Sword of the Spirit – Beware Hypocrisy #1424

Posted on November 15, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1424

“Beware Hypocrisy”

In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” – Luke 12:1

Note the context in our reference Scripture that Jesus used to teach His disciples. He had just finished His scathing rebuke of the Pharisees who were esteemed by the people as spiritual leaders and authorities of the Law.

Now, as the disciples and Jesus walked on, they felt the physical pressure of the crowd that followed them. The pressure was so great that people were being trampled.

Jesus used this pressure as a segue to warn His disciples of the pressure of the temptation to let their newfound success and esteem before the people go to their head and get puffed up in pridefulness. He likened it to the leaven of the Pharisees and called it hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy is Prideful and Self-serving: The temptation to hypocrisy is greatest for those who are successful whether it be in ministry, business, or politics.

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Giving: This is an act of faith, worship, and stewardship that is between you and God and no one else. We must be careful not to usurp the glory due to the Father by making a show of it before others.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing – Matthew 6:1-3

Praying: It is appropriate to pray aloud in group settings at times. However, be sure of your motives. Are you truly praying to Lord, or are you seeking to appear holy and esteemed by those who are present by your many words?

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room, and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:5-6

Fasting: Like our giving, prayerful fasting is between you and the Father. Be true to your motives: Are you seeking a deeper intercessory prayer fellowship with the Father or looking to be esteemed as holy and religious by others. Noone else needs to be aware of your time of fasting and prayer.

And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. – Matthew 6:16

Judging: Does our success in whatever context of life make us judge others and view ourselves as better or holier than them? It is God who gives us success and He desires that we use position and power to serve others in His Name and for His glory.

Judge not, that you be not judged…Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye…? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:1-5

The greatest among you shall be your servant. – Matthew 23:11

Religiosity: Hypocrisy is an outward show of works to make us appear righteous. Following traditions and doctrines of men become more important to the hypocrite than a personal relationship with Jesus. We must be careful that our example of works does not lead others into this hypocritical trap.

So, for the sake of your tradition, you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well, did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. – Matthew 15:6-8, 23:15

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. – Matthew 23:27-29

Unfaithful Steward: A hypocrite may appear righteous on the outside but inside they are unfaithful selfish stewards of the gifts entrusted to them by God.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. – Matthew 23:24-26

May you heed Jesus’ warning to beware of hypocrisy. May the Holy Spirit guide you into growing in your personal relationship with the Lord, being transformed continually into His likeness.

As obedient children do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct; So, put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. – 1 Peter 1:14-25; 2:1

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Holiness, Obedience, Prayer, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Service, Stewardship, Temptation, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Simon the Leper #1423

Posted on November 8, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1423

“Simon the Leper”

Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper… – Matthew 26:6-13

This devotional text could be subtitled: “From Shame to Honor”

The traditional focus of commentary on this event at Bethany is on the woman who anoints Jesus. I was struck, however by the fact that God chooses to mention that it occurred at the house of a former leper. Let’s dig deeper to understand the significance of this and how to apply it to us.

Simon the Leper – Unclean: The biblical account identifies him as ‘Simon – the leper’, not to indicate that he is leprous but rather to identify him separately from the other ‘Simons’ listed in the Gospels. It is understood from the context of the account that Simon was most likely formerly a leper, healed by Jesus and now restored to his people and society.

He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp. – Leviticus 13:46

Formerly an outcast and isolated from society, he is now found hosting a meal in his home with Jesus present. Through Jesus, Simon has transitioned from shame to honor and the Bible gives us numerous similar accounts of transformed lives that encourage us that we too can transition from shame to honor through faith in Jesus.

The Woman, a Sinner: This is an earlier account of Jesus being anointed, this time by a woman known as a sinner who came to Him in sincere and heartfelt repentance. Through faith in Jesus, she received salvation and transitioned from shame to honor as this account of her act is recorded for all generations to come.

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner…, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment… And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven…Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:36-50

Rahab the Prostitute: By faith in God, Rahab and her family were saved from the total destruction of Jericho. Her faith saved her, and she transitioned from shame to honor, and she is even named in the genealogy of Jesus.

By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. – Hebrews 11:31

And Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab…, and Jesse the father of David the king… and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.  – Matthew 1:5-16

King Manasseh – A Most Evil King: Manasseh transitioned from shame to honor when he came to the end of himself and sincerely repented and turned to the Lord.

