Sword of the Spirit – Home Care #1383

Posted on February 1, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1383

“Home 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

God’s Creation Was Very Good …Then we sinned.

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. – Genesis 1:27-31

All that we see of God’s creation was perfect until sin entered into mankind. We are now reaping the harvest of that original sin through environmental pollution, sickness, and disease. As greedy, selfish, and slovenly tenants, mankind has literally ‘trashed the place’. World society, believers, and unbelievers alike, have been actively working to clean up our environment which remains an uphill battle for sure.

Our planetary environment is one thing, but what about our bodies, created in the image of God?

The Temple of God – To an extent it is understandable that unbelievers may not care for or acknowledge their stewardship mandate from God concerning care for their bodies as a Temple of the Holy Spirit, but what about those who profess to be Christian followers of Jesus? What is our excuse?

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 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. – 1 Corinthians 3:16;  John 14:23

Just as Moses would enter into the Tent of Meeting, as Born-Again Christ followers our bodies are a temple of our Triune God.

Stewardship Care – God expects His children to be wise stewards of all His creation including our bodies. We are to work it and keep it, which means from the original Hebrew: cultivate, and preserve it.

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

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church – Ephesians 5:29

Discipline not Defilement. – God expects us to discipline our flesh for if left to follow its own cravings it will defile itself to destruction.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. That each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor – 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:4

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank; “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive; But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV), 9:27 (ESV)

Our lack of discipline in controlling our bodily cravings is akin to idolatry. We give in to cravings for ‘comfort foods’ rather than finding comfort in the Word of God. We allow ourselves to become addicted to things that defile our mind, spirit, and body through food, drink, and sexual immorality. Such defilement brings death, both spiritual and physical.

What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God… Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. – 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1

“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other; If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple; The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:13, 3:17, 6:18

Living Sacrifice – It has been said that the problem with a living sacrifice is that they tend to crawl off the altar. We have to decide: Do we love the Lord more than the self-destructive cravings of our body? Are we committed to being good and faithful stewards of our body as the Temple of the Holy Spirit?

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

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me; 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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Luke 9:23; Hebrews 12:1-3

Honor Christ in Body – By caring for the health of our body we honor Christ and His great commission, for it is through spiritual and physical health that we serve others in His Name.

As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death; So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 1:20

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Sword of the Spirit – Now I See #1382

Posted on January 25, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1382

“Now I See”

One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. – John 9:25

Whenever I have an eye checkup it always amazes me that with the flip of a few dials that a blurry mess of letters and numbers becomes crystal clear. I marvel at the physiology of vision, how light is transformed through our eyes and processed by our brain allowing us to see the world around us. We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; – Psalm 139:14

Now I See – Human Worth: Our physical sight is only one aspect of our marvelous creation. Of greater importance is that we were made in the image of God. Nothing else in God’s creation is granted this dignity of being a spiritual soul that reflects our Creator God. It is this Truth that gives human life non-negotiable worth and why abortion and human trafficking is such an abomination to God.

And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. – Genesis 1:27

Now I See – My Need for Jesus: Because of Adam’s sin I was born with a sinful nature and was blinded to my need for a Savior. Through the measure of faith God gave me I was able to see the Light of the Truth of the Gospel through hearing the Word of God. I now realized that I was a sinner and on the wide path to eternal destruction and separation from Him.

For…God has allotted to each a measure of faith. So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ – Romans 12:3; 10:17

I would not have come to know sin except through the Law. For I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! – Romans 7:7; 3:23; 7:24-25

Now I See – The Way to Eternal Life: I was a slave to sin, entangled by it and unable to free myself from it. Through repentance and the baptism of the Holy Spirit I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Now I see my way clear to walk the path of His righteousness.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. – John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17

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

Now I See – With A Discerning Spirit: We are in the world, but no longer of the world. Having been born-again by the Spirit of God as His sons and daughters we are ambassadors for Christ in this world. Until the Lord calls us home, we will remain at war against the desires of our flesh to sin. God has equipped us with the weapons for spiritual warfare and the victory through the power of His Holy Spirit.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

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

Now I See – By Guarding My Eyes: Satan uses our eyes to gain access to our hearts. The bling and immorality of this world attacks us on every front of life. We guard our hearts and souls by guarding our eyes.

