Sword of the Spirit – Risky Behavior #1294

Posted on April 28, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1294

“Risky Behavior”

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise. – Ephesians 5:15

We all are born with a natural tendency to take risks. At an early age we test boundaries and risky behaviors peak in our youth and wane in our latter years. Every year people suffer needless injuries and even death from disobeying laws and warning signs intended for our protection.

God has also provided boundaries and laws for our protection. It is one thing to take risks with our physical well-being. It is totally another thing to risk our eternal destiny, and because of our influence, the eternal destiny of others.

How Close to the Edge? If our relationship with Jesus is more than membership in a church denomination and we are more than Christian in name only, our desire will be to remain in the light of His presence, and we will avoid the shadowy edges of life. We will hate sin as He hates sin and not toy with the gray areas.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God; …Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. – Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 12:9

Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? – Proverbs 6:27-28

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. – Proverbs 1:10

How Close to the Darkness? We all desire to be accepted by others. We are relational people and must be wise in our choice of circle of friends. Notice how we tend to pick up mannerisms, speech, and value judgements from those closest to us. Are these influences keeping us centered in the light of Christ or leading us into darkness?

Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil; Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals. – Proverbs 4:14; 1 Corinthians 15:33

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Abstain from every form of evil. – 3 John 11; 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. – Ephesians 5:11-12

How Much Poison? The tendency to test boundaries coupled with peer pressure and our need for acceptance can lead to deadly risky behavior – both physically and spiritually. Experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can take you on a fast track through gray areas into darkness.

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

Exposure to pornography and people disposed to sexual immorality will also lead you on a path away from God.

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure… has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partners with them; – Ephesians 5:5-7

Flee from sexual immorality… – 1 Corinthians 6:18

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; – Proverbs 6:23-25

How Far Away from God? We take a serious risk when we walk away from God and take the wide path of the world that leads to destruction. Some foolishly deceive themselves thinking that they can ‘live like the devil’ now and have time to repent and be saved at their moment of death. They foolishly test the Lord and disgrace His grace.

You shall not put the Lord your God to the test… – Deuteronomy 6:16 Jesus quoted this Scripture to combat Satan’s temptation to throw Himself off a cliff so that the angels could rescue Him from injury.

Only do not rebel against the Lord… – Numbers 14:9

The Risk of Influence! When we choose risky behavior and toy with the gray and dark areas of life, we affect more than just ourselves. We are not isolated in this life. We all have circles of influence: relatives, coworkers, fellow students, spouse, children, friends, and neighbors.

What influence does our risky behavior have on others? Are we setting an example for them to be true disciples of Christ or are we setting the example of a sin compromised, watered down version of being a Christian?

And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. – Luke 17:1; Matthew 18:6

May the Holy Spirit reveal to your heart the gray and dark areas that you continue to risk being a part of your Christian walk. May your heart’s desire be to be sanctified, set apart from sin, and to remain in the light of His abiding presence.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Destination #1293

Posted on April 21, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1293

“Destination”

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

‘You have reached your destination,’ the voice from my navigation system proudly announces. I have always loved to travel to new and different destinations. I recall how challenging, and dangerous, it was to navigate strange roads and cities with a paper map and road atlas. GPS technology has been a game changer in travel navigation. On a recent trip, as I heard the GPS instructions, the Lord spoke to my heart about all the temporary destinations we plan to travel to in comparison to our eternal destination.

GPS – God’s Positioning System – The path to your destination.

Our navigation systems become outdated over time and can lead us astray. God has provided a navigation system, His Word, that never requires updating. It remains eternally true and reliable.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. – 2 Timothy 3:16; Proverbs 16:9

You make known to me the path of life… Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. …He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. – Psalm 16:11; Psalm 25:4; Psalm 23:3

I do not always follow my GPS instructions. Sometimes I believe that I know better. I confess that, on occasion, I have ignored the leading of the Holy Spirit and gone my own way. My GPS can be in error, but the Holy Spirit direction is always true and reliable. I place myself and those who are entrusted into my care in peril when I rebel and stray from God’s path.