Manasseh led Judah … to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel…. And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. – 2 Chronicles 33:9-13

King David – Adulterer and Murderer: Through repentance, David transitioned from shame to honor and received forgiveness. God honors him by stating that David was a ‘man after His own heart’.

David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. – 2 Samuel 12:13

He raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ – Acts 13:22

The Prodigal Son – Rebellious and Caught up in the Reckless Sin of the World: Through repentance before God and his dad, the prodigal son transitioned from shame to honor. There was celebration in heaven as well as on earth by his return.

I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you…” And he arose and came to his father…his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him… For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. – Luke 15:18-24

I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – Luke 15:10

The Samaritan Woman at the Well – Adulterer: This woman, an outcast from Jewish society and living in sin, is the first person to whom Jesus openly reveals that He is the Messiah. She is also considered one of the first evangelists. Her faith and testimony about Jesus transitioned her from shame to honor.

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” – John 4:39

Paul, the Apostle – Violent Persecution of the Church: Paul acknowledged and publicly declared his sin, considering himself to be the worst of sinners. Through His encounter with Jesus, repentance, and baptism he transitioned from shame to honor as Jesus’ chosen instrument to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles and Israel.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. – 1 Timothy 1:15

Like leprosy, our sin separates us from fellowship with God the Father.

They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. – Ephesians 4:18

We are all in need of salvation.

None is righteous, no, not one; For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. – Romans 3:9,23-25

Like Simon, the leper, and others, Jesus is willing to make us clean.

A leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed… – Matthew 8:1-4

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. – John 6:37

God desires that none should perish and all to transition from shame to honor through Jesus.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance; Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 10:9

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Prayer for Salvation – May you transition from Shame to Honor through faith in Jesus.

“Dear God, I confess that I am a sinner and that I need your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose from the dead on the third day. I ask you to forgive me of my sins and to come into my life as my Lord and Savior. I give my life to you, and I ask for your guidance and strength to live for you from this day forward. Thank you for your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Hope, Obedience, Prayer, Salvation, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Wholeness #1422

Posted on November 1, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1422

“Wholeness”

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

This is an often-quoted Scripture in the Christian community as a prayer for our nation. It outlines four conditions and three promises of God. How does it apply to us today?

If My People: Israel – The context of this Scripture was at the dedication of the temple built by Solomon. It was addressed to the people – the Nation of Israel.

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. – Deuteronomy 7:6

If My People: Gentile Christians – Through faith in Jesus, we become grafted in the vine of God’s people: Israel, and we share in His Spiritual blessings and covenant promises. Note the admonishment against antisemitism in Romans 11. There is no room for arrogance toward the people of Israel among the Christian Body of Christ.

Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy; Even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” – 1 Peter 2:10; Romanas 9:24-25

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. – Romans 11:17-18

If Humble – To be humble before God means to surrender self-sufficiency, and pridefulness. In humility we recognize our total dependence upon God in every aspect of our life.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. – James 4:6

He himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. – Acts 17:25

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

If Pray – All too often our prayers are transactional rather than relational. We approach God as we would an Emergency Care Center or an ATM machine. Making our requests known is indeed part of prayer but sincere, heart-felt worship, praise, and expressing our love for Him are necessary and foremost – ‘Our Father Who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name’ is the preamble to the prayer we are taught by Jesus.

Pray without ceasing; Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 13:15

If Seek – Seeking the face of God is seeking His presence as we worship and pray. This is not church traditions and rituals. It is not the mindless rote recitation of ‘canned prayers’. This is relational, real, and personal. It is being intimate with God as our Father, Jesus as Savior, and the Holy Spirit counselor.

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek” – Psalm 27:8

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Psalm 105:4

If Repent – To repent is to turn away from sin and the occasion of sin. This is a change of mind and heart to flee immorality, demolish strongholds, resist the temptations of the enemy, and to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul and be reconciled to God.