The eye is the lamp of the body; so, then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light; Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour; For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. – Matthew 6:22; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 2:16

Now I See – Focused on Jesus: It is good to have spiritual blinders on in this world to keep our eyes focused on Jesus as we walk His narrow path of life. The world is fraught with distractions, not only to lure and appeal to the lust of our flesh but also to frighten us and attempt to weaken our faith.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. – Matthew 16:24-26

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2

But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. – Matthew 13:16

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Sword of the Spirit – It is Personal #1381

Posted on January 18, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1381

“It is Personal”

By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. – Hebrews 11:29

Two peoples entered the Red Sea that day with a wall of water to the left and to the right. One people, the nation of Israel, passed through safely by faith in God. The other, the Egyptian Army, entered without a faith relationship in God and with motives contrary to God’s purpose and plan and were drowned.

This Old Testament historical event in delivering the nation of Israel by passing through the Red Sea points to the New Covenant of salvation through faith in Jesus. It symbolizes repentance, salvation, baptism, and being born-again into new life by the Spirit of God. It is like the narrow path of faith that we walk as we follow Christ. It also symbolizes the wide path of destruction for those who attempt to enter apart from a personal faith relationship with Jesus.

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; 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. – John 14:6; Matthew 7:13-14

Christian Defined – The term means to be a ‘follower of Christ’. Far too many of those who identify as ‘Christian’ do so based upon a social club like membership in a religious denomination. They attempt to build a relationship with Jesus through occasional ritual and religious practices. A Christian is a Christ follower with a continual, committed personal relationship with Jesus.

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith; Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. – John 12:26; Hebrews 12:2; Romans 5:2

Our Faith is Personal: We cannot walk the path of Jesus through the faith of others. We need our own personal faith and relationship with Him. The Seven sons of Sceva attempted to exercise the faith of Paul over a demon with disastrous results.

But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them… – Acts 19:13-16

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ – John 10:1; Matthew 7:23

A Personal Faith Trusts and Abides with Christ.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. And those who know your name put their trust in you. – 2 Corinthians 5:7; Psalm 9:10

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

A Personal Faith Must be Nurtured. Christ reveals Himself through His Word and by His Spirit we have power for living in this fallen world.

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

A Personal Faith Loves. We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:19

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

A Personal Faith Transforms. Through Jesus we walk in newness of life. – Romans 6:4

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

A Personal Faith Motivates Action Bearing Fruit. We serve Him and others in His Name.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works… For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. – James 2:18-26

A Personal Faith is Not Private. We are commissioned by Christ to share the Gospel openly in word and deed.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16

A Personal Faith is a Living Stone. You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:5

May your faith in Jesus be personal and intimate as a Christ follower.

May you be a living stone among other living stones, supporting one another, built up into the Bride of Christ, His church.

May the Light of Christ in you shine and dispel the darkness of this world, drawing others to receive salvation through Jesus.

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Sword of the Spirit – There is a Limit #1380

Posted on January 11, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1380

“There is a Limit”

And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever…” – Genesis 6:3 (NKJV)

God’s love, grace, and mercy are infinite.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end… – Lamentations 3:22-23

For from his fullness, we have all received, grace upon grace. – John 1:16

God’s justice is perfect.

The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. – Deuteronomy 32:4

Synergistic Intersection. The cross of Jesus is where these attributes of our Father’s infinite love, grace, mercy, and perfect justice meet in harmony for the propitiation of our sin and the salvation of our souls.

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. – 1 John 4:10

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

Long Suffering and Patience: God’s long-suffering however has a limit. There is a point where He will no longer contend with those who are rebellious and refuse to accept salvation through Jesus Christ and He will say, “Enough!”  Regarding sin and its consequence, Jesus made this statement to His disciples:

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. – Luke 13:3

Jesus went on to underscore His statement with the parable of the Fig Tree showing that the long suffering and patience of the Father has a limit before His justice is meted out.

And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” – Luke 13:6-9

Disgracing His Grace: There are those who proclaim to be Christian who are lukewarm and seek to live a duplicitous life with one foot in the sin of the world and one foot seemingly on the path of righteousness. This is a disgrace of God’s grace, and He will declare that He never knew them at the last day.