There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths. – Job 24:13

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

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

GPS – God Provided Salvation – Is Heaven your destination?

We have many temporary destinations in life and are preoccupied with the planning of these trips. Are we aware that we have an eternal destination? Are our life plans and daily decisions made in accordance with following the path of God that leads us to Him?

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

I press on toward the goal (destination) for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

GPS – You Have Reached Your Final Destination.

We will all have a final destination. There is no escaping this fact. Some will be joyfully welcomed by Jesus into the presence of God for eternity.

His master said to 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

Others will be in eternal anguish and suffer a second death in the lake of fire, separated from God forever.

And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. – Revelation 20:15

Our final destination location depends upon our decision concerning Jesus Christ while we are in this world. Will we accept God’s plan of salvation through Jesus, or will we deny Him?

Will we choose to follow Him along the narrow path of the way, or decide to take the wide path of sin that leads to destruction?

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. – John 3:36

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. – Romans 10:9

GPS – Our Prayer

May God’s Positioning System guide you and lead you to your final destination in His presence for eternity.

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it; Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 119:35; Psalm 119:133

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Sword of the Spirit – The Lord is My Portion #1292

Posted on April 14, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1292

“The Lord is My Portion”

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance… – Psalm 16:5-8

I remember adopting a dog to keep my first dog company. All was well until I fed them together. They each had their own ‘portion’ but the fight that ensued indicated that they were not satisfied and wanted more.

If you have ever been through the probate process after a loved one passes away, the ‘dog fight’ that sometimes ensues by the family members is not a pleasant experience. When the material of this world is our chosen portion, the love of God is not in our hearts.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply…; Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. – Psalm 16:4; Philippians 3:19

A portion is an inheritance, and we are bequeathed our portion when we became children of God.

Children of God – We are Family: Co-heirs with Jesus.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption…, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. – Romans 8:15-17

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are…citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. – 1 John 3:1(ESV); Ephesians 2:19 (NLT)

The Lord is our Portion – A Guaranteed Inheritance

There will be no probate contesting of the will of God that will succeed against us. Our accuser has been defeated by Jesus, our Advocate. God’s Word guarantees it.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:13-14

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. – Romans 8:3; Revelation 12:10

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – 1 John 2:1; Romans 8:1

The Lord is our Portion. – He provides for us spiritually through His abiding presence.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:24

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” – Psalm 142:5

The Lord is our Portion. – He provides for us materially in this world.

Before he came to his senses, the prodigal son was focused on his material inheritance to be squandered on satisfying the lust of the flesh. The Lord provides a material portion for us in this world to meet our needs and the needs of others as we pour out His blessings in tithes and offerings.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house… And you shall not neglect… the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do – Malachi 3:10; Deuteronomy 14:27-29

May the Lord be your chosen portion – your inheritance. May you live with the assurance and confidence of eternal life through Jesus, knowing that you are adopted in the family of God. May you be the good and faithful steward of the portion provided you, both spiritually and materially.

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Sword of The Spirit – I do Not Know This Man #1291

Posted on April 7, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1291

“I Do Not Know This Man”

But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” – Mark 14:71

As we study the Passion of Christ, we sometimes wonder how Peter could have denied Jesus after being with Him for several years.

We tend to think of how we might react when faced with death and persecution because of our faith. Indeed, there will come a day, and may have already come for some of us, where we will have to take a stand and account for our relationship with Jesus. Will we deny Him out of fear of what will be done to us?

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. – Matthew 10:28

Jesus did not sugar coat it when He said that if we are ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us.

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” – Mark 8:38

Although persecution for our faith is a reality, the greater threat is how we deny Jesus in our day-to-day living.

Compromise Morals and Values – There are societal values and morals that are constantly changing to reflect the ‘will of the people’. God’s Biblical Morals and Values are unchanging and absolute. When we compromise with the world, we deny Jesus.

