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

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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

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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?

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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

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Sword of the Spirit – The Will of God #1414

Posted on September 6, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1414

“The Will of God”

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

How can we discern the will of God?

The answer to this question begins with a renewed mind. We cannot truly seek to know and follow the will of God in our lives if we are double minded, embracing compromised thoughts, values, and behaviors of a sinful world.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded; No one can serve two masters… – James4:8; Matthew 6:24

Having been born-again, transformed by the Spirit of God, and breaking free from compromise with the sin of the world, we can now apply a biblical ‘litmus test’ to every decision and choice we make in this life. This is how we can know the will of God in our lives: what is good, acceptable, and perfect.

So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. – 1 Peter 4:2

Test with Scripture: Does this path you are considering align with the Truth of the Word of God? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and mind as you meditate on His Living Word.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! – Psalm 143:10

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. – Isaiah 30:21

Examine the Fruit: Will the fruit of the Spirit be evident if you go down the path you are considering? What is the ministry aspect of this path? Does this path bear fruit for the Kingdom of God?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. – 1 Peter 2:15

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

Seek Wise Christian Counsel: Seek the counsel from mature Christian brethren that will not tell you what you want to hear, but rather, will always tell you the truth based upon the Word of God. You still bear the responsibility to test their counsel for alignment with Scripture.

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance – Proverbs 1:5

If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God… – John 7:17

But test everything; hold fast what is good. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Your relationship with Jesus Test: Ask yourself in all honesty if this path you are considering will help you grow closer in your personal relationship with Jesus or will it hinder your walk with Him.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification… – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:15-17

The Peace of Christ: Do you have His peace, the peace that surpasses the understanding of the world in this choice you are about to make?

Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will… through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Hebrews 13:20-21

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

May you seek Him, His Kingdom and Righteousness, with your whole, undivided, and uncompromised heart. May you walk the path He directs, growing in your faith and bearing fruit for the Kingdom. May you know His peace and the joy of His presence always.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Hear, Heed, and Obey #1413

Posted on August 31, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1413

“Hear, Heed, and Obey”

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. – Matthew 11:15

And he said to them, Pay attention to what you hear… – Mark 4:24;

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22

Picture yourself in a large public gathering where there is a cacophony of voices and noises all competing for your attention.

Perhaps there is one person speaking that you truly want to pay attention to, so you lean in as close as you can, turning your head so your better ear is positioned to ‘tune in’ to what this person is saying. The act of hearing and heeding the words of this person is when you purposely seek to pay attention to what they are saying. Having heard, will you now obey their command or exhortation?

Hear, Heed, and Obey the Word of God – These are choices we all make. Believers and unbelievers alike make a choice to hear or tune out and dismiss the Truth of the Word of God in whole or in part.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. – Revelation 3:20

Hearing is connected to Obedience through Heeding. – We hear the Word of God either by it being read or spoken to us or by reading it for ourselves. Oftentimes, we cannot help but hear it as it is part of the everyday sounds we encounter in the world media and environment. What we hear are the seeds of faith. Will they take root in good soil?

So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:14-17

But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty-fold and sixty-fold and a hundredfold. – Mark 4:20

We heed the Word when we are intently focused on it. Taking heed requires a concerted effort and desire on our part to not only hear but to also understand how to apply one’s life to biblical principles and truths. How hungry are we for His Words of Life?

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. – Psalm 25:5

But they did not listen or incline their ear, to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other gods. – Jeremiah 44:5

We obey the Word when we then choose to act in obedience to the Word spoken to us. Having understood what is required of us by the Word of God, our choice is now to obey the Word, follow Jesus, or dismiss it and go our own way.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. – John 14:15

Hearing without heeding is not having ‘ears to hear’. It relegates the Word of God to nothing more than background noise to be ‘tuned out’ in favor of what we would rather focus our attention to.

You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the Lord persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets – Jeremiah 25:4

Incline your ear and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. – Isaiah 55:3

Hearing and heeding do not guarantee obedience. The rich young man sought answers from Jesus. He heard and intently listened (heed) but went away sad because he chose to not obey Jesus’ instruction.

Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. – Matthew 19:21-22

Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? – Luke 6:46

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. – Isaiah 30:21

The Power of Hearing, Heeding, and Obeying the Word of God – When we have ‘ears to hear’, we choose and have an intense desire to love and know Jesus and to have a personal relationship with Him. We choose to faithfully follow Him and to walk His narrow path of obedience to His Word.

There is power, protection and peace in hearing, heeding and obeying the Word of God.

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. – Matthew 7:24

But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”- Luke 11:28

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Sword of the Spirit – He Grew Proud #1412

Posted on August 23, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1412

“He Grew Proud”

In Jerusalem he (King Uzziah) made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.

For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. – 2 Chronicles 26:15-16

Success is a blessing to the one whose heart remains faithful to God. It is a curse to the one whose heart becomes prideful, self-sufficient, sinfully vainglorious, and turns away from God.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18

God’s Word underscores the truth of the destructive force of pridefulness. When we sow the seeds of pridefulness we will reap destruction at the hand of God for He is sovereign and will not be mocked.

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; – Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 2:21

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap; For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. – Galatians 6:7; Hosea 8:7

These truths are recorded for us in Biblical history with Kings Uzziah, Manasseh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod Agrippa I, Belshazzar, and Saul.

In modern history we see how pride brought destruction to Napoleon Bonaparte and Richard Nixon as well as business leaders Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling of Enron and Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos.

If we are honest with ourselves before God, we will acknowledge that we all have to some degree, at one time or another, succumbed to the sin of pridefulness and failed to give God the glory for our achievements.

Fame – ‘…his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped…’ Fame in an unguarded heart can allow a stronghold of pridefulness to be established.

But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful; Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. – Mark 4:19; Psalm 62:10

Success: ‘when he was strong, he grew proud’ An unguarded heart can become the breeding ground for the sin of pride to take root. Like a toxic mold, it grows and chokes the Truth of the Word of God in your heart and mind. You become intoxicated with fame and fortune and begin to believe the lie that your skill and success is your doing, and you no longer glorify the Lord with your life and work.

I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship…to work in every craft; So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – Exodus 31:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5

Jesus gave us an example of how to deal with fame and success: He would not allow the people to make Him king by force.

Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. – John 6:15

Given fame and divine power, He always sought to glorify the Father in all He did.

And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. – Mark 1:28

Jesus answered, “… I honor my Father, and …I do not seek my own glory; I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. – John 8:49-50; John 17:4

God Will Discipline You – He loves you enough to correct you. May your heart yield to His hand of correction and demolish the stronghold of pridefulness.

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives; My son do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. .”- Hebrews 12:6; Proverbs 3:11-12

Restoration through Repentance – Both Kings, Manasseh and Nebuchadnezzar repented and were restored by God’s grace and love. May you acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty and, in humility, repent of pridefulness and receive His forgiveness and restoration.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. – James 4:10

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Sword of the Spirit – Hunger and Thirst #1411

Posted on August 17, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1411

 

“Hunger and Thirst”

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. – Matthew 5:6

Olympic runners train and discipline their bodies for years with a singular focus in mind – to win a gold medal.

So, I do not run aimlessly… But I discipline my body and keep it under control… – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

They keep their eye on the prize every day in preparation for that momentary and temporary event.

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

They hunger and thirst for the win.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it; Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… – 1 Corinthians 9:24; Hebrews 12:1-2

What are your goals in life?

What are you passionate about?

What is first and foremost in your thoughts and life every day?

Upon reflection, have you come to realize that what you are striving for is temporary at best and meaningless in the grand scheme of eternity?

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

Hunger and thirst for righteousness – peinaó: To be famished, to crave; dipsaó: To thirst, to desire earnestly. When we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, the verb zeteo (seek) encompasses every aspect of our being: our mind, heart, and body are fully engaged and committed to finding and obtaining His kingdom and righteousness. It is priority one.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God; And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ – 2 Corinthians 5:21; Jeremiah 23:6

To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to hunger and thirst for a close, personal relationship with Jesus.

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. – Psalm 42:1

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. – Psalm 63:1

I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. – Psalm 143:6

Blessed: Makarios – a state of deep joy and supreme well-being independent of external circumstances. It is the ‘good life’ as defined by God, not the world view. It is only attainable through a close, personal relationship with Jesus.