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. – Romans 2:4-5

Revealed Wrath of Justice:  The Word of God reveals times where He said ‘Enough’. We see His justice meted out in the Great Flood in Noah’s time and upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave…; For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it. – Genesis 18:20, 19:13

The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty… For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. – Nahum 1:3; Romans 1:18

God Reaches Out in Love: There is no better time than now to respond to God’s loving call to repentance and salvation through Jesus. There is no better time than the present moment to turn from sin and to be born again by His Holy Spirit, saved by grace through Jesus Christ.

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. – Isaiah 1:18

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

Enough! There will be a point where God will once again say, ‘Enough!’ Will your name be in the Lamb’s Book of Life on that day?

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. – Isaiah 55:6-7

May you be found to have the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22) on that day.

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Sword of the Spirit – Exposed #1379

Posted on January 4, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1379

 “Exposed”

Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” – Genesis 3:9 (NKJV)

Are we so foolish that we think we can hide our secret sins from God as easily as we hide them from others?

You are el roi the God who sees me; And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. –Genesis 16:13; Hebrews 4:13

Jonah tried to flee from God. His attempt was futile. The same is true for us. We cannot escape His presence.

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? – Psalm 139:7

Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 23:23-24

David Tried to Hide His Sin. In doing so he piled sin upon sin with dire consequences. Our harbored, hidden sin is like a malignant cancer that grows bringing destruction.

You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. – Psalm 90:8

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. – James 1:14-15

Every Attitude of Our Heart is Known. The unregenerate heart of man drives our thinking which, in turn, manifests itself in sinful action. God knows our heart. It is fully exposed before Him.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9

Would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart. – Psalm 44:21

Every Thought We Have Entertained is Known. The enemy seeks to exploit the weakness of our flesh by seeding sinful thoughts. The thoughts come, but we do not have to entertain them, nor should we seek them out. Others may not know what we are thinking, but God does.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. – Psalm 132:2

For the word of God is living and active…discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Every Word We Have Spoken is Known. We may speak sinfully to ourselves in our mind or whisper it under our breath thinking it is done in secret. Others may not hear, but God does.

Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. – Luke 12:3

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. – Psalm 139:4

Every Secret Deed is Known. Our sinful actions are most often done under the cover of darkness or in secret places. We may avoid accountability by hiding from others, but we cannot avoid being held accountable by God.

You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways; Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known. – Psalm 139:3; Luke 12:2

For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:14

Adam, Where Are You? Adam could not hide, and neither can we. God asks us the same question today.

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. – Luke 8:17

Feeling Exposed? If the Word of God in this devotional convicts you in spirit and you feel exposed – Good! Yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading to repentance and confession to God.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. – 1 John 1:6; Proverbs 28:13

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

Enjoy the Exposure. Walk in The Light of His Presence Light dispels darkness where sin abides. Abide in Christ and rejoice in the freedom from secrecy.

For at one time, you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light – Ephesians 5:8

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7

Remain Exposed. Seek the Sanctified Life. With a new regenerate, born-again heart take every thought captive unto Christ, resisting the darkness of the enemy and he will flee from you.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting! – Psalm 139:23-24

Live the Exposed Life. Walk the exposed life with Jesus and you will not be caught by surprise when He returns for His church. Live the exposed life of Christian integrity of faith and you will hear Jesus say on that day, ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. – Matthew 24:45-47

May this New Year be the year of living the exposed life, walking continually with the Lord in the light of His presence.

Happy New Year!

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Sword of the Spirit – A Better Desire #1378

Posted on December 28, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1378

“A Better Desire”

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. – Hebrews 11:16

Desire is a powerful emotion and driving force. For the carnally minded, it steeps them in sin whereas the heavenly minded are driven into a close relationship and fellowship with Jesus.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace; 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. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – Romans 8:6; 1 John 2:16-17

Heavenly Minded: Focus – Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

The phrase “So heavenly minded that they are no earthly good” is attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. This phrase was popularized in Johnny Cash’s song “No Earthly Good.” This phrase is being misapplied to the extent of compromising our walk with Jesus in order to better fit in the world. Such compromise makes us ‘Chameleon Christians.’