Are we given to compromise with the world view about abortion and sexuality?

Do we cheat, steal, and covet because everyone else is doing it?

Are we trying to blend in and be accepted by the world?

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. – John 7:7

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:4

Our way vs His way – Our flesh wants what it wants when it wants it. We get that Holy Spirit ‘gut check’ that our way is wrong, yet we stifle it and do it our way instead. When we quench the Holy Spirit, we deny Jesus.

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

So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. – James 4:17

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. – Proverbs 14:12

Incongruent Behavior – We wear our Christianity proudly displayed in jewelry, bumper stickers, and emblems on our clothing. Are our actions, behavior, and speech in concert with our outward display of faith? We deny Jesus when we say we walk with Jesus but still dance with the devil.

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. – Titus 1:16

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

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. – 1 John 3:18

Refusing to Deny Self – Compromise, Pridefulness, and Hypocritical behavior stem from our refusal to truly follow Jesus. If we do not deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him we are in effect, denying Jesus.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. – Luke 9:23

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:27

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. – Galatians 2:20

Fear of the World – Most of us would not deny Jesus when faced with martyrdom. However, many of us will deny Him out of fear of ridicule.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. – Romans 1:16

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect – 1 Peter 3:15

May the Holy Spirit strengthen you and equip you with the full armor of God such that your daily walk remains steady and uncompromised, ready to testify to the truth of the Word of God.

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Sword of the Spirit – Are You Still Sleeping #1290

Posted on March 30, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1290

“Are You Still Sleeping”

Then he said to them, my soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me… And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, So, could you not watch with me one hour?… – Matthew 26:38-46

We cannot begin to comprehend the agony that Jesus experienced in the Garden and through His crucifixion. He did it because of His love for us to make a way for our salvation and eternal life through His sacrifice.

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. – Romans 8:34

This Easter we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and as He continues to intercede for us before the Father, He also continues to ask us to watch with Him as His disciples and watchmen. Sadly, many of us are still sleeping and failing Him in this respect.

Therefore, stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” – Mark 13:35-37

To watch with Jesus is to remain alert, aware, and attuned to His heart for the lost. It means to remain diligent in spiritual integrity and to avoid becoming polluted by the world.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. – James 1:27

Watch Over Family: As parents, are we asleep and unaware of the weeds being sown in our impressionable children’s minds and hearts?

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. – Matthew 13:24-25

Are we asleep while the enemy works or are we watching with Jesus, able to sound the alarm and take action to protect our children?

His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark, dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. – Isaiah 56:10

Watch Over Others: The world is our mission field, and we encounter people in our daily activities that are perishing apart from the Lord. Are we watching with Jesus in these daily encounters, ready to share our testimony and the Gospel or are we asleep, lost in the stupor of our own rat race priorities?

Besides this you know the time that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. – Romans 13:11

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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

Watch Over Our Hearts: It is easy to get caught up in daily life in this world and run ourselves so ragged that we cannot watch with Jesus one hour. The result is that we become spiritually weak and vulnerable to the attack of the enemy.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life; Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming… you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 24:42-44

And he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” – Luke 22:46

Watch Over the Church: When we watch with Jesus, we are an active, contributing member of the Body of Christ.

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock… which he obtained with his own blood. – Acts 20:28

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. – Romans 12:10-13

Keeping watch with Jesus is like the shepherds watching over the flock at night. It means to remain vigilant in matters of the Kingdom of God for us, our loved ones and the lost.

Watching with Jesus is a matter of living a life with balanced priorities, as citizens of heaven, in this world but not of it.

Jesus is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!

This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven; For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God… – Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16

May you keep watch with Him. He is coming soon. Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!

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Sword of the Spirit – The Pride of Life #1289

Posted on March 23, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1289

“The Pride of Life”

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. – 1 John 2:16

I take pride in my work. I am proud to have served my country in the US Navy. I am proud of my children and grandchildren. So where do you draw the line between good pride and the pride of life that God’s Word calls sin?

