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness." 2 Corinthians 11:30.

"And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

God looks at the heart. The inner man is how it's often referred to.  

What's inside of you is what matters. Not what your outward appearance shows. Achievements really don't matter unless it's in the work of Jesus Christ in your life. 

It's actually an honor when people rage at Believers when in truth they're raging at God because of the revealing of sin in their lives. When people rage for other reasons then it's not.

Shaking a fist at God has never ever benefited anyone at any time. Has not nor will it ever.  

Right now there's people as close as family doing this in my life as well as coworkers who are merely acquaintances thumbing their noses up at God because of believing they are right and He is wrong about how their lives should be lived.

They boast in their decisions. Boast in their achievements. Pointing to what they have or have succeeded in doing or are doing as reasons to say that they're right and God is wrong. 

"Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." Psalms 27:12-14.

When people rage, and lie, and curse, they're really mad at God and since they cannot stop God nor can they face Him in the here and now...they will go after His representatives.  

So what are we to do? “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12.

We rest in the truth that no matter what manner of evil...God wins. 

No matter the lies...God knows the truth. 

No matter the confidence of the unbelieving...Jesus speaks a word and they're done.  

No matter what becomes of me...nothing will separate me from the love of Christ Jesus.  

"Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39.

Raging at me usually gets people nowhere. In due time God has always revealed the truth of things. 

Though people fall away and relationships be broken, maybe for a time maybe forever, my boast will be in the name of my God.  

Though lies be said of me...my boast will be in the name of my God.  

In all their raging...they prove the word of God true.  

My Dear Reader...realize that Jesus went through excruciating ordeals to bring salvation to all men and women. Jesus was mocked, ridiculed. He was a man of sorrows well acquainted with grief.  

And had done nothing wrong. 

Whether people believe what you're saying in regards to how Jesus works through the Spirit or not...it doesn't change the work of God in their lives or yours. 

Trusting in the Lord with all your heart means to not get in His way when He's dealing with others. Join Him if He should have you help but don't get ahead of Him.  

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life...not us. 

Would God alter great and massive things in our world to reach a soul for Jesus? Absolutely. Read your Bible. Has happened before. Would people in the lives of some be taken in order for the Spirit to get through to someone to save them? Yes. This too has happened before.

Boasting in the works of God isn't at all a bad thing. Whether or not people accept it or not. 

What do you boast in? Who do you boast in?  

I know this...Jesus worked in someone's life intentionally in order to show me Jesus and His gift of salvation and I received it. Jesus works in the lives of people to show them the same. Whether people rage or not God is still the same yesterday, today and forever. The reason to find salvation in Jesus Christ alone are the same today as it was yesterday.  

Regardless of how people treat Believers...He still holds them in His hands.  

As for me and my house...we will follow Jesus. Our boast is in what He's done for us and what He can do for you. 

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

More than Words on a Page

More Than Words on a Page 

by David Brenneman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray without ceasing. 

Love God with our everything and love others as ourselves. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The love of God in Christ Jesus holds everything together.

Love covers a multitude of sins.

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

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

Those Who Try to Disturb You in Christ

Those Who Try to Disturb You in Christ 

by David Brenneman 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's sometimes very difficult but we really do need to, at all times, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.

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

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

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

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

Storms Will Come

Storms Will Come 

by David Brenneman 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kept right on. There it is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In due time the truth will come out. 

We live for Christ and not ourselves. 

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

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

The Lord Laughs at the Words of the Wicked

The Lord Laughs at the Words of the Wicked 

by David Brenneman 

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

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

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

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

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

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

We work with such people today. 

We associate with such people today when we shop.

We have such people in our families. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God is Not Mocked

God is Not Mocked

by David Brenneman 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Dear Reader you are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

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

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whatever we sow we will reap. 

God will not be mocked. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mere Man?

Mere Man?

by David Brenneman 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My days continue.  Our lives go on. 

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

Faith history shows me that Jesus wins every single time. 

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

Absolutely nothing. 

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

Jesus said that we are in His hands. 

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

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

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

Things We Only Think We Hide

Things We Only Think We Hide

by David Brenneman 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All lies have no trouble being said.

All liars hate being challenged by the truth of God.  

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

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

We just think that luck happens.

We just think that karma happens. 

