More Than Words on a Page

More than Words on a Page

by David Brenneman 

"Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction." Philippians 4:1-14.

A life in Christ must be more than words on a page. The life in Christ must be in action and activity as much as it is in thought and intention.  

Those who's names are written in the Book of Life ought to live differently than those who are not. 

There is nothing about living in Christ that's a shared custody deal between us and the world. There is nothing that ought to be dethroning Jesus from being the center of our world.  

To deny ourselves and to take up our own cross and follow Him is way more than words on a page...at least it's supposed to be. 

A life lived in Christ should likewise be more than the persons name written in the Lamb's book of Life as well.  

If it's important by Godly standards then by God it should be important by our standards if we truly meant it in saying "I have decided to follow Jesus!" For those who know that grand old hymn "No turning back, no turning back" follows that line.

"I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus;

No turning back; no turning back.

If no one joins me, still I will follow;

If no one joins me, still I will follow;

If no one joins me, still I will follow;

No turning back; no turning back.

The cross before me, the world behind me;

The cross before me, the world behind me;

The cross before me, the world behind me;

No turning back, no turning back.." -Simon Marak

When someone comes to Christ just as they are...gratefulness ought to envelop them for all that Jesus did for them.  

At one point even the disciples came to Jesus and said they left everything to come follow Him.  

Everything meant everything and still does today. Not that this means giving away or selling or throwing away everything a Believer owns. It's putting those things in a correct Godly perspective. All of it now belongs to God in Christ Jesus. If prompted by the Spirit of God it may mean letting go of things, thoughts and feelings regarding stuff or a way of life.  

This is where trusting 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 comes in.

While there's a great many things and thoughts that can bring me worldly joy and happiness it doesn't immediately follow that God wants those things in my life.  

Just as well...just because you think you can obtain doesn't immediately follow that you should. 

A life in Christ must be more than the words we spoke in a heartfelt prayer to Jesus.  

It should be as well what also was written "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:23-25.

Jesus said to His disciples as well as all who say they are followers of Jesus "set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world". 

A good reason is you will be so involved that you will miss the hand of God in your life. You will miss the hand of God in the world. You will miss opportunities to point people to Jesus. We are only here after coming to Christ in order to grow in Christ and point people to Jesus...awaiting either our home-going or His return. As Ambassadors for Christ we have no off-days or off-season from being a Disciple, a fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  

You and I aren't saved so that we can indulge in the world without cost. Our salvation cost Jesus everything. The value of that price tag should always be before us.

The names of the saved in the Lamb's book of Life...are written in the blood of Jesus. The warnings to Noah after the Great Flood were to never eat any flesh with the blood still in it for the life is in the blood. The Book of Life is alive with the blood of Jesus.  

Being close to Believer's but never deciding to give your life to Christ will never get it written in that book. 

Living a "good" life will never get it written in that book. 

Talking like a "good" person will not get it written in the book.

The one who writes in that book is only the Spirit of God. He testifies with our spirit after we come to Christ for salvation that indeed we are Children of God. 

More than Words on a Page.

An obituary is words on a page that are often long forgotten. The Words of Jesus Christ will never be forgotten. Throughout eternity those permanently separated from Jesus will have a perfect memory of their choice to refuse the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. They will know the words of Jesus forever spoken to them. 

To become an athlete you must go beyond words to fulfill that.

To become a soldier you must go beyond words to fulfill that. 

To become a doctor, a technician, a public servant, you must move beyond words. 

A life in Christ must be more than our saying so and move into the doing.  

Time in prayer not just because of need but of desire to meet Jesus there.

Time in the Word of God not just because even the Bible saying you should to your being in the Word of God because you want to know more about Jesus. 

Living a life that says "Jesus is here" rather than a life that hides it except for moments in a church building. 

Take up our own cross and follow Him wasn't a suggestion. So what that we let go of plans of things of this or that in order to grow in Christ. Everything we know from our past as well as the present and future will pass away. What we get in our relationship with Jesus lasts forever. 

Make your life more than words on a page. Live it the way Jesus wants of you. 

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

Every Person is Either a Good Example or Bad

Every Person is Either a Good Example or Bad

by David Brenneman 

"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. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." Philippians 3:13-21.

The type and kind of example you are before men and women is either a Godly one or a sin-fallen natured one. One lived to glorify Christ the other seeks to glorify self. 

Years ago I began a writing project that was set in the times before the Great Genesis Flood. Jesus said that when He returns it will be just as it was in the days of Noah. People marrying and being given in marriage. Daily life was happening. People going to work. People out possibly hunting for food for their families. People relaxing in whatever they wished to do. Nobody taking the words of Noah seriously. Nobody at all. 

Then the Day set by the Father’s own authority happened. Yes I worded it that way on purpose. Because indeed Jesus said that He was in the Father and the Father is in Him. He and the Father are One. So there is that. Just like the return of Jesus will be by the Father’s own authority as well. 

The rains came. Rain, we take for granted as being something normal to our lives. It wasn't the case for these people. Higher than beyond average IQ people. It's a well accepted idea that what's radically reduced human IQ has been the influence of the radiation from the sun, not to mention the heavy influence of demonic influences and our sin nature. Rain came and nobody knew what it was, only that they couldn't escape it. It just kept coming and coming. Then all the sudden they realized all too late that this was what Noah warned them about. I wonder how many billions of people died whose last thoughts were "Noah was right..."?

It's not impossible to consider that the world population was near to what it is now. It's not impossible that technology was literally lightyears ahead of even today's marvels. This is a Biblically sound premise...King Solomon wrote that there's nothing new under the sun.  

My Dear Reader it's very very evident in the Scriptures that you are either living for self or living for Jesus. You serve the god you created or the God who created you. 

You either set up your own altars in your life or you come to the feet of Jesus and worship Him.  

The example you present will either be of a Christ-follower or a world-follower. Jesus said you cannot serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other. Cling to one and dispise the other. 

Living to self rather than living to Christ is beyond polar opposites. Building a house on the rock or on the sand. The one on the rock survives the one on the sand is obliterated.  

Oh you can be of that same foolish lot that used to exist before the flood and think that you don't need God. Or you may think you're just good enough and you don't need anything more than your self worth that you place upon yourself. You may indeed be one planning on raising a fist at God when His judgment comes down on you. 

Or...you could be bold enough to ask Him to show you the truth. You could dare God to open your eyes...but be prepared! He will indeed at your invitation. He's been knocking at the door of your heart all your life. He's ready to show you what truth is, what true Godly love is. To take away the chains of sin that have been surrounding you that you never once acknowledged or accepted as the severe burdens they have been. 

You are either a good example or a bad one...the reality is whatever example you are...it must be a Godly one or your life is a waste.

Those who truly have come to Christ for salvation are supposed to be different. Their minds should be set on things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. 

They should be eagerly waiting for the Lord to return for them and all who will love His appearing. 

Are you serving the god you created or the God who created you?

You see, in the days of Noah, everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes. Completely living for themselves and cared not about listening to the message of God that was the judgment against them.  

The shock and horror came the instant they realized this rain wasn't stopping. Many hundreds of people or more surrounded the Ark of God and beat upon it for Noah to let them in. That now they believed him. That they get it. That they were wrong. That they wanted a second chance. 

These same things will be said after the Rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ.  

Millions the world over will flock to all the church buildings across the world after the Rapture of the Church to cry out to Jesus to come back. They believe Him now. They want a second chance. They were wrong. 

For those saved in Christ Jesus there's a Godly responsibility to live out their faith before men and women in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. Pointing them to Christ to the life raft of humanity to be saved as well and escape the wrath of God to come. 

Every single second of every single day...millions of people come into the world.

Every single second of every single day...millions of people instantly enter Heaven or Hell.  

Every single second we move closer to a day, we know not when, Jesus is going to stand up from His glorious Throne and come back to Earth in the upper Heavens to call all who were saved and are saved. 

Across the world millions and millions of people will vanish. My thoughts are that the collateral damage from this will kill or severely wound billions of people. Millions of younger children and babies will probably vanish as well as they hadn't started knowing good from evil.  

Governments will collapse and a new world order will dominate the world. The wrath of God will begin as foretold in the Scriptures. Yet billions more will die. Hell will be gorged with the incoming dead.

You might be laughing at this. You might even be saying that even if it were true that it's a long way off. 

My Dear Reader...so did those who tried clamoring to get inside the Ark of God. 

You show the world and yourself to whom you belong by your example before mankind. 

Salvation in Christ Jesus is neither ludicrous nor foolishness.  

You are the one to choose. Jesus's work on the cross brought you choice. Don't blow it off. Don't think you have time. Don't think that you're good enough on your own. The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Everyone is born with sin and the death that comes to those without salvation in Christ Jesus are eternally separated in a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth forever paying for their own sins. 

Jesus's example both inspired people to come and be saved...to live a new life as a follower of Jesus or it enraged them to want to kill Him because their deeds and heart were evil...His words and actions exposed their folly.

Set before you today are death and life. Set before you is the pronouncement that Jesus will return.  

My hope and prayer is my example is pointing you to Jesus or back to Jesus.  

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

My Busyness Your Busyness

My Busyness Your Busyness 

by David Brenneman 

Yes you...

"And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” Peter said, “Lord, are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?” Luke 12:22-41.

Peter often spoke for the other Disciples. He asked the question and Jesus responded...read on.

"And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and begins to beat the slaves, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers. And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. And He was also saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it turns out. And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it turns out that way. You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?" Luke 12:42-56.

What He was saying was for everyone. Them and everyone til this present time in human history and on til the end of it.

We go about our days trying to work at getting rid of what makes us anxious. We are intentional at denying what bothers us to the end that many get ill from the effects and efforts to do so.

We come up with things we say we have to do rather than to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus.  

We become either Mary's or Martha's in this world. 

We fill our minds with either the useful things in Christ or useless things that really are of no benefit. Facts and figures that in light of eternity mean absolutely nothing. 

In my years around the sun I have accumulated a lot about quite a few things...yet in my 2 months of this year in really digging into my Bible studies...I have learned that I really have wasted much of my life on fruitless things. Wasted brain cells. 

I find myself saddened by the futility of what I wasted my time, energy and effort doing or getting involved with that had nothing to do with growing in Christ.   

I too, like you, had convinced myself of what I was indulging in was what I earned or deserved for my life. 

Countless people in this world want to identify as something other than what they are.  

Many will stand before Jesus identifying as those who were busy being Christians who weren't because they never really knew Jesus. They never had a point in their life where they gave their life to Christ for salvation. They knew all the words and knew the behaviors. But they missed the opportunity. 

My Dear Reader I truly hope you aren't one of those people.  

Coming to Christ isn't about getting a golden ticket and then going on about life as if nothing was different. Life-change should always accompany coming to Christ for salvation.  

It's extremely easy to be busy in life. 

It's more complicated to be busy with the things of God that lead us towards His righteousness. The putting off of the old self with its passions and desires and putting on the new self in Christ Jesus. 

We often get intentionally busy with anything but Bible study or prayer because deep down we feel guilty of something. No if you don't think about it, it won't go away. The Spirit will keep reminding Believers of those things that need to change or to go away from a fruitful life in Christ. If there's no prodding from the Spirit in your life towards a righteous life in Christ...maybe then you should be questioning your salvation.  

Jesus told a parable about the wheat and the tares. The wheat was those really who were saved. Tares were false wheat. Looked acted like real wheat until grown then it was obvious to all that it was fake.

You cannot afford to be a fake Christ follower. A fake Christian.

Those saved do indeed have studies that await them. Jesus said that the Spirit was coming who would be the Helper, to teach us all that Jesus commanded us.  

I don't know of too many people who didn't daydream in school and get called out for doing so. Preoccupied with life outside of the reason for being in a place of learning.  

We are predisposed towards staying away from the plans that God has for us because of our sin nature. We are predisposed towards things that have nothing to do with growing in Christ because of our sin nature. We have no need to be taught of how to be busy bodies with regards to avoiding spiritual things and matters.  

In the New Testament we are often compared to being soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ. Our enlistment includes the same as what an individual experiences today in real basic training. Stop with trying to bring your old life into your new life in this here and now. Now is the time to learn how to get mentally and physically and spiritually ready for what will come into your life in the days months and years ahead. 

Are you occupied with things to keep you busy but aren't doing anything of value in your life in Christ?

Convinced that what you're doing just HAS to get done? That you EARNED what you're going to pour yourself into?  