The line is crossed when we consider ourselves better than others.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

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? – Matthew 7:3

The pride of life is self-exalting and boastful. We see ourselves as a king when we are a mere pawn. Jesus taught a parable that illustrates this.

Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off… beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 18:10-14

Our reference Scripture states that the pride of life is from the world. It is inexorably linked with the lust of the eyes and of the flesh. This triple threat of sin is found first in the Garden of Eden when Eve was tempted by the devil.

For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. – Genesis 3:5-6

We are tempted with the triple threat of sin through the advertising that we are subjected to at every turn from billboards to television and social media targeted ads.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15

The pride of life takes on different characteristics: It can be boasting about a title, political position, pedigree, net worth, number of patents or books published.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips; As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. – Proverbs 27:2; James 4:16

Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. – Proverbs 16:5

It can be the judgmental and covetous attitude of a single income parent toward those families with dual incomes and many possessions.

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic…- James 3:14-16

The pride of life is evident in the heart of a Christian who is self-righteous and considers others as ‘less spiritual’.

For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself; Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. – Galatians 6:3; 1 Corinthians 10:12

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. – 2 Corinthians 10:18

How do we defend against the pride of life? To put it simply: we must die to this world. When we are baptized in Christ Jesus, we symbolize our death to this world and our resurrection into a new life as Jesus’ disciple.

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. – Galatians 6:14; Romans 6:4

This is not a once and done battle. The struggle is real, and it is a daily denial of the flesh and walking in the abiding presence of Jesus.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. – Luke 9:23

This Easter season, reflect on how Jesus, fully God and fully man, was subjected to the same temptations while in the wilderness following His baptism and yet He remained true to His mission setting an example for us to also deny the flesh, take up our cross and follow Him.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:5-8

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Sword of the Spirit – The Tempter Came #1288

Posted on March 17, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1288

“The Tempter Came”

And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” – Matthew 4:2-3

Jesus was hungry, and the tempter came. Perhaps you have been in a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for the Easter celebration of our Lord’s resurrection. Have you experienced the temptation to break the fast and give in to the flesh?

Fasting is a self-imposed ‘law’, and it is in our nature to break the law. ‘Wet Paint – Do Not Touch’, and we touch it. ‘Speed Limit 55’, and we set our cruise control for 60.

Beginning with ‘but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat’ and the Ten Commandments, God’s Law reveals to us how utterly powerless our flesh is to be righteous before Him. This revelation from the Law drives us to look to Jesus for help. The tempter comes and seeks to deceive and keep us from seeing the light of the Gospel.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:4

The Tempter Comes When We Are Pridefully Self-Sufficient

Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12

The deceiver tells us that we can be good enough and righteous enough in our own strength to earn salvation. The Truth is that only Jesus can keep us from falling and present us faultless before God.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. – 1 John 1:8

The Tempter Comes When We Choose To Walk In The Shadows

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” For at one time, you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. – John 8:12; Ephesians 5:8

Our flesh desires the pleasures of this world, some of which are detrimental to our physical and spiritual well-being. So, on occasion, we ‘dip our toe’ in the shadows of sin. We will watch that movie, play that game, go to that bar, flirt with that person, or fellowship with the wrong crowd thinking that we ‘can handle it’. The reality is that walking in the shadows becomes more frequent and the shadows eventually become a walk in the darkness.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. – 1 John 1:6

The Tempter Comes When We Are Weakened

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. – Proverbs 23:4

Many people are forced to work long hours and multiple jobs to provide for their families in this tough economy. However, many more of us need to be honest with ourselves as to our motives regarding excess work. Many of us are chasing the mammon of the world: money, power, and prestige and it takes a toll on our physical, emotional, and spiritual health making us vulnerable to the tempter.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction; It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil… – 1 Timothy 6:9; Psalm 127:2