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God; Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. – 2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 3:19

I Will Hear – God promises to be attentive to the prayer of those who are righteous through faith in Jesus.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. –  Corinthians 5:21

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. – 1 Peter 3:12

I Will Forgive – What a glorious promise this is! All of us are sinners and deserving of eternal damnation. This promise gives us the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life; And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – John 3:16; Acts 4:12

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. – John 6:37

I Will Heal – The context of this Scripture speaks to the nation of Israel. The spiritual principle of this Scripture however applies to us also as His people, grafted into the vine of His chosen people.

The word translated ‘heal’ is ‘rapha’. It means curing, healing, and making whole.

The word translated ‘land’ is ‘erets’. It means the Earth, land, ground, country, and territory.

The contextual application may not necessarily be for the healing of the United States or any other nation other than Israel, but this Word of Truth does apply to us as His people, Jew, and Gentile believers in Jesus alike, that He will heal, save and make us whole.

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Midterm elections are upon us this week. As Christian, born-again believers in Jesus Christ, saved by grace:

Are we humble before God, acknowledging His sovereignty?

Are we prayerfully considering the ballot policies and values represented by each candidate in light of Biblical values?

Are we seeking a personal relationship with the Triune Godhead, being guided in voting by the Holy Spirit?

Are we repentant, not only for our sins but also corporately for the sins of our nation?

May you be salt and light to your nation by voting and not abstaining in foolish apathy.

May you vote for policies and values, not persons or personalities.

May you vote based on Judeo-Christian principles and values in obedience to the counsel of the Holy Spirit.

May the Lord make us and our nation whole.

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Love, Morality, Obedience, Prayer, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Temptation, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – You Feed Them #1421

Posted on October 25, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1421

“You Feed Them”

Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” – Matthew 14:15-16

You Feed Them: An Impossible Command? – Our Lord is the God of possibilities. From the day-to-day provision of our needs in this world to salvation through faith in Jesus, all things, all things are possible with Him.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

You Feed Them: A Matter of the Heart – Jesus challenged His disciples with the impossibility of His command for them to give the multitude something to eat and He challenges us today through this Word.

He initially challenges our heart attitude as His faithful stewards:

Are we greedy and covetous?

Do we truly understand that all we have is His?

Do we love the world more than we love Him?

Do we trust the mammon of this world more than we trust Him?

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? – James 2:15-16

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? – 1 John 3:17

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. – 2 Corinthians 9:7, 8:12

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. – Isaiah 58:10

You Feed Them: Trusting the Power of God – We are exhorted in Proverbs 3:27 to not withhold good when it is in our power to act.

The word translated ‘Power’ is ‘El’ which is the singular Hebrew word most often rendered “God” stressing His inherent power and strength given to us through the Holy Spirit.

The power we have that enables our willing heart to be good stewards of God’s provision for us and through us to others comes from Him, not by our own works of the flesh.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. – Proverbs 3:27

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. – Acts 1:8

You Feed Them: With Contentment through Christ – It is easy for us to take ‘ownership’ and ‘possess our possessions’. It is easier to be generous when we have an abundance, and it is all too easy to become tight-fisted when resources dwindle. Contentment and faithful stewardship in both extremes and everything in between is a learned spiritual discipline.

I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content… I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8

You Feed Them as Faithful Stewards – With the proper attitude of heart, content through faith and trust in Jesus, we can as His faithful stewards cheerfully administer His varied gifts and grace.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 4:10-11

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. – Luke 3:11; Galatians 6:10

Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Proverbs 3:28; Galatians 6:9

Response Prayer: Lord, I repent of the times I have looked the other way concerning those in need and tight-fistedly held onto the resources You supplied to me. I repent of my idolatrous trust in the things of this world instead of being totally abandoned to You in faith and trust.

I ask that You transform my heart by Your Holy Spirit to make me and mold me into the contented, faithful steward of Your varied gifts and grace that You desire me to be. I ask in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Obedience, Priorities, Purpose, Service, Stewardship, Trust, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Anchor of the Soul #1420

Posted on October 19, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1420

“Anchor of the Soul”

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf… Christ Jesus our hope. – Hebrews 6:19; 1 Timothy 1:1

Seafarers drop anchor to hold position against opposing forces. Proper anchoring provides shelter in a safe harbor as well as aiding in maneuvering in tight situations.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

We navigate a narrow path of righteousness in this life as we follow Jesus. There are many opposing forces seeking to take us off course into dangerous waters and away from safe harbors and many of us foolishly venture out ‘on our own’ drawn by the deceitfulness of the empty and temporal promises of this world.

Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return. They hold fast to their evil purpose; – Jeremiah 8:5; Psalm 64:5

These ‘anchors’ of the world that we have come to rely on and idolize are deceitful and ineffective to help us in our time of need.

Behold, you are trusting now in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it; Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! – 2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 31:1

Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord; Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. – Jeremiah 17:5; Psalm 146:3

Anchored in Hope – We must not waver in the hope we have in Jesus in this life and for eternity. There is no other anchor for our soul.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3

Anchored in Confidence and Security – We must always be on guard against placing our confidence in ourselves, others, or in the mammon of this world for these are all false security.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 62:5-6

Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the. heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession; Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. – Hebrews 4:14, 3:6

For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. – Hebrews 3:14

Anchored in Trust – Jesus is steadfast, faithful, and true. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will not lose anyone that the Father has entrusted to Him for salvation. Our trust is securely anchored in Him.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. – Jeremiah 17:7

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever… – Psalm 125:1-2

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. – Isaiah 26:3-4

Anchored by Faith in Jesus – We drop anchor and cannot always see the sea bottom and how well the anchor hold has taken. But with evidence our faith is established in a proper anchoring. So it is with Jesus. By the Holy Spirit, through the Living Word of God, we have the depth of spiritual assurance that anchors our faith in Jesus.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen; So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession; Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 4:14; 12:2

Responsorial Prayer

Lord Jesus, I repent of all the times I have wandered from your path, lured by the siren song of the world. I repent of all the idols I have placed my trust in instead of remaining anchored in You.

Thank You for not giving up on me and drawing me back to You. You are my rock, my refuge, and my firm foundation. I anchor my soul in faith, trust, and hope in you. You are my confidence and security in this life and for eternity.

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Hope, Love, Obedience, Peace, Prayer, Priorities, Salvation, Temptation, Trials, Trust | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Power for Living #1419

Posted on October 12, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1419

“Power for Living”

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth… You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. – John 14:16-17

We live in an evil world. We are constantly assaulted with temptations to sin, and our flesh is so easily enticed to do what we know we should not do.

For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing…Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! – Romans 7:19-25

Jesus told us plainly that to follow His way of righteousness was going to be hard and the world’s way of sin and destruction will be easy.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus did not abandon us or leave us ill equipped to do life in this world. He promised to send us a Helper to give us divine power to overcome the evil and walk in the righteousness of Jesus. He promised us power for living through His Holy Spirit.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – Romans 14:18,26

Born Again by the Holy Spirit – The indwelling Holy Spirit gives us Divine power to live a godly, purposeful life for the Kingdom of God. Our own human strength, will, and intellect is woefully inadequate to live an overcoming life. We need the power of God through His Holy Spirit to fight the spiritual battle that we are engaged in. Religion and religious rituals are not enough. We must have a relationship with Jesus. We must be born again by the Holy Spirit.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. – John 3:5

A Lifetime Walk – Not Once and Done – The command in Ephesians 5:18 : …be filled with the Spirit is in the present tense indicating a continuous, ongoing state “be being kept filled”. Power for living requires a continuous in filling of the Holy Spirit that comes through a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and a relationship with the Living Word of God, Jesus Christ.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. – Galatians 5:16,25

Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit; – Romans 8:5; Galatians 3:3

Power to Fulfill Our Purpose Through the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit empowers our life walk to be purposeful. Our Father has a plan and purpose for our lives. He has provided the means (gifts of the Spirit) and the catalyst (Power of the Spirit) by which we can fulfill our purpose for His kingdom and glory.

Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good that you may do his will… – Hebrews 13:20-21

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

Power to Bear Fruit by the Spirit – The power of the Holy Spirit transforms our character. The fruit of the Spirit is manifested in and through us shining the light of Christ and giving testimony to His presence which draws others to receive salvation through Jesus.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… – Galatians 5:22-23

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

Benediction

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. – Ephesians 6:10-18

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 2 Corinthians 13:14

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Encouragement, Holiness, Hope, Love, Prayer, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Temptation, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Sufficient #1418

Posted on October 5, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1418

“Sufficient”

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” … – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Our heavenly Father says that His grace is sufficient for us. Let’s explore the meaning and application of the Truth of this Word.