Like the Disciples, we are to deny ourselves, take up our own cross, and follow Jesus. There you have it straight from Jesus. 

Where your treasure is there your heart will be also. Again straight from Jesus. 

Trust in yourself and what your understanding is opposed to trusting 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. 

Everyone will stand before Jesus. At the moment that comes He has all eternity at His disposal to meet with everyone in an instant. No person will escape that meeting. 

What will your life show of how you treated your life before Jesus? 

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

The Image We Present...

The Image We Present...

by David Brenneman 

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me." Philippians 1:21-30.

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11.

Most have heard that phrase "You never get a second chance to make a first impression".  

Better still..."A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:19-21.

How about going a little bit deeper. 

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:29-32.

Should it make you wonder about those times in life where you participated in saying things, doing things, that were supposedly done in "fun" and left people offended or hurt, scarred even whether or not they revealed that to you?

Even Scripturally speaking there's no escape of the consequences of our actions at times.  

I have mentioned before of what I have come to identify as honestly low points in my life where I bowed to peer pressure and participated in belittling others in my younger years. Berating because of their allegiances to others or other things different from my own. It really didn't mean much did it? I mean nobody got hurt did they?  

Is it really that big of a deal?

Consider again our opening passages. If Jesus included such teachings for us then it applies to us all. 

Our reactions to things are being observed by someone at all times. How we dress if it's modestly or not is observed by someone. How we really feel about others is observed by someone. How we adore people, places and things is observed by someone. What we crave blindly without regard for what anyone else thinks is observed by someone. Those thoughts we have that have never been spoken are being observed by someone. Those things said in "fun" are observed by someone. The intentionally hateful things we have said or done have been observed by someone. The love, the joy, the peace we eagerly seek in others or other things than in our relationship with Jesus are observed by someone. 

That someone is Jesus.  

The Spirit of God is everywhere. His testimony is absolute with regards to the affairs of mankind.  

It is the Spirit who testifies as to whether or not people are saved or not.  

The Bible further says that it is the Lord who searches the hearts of mankind. All the time. 24/7 365 days a year...every second of every single minute for everyone who is alive and breathing.  

So now...what are you so comfortable doing, saying, thinking...that you read in the Bible you shouldn't be?  

The Disciples were commanded to go and make more disciples teaching them all that Jesus commanded. To make them fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. That they would have Him be the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives.  

Are you aware of this particular passage?

"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17.

Hmm. No room for misinterpretation there is there?

These so-called fun things in our lives should be filtered by the Word of God. Regardless of how they are...if we give the wrong impression to the world then the world won't see Jesus in us nor will they glorify our Father in Heaven will they?

Even if it isn't by way of the fun things. How we behave in public in everything. How we behave behind closed doors. In the thought to be private places in our hearts and minds...there's to be the reminder that in Christ He is ever present. His Spirit is there...would He approve?

This isn't to say that fun won't happen in our lives by following Jesus. It's that we shouldn't be willing to give in to the things of this world that the Word of God says we shouldn't in order to have it.  

You really don't get a second chance to make a first impression. 

We either are Ambassadors for Christ or we represent our fallen sin nature to the world. When our lives are reviewed and revealed before Jesus there's but two piles of what comes out of it. Righteousness that goes towards a crown to give back to Jesus or ashes.  

Deeds, thoughts and intentions are weighing and tested by the fires of God's truth on that day.

Walking with Jesus, following Jesus, is to learn how to become conformed to His ways. The Disciples gave up their life and lifestyle to be taught how to be and how to live in the world.  

Consider a big one. Anger. 

"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20.

We add to that pile of ashes later on before Jesus when we give ourselves over to Biblically inappropriate anger.  

We, in those times of anger, often act or react and then have costly consequences to deal with that may take a lifetime to mend.  

Are the thoughts and intentions, the actions and feelings you want to hold onto going to do anything to honor Jesus and to grow you in Christ? Will people see Jesus in you or see you only?  

The Disciples who later became the Apostles...learned to live life in Christ to the degree that there was no mistaking them as Christ-followers. The ill-placed rage and anger of the Pharisees and Sadducees after the resurrection of Jesus at the Apostles came only because they went from 1 problem person to 12 of the exact same type. Then very shortly thereafter over 3,000 came to Christ for salvation and their problem with Christianity grew exponentially.

What are you doing to give the right first impression before those whom God put in your life, your world?

Are you going to be stubborn and not give up parts of your life that are not going to give others the impression that you are a Believer?

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

What kind of crown of righteousness that you give to Jesus on that day your life is reviewed is entirely on you. 

Your obedience to God's Word adds to that and your disobedience creates ashes.  

As the question stands: are you seeking the approval of man or of God in Christ Jesus?

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

Your Efforts...in Christ

Your Efforts...in Christ 

by David Brenneman 

"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers." Psalms 1:1-3.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11.

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13.

Your efforts in Christ are never in vain. Those in your world might not understand or see the value in what you do to grow in Christ but that doesn't matter. Jesus's words always ring true "What's that to you? As for you...you follow Me!" 

I have lived a life in various places over the years and in those places, as well as today, people are both different and difficult to understand and get along with as they are to understand me.

It's taken these decades to start not considering what others think of me. That in truth the only audience I should have ever cared to hear from should always have been only Jesus. 

Part of the Christian life is this. If Jesus was a man of sorrows well acquainted with grief...it came from many things including being misunderstood by people and their ultra harsh criticism of Him. 

Our walk with Jesus is beyond more important than anything or anyone else vying for a chunk of our time, energy and effort to live the life set before us. 

Commitment is a very big core value of a life in Christ. I have often pushed my limits because of the intrusion of events or people into my time with Jesus in the mornings of my life or my evenings before going to bed. 

In my way younger years I often thought it ok to just catch up later. Now in my life I refuse to accept that as acceptable.  

Jesus has been investing Himself in me...in you...should that be laid waste because of my or your ignorance of it or my or your dismissal of it?

In my now intensive evening readings across these 4 Study Bibles its been a ramped up training course. I prayed to be helped in learning how to study. Now I am. 

What has your attention more than Jesus? Who are you believing more than the Spirit of God? What idolatrous thinking or things or people might be in your life that you're ignoring as a problem between you and Jesus?

Some people are afraid to ask Jesus for discernment. Some are afraid to really get down and dirty in taking the Christian life seriously because they fear the unknown of what God "might" call them to do or to give up or...well it can go on and on. 

Satan loves to play on those seeds of fear. Probably as much as he loves to get you and I to rationalize our choices to do other things than spending time alone with your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. 

He is the vine we are the branches...we are to use what He supplies for us to grow in Christ. 

Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Cells in a branch that aren't doing what the vine directs are the same as cells in a body gone rogue...they are cancerous not beneficial not normal cells. 

When someone comes to Christ for salvation...they give up all rights to living life their way because of the faith and trust in Jesus for His finished work on the cross. Because of His stepping into the path and taking our penalty of death upon Himself, we live out the life-debt to Him.

I am thinking that I am entering a new stage in my life as far as the approval of others goes for me. My desire to dress differently is growing. To look differently is growing with regards to being shaven more often and possibly more haircuts. My choices of attire are changing. My views on some things that I once really heavily clung to are changing. Not all at once but gradually. I see it as a God thing. It's not so much about first impressions but rather to be seen in such a way that I am more usable to my Savior Jesus Christ. 

My desires are even changing towards those that are more God honoring.  

These things are part of growing in Christ. He is the Potter we are the clay. Being molded into the image of God in Christ Jesus that we are meant to be. 

More of Him, less of me. I knew a man once whom made that part of his everyday prayer life.  

When you are really looking at your life...what you involve yourself in...what you've given parts of your heart to...would all parts be stamped with the approval of Jesus?  

Jesus said that in the day we give an account of our lives before Him that our lives will be tested by fire. All the useless things will go up in flames. All that was done in Christ for Christ will remain to form a crown to give back to Jesus for all He's done for us.  

How are you looking to invest more in your learning about your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ? A friend last night spoke of someone they knew who rewrote the entire Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah has a series of book projects you can get to learn the Bible by rewriting a book at a time. I began doing that in Romans some time ago and am looking to restart it again.  

Get creative. Doing something to listen and learn from the Spirit of God is beyond better than doing nothing. 

As a friend has pointed out...we are in a marathon with Jesus and as I read in some study notes last night...everyone is to finish in a dead heat. We are all cross that line with Jesus. 

So what are your efforts in Christ?

What are you engaged in that you know in your heart of hearts isn't meeting God's approval?  

Pray without ceasing. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of 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.  

And "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men".

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

Oh It's Coming Alright...

Oh It's Coming Alright...

by David Brenneman 

“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.

"Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:3-18.

"Nothings getting any better, its all going downhill."

"The rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer!"

"People keep getting worse and worse! I don't even want to go outside anymore!" 

"The climate is going downhill."

"There's so many wars, famines and earthquakes! The weather is just making no sense!"

"...for it escapes their notice..." 

It escapes their notice that these days WE see were foretold by Jesus as they would be when He returns. 

It escapes their notice that Jesus said it would be just like the days of Noah. Where everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes. Justifying their sin and not caring what the God of Heaven had to say about it until the floods came and the words Noah spoke to them became their reality until they died.

It escapes the notice of mankind that their future IS written. Contrary to what Doc Brown said in "Back to the Future" your future in the greater respect has been written by the choices you make in this here this now. 

My Dear Reader choosing to ignore the signs of the times like a bird with its head in the sand isn't going to save you. Choosing to put off coming to Christ for salvation until what you think is the last minute isn't going to save you when you know not when that is. Choosing to embrace your sins that chain you to the grave rather than coming to Jesus for salvation and freedom isn't going to save you.  

Jesus said that everyone needs to take up their own cross and follow Him. Your whole attention should be on carrying that cross. You cannot put it down and do your own thing at the same time as carrying it and obeying God at the same time. 

You cannot know exactly when Jesus will return. His Father set the date. Since the only treasure in Heaven is people...it's reasonable to presume that the date has everything to do with a single human being saying yes to the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.  

Bookends. 

It began with the thief on the cross who died without doing anything for the Church of Jesus Christ other than give a short testimony in believing in Jesus Christ. It's highly unlikely that it will end any differently. 

My Dear Reader you have no idea if you will die by simply standing up to go to another room. You have no promise of a next breath. These days in which you live are a gift of God's grace and mercy towards you. Grace because you did nothing to earn it and mercy because He's not given you the punishment you do deserve for your sins.  

Scripture says it's appointed unto mankind once to die and then comes the judgment of God.   

To die without Jesus as your Savior and Lord means He will not defend you nor testify that you belong to Him. The book of life, as in a book of testimony, will not have your name written in it. Every single name in it is written in the blood of Jesus Christ only for those who placed their faith and trust in what Christ did on the cross to save them.  

The need for additional prophecies to be fulfilled prior to the return of Jesus Christ is over. We simply await that shout from Jesus in the air to call the dead in Christ to their new glorified bodies and then for those who are alive and remain to come as well to inherit their new glorified bodies then for all who have been saved in Christ to leave with Him. Then the judgments of God as written in the Bible will begin.  

Oh my Dear Reader it's coming. 

Ignore it at your own peril. 

Jesus Christ must be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life.  

Salvation is through no one else. 

Jesus thought of every single human being while He was hanging on the cross. You were on His mind. You were why He was there dying your death that you deserved for your sins. He was there to be the sacrifice for sin. He was there to make a way for you that you couldn't do. 3 days later He arose from the dead to be both Lord and Christ. King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  

Holding onto your reasons rather than admitting you need saving is going to permanently separate you from an eternity with Jesus. All who reject this free gift of salvation will permanently be separated from God and will forever be paying the painful torment of their sins.  

God's enemy, Satan, knows all of this and is doing everything in his power that he's been allowed to do to keep you from the truth in Christ Jesus. 

Every temptation is crafted for you to keep you distracted from seeing the truth. He knows the Bible. He knows what's coming for him since he couldn't stop what Jesus did on the cross. He knows but also does not know when or what person will be the last person in the Church of Jesus Christ. It could be you. 

"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.” Romans 10:8-11.

It's on you to decide. Jesus's work on the cross brought you that decision to make.

Choose wisely because He is coming...

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

Your Thoughts, Your Words Always Mean Something

Your Thoughts, Your Words Always Mean Something 

by David Brenneman 

"Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all." Psalms 34:12-19.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:29-32.

"You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37.

Careless words, intentional words. 

Careless thoughts, intentional thoughts. 

How well do you weigh your words?

How well do you weigh the thoughts and intentions of your heart?

Do you excuse your bad behavior in light of social circumstances and conversations?  

Put it more pointedly...do you deceive yourself in thinking that "it was only in fun! Nobody got hurt!"?

In recent weeks I have seen the huge burden of even online social media harassment and bullying to adults on Facebook. What shouldn't be happening in what amounts to a page only repeating what is found on a police and fire emergency channel in typed form is happening. 

I can and probably always will lose my "cool" in the face of bullying. I truthfully and honestly cannot trust myself to control myself in those situations. It takes everything within me to restrain my words and actions from going further than required to spare in a situation such as that. It's never gone that far but I can easily see how a person can go full blown Terminator on a bully.

That kind of situation is a difficult one to navigate when emotions are the fuel. Add to this the accountability before Jesus for those actions.

Let's downgrade the intensity a few notches. The words exchanged at a game. One side versus another. Trash talk happens. In some cases true rage breaks out and people get physical.  

Let's lower it a few more. Supposed harmless slurs on one another as a "game". Cut downs they used to call them. Just in fun! Is the excuse given to justify what was said.

"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment."

"You're kidding, right? God's going to hold that against me? It was hilarious!"

Jesus said it...so yes...He will.

My Dear Reader...there's much said in the Bible about the tongue and its dangers.  

"But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?" James 3:8-11.

The Disciples were taught to follow Jesus. To learn His ways, which were in how to truly live life among men and women. None of them aside from Judas Iscariot missed the lessons on how their lives should always reflect Christ to the world. They didn't live two lives. They didn't have times to "cut loose". They took the training and teachings of Jesus completely seriously.  

The very thought that some day they would give an account of their lives before Jesus was ever present on their minds.

The world is who proclaims that "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" and lie all the life-long day concerning this.

It's a sad confession but I fell in elementary school to becoming a bully for an extremely short period of time. God brought a swift end to it and a very pointed reminder for the rest of my life never to cross that line again. It was peer pressure that brought that situation about but it was still no excuse. In my subsequent restraint from such things I became the bullied. Throughout much of my remaining time in public education this was my lot in daily life.  

Every careless word.  

Every careless thought.

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.

I was convicted in that moment of what I shouldn't be doing. 

Later on in life I was likewise convicted concerning my words and actions with sports teams. My experience with this was never a good thing most of the time. This passage hung over me and won out over any desire to participate in such activities.  

There's no excuse acceptable for our mistreatment of others when everything we say, do, think, is available to be seen in every moment of our lives before Jesus. 

I assure you that whatever "joy" or "happiness" you might get in those moments will be turned to shame and regret before Jesus when you are completely aware that He isn't laughing.  

Take it potentially further. As Children of God...what if your spur of the moment actions cause Him to cry? Hmm? Ever think about that?

The lives of the Disciples were being taught to mirror the life of Jesus Christ. The old saying concerning Disciples of that day was "may you be covered in the dust of your Master". Follow the life, love, perseverance and gentleness of your Master so closely that your thoughts and actions are so exactly the same that people can't tell you apart. 

Someone once said that even a bad example is a good example.  

People wonder why I don't participate in lots of social activities. Many times I have not the emotional energy to expend in those settings. Many times I am trying to measure what might happen that I understand to either set me up for failure in caving in to careless thoughts and intentions or doing what's right in the sight of God.  

I have learned to take things that seriously because I am hoping to live life in a way that my Savior approves of.  

The Disciples didn't take vacation days or PTO days away from learning how to live a life approved by Jesus. They didn't stop to go do this or that just for fun. There were no commercial breaks to do other things that had nothing to do with being a Disciple of Jesus Christ. 

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 16:25.

Our views on our interactions with others should reflect Christ. 

Our views on what's best for our lives should only come from a right relationship with Jesus.  

Our thoughts and intentions, actions as well, we will give an account of before Jesus. 

We can often be careless in hurting others without even noticing it. 

Be bold. Ask Jesus to show you what needs to change in your life. 

"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.

"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.

Really think about your thinking. 

Really consider your actions and intentions. 

Spring is coming. Cleanse not only your house but your heart.  

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

Where is your Mind?

Where is your Mind?

by David Brenneman 

Where does your mind wander to?  To what in your world gets your undivided attention when you are at work or at rest?

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  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 4:4-9.

"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.

There's things in a song performed by Alan Jackson that have had me thinking.  The song is "The Older I Get".

"The older I get

The more I think

You only get a minute, better live while you're in it

'Cause it's gone in a blink

And the older I get

The truer it is

It's the people you love, not the money and stuff

That makes you rich

And if they found a fountain of youth

I wouldn't drink a drop and that's the truth

Funny how it feels I'm just getting to my best years yet

The older I get

The fewer friends I have

But you don't need a lot when the ones that you got

Have always got your back

And the older I get

The better I am

At knowing when to give

And when to just not give a damn

And if they found a fountain of youth

I wouldn't drink a drop and that's the truth

Funny how it feels I'm just getting to my best years yet

The older I get

And I don't mind all the lines

From all the times I've laughed and cried

Souvenirs and little signs of the life I've lived

The older I get

The longer I pray

I don't know why, I guess that I've

Got more to say

And the older I get

The more thankful I feel

For the life I've had and all the life I'm living still"

Satan's schemes, his tactics, are imminently laced with succulent temptations crafted over the centuries to sway the hearts of mankind away from the Living God and towards himself.  

There's no person who's ever lived who isn't facing temptation. 

Everything from being tempted to rage to being tempted to love that which they should not.  Tempted to empathize in situations where it's not called for according to the Word of God.  To want what isn't ours to have.  To do what must not be done or to not do what is right in the sight of God to be doing.  To find things, places and or people to keep us from the righteous life that God desires for us.  To do, say or cause us to think in inappropriate Spiritual ways. 

In these things he and his minions are relentless.  Satan accuses the Believer's in this world daily before Jesus.  

He constantly seeks permission to go after you and all you hold dear.  

He constantly seeks permission to claim people because people are whom Jesus died for. 

Oh the distractions of the mind. 

The futility of the mind when it is not set on the things of God.   

The older I get the more common sense that I see in the lessons of the Disciples in the Gospels that I missed many decades ago when I first came to Christ for salvation. 

The more I now see that the things that I craved and participated in corrupted me instead of grew me in Christ.  

There's the chains that Satan seeks to use with us and those we create ourselves.  

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:34.

Objectively enter your home as if it wasn't yours.  What is your impression of what the occupants hold dear?  

Objectively enter your bedroom and do the same.  What insights do you gain?

Objectively look at the place as a whole...what's on the walls, in each room, the closet and the clothes in there and the dresser?

Idolatry isn't dead.  It is way way more prevalent than it ever has been.  It's disguised and hidden among everything in our lives.  

Taking what was once holy and giving it to others or to other things. 

Where does your mind go?  Where do you find yourself true happiness?  

Are you spending even half as much time with Jesus as He did with His Father?  

My Dear Reader...how much of your heart really gets Jesus's attention?

Where does your feelings go when you think of spending alone time with Jesus?

"but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

"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.

A right relationship with Jesus is at the core of a real relationship with Jesus.   

Jesus said that there will be many people whom He tells to depart from Me for I never knew you. 

The older I get the less I want of this world and the more I now look forward to in learning from the Holy Spirit about my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.   

Jesus said there would be many people who will claim to have done all kinds of things in His Name whom never were saved.  The Scriptures teach us to be sure of your salvation.  Be sure it's real...then to live it out. 

Where does your mind wander to when it's not on the tasks at hand? 

Do you start your day in prayer?

Do you go through your day without praying at all?  Do you only pray when you are in trouble?  If so, you're already in trouble. 

How deep, how far, how rich is your walk with Jesus?  How much of your world has stolen away from it that belongs to God?

Where does your mind go?  

Who's the center of your life?

In growing up and throughout my life I have often been asked in many ways "What were you thinking?!?". 

My Dear Reader...ask yourself that very question while there's still time to start getting your real priorities in order before Jesus with whom we have to do. 

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

Without Excuse...

Without Excuse...

by David Brenneman 

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

"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 8:37-39.

"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." Romans 1:20-21.

The depths of what the Bible says with regards to being without excuse goes to the full depths of every single person's experiences. 

There's nothing anyone will have to stand on for a defense as to why they said no to the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. None.  

Jesus will prove that His time on Earth covered it all. All forms of temptation. Nothing that anyone will point to in saying that He could never understand. Foolish as that sounds even that statement will utter forth from the mouths of millions of people. Telling the all-knowing God of all Creation that He can't condemn them for lack of true understanding. 

My Dear Reader really read into "It is Finished!" Everything is completed. All is accomplished. Total fulfillment of duty to the highest level of perfection in obedience to God's Word from the Father. 

The Pharisees and Sadducees thought they had everything covered. All their privileged excuses to continue in their customs which were leading the people astray. Much to probably your surprise these legalistic people exist today within the Church. Their excuses abound for why they tell people you must read this version of the Bible. You must dress this way. You must adhere to these by-laws that aren't found in the Bible.  

People started with excuses in the very first sin. Then progressed to everyone doing whatever was right in their own eyes. Then Satan's schemes tried organizing mankind in his own image. Progressing through time to infiltrate the Church to twist what he could there too. 

Excuses still abound today. In the headlines today people obviously at fault defending their actions by blame casting to society or anything or anyone else.  

The wolves in sheep’s clothing are preaching from the pulpit and the sheep are just taking it all in because it feels like it is right. 

All the while it escapes their notice that in the courts of God concerning judgment there's no defense table to stand behind. There's no jury of our peers. We all have an all-knowing, ever present, sinless Creator God who is the Judge for all humanity. He isn't presiding over a court that is in search of the truth. He is truth. 

He has no need to listen to excuses when He's been involved in the lives of each and every single human being who's ever lived. His Spirit urging people to come to Christ and for those who have, to grow in Christ.  

There are no excuses possible that are acceptable before whom we all have to do.  

The modern day Pharisees with their legalistic teachings will be held accountable doubly before God.  

The final nail in the coffin of excuses is this: "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15.

There's no excuse for introducing things within the Church that are not found in the Word of God itself. There's no passage of Scripture that states what version of the Bible is the "true" version. One of the jobs of the Spirit is to protect the integrity of the Word of God. Whichever version speaks to the heart and opens it to the salvation in Jesus Christ...is completely acceptable to God! 

In everyday life from the least to the greatest mankind has had people trying to manipulate people in their own image of what's right and wrong...to the end that more excuses are created. 

There are no exceptions or excuses to present before Jesus in anything from the basest of people outside the Church to the most important of people within the Church.  

People will be separated by Jesus with a word at the Final Judgment of God for mankind. 

Those within the body of Christ at the Behma Seat of Christ...Our works...deeds done in the body for Jesus...will pass through His fire without a word.  

Those whom rejected Jesus Christ for salvation...will cry out with excuses. Their lives will show for some to be great lives lived for the betterment of humanity...then the book of life will be opened and their name isn't found in it.  

Excuses excuses excuses. Enough with the excuses while there's still time to be right before whom we have to do. We are told to flee youthful lusts. We are told and taught by the Spirit how to live life in Christ. We are told to flee those wolves in sheep’s clothing. Legalism does nothing to grow people in Christ anymore than the teachings of the Pharisees.  

"‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’ ” Matthew 15:8-9.

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23.

"My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body." Proverbs 4:20-22.

Lastly...

"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.

"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!" Galatians 1:8-9.

Oh my Dear Reader...take great care in your ways to walk in them only as the Spirit directs each of you. Destroy speculations, and everything in opposition to the word of God. Remember always that Jesus sees all things including every thought and intention of the heart...your heart.  

Put even your excuses at the feet of Jesus and leave them there for Him to deal with.  

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

Sometimes We Just Don't Know What to Pray

Sometimes We Just Don't Know What to Pray 

by David Brenneman 

"When you don't have the words to pray, God hears your heart." 

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

"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.

"Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord,"

Jeremiah 29:12-14a.

We really do run into times in life where we just don't know what to talk to Jesus about or how to ask what might be on our minds. 

It happens. We run into situations where fear is running amuck. We can't see how the situation began or how it's going to be resolved. 

"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.

Do you remember from the Gospels where we find it recorded that while on the cross Jesus told all Creation: "it is Finished!"?

Overlay "It is Finished" over predestined, over called, over justified, over glorified. In the eyes of Him with whom we have to...these things are a done deal. They are Finished...merely awaiting time to play out.

There's no shortage of moments in my life where my thoughts were only between Jesus and myself. I still have days where I cry out to Him and all it is is a shout upwards in me because I don't know what to say. Life happens but I have learned that's where to go when I feel like I am sinking in the waters even though Jesus is standing on the water nearby. 

This morning I have things going on that are heavy to me. I am often fearful that my requests to Jesus might come across as selfish. But as I am reminded in these and other passages...He knows my heart. He knows my every struggle that even I cannot fathom the true depths of.

Physically I have issues but these things will happen. Anyone growing older has physical problems. My inner man is what's still growing in Christ. 

Sometimes we forget these things: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

In the heat of the moment I will confess that I often can only cry out "Lord, save me!". Peter really said what I myself and countless others in Christ have said over the centuries when life takes a turn. 

"It's ok." Says the Spirit. "I got your back. I am here to help you. That's part of my job too. To teach and to listen. To help you in your time of need. To keep your communication open with your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ."

Even today my heart is heavy with situations that I have no clear answers to...that I don't know how to describe to others. You probably do too.  

Truth is: that's ok.  

Even the Apostles went through dire circumstances in their ministries that they didn't either. 

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation," 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.

"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

"Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.

"For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." 2 Corinthians 7:5.

We aren't alone in our so-called personal struggles. If you are in Christ or not...you have struggles that nobody sees or knows about. The difference for those who are saved is we have the Spirit of God to intercede for us. Who knows what we mean by what we're going through even if we don't yet.

We are going to have days where the struggle is too much. It's a significant lie in Satan's arsenal that we will never be given more than we can bear. Of course we will or we wouldn't grow in our reliance upon Jesus in all things. We would only be satisfied with our own self confidence our own genius at how we solved a problem.  

Pray on

Pray over

Pray through 

I have many many days where my thoughts are only of being held by my Savior because the words don't come. This isn't at all a bad thing!

Not for me or for you. 

Jesus got away a lot to pray with His Father. The Father, Son and Spirit united through prayer. Because of Christ and His free gift of salvation its the 3 of them with us in all of our lives. We don't remember this often enough. 

Last night on the way home I remembered a chorus we sang in Church in my younger years.

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

Seek ye first the kingdom of God

And His righteousness;

And all these things shall be added unto you.

Allelu, alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,

Allelu, alleluia.

Man shall not live by bread alone,

But by every word

That proceeds out from the mouth of God.

Allelu, alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,

Allelu, alleluia.

Ask, and it shall be given unto you;

Seek, and ye shall find.

Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you.

Allelu, alleluia.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia,

Allelu, alleluia.

"Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

My hope for you is to comfort you with these words.  

Apart from a right relationship with Jesus you're going to try this life on your own and unfortunately you will indeed fail at it. Come to Christ first to be saved then go from there.

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

Foolish Blindness of Idolatry

Foolish Blindness of Idolatry 

by David Brenneman 

"Those who fashion a graven image are all of them futile, and their precious things are of no profit; even their own witnesses fail to see or know, so that they will be put to shame. Who has fashioned a god or cast an idol to no profit? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are mere men. Let them all assemble themselves, let them stand up, let them tremble, let them together be put to shame. The man shapes iron into a cutting tool and does his work over the coals, fashioning it with hammers and working it with his strong arm. He also gets hungry and his strength fails; he drinks no water and becomes weary. Another shapes wood, he extends a measuring line; he outlines it with red chalk. He works it with planes and outlines it with a compass, and makes it like the form of a man, like the beauty of man, so that it may sit in a house. Surely he cuts cedars for himself, and takes a cypress or an oak and raises it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir, and the rain makes it grow. Then it becomes something for a man to burn, so he takes one of them and warms himself; he also makes a fire to bake bread. He also makes a god and worships it; he makes it a graven image and falls down before it. Half of it he burns in the fire; over this half he eats meat as he roasts a roast and is satisfied. He also warms himself and says, “Aha! I am warm, I have seen the fire.” But the rest of it he makes into a god, his graven image. He falls down before it and worships; he also prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god.” They do not know, nor do they understand, for He has smeared over their eyes so that they cannot see and their hearts so that they cannot comprehend. No one recalls, nor is there knowledge or understanding to say, “I have burned half of it in the fire and also have baked bread over its coals. I roast meat and eat it. Then I make the rest of it into an abomination, I fall down before a block of wood!” He feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has turned him aside. And he cannot deliver himself, nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” Isaiah 44:9-20.

"Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." Hebrews 5:11-14.

"Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge." Proverbs 19:27.

I am always amazed when a Bible reading plan that puts a book with that one across 4 places in the Bible...are connected in what's being read.   

Billions of people in this world in which we live are suffering from the same various types of spiritual blindness that's written in the Bible thousands of years ago. It's the same. History repeats itself. As someone once said: forget the past and be doomed to repeat it in the future. 

People today are so enthralled with what's perceived as great and wonderful possibilities for joy and happiness that they fail to see how blinded they are to the truth of the traps being set before them. 

Idolatry has never gone away. Humanity has just been given ways by Satan in which to package it into something irresistible to the human mind. 

Idolatry is gift wrapped into things so wonderful looking that nobody sees the thorns and briars going deep with themselves. 

Jesus wouldn't have had it written in the Bible if it wasn't true then as much as it is today.

Temptations were brought to Jesus in the wilderness that we read of in the days that Satan tested Him that included idolatry. So no, this wasn't a strictly Old Testament problem. 

This is as much your problem today as it was their's for all of human history since Adam and Eve. 

What's the center of your life? What's the center of even your living room? 

What are you so deep into that you cannot live without?

What are you really devoting your mind to?

People like to create false narratives of "You get a million dollars if you can spend a month in a secluded cabin with no internet or phone service but would have all you would need to survive, would you do it?" 

Many of older generations could easily do such a thing. The last several generations would likely be borderline suicidal at the end of the 30 days.  

It's a misnomer to believe that blindness comes from intense light. 

Remove all light and you are blinded as well. 

Cover your eyes and you are willing yourself to be blinded for a time or for as long as you are willing to endure it. 

Idols exist today. They're just so intricate and designer that we can't bring ourselves to say that's what they are. Households have so many that they give up trying to understand what they are doing to their home.  

Satan comes to kill and destroy. His desire for all Believer's is to get them away from those who are not.

His desire for those whom are weak in the faith is to lay traps to keep them from growing in Christ. 

His desire for the unbelieving is to keep them that way. 

This should be a filter for all who claim the Name of Jesus: "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," 2 Corinthians 10:5.

When we turn on the light of Christ we should be seeing the truth. For He IS Truth. We turn on His Light we should be repulsed by the things of darkness, not be attracted to them. 

We are easily self-deceived. We are easily trapped because this same Satan doesn't sleep nor do his minions the demons. They study us for weaknesses and they will exploit everything they might find as long as they get permission from Jesus to do so. 

Don't think that anything in particular has taken the center stage of your heart? Write down the events of your day. Video your off hours from work if you can. Be more aware of what you love to talk about.  

Now...how much of your time, energy and effort is directed towards a more intimate relationship with Jesus and how much of that really brings joy and happiness to you? Take that same train of thought to all the rest of your findings.  

Praying that your spiritual eyes be opened can likely scare you but it's something you ought to be doing. 

"There are none so blind as those who will not see. Understanding cannot be forced on someone who chooses to be ignorant." came up as a search result to that quote. 

Are you choosing, fully choosing, your life in Christ or are you so desensitized to the thorns, thistles and briars of temptation that you're choosing to ignore the dangers of the present darkness?  

Jesus said that we must all take up our own cross and follow Him. 

When all you have is stripped away do you have a meaningful life in Christ or is it with the world?

Choice came from the cross of Jesus Christ. What are you choosing to keep your life centered on?

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

Oh How Your Life IS Seen

Oh How Your Life IS Seen

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.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16.

"Nobody saw that..."

Many have come to identify Integrity as doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. 

The Spiritual dilemma with this is Jesus is always looking.  

Literally the evidence of everyone's trial, even your trial, at the Great White Throne Judgment is being collected as your life goes on if indeed you're not saved in Christ Jesus. 

For those whom are saved...there's this:

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh," Romans 8:1-3.

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21.

While we have physical labor to do in this life, our primary focus is to grow in Christ and to be Ambassadors for Him wherever we go.  

There's no life hidden from His sight. There's nothing that the intention isn't known. He knew what you really meant by even what you didn't say as well as what you did.   

Read this again. 

"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.  

All who have lived will have every single second passed through the fires of the Word of God.  

I have written of this in earlier posts...When the Final Judgment occurs Jesus isn't going to stop and try to figure out who is worthy of Heaven with Him or the fires of the Lake of Fire. He always already knows who is saved and who rejected Him. When a person dies right now He already knows who is saved and who rejected Him. Those who are saved are immediately ushered into His presence. Those who have never placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation instantly wake up in unimaginable pain and suffering in Hell. 

You cannot weasel your way into Heaven.

You cannot talk your way into a repreve to get another chance. 

Upon leaving this world your decision is for everlasting. For all eternity. Permanent. Unable to be altered or changed in any way. Unrevokable.  

Jesus knows a conman or conwoman long before He sees them.  

The Pharisees and Sadducees could not fool Him. Satan's schemes with Judas didn't fool Him. Pilate didn't fool Him. Pharoah King of Egypt didn't fool Him. Cain surely didn't fool Him and for absolute sure Adam and Eve didn't.  

Greater people than you have tried and 100% have failed.  

Salvation in Christ Jesus alone is the most eternal question you must answer before you die or before He returns to take His Church home to forever be with Him. 

It's not your status on Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Toc, MySpace or anything else.  

It's not your cars, trucks or classic vehicles. 

It's not your house or your hobbies. 

It certainly isn't your religious affiliation with whatever sports teams catches your eye. Yes to many people their favorite sport is more important to defend than their relationship with Jesus. They're also in denial concerning this as well. 

But this choice, this decision, to follow Jesus takes priority over everything you have in mind or in your life. 

Further, you cannot know what a life in Christ is going to be like until you make that happen. All you have are other people's opinions and reviews of what it either was like or how it was for them. You cannot understand what it's like until you invite Jesus to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life. 

The Bible says that. 

Many have decided not to try because they feel they are too broken for Jesus to do anything with. My Dear Reader if this is you...read the 4 Gospels and you will see what Jesus does with broken people. The only thing that matters is saying yes to the invitation and He does all the work.

Think of this...throughout all your ups and downs...throughout all your good times and bad...throughout all those moments when you thought the very least about yourself...Jesus never even turned away once.

He stayed at the door of your heart still gently knocking to ask you to let Him in.  

He isn't just a rescuer...He's THE relentless rescuer. His hand extended into the deep abyss you think you are in that nobody knows about and is ready to pull you out. 

In the Old Testament law...it was forbidden to touch a leper. To do so would break the Law. This was one of the worst things to do. Jesus healed many lepers and touched them to do so. He came to seek and save the lost in the world. He came to save you. You might think you're untouchable because of how you feel about you is so overwhelmingly negative. Jesus still has His hands out to save you. 

He knows everything about you since from before you were born...and still wants to save you. 

His forgiveness is complete. When a person chooses to be saved in Christ Jesus He washes them white as snow casting their sins as far as the east is from the west. Remembering them no more.  

Those who come to Christ have the chains of sin and death broken.  

Daily forgiveness is but a prayer away.  

A new life in Christ with all sins forgiven and forgotten is more than worth it versus an eternity separated from Him paying for your own sins.  

"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.

Your life is seen by Jesus long before anyone else has seen glimpses of throughout your years on this Earth. Seen in its entirety. 

He knows your beginning from your end. 

And His love for you was enough for Him to stay nailed to a cross to pay your penalty for your sins. He is God and could have come down at any time but chose to take the place of every single human being on the cross.  

Jesus loves you. Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart asking to come in and be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life.  

Enough with the excuses. Enough with your thoughts on being unworthy. Everyone is unworthy yet He went through everything to make a way where there was no way to save you and I.

Leave your name in the comments if you need someone to pray for you about this. I promise people will be praying for you. 

You haven't begun to live until you lose the shackles that have been binding you all your life.

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