Neither exists in the reality of God's word.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Relief for the Day

Relief for the Day 

by David Brenneman 

"This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him." Lamentations 3:21-25.

For the last several days it's been problematic for me to get to sleep. 

My mind hasn't been all too willing to shutdown for the evening. Sleep becoming elusive for a time. 

My thoughts turn to prayers and it's there I take my burdens of the day.  

While there's really not a person who fully understands what goes on between my ears, my Savior and Lord does. 

Many times my choices put me in some bad situations. My Journal reviewing shows me that. If you aren't journaling you should. Start small n add whatever comes to mind. 

After what sleep that I do get, I awaken to what these verses are saying. 

Today is new. Today isn't yesterday. Today isn't even a representation of what tomorrow will be like.

A song we used to sing in Church said "This is the day, this is the day, this the that the Lord has made. We will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it and be glad in it...".

Today I know my Jesus is already here before I took my first breath in what today is to be. I know, no matter how stressful the day is going to be, that He's never stressed at all. Until He changes things, outside of sleep, my life has a whole lot of stressful things going on. From work to home life there's a great many things that most do not know are pressing upon me. 

In this morning His mercies are new. In this moment He's ever present in my time of need, regardless of the storm.  

In 1873, Horatio Gates Spafford wrote a hymn.

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

when sorrows like sea billows roll;

whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

"It is well, it is well with my soul."

It is well with my soul;

it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

let this blest assurance control:

that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

and has shed his own blood for my soul. 

It is well with my soul;

it is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

my sin, not in part, but the whole,

is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;

praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well with my soul;

it is well, it is well with my soul.

O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;

even so, it is well with my soul. 

It is well with my soul;

it is well, it is well with my soul.

There's days when these thoughts of my soul being well are difficult. 

As rough as many days are these days, whether people see it in me or not, I pray often to my God in Heaven.  

Maybe it's life, maybe it's more of Satan trying to shut me up, shut me down. Maybe it's been permitted in order to drive me closer to Jesus. 

Life isn't random. Get that foolish notion out of your head. 

The Bible explicitly says that there's Jesus's plans for the lives of people individually and there's the plans of God for all mankind.  

His will for all is salvation. 

His will for the saved is to become more like Christ. 

His will for mankind is to complete the Father’s plan for mankind, completing the written word of God as laid out in the Bible. 

My life is hidden in Christ Jesus.

Regardless of whether I understand things or not, He is still the Author and the Perfector of my faith. 

Regardless of anything anyone can come up with to say or do...Jesus is still the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

My life is in His hands and He is in the Father’s hands. What comes into my life has to be permitted by Jesus.  

Job understood enough to know how to live for the Lord. Job wasn't told everything about why he went through what he did. He didn't learn anything significant until after he left this world. 

My mission is still to point people to Jesus. Regardless of my life's circumstances. Christians aren't doormats either. We are Ambassadors for Jesus. Wisdom is to be at our right hand to guide us in this world. 

"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. 

Treatment of Others

Treatment of Others 

by David Brenneman 

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." Luke 6:27-33.

I admit and confess, this passage has been difficult of late to navigate. It's very difficult when situations are seemingly one-sided, that you cannot speak to the other person. 

In my life I have, on more than one occasion, have seen the Spirit of God go places where I could not in resolving situations. 

As the Bible says: all things are possible with God. 

It's as much our attitude behind our choices as it is the choices we make.   

It's quite frankly more than just leading the horse to water. That particular horse needs to know it's ok to drink.  

Life is full of situations. It on us to calm down enough to realize that is what they are to God. Nothing surprises God. Not a single thing.  

My life of late has no shortages of situations. The harder part for me is to take steps to react as God wants me to.  

Unsaved people aren't going to understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. We will see things differently. At least we're supposed to. 

I pray for these in my life first and foremost for salvation. The Spirit needs to intercede in ways that I cannot. From what little I know...I am seeing things happening in ways that are tearing down walls. 

Sadly, for a few, God's probably going to have to take a life in order to break through to them.  

Jesus says a whole lot in that short opening passage.  

The truth of the matter is all of that is found to be true in life application. 

My heart grieves for situations such as this that I am having to wait on.

The heart of Jesus grieves over the billions alive today who keep drumming up excuses to reject His free gift of salvation. 

Part of the situations in my life are those who are indeed rejecting Jesus. Trying to be God and God keeps taking away more and more from their lives. He is God and we are not. 

In Proverbs King Solomon wrote many things to describe the true failed lives of the wicked. Even if the outward appearance is showing success, they will fail. 

In the New Testament we read of the truths of God's word in that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We're to 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. 

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 12:19-21.

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28.

In all this I remember that we're not doormats either. 

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6.

I strive to only fight the battles that are for me to fight. If they're God's, leave them to God to accomplish. 

My prayer is for salvation and restoration. My words are one thing but I often must wait upon the Lord's timing. Do what I am given to do and leave the consequences to Him. My Dear Reader, God never ever loses. 

To possibly the person or people needing to read this...I am praying for you. You have no control over that part of my life. My heart grieves and my Savior hears me.  

My hope and prayer is laid out before all. Jesus loves you more than I do. He knows the truth about everything...not just what you think you know. 

You are loved regardless.

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

Are You Really Ready?

Are You Really Ready?

by David Brenneman 

There's oh too many people who "believe in God" who aren't really saved. They'll admit that God is real but have never asked Jesus to be the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives.  

There's a big difference. 

God's Word says that even the demons believe that and at least they shudder at the thought of God being God. They put their lot in with Satan and have been losing ever since.  

People look at their world around them and see all kinds of mischief and mayhem. Ironically, exactly what the Bible says that the world would be like, people doing whatever is right in their own eyes. 

"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

A form of godliness. It's saying that they hold to some self-righteous standard that they say is good enough for them, should be good enough for God. 

Reading the headlines you'll find plenty of people exhibiting all those other perspectives and personality traits. You'll find another truth as well...we are living in the days of Noah. Everyone is doing what they say is right in their own eyes.

Add to this they are insisting that you must accept them in whatever they say is right for them.

Even an artificial intelligence understands that a person who refuses to stop playing make believe is delusional, unrealistic, living in a fantasy world...indeed it says they need professional help. 

Yet legally we have hundreds of thousands of people doing that in changing things about themselves that is the opposite of what God created them to be. 

Christians are being told they must comply because the world is changing and they need to get with the times.  

As pointed out by Mike Wingfield's session last night...a copy of the book of Isaiah was discovered in a cave...easily thousands of years apart from the time the original was written by the hand of man through the Spirit of God. This copy was an exact to the letter copy. Preserved by the Spirit of God as proof that while we may think change must be accepted, God's Word stays the same. 

My Dear Reader, if you're still relying on what you think is good enough and are not relying on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary...you will never see Heaven. 

If you're one of those writing your own rules for life and are not obeying the Word of God...you will never see Heaven. 

Those who die without true salvation in Christ Jesus...will never see Heaven. 

They are not kept somewhere to await God's final ruling. 

They are not waiting in some ethereal world.  

They leave their physical bodies and in an instant wake up in torment and pain in Hell. With full clarity of thought as to knowing why they are there.

In this life you must choose to believe whether you want to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior or not.

It's not about what you will physically lose if you do. It's what eternally you will lose if you don't. 

Jesus said what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? What will he give in exchange for his soul? You came into this world with nothing, you leave with nothing. 

It's going to likely cost you to come to Christ. You're going to lose some, if not all, your worst character traits. You'll lose most, if not all, your anxiety, anger, and a host of other things. You'll have to put up with a peace that you've never known. You'll have to get used to what real love is all about in Christ. You'll begin to see what God really values most. Living a life that you'll never see apart from Jesus. 

An that's just the beginning. 

The peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

You cannot know these things personally without coming to Christ for salvation first. 

You cannot scam God.  

Jesus says that on that judgment day that MANY will claim to have lived righteously. Claiming to have done countless deeds in His name. 

Yet were devoid of a real relationship with Jesus. They never came to Him for salvation. 

You need to be sure that you're not trying to act like a Christian and know that you really are a Child of God. 

"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!” Romans 10:8-15.

My Dear Reader you aren't guaranteed a today let alone another 5 minutes. It is a gift from God because He loves you and wants to save you.  

Every single breath given to every single person is to give them an opportunity to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.  

Will you squander your gift of breathing or exchange it for the free gift of salvation through Jesus?

The choice is yours and my Dear Friend...time is running out. 

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

There is NO Excuse

There is No Excuse 

by David Brenneman 

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." Romans 1:17-25.

"For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:11-12.

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." Acts 5:30-32.

We all have a moment coming where we will stand before Jesus. 

There will be no debate. 

There will be none that hide to avoid it.

There will be none who will create a compelling case against the charges of unrepentant, born with, sin short of those who have placed their faith and trust in what Christ Jesus alone did on the cross of calvary to save them. Those who are saved have no guilt or anything against them from God's Words concerning them. "There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus".

If you're living a life separated from Jesus and argue that you don't believe nor have any need for Him or His salvation...there's only one path for you and it isn't leading to Heaven or any form of paradise. 

The many convincing proofs that over 500 people engaged in after the resurrection have stood the test of time. The work of the Spirit of God in men and women everyday, everywhere, stands the test of time. 

The choice really is yours now that Christ came, lived a sinless life, was cruelly beaten and crucified. Now that He not only was crucified but raised from the dead to not only defeat sin, death and the grave, but to make THE way when there was no way for mankind to ever see Heaven.  

Those who looked ahead to the coming of Jesus Christ He took home to Heaven at His ascension. 

Those who die in Christ since I firmly believe He personally comes to bring home as He lead the others there.

Sadly I also think it's possible that He may lead those who rejected Him to their place in Hell. They will look on Him who they pierced. Somehow I don't believe that day will only be in the near future when all of the unsaved of mankind stand before Jesus in judgment. 

There is no excuse for anyone to hold onto with regards to the free gift of salvation. Fears of what Jesus may or may not ask of you will not be a defense.  

Honestly and truthfully, God's enemy, Satan, really hopes to stall you by way of fears of every kind...keeping you from knowing the truth of God in Christ. 

You cannot know a single thought that Jesus would want of you short of the singular truth that He loves you and doesn't want you to spend eternity in Hell or the Lake of Fire. 

Those who haven't come to Christ for salvation cannot know or understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned, they are foreign to them. That's exactly what God says to everyone who isn't saved yet. "You can't know or understand Me until you come to Me with all your heart.".

So my Dear Reader drop the excuses. Stop running from Jesus. 

There's more than enough evidences to prove to you, in your life, in all the ways that matter to your mind and heart, to show you that Jesus loves you and wants to save you. 

"For God so loved YOU that He gave His only begotten Son that if YOU believe in Him you will not perish but will have everlasting life." 

Many tend not to look at the verses that come after that most famous verse.

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." John 3:17-21.

Here before you are death and life. 

Here before you is the love of God in Christ Jesus or an open grave that leads only to an eternity of painful torment. 

When you breathe your last it's the exact same as signing the last line of a legal document. Only in this case there's zero chance of reversing it.  

When Christ Jesus returns...that will be the last chance for the millions who will die from the collateral damage from removing all who are alive and remain who are indeed saved. They will immediately enter Hell.  

Countless millions of children who do not know right from wrong will vanish as well. Parents in a panic concerning what became of them. 

Billions left wondering what just happened. Being lied to by a new world leader. The clock ticking towards a Final Judgment Day set 1,007 years away.  

While salvation will be possible in the 7 years of judgments of God on this Earth, all who do will be marked for death. Enemies of the state. 

Billions will die in that Great Tribulation. Read it in the book of Revelation. It's right there in black and white. 

My Dear Reader this isn't a game nor is it a boast of mine that I am saved in Christ. I know only because He first loved me. I stopped running and then knew His love for me. I opened my heart and invited Him in to be the forgiver of my sins and the leader of my life. 

The Bible is clear...there is no other name under Heaven by which we must be saved...the name of Jesus Christ. 

Please drop the excuses...your eternal destruction or eternal love of God is at stake. An eternity paying an excruciatingly painful price or knowing the love of God in Christ Jesus.

The choice is yours. 

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

He WILL Make a Way

He WILL Make a Way 

by David Brenneman 

"Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart."

Psalms 44:21.

"For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God." 1 Corinthians 2:10.

"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."

Romans 8:27.

"And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds." Revelation 2:23.

"The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good." Psalms 14:1.

"For a fool speaks nonsense, And his heart inclines toward wickedness: To practice ungodliness and to speak error against the Lord, To keep the hungry person unsatisfied And to withhold drink from the thirsty." Isaiah 32:6.

Oh what people THINK they get away with. Oh how they disregard the work of God who IS still at work even today. 

Are there hurt people? Yes. 

Has God forgotten them? Absolutely not. 

Jesus said for all who are weak and heavy laden to come to Him and He will give them rest. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God. 

"He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy he will save." Psalms 72:13.

There's no place you can go to escape the Lord. To the highest heavens to the bottom corners of Hell. To the farthest reaches of the galaxy to your own backyard. 

Now add to this the character of Christ whom bore our sorrows. He was a man of sorrows well acquainted with grief.  

The thing nobody in all human history will ever be able to confidently claim is that Jesus wouldn't understand that He wouldn't know what someone has been through. 

There's no place you could be that Jesus wouldn't travel the distance to come straight to you. 

Your heart is laid bare before Jesus. Dr. John C. Whitcomb used to quote Hebrews 4:13 "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.".

It's a very grieving thing when someone is going through something and in their pain they turn on those whom are only there to help.  

Been living that lately.  

BUT.

But.

I have journeyed around the sun for now over 56 years and can tell you with all confidence...you're lying to yourself if you think that God's not active in your life. That God isn't there. That if He is that He obviously doesn't care about you. That this family member doesn't understand or never could understand what you're going through. That that person is unable to understand your pain. 

In Christ all things are possible. 

If you are breathing then there's still hope. 

If you would but come to Christ and pour your heart out to Him you would find peace and comfort in your time of need.

Fools turn from God to themselves or others thinking they can get life done without God. 

Fools...only exist in this world. In Hell or Heaven...everyone there knows full well that there IS a God. They're fully aware. There are no doubts nor speculations. Those in Hell are in painful torment for their sins that they did in their lives while they yet lived. 

My Dear Reader...I have absolute certainty in the truth that Jesus is more than alive and is willing to pursue you to the ends of the Earth. He's ready with open arms to help you deal with your pain and problems. He's standing at the door of your heart knocking. He WILL make a way where you see none to get to you and to save you if you but call out to Him. 

The choice to believe...

The choice to open that door...

That choice to give Him a chance..

Is entirely up to you. 

But I can tell you with all confidence...He is only a heartbeat away...and ready to take you into His arms and bring healing and comfort of the likes you have never known. 

He will...if you call...

In this life we only think we can or have burned bridges that we later would need again with family or friends or anyone else. Jesus is a bridge builder. A way maker. Been there done that and have the restored relationships to prove it.

Open your heart today and see what your Creator will do. 

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

Something or Someone Gets Your All

Something or Someone Gets Your All 

by David Brenneman 

A song of praise starts out with a question...is your all on the altar?

We often don't think about where our all is going, who's getting it, or for how long they'll or it'll have it. 

But daily something or someone is getting our all. 

Colossians 3:23-24 says "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."

In Proverbs 3:5-11 we're told this: "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. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof,"

Jesus said this about your all:

"And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”" Matthew 22:37-40.

It's a sobering thought to consider your all.  

Do you waste your all? Squander your all? Is your all going towards the will of God for you in Christ or is it honestly going down the drain?

We wastefully spend in this country and around the world. The whole of the business world is by and large service related to cause people to have to perpetuate needing to continuously buy because nothing is built to last nor do doctors try to cure anything. These things consume our all in trying to keep up. And within this all we get burdened with paying extra to fix those things in life to seek a peaceful life. 

When the world is working towards consuming so much it makes it all the while so much harder to spend time with Jesus. 

In your life you need to choose Christ as well as to say no to the world if Christ is going to get your all. 

You have to take a firm hold of training in righteousness if you are going to truly give your all to Jesus. 

It means saying no a whole lot more often than you do my Dear Reader.  

There's things fighting for your all. 

There's stuff that's just that...stuff...that really has no place in a life that belongs to God in Christ Jesus. 

In my life there's been times when, realistically speaking, the Spirit says this or that must go. That it's in conflict with whatever God has in mind, has prepared, for me to be involved with or to be doing. 

There's emotional triggers attached to things that He's purged from my life to make room for more fruitful things to grow in me.  

We are probably the most tempted generation since the days of Noah to be swayed from doing what's right in the sight of God vs doing whatever is right in our own eyes. 

We are a generation that is wrapped up in sensationalism. If it feels good you must pursue it. If it's causing you emotional discomfort treat it and avoid it at all costs. 

There's a war going on for your mind.

A life in Christ doing whatever is right in His eyes vs a life that's bent on selfishness. One or the other gets our all.

I have seen it written that you should live by your commitments not your intentions.  

The path to Hell is paved with good intentions. It's also paved with good deeds done not for God but for self.  

So who is getting your all?

Who do you give your all to?

Who do you have to give your all to?

Work n family consume a lot of our all.  

Priorities for a Christian ought to be God, Spouse then everything else.  

Sadly many many people are sucked into handing over their all to useless things that do nothing to help their calling in Christ. 

Some are unavoidable. Some certainly are. 

So where does your time go? Who's getting the time you have been given today? How much of all of your time goes towards your training in righteousness? How much of it literally is getting flushed down the toilet?

Jesus said that wherever your treasure is there your heart will be also. 

If what you value is more important than what God's wanting of you, don't expect it to last. 

Something or someone is getting our all. It's on us to be diligent in our pursuit of righteousness in Christ Jesus.  

A professional athlete turns away from things that will deter them from the prize, the trophy, that they seek.  

If you aren't being intentional in your life with Jesus you're squandering your life. 

Look at your priorities and your wasteful spending of time, energy and efforts...re-evaluate your life in light of the purpose and calling that you have in Christ. 

Something or Someone has your all...make sure it's the RIGHT someone and something. 

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

You Practice One or the Other

You Practice One or the Other 

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.

People practice either walking in the ways of life in Christ or people practice doing whatever is right in their own eyes. You are those people. 

When you get up, you may not be thinking about doing right or wrong but in the course of your day you will be faced with those decisions. 

We all face choice. Do we spend money or not. Do we go this place or that place. Do we splurge on ourselves or abstain. Do we obey the Word of God or go with the flow. 

Do we intentionally set aside time for Jesus or do we say maybe another day. Do we indulge into fantasy or sports rather than do what you know that the Spirit wants you to be doing. 

Choice is before you. You will practice one or the other. One way leads to a vibrant rich life in Christ, the other leads to always wanting more because it doesn't satisfy.  

There's much to be said at funerals...what would be said of you? Would your life show? Would there be those who would stand up and testify of your love for Jesus or would there be more talk of what all you did that did nothing for the kingdom of God?

I was reading in Joshua this morning and Joshua's and Caleb's legacy was not wrapped up in what they did for themselves. It's recorded for all time of what they did...they lived a life fully devoted to the Lord their God. 

We practice either deeds of righteousness or deeds of darkness. We either honor God or we aren't. We aren't going to be contributing to a crown of righteousness if we aren't living, practicing, a life in Christ as the Spirit directs each of us. 

The Spirit is to be your guide. Your Instructor. Your Teacher. Your moral compass. Your life in Christ is dependent upon your willingness and efforts to live a life in Christ Jesus for good.  

We are inundated with temptations to squander both our time and money and efforts. Subscriptions leach our finances. Sports and fantasy leach our time and money as well. Our time is among the greatest resource given to us and we aren't mindful of it. We can always devise ways to generate more money but there's nobody to go to for another package deal on another day to spend again. 

You have before you just what Moses said to the Israelites. Death and life. Choice. One way, the Godly way, leads to life. The other leads to destruction.  

Chasing a dream that God will never bless is what many people do in life n wonder why it doesn't happen. Jesus said people have not because they ask not. Said that what they do ask for they don't get because all they will do with it is spend it on their own pleasures. 

It's ok to chase a dream...just make sure it's really what God wants of you.  

I have several...that I cannot say what they are...that Jesus has told me that it isn't in His plans for me or humanity. It's sufficient for me to know that they would work. 

You are either going to follow God's will for you or you will follow your will for you. You will practice one or the other. 

Which will it be? A life in Christ that honors all He did for you to save you or a life apart from Jesus that will only be turned to ashes?

Anything we aquire apart from the will of God for you in Christ Jesus will turn to ashes. 

It's to be His will being done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  

Think about these things as you enter into your today.  

The choice...is...yours. 

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