First, the word “grace” translated from the Greek “charis” is the unearned, unmerited, and freely given favor, love, and power of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. – John 1:14-17

The word ‘sufficient’ is translated from the Greek “arkeó” which carries the meaning of enough to be satisfied and content.

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Our concept of the English word “sufficient” is where we stumble in our understanding and application of this Scripture. In our modern, portion-distorted, indulgent society of Super-Sized everything, the word ‘sufficient’ has come to mean ‘the minimum threshold of enough to meet a need.’ We have been conditioned to view it as stingy and meager.

And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 1:14

The undistorted Truth is that God’s sufficiency is more than adequate. The arkeó of God is great gain and there remains an abundant, infinite resupply of His grace to continue to meet all needs, great and small.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19

The message to Paul in our reference Scripture was that God’s grace was more than enough for Paul to overcome his thorn in the flesh. It was all-sufficient for Paul to be content with his circumstances, remain humble, and continue to be effective in ministry.

I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content…I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13

Self-sufficient – Paul’s success in ministry posed a danger to him in that he could have become pridefully self-sufficient and ceased to rely fully on God. We face this same temptation and must guard our hearts against it.

So, to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. – 2 Corinthians 12:7

Beware lest you say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. – Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Insufficient – How powerful is God in your understanding? Have you heard the lies of Satan telling you that He does not hear you? That He won’t save you or forgive you? or that He is not powerful enough to deliver you from your trial? Don’t lose heart and wait on the Lord. His grace is sufficient for you!

‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you; Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear – Jeremiah 32:17; Isaiah 59:1

So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison – 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. – Psalm 42:11

Sufficiency Through Jesus – God’s grace is more than adequate. When we have failed seeking sufficiency in ourselves and from this world, we find that when Jesus is all we have left, we discover that Jesus is all we ever needed!

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God; In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight – Ephesians 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 3:5

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work; Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – 2 Corinthians 9:8; Hebrews 4:16

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Hope, Love, Perseverance, Prayer, Relationship, Salvation, Temptation, Trials, Trust | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit Go Deep #1417

Posted on September 27, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1417        

“Go Deep”

Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them…he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. – Luke 6:47-48

The unexpected happens in life. Change is forced upon us at times and our life plans are redirected. It may be a health diagnosis, natural disaster, loss of job or of a loved one.

How well we deal with the unexpected turn of events depends upon the depth of our foundation in Jesus Christ like the ‘man who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock’.

God desires that we go deep with Him. It starts with going deep in a personal relationship with Jesus and builds upon that foundation with greater depth in Faith, Trust, Love, and Ministry.

Go Deep in Relationship with Jesus – A personal relationship with Jesus is the foundational rock upon which we can withstand the storms of life change. The more we study and pray the Word, the greater depth of intimacy in relationship we have. Is going deep in a personal relationship with Him a priority in your life?

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. – John 14:23

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. – James 4:8

Go Deep in Faith – Our faith can be easily shaken when our status quo is disrupted. Faith founded on the Truth of His Word is like a strong tower, a refuge in times of trouble.

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. – Isaiah 59:1; Psalm 61:3

Is your faith like the seed that fell on rocky ground or has it sunk deep roots into the good soil of His Word?

My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! – Psalm 31:15

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 62:6

Go Deep in Trust – Our faith is a foundational belief. Our trust is the manifestation of our faith in how we act and behave when doing life in this world. Do your actions and behaviors testify that you have gone deep in your personal relationship with Jesus and faith in Him?

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:10

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. – Psalm 56:3

Go Deep in Love – It is easy to love those who love us. But can we go deep and get out of our comfort zone and love ‘our neighbor’, even if they hate us?

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. – Luke 6:27-28

It is easy to share resources when you have an abundance, but can you go deep in trust in His provision for you and share with those in need when you have little?

Jesus looked up and saw … a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:1-4

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

Does the depth of our relationship with Jesus and our faith, and trust in Him provide the drive to love and serve others with the gifts He has given us as He commands us to do?

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace – 1 Peter 4:10

Go Deep in Ministry – God never intended that we be cloistered within the four walls of our church. We need to kick the walls down and be salt and light in the everyday world environment.

Life in this world is our mission field and Jesus commands us to go deep and let down the nets of our testimony of the Truth of the Gospel and salvation through Him.