The Tempter Comes When We Love The World

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world… – 1 John 2:15-17

The deceiver tells us that ‘The one who dies with the most toys, wins.’ Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. – Matthew 6:24

The Tempter Comes Even When We Are In Fellowship With Believers

Little children, let no one deceive you; And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. – 1 John 3:7; 2 Corinthians 11:14

It is not enough to be a ‘church goer’. The deceiver used Scripture to tempt Jesus in the desert and he will use it out of context to deceive us today. We must avoid religiosity and seek a relationship with Jesus. We must study the Word – the whole counsel of the Word, and not just be spoon fed a denominational doctrine of man a few times each month.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits…; Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. – Matthew 7:15-16; Ephesians 5:6

May you walk in the light of Christ, equipped for the spiritual battle that will come against you.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:11

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Sword of the Spirit – Pay Attention #1287

Posted on March 10, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1287

“Pay Attention”

Hear, you peoples, all of you; pay attention, O earth, and all that is in it… For behold, the Lord is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. – Micah 1:2-3

Heads Up!

Ten-Hut!

Listen Up!

Attention on deck!

We, the church – the Body of Christ – need a wake-up call – a call to attention. We have succumbed to the siren call of the pleasures of the world and largely live and move and have our being in the drunken stupor of compromise.

And he came and found them sleeping, and he said … Could you not watch one hour? – Mark 14:37

I tell you…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” – Luke 18:8

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings and Relationships.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”- 1 Corinthians 15:33

‘Bad company’ does not necessarily have to be people. Our surroundings can be bad company. Pay attention to how you are entertained, what you watch and the games you play. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable in such company with Jesus standing at your side. If it feels wrong, or you are embarrassed that you brought Jesus with you into that context, avoid it!

Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? – Proverbs 6:27-28

Immorality can sneak up on us and, if we do not pay attention, we can find ourselves crossing a line that we have told ourselves we would never cross.

Pay attention to the time spent in relationships with members of the opposite sex that are not your spouse. It can be innocent enough like carpooling, a coworker project team member, a school lab partner, or a team sports doubles partner. Intimacy begins subtly in the mind and heart. Pay attention that it does not transition to innocent touches, embraces or more. Flee immorality!

With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast – Proverbs 7:21-22

Pay Attention to the Word of God

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. – Proverbs 1:20; Hebrews 2:1

We become vulnerable and spiritually weak when we neglect the reading, studying, and praying the Word of God. It is through the Word of God that we hear ‘Listen Up! Pay Attention! We cannot heed the warning if we refuse to listen.

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching… – 1 Timothy 4:16

Pay Attention to the Leading of the Holy Spirit

My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings; Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; – Proverbs 4:20; Proverbs 2:2

The Holy Spirit ties it all together for us. He gives us the ‘Heads Up! gut check’ when we are about to cross the line. He brings to mind the Truth of the Word of God that we have studied as a light for the path we are to take.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16

Pay Attention to Subtle Temptations that Slowly but Surely Draw You into Sin.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:9

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. – Luke 21:34

Our flesh is easily deceived and drawn into sin. It would be a no-brainer to put up our defenses and flee were Satan to come at us looking like the grotesque, evil, repulsive character that Hollywood likes to portray him as. But instead, he approaches us in disguise.

…For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. – 2 Corinthians 11:14

So, we must be all the more diligent in heeding the Word of God’s call to ‘Pay Attention’ and be dressed for battle with the full armor of God.

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour; The scatterer has come up against you. Man the ramparts; watch the road; dress for battle; collect all your strength. – Matthew 25:13; Nahum 2:1

Pay Attention to Warning Signs

For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. – Matthew 24:5-8

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place…. – 2 Peter 1:19

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour; Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Matthew 25:13; Matthew 24:44

May you heed the warning to ‘Pay Attention’ and be found ready when He returns.

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Sword of the Spirit – Cause to Sin #1286

Posted on March 3, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1286

“Cause to Sin”

And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. – Luke 17:1-2

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. … And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. – Matthew 5:29-32

Make no mistake about it. Jesus is serious about sin. He is not advocating self-mutilation, but He is making a point: Do what it takes to live a holy life and don’t be a stumbling block to others in their pursuit of holiness.

And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction. – Deuteronomy 7:26

The Truth of this Word is as applicable to us today as it was in Old Testament times. What kind of immorality are we piping into our homes and devices over cable and internet? What are we exposing ourselves and our children to? Jesus says, ‘You shall utterly detest and abhor it.’ ‘Take drastic measures!’

Use Internet filters to shield your children (and yourself) from immoral temptation.

Be a parent and monitor your children’s internet use.

Be a parent and monitor how your children dress and who they hang out with.

Be a parent and block Movies, Video Games, Music Videos, and Social Media that are fraught with sex, vulgarity, profanity, and the promotion of abominable lifestyles. ‘…cut it off and throw it away.’

“Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! Therefore, let us… decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. – Matthew 18:7; Romans 14:13

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

You may say that you are not under law but under grace and all things are lawful for you. While this is true, God’s Word also says that you have an obligation to deny your ‘right’ and in love, deny yourself and consider others that may stumble because of the exercise of your freedom.

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. – 1 Corinthians 6:12

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak; Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. – 1 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Corinthians 8:13

Our Christian walk must be characterized as a selfless consideration of others. We must always remain conscious of the fact that our actions influence others. We are all impressionable and are influenced by our environment and the actions, habits, and language of those around us. Are we an influence for the holy life that Jesus commands, or are we an influence for a life compromised by the corrupted world environment?

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works… And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. – Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 10:24

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life; Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling; You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – John 8:12; 1 John 2:10; Matthew 5:14-16

The Great Commission is not a commandment reserved for Pastors, Evangelists, and Missionaries. It is a commandment for everyone that is a born-again Christian.

Therefore, go and make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…– Matthew 28:19-20

We are commanded to love others as Jesus loves us – sacrificially, denying self and considering the spiritual well-being of others first.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you; So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – John 15:12; 1 Corinthians 10:31

By the abiding presence and power of the Holy Spirit, may your Christian walk be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block to others.

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Sword of the Spirit – Alive in Jesus #1285

Posted on February 25, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1285

“Alive In Jesus”

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

Life. Our world society is conflicted in its understanding of it. When does it begin? How did it originate? What happens when it ends? Is there meaning and purpose in it?

When worldly wisdom rejects the Word of God, the Truth about such questions is lost and we become fools.

For what can be known about God is plain to them because … his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools. – Romans 1:19-22

Alive In Christ Before We Are Born – Just as when God formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed life in him, so we too receive the breath of God at the moment of conception whether in the womb or in vitro.

Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. – Genesis 2:7

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. – Psalm 139:16

On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. – Psalm 22:10

Alive In Christ When We Are Born Again – Even though we are born into this world with a sin nature, God made a way for our sins to be forgiven and for us to receive salvation and eternal life through 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. – John 3:16

And you, who were dead in your trespasses … God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses; So, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. – Colossians 2:13; Romans 6:11

Jesus answered, “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

Alive In Christ With Purpose and Meaning – Our life has meaning as we abide in Christ and bring glory to God in all that we do.

 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

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Alive In Christ For Eternity – God gives us life for eternity through Jesus. There is no other way. There is no other Name by which we have eternal life.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live – John 11:25

We are born with the breath of God, His Holy Spirit, which draws us to a decision to accept salvation through Jesus and we are born again by the Spirit. We then live and move and have our being in Jesus Christ bringing glory to God in all that we do in this life. Then we die physically but our spirit made alive through Jesus remains alive for eternity with Him.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. – 1 Corinthians 15:22

Life. The answers are in the Truth of God’s Word. May you have abundant life in Jesus.

For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’ – Acts 17:28

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