The enemy of our soul tempts us with counterfeit ‘blessings’. We are enticed to feed on the junk food and drink of the world which leaves us spiritually malnourished and continually thirsty.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10

Reflection:

Where is a righteousness through a personal relationship with Jesus in your list of goals and passions in this life?

Is it even on the list?

How spiritually hungry are you? Are you self-medicating yourself with ‘junk food’ rather than seeking Jesus first?

How spiritually thirsty are you? Are you partaking of the tainted ‘water’ of this world but never satiated – like drinking salt water?

Are you spiritually malnourished?

May you hunger, thirst, and seek first His kingdom and righteousness through a personal relationship and faith in Jesus.

May you be blessed of the Lord with His presence and the abundant life that only He can give you now and for eternity.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. – John 6:35

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Sword of the Spirit – Keep On Keeping On #1410

Posted on August 9, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1410

“Keep On Keeping On”

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross… Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. – Hebrews 12:2-3

Do you ever find yourself weary of the daily grind? Do you wish for the Second Coming of the Lord to happen sooner rather than later?

Persevere When Weary – Elijah and Paul grew weary on occasion. The Lord strengthened them and He will strengthen us also to persevere.

Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life … And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” – 1 Kings 19:2-4

I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. – Philippians 1:23-24

Persevere in the Great Commission – Jesus commissioned us to continue His work while here on earth.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. – John 17:15

And Jesus came and said to them, “… Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” – Matthew 28:18-20

Persevere in Faith and Hope – We are surrounded by the injustice of this world and it easy to become disillusioned and lose faith and hope. Solomon called it meaningless, a vanity. Asaph became envious of the wicked. The antidote is the Living Word of God – keeping our eyes and heart focused on Jesus who set the example for perseverance and endurance.

There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. – Ecclesiastes 8:14

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. – Psalm 73:2-3

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience; Therefore…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us – Romans 8:25; Hebrews 12:1

Persevere In Trials – Jesus told us that we will have trials. He also promised us that He will see us through them and that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy 4:7

Persevere in Prayer – His power to endure in this world as citizens of Heaven comes through continual prayer and a close walk with Jesus.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. – Ephesians 6:18

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint; Being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; – Isaiah 40:31; Colossians 1:11

Persevere in Service – Jesus commissioned us to serve Him and others in His Name.

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. – Luke 9:62; 1 Corinthians 15:58

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. 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; And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Philippians 3:13-14; Galatians 6:9

Persevere until He says ‘It is Time’ – His plan and timing is perfect. Trust Him with patient endurance!

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. – Revelation 3:10

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 3:5

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Sword of the Spirit – Bread and Stones #1409

Posted on August 2, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1409

“Bread and Stones”

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

To the one who conquers – This promise of God in our reference Scripture is for those who have overcome the world and the sinful desires of the flesh.

Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. – 1 John 5:5,4

We are conquerors, not through our own devices and strength, but having been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit we overcome the world through faith in Jesus.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. – Romans 8:37

Hidden Manna – God sustained His chosen people with manna in the wilderness for a time. Jesus is the ‘manna from heaven’ that gives us eternal life.

I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. – John 6:48-51

This ‘manna’ that is eternal life in Jesus is ‘hidden’ by the fact that it is reserved for those who accept the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. There is no other path to heaven.

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; – Matthew 11:25

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

White Stone with a New Name – There are a variety of interpretations of what the white stone and new name signify. The best in my opinion is that the stone and name are a reference to the white stone ‘ticket’ to an awards banquet given to the victors of the athletic games of the time like our Olympic Games of today.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable… – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

New Name – Jesus knows us intimately and personally. He knows us by name.

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. – Isaiah 43:1

To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. – John 10:3

There are several examples in Scripture where the Lord changed people’s name as they came to faith in Him:

Jacob to Israel: from deceiver to overcomer;

Abram to Abraham: From a childless exalted father to the father of many nations;

Simon to Peter: From one who hears to one who is solid as a stone in proclaiming the Gospel upon which Jesus will build His church.

As overcomers and conquerors, victorious through Jesus, we too will be given a new name – One that is special between our Lord and us.

The promise of God in Revelation 2:17 energizes and motivates us to persevere in faith and in our walk with Jesus.

May you fight the good fight and live an overcoming life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

May you hear Jesus say to you on the day you enter eternity with Him, ‘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 25:23

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