Jesus came and said to them…Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”- Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 5:4

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Hope, Love, Obedience, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Stewardship, Trials, Trust, Workplace | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Stewardship #1416

Posted on September 20, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1416        

“Stewardship”

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein… – Psalm 24:1-2

Christian Stewardship is the responsibility to care for and manage all the resources, gifts, and life that God has entrusted to us.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. – Genesis 2:15

And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? – Luke 12:42

Steward Over Spiritual Relationship with Jesus – Christian stewardship begins with understanding that the fullness of creation belongs to God. This understanding must be more than intellectual – It must be from our heart. It cannot be lip service.

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; – Matthew 15:8

We must seek first His kingdom maintaining, growing, and nurturing our personal relationship with Jesus. Our stewardship must go far beyond religion and be rooted in our personal relationship with Him.

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him”. – John 14:23

Steward Over Time – We are given a finite amount of time in this life – how are we using it? Are we burying it under the dirt of this world (Matthew 25:14-30) while chasing after the things of this world to gratify our flesh (Romans 13:11-14) or are we using our time wisely to advance the kingdom of God and for His glory?

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. – Colossians 4:5

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. – Mark 16:15

Steward Over Our Bodies – As born-again believers in Jesus Christ our bodies are His temple. Are we poisoning His temple? Are we defiling it? Our mind, spirit and flesh are defiled through indulging in the sin of this world and feeding the lust of our flesh.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made – an intricate miracle down to the cellular level and as the Temple of the Holy Spirit we must not be careless in its care.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. – Romans 12:1

Steward of God’s Creation and Provision – Nothing belongs to us – it is all His. We must not covet, hoard, and withhold the good He would desire to pour through us to others.

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. – 1 Timothy 5:8

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. – 1 John 3:16-18

Steward of Gifts and Talents – We have a purpose in life. God has equipped us to fulfill His purpose and plan for our life.  As good stewards, are we using our talents and gifts for His glory?

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: – 1 Peter 4:10

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; – Proverbs 3:9

Stewardship Accounting – On that final day in this life, when we come before our Father in Heaven, can we say as Jesus said: ‘I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.’ – John 17:4?

Will we hear Jesus say to us: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:21?

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Morality, Obedience, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Stewardship, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – New Beginnings #1415

Posted on September 13, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1415

 “New Beginnings”

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:18-19

Change. It is the only constant in life.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

We are continually faced with change, and we cannot escape the fact that we have to continually make course correction decisions in life.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Embracing Change – The key differentiator between those who embrace change and those who fear it and are paralyzed by it is, in a word, trust. But this trust must be placed in the only One who is Trustworthy and True, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7

Life experience in this fallen world has taught us to wary and distrustful so we grow to base our trust in ourselves and in what we can control such as our finances, intellect, health, skills etc. But even these are nothing more than a paper tiger and we eventually find ourselves woefully inadequate to face a key decision required of us by a change in circumstances.

Only a personal relationship with Jesus provides a solid foundation of trust from which we can live a life of embracing change. With Jesus we view every decision and course correction as a new beginning and growth opportunity through a fresh start. Change with Jesus brings abundant life, not loss.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

New Beginnings: Born-Again – The first and foremost new beginning for us is to be born-again by the Holy Spirit of God through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This new beginning opens the door to eternal life and gives our temporary life on earth meaning and purpose.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

New Beginnings: Course Correction Decisions – A born-again relationship with Jesus is much more than a religion or religious experience. It is walking with Him, following Him, listening to Him, and obeying His Word of Truth. This provides clarity in direction and decision-making. You know it by His peace, the peace that surpasses all worldly understanding in the choices you make.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 30:21

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 straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established; Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. – Proverbs 16:3; Psalm 37:5

New Beginnings: Fresh Starts – Every change brings a ‘death’ of sorts to a past way of life and opens the door to a fresh start. There is no need to fear the change you are faced with when you abide in the love of the Father.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – 1 John 4:18; Galatians 2:20

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23

New Beginnings: Walking with Jesus – His path is the narrow path of faith and integrity without compromise with the world. It is also the path that He has walked before you and will now walk with you. You can trust that He will never leave you or forsake you.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Hope, Love, Obedience, Peace, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Stewardship, Trust, Workplace | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment