No Excitement about His Returning?

No Excitement about His Returning?

by David Brenneman 

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." Romans 1:18-25.

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32.

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

"For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds." Matthew 16:27.

"But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek," Romans 2:5-9.

"But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away." Matthew 16:2-4.

It is so interesting to me that my excitement is growing at the thought of Jesus, JESUS, my risen Lord and Savior is coming back soon.  

Much of the passages that you just read are showing what those in the Church should be looking for with regards to knowing that the imminency of Jesus coming back is much much closer than it ever has been before. 

Long ago when I was undergoing eye surgery as a baby, as odd as this may sound to some, I wasn't with my body. I was with Jesus on His lap while He comforted me. I didn't need many convincing truths to be told to me to come to Christ for salvation back in the latter part of the 1970's.  

While chaos and turmoil are easily defining the present day, to me, I see clearly that the Scriptures are being fulfilled. Regardless of the blindness of the world towards the things of God, God's still keeping it on track for the return of Jesus Christ for His Bride the Church. 

The Church should be more emboldened and way more excited than they are showing.  

Any day now Jesus is going to come back. His Church is going to be leaving this world. First the dead in Christ receive their new glorified bodies then those who are alive today will get theirs and then we will all forever be with Jesus.  

Teaching people anything other than these things is robbing them of the hope to come! That the Church will not be here when all the wrath of God is pouring out on this world.  

All the signs are here, just as Jesus told the Pharisees. They knew more about how to tell the weather than the signs of the work of God in the world. 

It's becoming something much greater in me as the days go by to be even more in my Bibles than I used to be. To be sure to keep my commitments to reading and writing here in the mornings. To always be reading in the evenings to feed my soul the word of God. 

Not only these things but to prepare our home for those who would find it after the Rapture of the Church.  

Truthfully if you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation...then you certainly ought to be looking forward to His return.  

He kept His promise and purpose to go to the cross to provide the free gift of salvation.  

He certainly will keep His promise to come back for His Church. 

He has kept His promise to never leave us or forsake us. 

So what are you looking forward to in this day ahead of you? If indeed you are a Believer then you ought to be living out your salvation in Christ. What Jesus wants of you and for you should take precedence over anything or anyone else. 

Will you be found by Jesus in the way He wishes to find you?   

Ever consider that? Will Jesus find you living out life as a fully devoted follower of Him? Will He find you so blended in with the world that it's almost impossible to tell you apart?  

The way people are stirred up today is certainly a keen evidence of things to come concerning the return of Jesus. People intentionally doing what you read earlier. Brutal, haters of good. People consumed with self.

"being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them" 

Practice them. Intentionally, willingly, enacting, repeatedly doing.  

It been that way for quite a while now. The weaponization of social media. It's far more deadly than bullets or bombs. In those cases people at least might be removed from this world. The ways that social media has been weaponized people are forced through hell on earth at times unable to end their suffering. Prisons created by the thoughts of mankind. 

Jesus said to be ready because we know not when He will stand up from His Throne to return.  

Does readiness define your life?

Are you feeling fear at the thought of seeing Jesus? Are there things in your life that absolutely are not God honoring that you are now worried about?

People are oh so fine tuned in knowing the weather these days but are missing all the spiritually important information happening all around them.  

The greatest sign to all was the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

Being different is what Christians are supposed to be. 

A life in Christ is supposed to be transformative.  

Not living as the world does. 

Not reacting as the world does. 

Not behaving as the world does. 

Jesus asked the question: Will the Son of Man find the faith when He returns?  

Only we can answer that question. 

Will the Church be anticipating His return? 

Only the Church can answer that question. 

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

The War We ARE In

The War We ARE In 

by David Brenneman 

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32.

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

There's a war going on. One that is right before the eyes of mankind yet isn't being seen. 

Someone once said that there always an element of truth in fiction. 

"The world isn't run by weapons anymore, or energy, or money. It's run by little ones and zeroes, little bits of data. It's all just electrons."

"There's a war out there, old friend. A world war. And it's not about who's got the most bullets. It's about who controls the information. What we see and hear, how we work, what we think... it's all about the information!"

That was from the 1992 movie "Sneakers".  

Much of the movie was the good guys discovering what was right in front of them. 

In our world today we are at war and most refuse to see what's right in front of them.  

Really? Yes very much really.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:10-20.

What are we told to do?  

"for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

"Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness," Ephesians 6:14.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved." Philippians 4:1.

See a pattern forming here?

In order to stand firm in the Lord you must begin with being in the Word of God. Must be in prayer to your Savior and Lord Jesus Christ in order to know what His will for you is. To know how to answer those who oppose you. 

The god of this world has a few years left to 'rule'. That's as much an important statement as the truth that Jesus is going to return to bring home His Bride, the Church. 

Biblical truth says that Satan's schemes are going to win over the bulk of humanity. The Church gets raptured and its game on for the next 7 years...his fight against the Word of God escalating through those years as the wrath of God is pouring out on this world. Nothing that Satan will do will prosper. Then at the end of the 7 year Great Tribulation he will be bound and sealed away for 1,000 years. At the end of that time it won't take him long at all to get most of mankind to join him in one last battle that he and everyone loses when all Jesus does is speak a word and ends it all. Doesn't even lift a finger.

This war we are in is very real in our lives. We need to spend less time on frivolous things and more in our learning what it means to be obedient to God's Word and living out lives that point people to Jesus.  

The world we live in today is increasingly getting dangerous. 

AI is writing news stories that nobody can tell from the truth.  

AI is being forcibly pushed into every device we use to interact with the internet and our world.  

AI has no conscience nor knows anything about morality or ethics.  

It's Satan's pinnacle achievement at 'life' when you put it in perspective. 

Things are happening right in front of the world and people don't see where it's headed. Jesus said that while people can see the weather and can discern what kind of day it's going to be yet they don't see nor understand the things of God nor the spiritual forces that are going on around them.

Scripture says that Satan's blinded the minds of the unbelieving. We live in such utter blindness and all those things we read earlier.  

Jesus said to be on the alert. When we see these things happening to be prepared. We know not exactly when Jesus is going to return but we ARE to be ready at all times. 

At all times. Jesus, in a parable, said that if the strong man had known at what time that the thief was going to break into his home he would have been prepared for it.

Jesus is right at the door of soo many hearts yet people think they have time to let Him in at the last seconds before He turns around to leave because the time of His return being at hand. 

The greatest assault on humanity is in the destruction of critical thinking in the last 100 years. By way of medicine that weakens the mind to psychological warfare to twist and pervert the truth of God. You want to conquer the world? Destroy critical thinking and those who promote it. Digitize everything that you can so that you control what people see, what they hear, what they think. That fictional line you read earlier is our world right now. 

Jesus IS returning and all the powers of Satan cannot know when nor can they stop it.

We NEED to keep the full armor of God on at all times. Praying unceasingly. Understanding what the will of God for us is in Christ Jesus.  

We who are in Christ are supposed to be different from the world not blending in so well that nobody sees a difference.

We are supposed to live lives in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. 

Setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world.  

Being anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God. 

Any of this getting through to you?

My Dear Reader I certainly hope so.

"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." 2 Peter 3:3-9.

Open up your eyes and see the things that are really happening all around you and all over the world. 

Now is not the time to be shrinking away from your faith in Jesus.  

Now is definitely the time to be spreading the word that salvation is only through Jesus Christ alone. 

Now is the time to truly be a light in the world as we are supposed to be.  

Nothing written here is meant to scare anyone. Read on.

"But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5.

"But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

"so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober." 1 Thessalonians 5:6.

Be sober. That is to think clearly with all due diligence. In Christ we are to be sober in our thoughts. Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. 

Are you seeking the things that are above and not the things of this world? Are you now more aware of the real world in which you live? Are you now considering pursuing the life in Christ that you were meant to live? Good.

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

Who Do You Say He Is?

Who Do You Say He Is?

by David Brenneman 

"And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”" Luke 9:20

"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.

Ultimately, this is the question we must all answer and the foundation of our confession of faith. To say that Jesus is the Christ means we believe that He is God incarnate, born of a virgin, crucified unto death, buried, resurrected on the 3rd day, and fully capable of forgiving our sins and reconciling us to Himself.  We trust that all He taught is true, we have eternal life through Him, and all He promised and that has been prophesied about Him will be fulfilled.  Is this what you believe?  Do you have faith that Jesus is the Savior?  Who do you say He is?

- Dr. Charles Stanley Life Principle Bible notes on Luke 9:20

His question is THE question you must be able to answer before you leave this world.  There is no other thing, thought or consideration that will ever determine your eternal destination. 

As I have also come to understand, even indecision is a decision.  Choosing not to choose is still a choice.  

All of humanity has that question placed before them to answer in this life: Who do we say Jesus is?

Forget what all is going on in your life for a moment and focus in on your answer.  Turn off the radio, the television or whatever you have distracting you in this moment today.

How you answer that question says everything about how much Jesus's life, death and resurrection really means to you.

All of this about Jesus isn't just some good story with a happy ending.  It isn't a fable or make believe.  It's been proven by way of the Bible AND outside of the Bible. 

Satan's tried for centuries to blot out these truths that lead people to salvation in Christ Jesus but its never worked. 

You must decide whether or not Jesus was a fraud or everything that the Bible says that He is.  

As a book title and several people in this world have said: I don't have enough faith to be an atheist.  

The evidences are everywhere, not just in the Bible.  From the very atoms that make up the human body to the miracle of birth.  The way that this universe stays held together.  

The countless testimonies of the work of God in their lives are either the truth or the greatest mass delusions in the history of mankind, spanning over 2025 years and counting. 

Once you die there's no do-overs. No second chances.  Nothing can reverse our personal choice concerning how we have ultimately answered that question: Who is Jesus?

One of the greatest lies that Satan gets the unbelieving to believe in is: I've got time!  There's no hurry!  I want to live first!  Nothings changed!  Where's this returning that was supposed to happen anyway?  Everything is as it always has!

Funny how God, in His infinite wisdom, already knows that people WILL think and say those things. 

"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." 2 Peter 3:3-9.

Take serious the consequences of your decision when it comes to understanding your need for salvation in Christ Jesus. 

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:" Revelation 3:7.

Jesus, upon our physical death is the only one with the keys.  When our time is through, we go through one of two doors.  Once through the door cannot be opened again. 

Jesus is indeed returning and will remove His Bride, the Church, from this world.  Everyone left behind will face the 7 years of the wrath of God as described in the Bible.  

Recently people in Texas saw the utter devastation from somewhat baseball sized hail.  100 lb hail is coming at a point in the Great Tribulation.  The level of destruction would, by itself, be worse than the atomic bomb. 

The judgments of God are very real and archeologists have been finding the evidences that back everything mentioned in the Bible.  The Israelites crossing the Red Sea...in the midst of this sea they have discovered the chariots of Pharaoh's army.  

My Dear Reader you must decide for yourself who Jesus is and how that's going to impact your eternity. 

Coming to Christ means living for Jesus not living for self.  It means loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. It means trusting in the Lord with all your heart And not leaning on our own understanding. In all our ways acknowledging Him so that He can make our paths straight. 

Who do you say that He is?

Don't put it off any longer please!

In less than the twinkling of an eye Jesus will someday return and that's it.  No time to suddenly choose.  

Who do you say that Jesus is?

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

The Inside Out Before the Outside In

The Inside Out Before the Outside In

by David Brenneman 

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." Jeremiah 17:9-10.

"Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart." Psalms 26:2.

"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.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 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 29:11-14a.

"For thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out." Ezekiel 34:11.

"My son, if your heart is wise, My own heart also will be glad;" Proverbs 23:15.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you;” Jeremiah 1:5a

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

It is the experience of mankind to know people from the outside in. To have some form of introduction then work at things from there.

We are known and thoroughly known by Jesus from before we were considered to be included in the human race. Way back at Adam's creation, when the world was without sin, you were always on the mind of Christ.  

In our today's we will either live for Jesus or we won't. We will either pursue righteousness or not. We will either live for self or live for the one who knows us so well. 

The sampling of passages this morning should be more than enough to know that an intimate relationship with each of us is what Jesus desires for us and Himself. 

Jesus's thoughts concerning each of us are beyond what we are capable of fully understanding.

We judge ourselves as unworthy if we're being honest. In one respect we aren't.  

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1.

When in the human court of law a Judge reaches a conclusion at the end of a trial he makes a proclamation then strikes the gavel down to seal that spoken decision. It then becomes something that's to be carried out, be it freedom for the defendant or prison.  

In Christ we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. His judgment towards those who believe in Him for salvation is "not guilty". When His Father looks upon such people all He sees is the righteousness of Jesus Christ.  

Jesus has loved us from before we were born. From the inside out. From before we remotely were a thought in anyone's mind. And even at that lowly state we were loved by God. 

His love for us ought to compel us to willingly get to know this Savior of ours who took our death penalty upon Himself.  

We ought to be spending time getting to know Him. Time to honor His choice to stand in our place.  

These lives we live aren't even going to get an honorable mention with respect to eternity. Time will quickly be forgotten when anyone steps into eternity. 

For those who have received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ it will mean an eternity of continuing to get to know their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  

For those who put a hand up at Jesus and refused to come to be saved...it's going to mean that the God ordained penalty for sin which is eternal separation from God paying for those sins...rests upon them. 

It doesn't matter what anyone has said or done...Jesus is ready to forgive and to cleanse anyone and to make them a new life in Christ. 

A new life awaits any who comes to Christ for salvation.

He already has shown everyone that there are no secrets. No secrets exist between You and Jesus. He knows about everything you and I have ever done, said or thought.  

He knows about every choice and why it was made. Why even those who are saved choose things that aren't going to glorify Jesus as well as those who do choose wisely. 

My Dear Reader you can wallow in all the self-incriminating things you have to say and it won't change the truth of God in Christ. He still loves you and wants to save you. 

He knows you from the inside out. 

He can and will help you to forgive you. Yes He knows the one person we have the hardest time forgiving is ourselves. We have listened to ourselves berating ourselves. He knows of Satan and his companions berating us. Getting is to have deep seated beliefs that Jesus would never want to know anyone like us. Lies. All lies. 

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found. Was blind but now I see. 

Grace is God’s unmeritted favor towards us. Nobody has ever earned or is deserving of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Nobody. Yet it's still offered free of charge to all who would take it. 

Someone once said that we who are saved are to catch people and Jesus cleans them.  

Jesus hasn't returned yet because there are yet those who He is looking to save. He knows exactly who the last person is who will come to Him to be saved before the wrath of God is pouring out on this Earth. That's a real series of events that really is coming upon mankind. Just as real as all the events that lead up to Jesus coming the first time. 

Jesus said that He's unwilling that anyone should perish but that all might be saved through Him. 

That includes you and I. When Jesus was nailed to the cross His thoughts were not of Himself or how deserving or undeserving He was to die in this manner. Lifted up to die all of everyone's sins were heaped upon Jesus. Nothing wasn't unaccounted for. 

His knowledge of your life is way more than you will ever know or understand.  

"I've carried a burden

For too long on my own

I wasn't created

To bear it alone

I hear Your invitation

To let it all go

Yeah, I see it now

I'm laying it down

And I know that I need You

I run to the Father

I fall into grace

I'm done with the hiding

No reason to wait

My heart needs a surgeon

My soul needs a friend

So I'll run to the Father

Again and again

And again and again" 

- Cody Carnes 2020 "Run to the Father"

He always has already known.

He is waiting just for you. 

His love for you will bring the healing you long for and have been unable to find in this world. 

He chose to love you and I from the inside out in order for truth to be fully revealed and that nothing would be misunderstood.

He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Jesus Christ. There's no other way to escape the penalty of death for sins but salvation in Christ Jesus. Eternity is a very long time to have made the wrong decision to say no to Jesus in horrific unending pain and suffering. That's the judgment of the Court of God towards all who rejected the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. 

He is ready to forgive you. 

He is ready to save you.

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

Who's Life is it Anyway?

Who's Life is it Anyway?

by David Brenneman 

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20.

"Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Galatians 5:24-25.

"And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.  For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" Luke 9:23-25.

"I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:31.

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

In an earlier post I wrote of the question concerning the depth of devotion and commitment the Disciples of Jesus Christ had towards Jesus.  How much of their life, their passions, wants and desires, were put aside to follow Jesus?  

Paul wrote of laying aside the old self with its passions and desires, it's practices.  Practices.  Things essentially willfully done.  Whether good or bad.  We willfully practice life every day.  We willfully get up from sleeping the night before.  This is a practice.  A way of life. 

We willfully get ready for whatever the day has for us.  Our practice typically includes either time with Jesus before starting out or it doesn't.  These are examples of the practices of the lives of people. 

A full life in Christ is what Jesus promised those whom would follow Him.  At one point there were over 70...until a few things came about.  Some thought His teachings were too deep.  Too this or too that.  Quite probably many thought that they were getting in on the ground floor of a movement to shake off the oppression of the Romans. 

The Disciples really did set aside everything.  Including most if not all involvement with family for these years of His Earthly ministry.  

The world easily will have false prophets and teachers to tell whomever will listen that you can have your cake and eat it too by living however you want as well as living for Jesus.  The problem with all that is inevitably less and less time is going to be spent with Jesus.  Self WILL consume and justify everything it's doing.

It's also yet still a daily battle.  It's going to be until the day that we either die or the Rapture of the Church of Jesus Christ happens. 

We have to do as we read earlier, dying to self so that we might live to Christ.  

Our minds are impressionable and often easily manipulated.  There's a good reason why so much money and time has been spent in the world on the effects of subliminal messaging.  It's a scheme of the devil that works. 

Honestly...from Jesus's perspective...are we truly losing out on anything by striving to live life for Jesus in all that we say or think or do?   

It's said in the Scriptures "Where your treasure is there your heart will be also."  

Is living for Jesus with your everything your hearts desire?  Is that your treasure?  

Go back and read that excerpt from the book of Timothy.  

Regardless of the why's or the centuries of time, when our hearts are not directed towards the life in Christ that the Spirit is trying to teach us to live in...we will inevitably produce the wrong kinds of fruit.  

Our lives aren't supposed to be our own.  Out of a grateful heart we ought to be doing our best to honor everything that Jesus did for us in taking our place on that cross.  

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20.

Dying to self daily takes a lot of effort.  That's what we see the Disciples doing.  That's what they were to teach new Disciples. 

Given a choice which direction does your heart go...a television show or a half hour of reading your Bible?

Given a choice which direction does your heart go...a football game or time with Jesus in prayer or in your Bible?

It's very easy to say the answer...but looking back on your life...what was the real answer?

We either follow the God whom created us or the god we created. 

We either take up our own cross and follow Jesus or something or someone else's that doesn't lead to a deeper relationship with Jesus. 

A life in Christ isn't to be superficial in any way.  

King David was known as a man after God's own heart.  Moses was known as a friend of God.  Daniel was known as one highly esteemed by God.  

What will you be known for or as in your relationship with Jesus?

It is probably going to hurt, at least for a time, to get traction in living life for Jesus in the way He wants and meant for you to live it.

What I have learned so far is that I find that I really don't miss what I gave up.  Those things that I shouldn't have craved in the first place just really don't compare with what's been developing in my relationship with my Savior. 

Time is an unrefundable currency. 

Once spent it can never be retrieved again.  

Yet what we spend it on impacts our eternity outside of time. 

Time spent on the full life in Christ, those coins seem to multiply.  When spent on anything else...they begin to vanish. 

Who's life are you living? 

You are either pursuing a new life in Christ or you aren't.  

According to the Scriptures we WILL give an accounting of our lives before Jesus.  Those coins of time will be very telling. 

"Living for Jesus, a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;

I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone." 

1917 Thomas O. Chisholm "Living for Jesus".

Who's Life is it Anyway?  

How you answer in your words and actions tells the truth about your relationship with Jesus. 

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

Everything and All

Everything and All

by David Brenneman 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." 

Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

"Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.” Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life." Mark 10:28-30.

"Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” Matthew 19:27.

"Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You.” Luke 18:28.

"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ," Philippians 3:7-8.

What did the Disciples mean when they said they gave up everything to follow Jesus? What did that look like?

Do we really give our all to Jesus? Did we give up everything to follow Jesus?

Is our all on the altar or just what might be "religious" and we kept the rest?

These thoughts came to me yesterday while at work. It's something to really consider. 

As a culture a great many people compartmentalize their lives. This box has home life in it, this one has work life in it. This one has the things we do for entertainment. This one inside the home one is split in various ways for family. Sometimes that is split with a joining boxes for friends.  

Psychology goes further to really compartmentalize the past and the present. Things that hurt you from those that didn't.  

The thing is Jesus wants all of us. Not just what either the world says He should get or what we decide He should be given. This lead me to consider just what did all mean to the Disciples when Peter uttered those words. 

What did this look like? It's obvious that some of the Disciples were married. Yet they all went wherever Jesus went. They turned their full attention to whatever Jesus was going to teach them, the things that He would command them. 

The path of a disciple of another in Jesus's day was one of 100% devotion. It was summed up in the blessing that accompanied those who were so engaged "May you be covered in the dust of your Master!". Following so closely to whom you were learning from that his dust of life fell on you completely.  

What does this look like for us today? What is it supposed to look like? In Biblical reality...pretty much the same. Only for all who claim the Name of Jesus it's to be our following Jesus so closely that He is who the world sees. 

What did the 12 give up? As Peter said...everything. Relationships with family and friendships might have been suspended since they wouldn't have been around them much, if at all. Their jobs as fisherman or tax collectors went to the wayside. Their attention was to be fully on the Lord Jesus Christ. Granted much of the path of the Disciples isn't going to be our path in our lives. We aren't in training to become Apostles. Nor can anyone become an Apostle. 

We are, however, to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 

In everything we do, say or think, it's to be done to the glory of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

As learned in weeks past, our lives aren't supposed to be Jesus and anything or anyone. It's to be Jesus. 

We don't go to Jesus on Sundays or Saturdays or whenever our local church is meeting. We don't have a room in our house for Jesus to live in while we go live out life everywhere else. We should never be treating what the Spirit is teaching us as optional or as an accessory on our lives. 

What was in their lived was what they needed to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. 

We are going to be shown many many things to add to our lives that the world says we need. These are all a trap. We probably will be heavily convinced that the things we hold onto in life aren't bad for us nor are they a hindrance to our life in Christ.  

Consider this...on the night Jesus was betrayed...Peter and all the rest proclaimed that they would never abandon Jesus. Even though Jesus said that the Scriptures said they would. They were absolutely convinced. Peter's mind of defiance in this justified his actions until that cock crowed that second time. Only then did he see that his justifications were in error.  

We don't look between the lines of the spiritual war these disciples were going through while training to become Apostles. We don't recognize the warfare in our own lives when we aren't looking for it.

It takes a great deal of effort to try to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus.  

We like to think that the world is right in that we can have times and places where we can safely let our guard down. This isn't what we read in our Bibles.  

The Disciples didn't learn that.  

Praying without ceasing is exactly what it is saying. No gap denoting a starting point or stopping point. 

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

All the parables Jesus taught concerning how the workers that their Master put in charge while he was away and how diligently they were to carry out his instructions until he returned.  

Seems that everything is everything. Just as all means all and that's all that all means. 

If we're more inclined towards worldly desires and wants than we are in our lives being lived in obedience to God's Word and our growth in Christ then we are absolutely not giving Jesus our all. We aren't giving Him our entire everything. 

How truly devoted are you to your life in Christ? Are you intentionally making time to be in prayer and in your Bible? That's what's important to Jesus so is it important to you? 

Are you carrying yourself around as a follower of Jesus or do you really hide it in public?  

In your home is Jesus welcome anywhere in it? If there are things in your life that aren't God honoring are you willing to acknowledge them as such and get rid of them? 

If not, why not?

Loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit means you giving your everything to a life that exudes Christ. It means our existence is wrapped up in our everything belonging to Jesus. 

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 means more than on certain occasions during the day or week. It certainly doesn't mean only when you are in trouble for if that's only when what God wants of you is important to you then you're already in deep trouble. 

Really consider yourself what giving up everything means from God's perspective. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? What will he give in exchange for his soul?

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

Which Light do You Follow?

Which Light do You Follow?

by David Brenneman 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

"Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied, then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.  You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.  You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, for the Lord your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the Lord your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth." Deuteronomy 6:10-15.

It's very easy to fall into complacency and to neglect when things are going the way that people want them to go. 

Israel indeed did exactly what the Lord Jesus had said would happen when people forgot all that He did for them.  

They shifted their focus from decades of learning to trust in the Lord with all their hearts to living as if He hadn't done those things for them.  

In these houses they came upon that are described, they found household idols.  They found writings of idolatry.  They didn't destroy these things, they allowed them into their lives because they thought they were harmless and it was just to them as the tree of life was to Adam and Eve.

We too can fall into these things.  People are the same over the centuries regardless of how technology goes.  Satan makes use of our sin nature and people sin against God.  All current technologies do at times is make it easier to sin without the guilt.

Jesus quoted this passage in Deuteronomy 6:5 and added "You shall love your neighbor as yourself".  

Regardless of the centuries in-between this commandment has never changed.  

Are we running after vain things as these did when this was written?  It's easily safe to say that we have. 

We need more prayer for discernment than we ever ask for.  Satan's schemes include disguising himself as an angel of light.  He's working his deeds to blind the minds of the unbelieving and to distract the Believer in what is God's light and his light. 

We can have all kinds of creature comforts.  That is, material comforts that contribute to physical ease and well-being, such as good food and accommodations.

We easily turn to apps and services to satisfy rather than spending time and money wisely.   

We easily take what belongs to God and give it to ourselves or to others.  Many reasons exist.  We don't realize that we have because we never considered the dangers of doing so.  We don't agree with that still small voice within us telling us danger is around the corner.  We just see the supposed joy that's to be had.  Not realizing it's a trap.

Many times we just don't realize that we are in a spiritual war.  We don't see soldiers in our everyday lives going against us, fighting over our hearts and minds, so there must not be a war to be fought.

We seek ease and comfort and can go buy such things on a whim in most cases.  We pay big money to see concerts and events.  We spend thousands to escape our world for a week out of the year.  Never once considering our hearts and minds and where we need to really be in our relationship with Jesus. 

Idolatry existed from the beginning of human history.  It still exists today.  Humans might have developed new and supposed better ways to live but it's still here today and most of the 8 billion people on this planet can't recognize it.  

Idolatry has not gone away.  

People spending billions per year on merchandise to showcase their idols.  That's the truth of our battlefield of our minds.  

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

What are you intentionally doing to follow Jesus?  Are you truly loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit?  Are you truly loving your neighbor as yourself?  

Are you more upset at missing a television show, a movie or a sports game than you are when you neglect to spend time with Jesus? 

Be brutally honest...are you more upset at anything taking away time you set aside for your special interests than you are at anything interrupting your time with Jesus?

This is a key indicator of the state of your heart.

Scripture says we are not our own, but that we were bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  He took our place on that cross and we owe Him ourselves.  Our very lives.  He died for us, we live for Jesus.  That's how it is supposed to be.  

We easily justify the supposed little things that will eventually trap us.  We declare what is or isn't harmless.  We trust our judgment on what we add to or take away from our lives rather than asking Jesus.  

We are a culture of wanting what we want when we want it.  We are a culture of me first.  It's a global problem not a problem by country. 

When we don't live any differently than the world there's no reason for the world to want what we have to offer in Christ. 

When we aren't offended by sin then we aren't any different than those who aren't saved.

When we stop asking God for guidance and direction then we aren't any different than those who aren't saved.

When our schedules are the same as the rest of the world in its priorities then we are no different than those who aren't saved. 

Those who name the name of Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior are supposed to be different.  Displaying the true Light of Jesus Christ to this world of imitators...the fake preachers and false prophets.  

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

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.  Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.  Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.  Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.  Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27.

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

"Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.  Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." 2 John 1:8-11.

Does it sound like God's Word has something to say about this war we are in over our hearts and minds?

The worst foot forward starts with "I got this...I really don't believe that I need to ask Jesus about it".

The second worst is "It's harmless!  It's just something that I am interested in.  I've got it under control!".

Proverbs 3:5-6 says "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."

That's supposed to be 100% trust.  Not 50-50, not 60-40.  Not even 99-1.

The battlefield is our hearts and minds.  We truly cannot trust ourselves.  I can't trust myself, you can't trust yourself.  

Does someone trash talking something of this world that you have taken a keen interest in bother you more than when they say something about God or of Jesus?

That's a huge red flag. 

We're admonished to examine ourselves.  Make sure of our salvation in Christ Jesus.  Be mindful of our ways.  Setting our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world.  To love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit.  To love your neighbor as yourself.  

Which light are you following?

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

Blinded by the light or Walking in the Light

Blinded by the light or Walking in the Light 

by David Brenneman 

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:15-26.

Be it whatever the vocation that the Lord has called you to be doing, it's always in your best interests to give it your best is it not?   

From housework to corporate work and everything else in-between we are to do all to the glory of God are we not? "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

Is it possible to be ensnared by the devil? Unbelieving people always. For the Believer it's entirely possible to be driven off track by the schemes of the devil. "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:11.

All face his schemes, but only the Believer, those saved in Christ Jesus, have the full armor of God to put on as a defense against such things. 

The Scriptures say that which is the complete opposite of the world in describing Satan on purpose from Satan's point of view. He does not want people to really understand that he's blinded the minds of the unbelieving people in this world. He doesn't want people to realize that he disguises himself as an angel of light. Looking like he's coming from God when he enacts some devilish scheme.  

In our lives we are oh so easy taken in by the things that are of this world. We have his schemes that begin at an early age through peer pressure. Then from other things that we are drawn to as interesting yet are known to be dangerous.  

Backsliding begins in subtle small ways so that it isn't noticeable until it's almost too late.

Satan's not stupid. He knows from history in dealing with mankind that frontal assaults do not work. 

His best work is when we willingly walk in.

Our worst reaction that he hopes to cash in on is our saying to God "I got this" with our good intentions apart from the will of God for us in Christ.

A good example is after the children of Israel crossing over finally into the Promised Land. Joshua got a little cocky in dealing with the inhabitants and ended up ensnaring the children of Israel for life. All because he thought he could handle it apart from asking the Lord about them. 

We don't really understand the subtle depths where being made ineffective for God starts. 

We don't see the little things that we choose as being that big of a deal that have decades worth of time that will be required to come back around to where Jesus wanted us to be. 

We choose so many different things to add to our lives and do not consider the consequences of these things.  

We get but one life to live for Jesus and Satan knows this. He knows that if he gets you to wrap yourself up in things of this world, and gets you to see that there's absolutely nothing wrong with it, then you'll never cry out to God for help concerning whatever it may be.

Blindness. 

Asking the Lord Jesus Christ to open up your spiritual eyes will indeed open you up to many things about you that you never once considered about yourself. 

Many people are afraid to ask. Thinking that the old adage of "ignorance is bliss" is a good thing.

Ever forgetting that some day we all will give an account of our lives before Jesus. Our deeds and thoughts tried by the fires of God's truth to see what remains to give back to Jesus for all He's done for us in saving us. 

"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:21-22.

Do you dare to ask Jesus what needs to go from your heart, mind and life?  

You should. 

Really consider this truth: Does it matter who you disappoint in this world if you are presenting yourself approved by Jesus? It should.

Does it matter to you that you care more about fitting in and going after your hearts desires rather than walking in the light as children of the Light of Jesus Christ? It should.

You choose which path you will go.

You choose whether or not you are giving Jesus your best life. 

You choose whether you will spend time with Jesus or the wasted time on the things that are of this world. 

Are you a Disciple of Christ or one of the world? Whom are you really investing in and purposefully following? God's word says you can't do both. 

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."  

You get one chance to be a witness to the world concerning your life in Christ...and only a few times do you get to use words. If the world doesn't see a difference between us and them then there's no way they will see a need for the salvation we have in Christ. 

If we are as consumed by the offerings of the world as the world is. 

If we share their desires that they indulge in. 

If we talk as they do.

Then our testimony is worthless. 

What are you doing to feast on your time with Jesus? Are you taking in the Word of God daily? Are you in prayer daily? Are you seeking the help of your Savior in going through your day or are you only crying out for God when you know you screwed up? Are you even attempting to set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world? Do you have countless worthless things memorized from this world and yet have no clue as to how to navigate your Bible? Is prayer something you avoid because of how it makes you feel? Might that feeling be guilt? My Dear Reader it most certainly is. 

The great news is God is a God of second chances. Turning around and returning to Jesus is but a prayer away for everyone.  

Jesus is to be the center of our world. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Set your mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world. Give of the best to your Master.  

It may hurt to let go of the things of this world in order to find the full life in Christ. In fact it probably will hurt. But the rewards we can never know or appreciate until we do.  

We shouldn't go around sounding all religious either. Get your life in Christ on track and the Spirit will do whatever talking that would be necessary to say about the things of God. 

Pray as if Jesus were the only person in the room. 

Praise Him as if He were the only one listening. 

Spend time with Jesus as if He were the most important person in your life. 

Because He is and is worthy of our all.

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

It's Coming...He IS Coming

It's Coming...He IS Coming 

by David Brenneman 

“Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!’ ” Mark 13:28-37.

If you knew in your heart with absolute certainty, with absolute conviction, with all confidence, that something was going to happen to people you cared about wouldn't you say something, do something? Would you be able to live with the knowledge that you could have, should have, said something, done something?

In spite of Hollywood's creativity in regards to time travel, God doesn't let humanity do it because it would be mankind crafting humanity in humanities image. Potentially removing consequences to actions or erasing people from existence. Essentially man playing 'god'. 

In the case of the revelations of the Spirit of God, spoken by the prophets of God in the Old Testament or those of Jesus or Paul or others in the Bible, these are His mercy towards mankind His grace in showing the way to mankind...to show the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

We can't be trusted because of the sin nature within all of us with which comes a propensity towards evil.  

All people's everywhere have the potential for every form of evil described in the Bible.  

Yet in this God hasn't let the nature of mankind run rampant with what its capable of. He is the Creator of all things. We live, move, and have our being because of the grace and mercy of God.  

Life could have been completely over at Adam and Eve after they sinned. Again, grace and mercy came and life was allowed to continue. 

Jesus tells us of things yet to come. He never was speaking to hear Himself talk. Even the Scribes could see clearly, and confessed, that He spoke the way of God in truth, showing deference to no one. 

Jesus issued warnings that we should be on the alert. Said to teach others all that He commanded them. His instructions to the Disciples when He sent them out in pairs. To be shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves. To be careful in their dealings with those they came across. To know people by their fruits. Putting into action His teachings to them. 

All these things came to be. 

Everything as He described. 

If in these things He proved to them to be true...His foretelling of His coming brutal scourging, beatings, death, burial and resurrection...came to be 100% true...shouldn't you and I trust that His warnings of what else was to come would be true as well?

We should be living life both in obedience to God's Word and according to His plan and purpose for each of us...but should also be living life in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. Being ready to tell others who ask concerning the hope within us.

Jesus spoke of what was coming concerning the family unit. Father's against sons, mother's against daughter's. Children against parents. We see it in today's world. 

Children calling the authorities on their own parents for very little things that decades ago never would have been considered. 

The End Times as prophecy in the Bible speaks to are centered around Israel. What's happening in our world today? World focus is re-centering around Israel. Just as Jesus pointed to.

So Jesus said to be on the alert. Are you really eager and ready to see Jesus face-to-face or are you indifferent? Are you among those who honestly think that it has to be a long way off?  

Have you given up on whether or not it would happen in your lifetime?

Jesus said that we don't know the day nor the hour. He found out Himself after He went through the cross of calvary. The day couldn't be established until His obedience at the cross was completed.  

But completed it was, over 500 people saw the effects of the resurrection. The truth of God cannot be silenced.  

The universal plan of God to redeem mankind and to put an end to sin and mankind's rebellion are unalterable. The events of the book of Revelation and all other prophetic writings in the Bible are GOING to happen. Jesus WILL return for His Church before the world sees the wrath of God as written in the Bible. There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The wrath of God isn't for them to partake of. Jesus wouldn't talk of returning for His Bride, the Church, in such a loving way if He would also beat that Bride to a bloody pulp ahead of time. 

Be ready because you know nor when the hour will come.  

Be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have in Christ Jesus. 

Be on the alert. 

Walk in a manner worthy of your calling in Christ Jesus. 

Be found by Him as a doer of the word and not merely hearers only who have been deluded themselves. 

If indeed you trusted Jesus to save you...shouldn't you listen and obey all that Jesus commanded you?  

Shouldn't you actively be pursuing your relationship with Jesus above all else? Honoring Him by living a life approved by Him? Lived in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven? Being found by Him as one who was on the alert as He said to be?

My prayers are for people to come to Christ for salvation or to come back to Jesus as the Prodigal Son's and Daughter's throughout the ages have done. My prayer as well is that Jesus would return soon.  

Realize with all sober thinking that there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING left that HAS to happen prophetically before Jesus returns. Not a single thing. So yes at any moment in our lives it is possible for Jesus to return. 

Be on the alert!

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

The Why Behind Each of Us

The Why Behind Each of Us

by David Brenneman 

"The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" Exodus 4:11.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:4-27.

There are those who accept how they were born and those who do not. Those who ridicule those born certain ways and those who wish they had never been born at all. There are those who spend a lifetime trying to understand why people aren't born "normal" and some just look past what is for what's under the surface in people. 

Some of the sweetest people are those whom have not been born as supposedly normal as they whom are in the rest of the world. God DOES watch over them in special ways.  

For some, and I have concluded that in Christ what was for Paul is the same for me, they are given their own thorn in the flesh to keep them from exalting themselves.

For some, they will not know the full extent of the reasons why until they stand before Jesus.  

Some, to whom much greater grace has been given, they still had turned from the truth of God concerning themselves. Living a life of utter defiance towards their Creator. 

The extremely sad reality is these will wake up in Hell as those raging at God when it was themselves that delivered themselves to their eternal punishment. 

I was born differently from most people by way of birth defects, both seen and unseen. It's been a challenging life adapting to things that most people take for granted. However, it's been clearly shown to me in these latter years that "my grace is sufficient, for power is perfected in weakness".  

Some whom are in a position of less than desirable circumstances, be it physically or mentally, rage at God for the way they are.

Just as we started reading that Moses was told, so it is for all. 

We have our personal path in Christ to walk and we have our place in the body of Christ to fully fulfill. There's the workmanship we are in Christ to consider. "We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.

Whatever or however people are born this passage remains the same.  

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

Equally sad is there are those whom do not acknowledge the hand of God in these special people. Some will find themselves eternally separated from them after Christ returns because of their staunch unbelieving hearts. 

Another amazing thing to me is what the Old Testament says about people with infirmities such as my own. People with just what I have weren't permitted to come in service. 

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the food of his God. For no one who has a defect shall approach: a blind man, or a lame man, or he who has a disfigured face, or any deformed limb, or a man who has a broken foot or broken hand, or a hunchback or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye or eczema or scabs or crushed testicles. No man among the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a defect is to come near to offer the Lord’s offerings by fire; since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the food of his God. He may eat the food of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy, only he shall not go in to the veil or come near the altar because he has a defect, so that he will not profane My sanctuaries. For I am the Lord who sanctifies them.’ ” Leviticus 21:16-23.

However, in Christ, I CAN approach my Savior and Lord because of what He did for me in becoming my Savior. Because of His finished work on the cross of calvary, I can boldly approach the Throne of grace.  

"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.

Lastly consider these words. 

"For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.” Matthew 19:12.

"Born that way from their mother's womb".  

Nobody is humanly to blame for the way people are born.  

People who intentionally kill the unborn will stand before Jesus some day charged with murder.  

For myself, and seeing the potentially egotistical person I could easily have become, as for Paul so it is for me, I was given what I have been in order to keep me from exalting myself.  

For others it can be any number of reasons. God only knows the true why's behind everything in everyone's lives. 

It is upon all to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and to not lean on our own understanding. That in all things acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight.  

There's many in the Bible whom were given infirmities that as we even read them today it makes no earthly sense. Why was Jacob intentionally wounded by the Lord after wrestling with him? Why was Job put through literally from his perspective Hell on earth? Why was it necessary to blind Sampson before his death?  

It's on me and on all to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not to lean on our own understanding. 

To love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and spirit. 

To give of our best to our Savior and Lord every day until that day He makes everything right.  

Sin is why birth defects happen but as Jesus reminded His Disciples...nothing is impossible for God. Humanity has little difficulty in establishing the impossible and refusing to look beyond what could be. Moses, in spite of directly seeing the first miracles personal, tried getting out of serving the Lord because he couldn't see beyond the things he held as being impossible. 

You might be struggling with understanding others in unique situations physically or mentally. 

God's grace extends from us towards such people. Grace was extended to us from the beginning of our coming to Christ for salvation. His unmeritted favor bestowed upon us. His power WILL be perfected in our weaknesses if we but believe Him.

While physically I and others are disqualified as priests unto the Lord, in Christ I enter into His presence every single time that I pray. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. 

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

A Right Way and a Wrong Way

A Right Way and a Wrong Way 

by David Brenneman 

"Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17.

"In conclusion, sharpening a knife is a process that requires patience and attention to detail. By avoiding common mistakes such as trying to change the sharpening angle too dramatically, using the wrong tools, or not being patient enough, you can ensure that your knife stays sharp and effective." - www.tumblerware.com

I grew up with a Dad who liked to make knives. Usually out of stainless steel or sometimes wood if it was a prototype. He certainly was very good at what he did.

I learned some of the basics of the right and wrong ways to make and sharpen knives from him.

As that excerpt from that website pointed out...the wrong angle, too much taken off one side vs the other side, wrong tools, too much pressure and not enough patience and a knife is ruined.

In the lives of Believers we're supposed to be engaging with others in Christ in order to fulfill things such as this passage suggests. Interestingly enough this passage was the verse of the day on my Bible app today.   

We can't sharpen ourselves. A knife with virtually no edge is essentially a butter knife. Nothing truly serious can be done with it aside from soft foods such as butter or peanut butter.   

This too reminds me of another passage that too is of being what we are to be in Christ.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." Matthew 5:13.

We need to be of the right angle, the right material, the right pressure, with the right angle of approach, and right amount of patience to be able to fulfill Proverbs 27:17. Too much work on one side of a blade and you can ruin the edge. 

We can easily make an already bad situation worse without preparation ahead of time to help others. 

Some have termed it as being "prayed up". 

As in the real world of knife sharpening so it is with people.  

Know what you are getting into before you step in thinking that you are helping.  

Iron sharpening iron is actually two materials that aren't technically the same rubbing against each other. The tool doing the sharpening has been trained to be doing what it is to be doing. Been hardened, probably shaped with serrations to be able to remove material on softer metals. Next comes the various levels, course, medium, and soft. The right pressure must be used or damage will be incurred. The two surfaces must be in contact for a specific length of time at the right angle. Patience must win the day. 

We can have a great many good intentions at helping others but running in roughshod shouldn't be one of them. 

Pray first to find out if indeed it should be you helping at this point in time. It may be only for you to pray for someone else that God will use to help in this situation.

If it is you then knowing the full situation is important. You can only truly help if all the cards are on the table.  

Listen to the Spirit. He already knows everything we don't.  

It may mean being brutally honest with people. Whatever the Spirit directs be prepared to obey in saying or doing. 

The end result is to be useful to our Lord Jesus Christ in the way He wants, how He wants for however long He says it should be. 

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

From the Inside Out

From the Inside Out 

by David Brenneman 

"As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man." Proverbs 27:19.

"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.

"But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” Matthew 15:18-20.

"Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart." Psalms 26:2.

"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.

Many remember an old saying "you can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time" oftentimes this is attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

Are you trying to fool yourself? Are you intentionally deceiving yourself through denial of how your relationship with Jesus really is?

Jesus is intimately aware of all aspects of your heart and mind.  

When you get up, when you lay down. When you presume to think you're all alone. When you mutter under your breath. When you outright lie to yourself. When any thoughts cross your mind.  

It's all there before Him with whom we have to do. 

"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.

Have you the realization yet that there's more to your life than you?

Or have you convinced yourself that you should only be concerned about how you will get what you want through whatever means you have at your disposal to accomplish your goals and objectives? 

When we come to Christ for salvation we forfeit our wants and desires to live for Jesus who died in our place on that cross so long ago.  

We live to honor His sacrifice for us.

We become His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

Two things begin as part of that. One is to begin healing us of the ravages of sin in our lives and to teach us all things that Jesus commanded us in becoming like Him. The second is our part in the plans of God to reach the other lost in the world.  

Grow in Christ and be at His disposal for the work He has for you in His fields which are white for harvest. As Jesus spoke of, others before us were working in those fields and we join them in their labors. 

"But what can I do? I'm a nobody!" 

Interesting that you worded it that way. Guess what? So were the 13 Disciples. 13 because of the addition of Mathias to replace Judas. 12 ordinary men. Street people and semi-professionals at what they could do in this world. 

"But I have no talents!" Really? You want to go there? Alright...go back and read the Gospel accounts. Look at what these ordinary men brought to the table. You're in good company.

All that's required of you is to say "Here am I, send me!". A willing heart starts the ball rolling. 

Jesus already knows what all you have done, said or thought. Nothing has escaped His notice. 

Keep pace with Jesus and He takes care of everything. That's His promise, that's what He said He would do.  

Joseph knew nothing about organizing a nation let alone on how to organize a food distribution system before his brothers sold him into slavery. In everything it says he trusted his God. Regardless of false accusations and imprisonment. His life looked like him being punished for crimes he didn't commit. His reality was he was being trained by God for a greater purpose. 

Jesus knows everything about you and loves you anyway.  

Jesus has plans for each of us that's far greater than anything we could ever ask for or think possible. 

I have lived with the effects of birth defects all my life. Some new ones presenting themselves as I get older. Jesus has still shown me that He has work for even me to be doing.  

Jesus knows you and I intimately. 

He wants to cultivate a heartfelt relationship with you and I. Deeper than any we will ever find in our lives with other people. 

I aspire to be a writer. In 40 plus years I have yet to complete a work worth publishing in book form. In going on 6 years He has had me working as a writer of this blog. It's reached corners of the world that no paperback or hard cover book could ever get to. Really more than I could ever imagine or think possible. 

My hope is to some day publish a book. My mission is to keep honing my skills writing as He sees fit each morning He meets with me. 

You have an opportunity to grow in Christ today that's just waiting on you. 

Drop the excuses and all the rest that you put in the way of the full life that Jesus wants for you. 

If indeed Jesus is the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life...are you showing it by how you live? Are you settling for what's in your life or setting your life according to your obedience to God's Word?

He already knows all your faults and all your hang-ups. He still has a plan for you...it's just for you to say that you're done fighting and you're wanting what He wants for you in your life.  

He always knows you inside and out. Follow, listen, obey. 

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