The ‘heavenly minded’ referenced in this phrase applies to the hypocritical Christians in name only. It applies to those who wear their religion as a cloak or symbol and lack a personal relationship with Jesus. These are those to whom Jesus spoke ‘Woe’ when He chastised the religious leaders of His day. These are those who will hear Him say ‘Get away from Me, I never knew you’ on the last day.

Rather, we must live in this world with an intensely heavenly minded focus in order to be earthly good. We must have the mind of Christ who is an excellent example of being heavenly focused while doing good here on earth.

But we have the mind of Christ; For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily and you have been filled in him. – 1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 2:9-10

Heavenly Minded: Desires – Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4

Like the people of faith from our reference Scripture, we desire a better place – our heavenly home with the Lord.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20

When we love the Lord with our whole heart, mind, and soul, His desires become our desires and as Ambassadors of Heaven we actively serve Jesus in this world without compromise.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves; 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 1:22; James 1:27

Heavenly Minded: The Great Commission – As salt and light in this world, our heavenly minded lifestyle, in the world, but not of it, should proclaim the Gospel Message of Jesus.

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

Heavenly Minded: Stewardship – Our Heavenly mindset directs us into faithful stewardship of our time, resources, gifts, and talents. Making the best use of the time because the days are evil. –  Ephesians 5:16

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

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. – James 2:18

Heavenly Minded: Pragmatic Practical Christianity – Jesus taught a parable about the ten minas teaching us to ‘occupy until He returns’ The word used in the original text is pragmateuomai meaning to do business, to trade, to occupy.He wants us to do life, living out our Christian Heavenly mindset with practical integrity of faith without compromise.

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ – Luke 19:13

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; 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? – Colossians 3:23-24; Micah 6:8

May you have a better desire than what this world has to offer.

May your heart’s desire be the Lord’s desires.

May you serve Him and others in His Name faithfully, without compromise, keeping a Heavenly Mindset desire for a better place where you will hear Him say, ‘Welcome home, good and faithful servant’.

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Sword of the Spirit – The Lord is At Hand #1377

Posted on December 20, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1377

“The Lord Is At Hand”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice… The Lord is at hand; – Philippians 4:4-5

Are you ready for Christmas? In light of the real reason for this Holiday Season I find this to be an interesting question. How do you answer it? Most people, believers, and non-believers alike, immediately think about all the Holiday preparations that have to be made, Travel plans, Christmas cards, Meal preparation, Gift buying and wrapping and so on. We have truly lost our perspective, haven’t we?

The Lord is Always at Hand – We sing songs and teach our children about the ever-watchful eye of Santa Clause and the Elf on the Shelf instructing them to be nice and not naughty in order to earn material things. Should we not bring to the forefront the Truth of God’s loving presence and of His saving grace rather than indoctrinating them in works righteousness?

Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 23:23-24

As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment; For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Romans 3:10; Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9

The Lord is at Hand: Jesus’ Birth – The wise men studied prophecy seeking the coming of the Messiah and looking up saw the star that heralded the birth of Christ and set out to see Him and worship Him.

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. – Numbers 24:17; Micah 5:2

We celebrate Christ’s birth at this time of year. Can we reset our paradigm and emphasize the Truth of the Word of God concerning this celebratory season?

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ – Titus 2:11-13

The Lord is at Hand: Jesus is Coming for His Church – Are you ready for Jesus’ return for His church?

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. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The Lord is at Hand: Jesus Gave Us Signs – The signs Jesus gave us as recorded in Matthew 24 were indications of His second coming: Upheaval of society, immorality, natural disasters (wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences), and false religious doctrine. Just as the Magi studied prophecy and the events of their day in order to be ready when He came, we too, when we see these signs, need to be aware that His return for His church is imminent since that event precedes His second coming. Are you ready?

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near; 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. – Luke 21:28; Revelation 3:20

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand;” Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming… Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Matthew 4:17; 24:42-44

The Lord is at Hand: Be Ready! –Watch the times and the signs. Look up – Not to be fearful, but to be faithful.

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes… – Matthew 24:45-51

Yes, celebrate Christmas with joy and merriment as we remember our Savior’s birth. But remember His birth with the understanding that He came to die for our sins so that we can be reconciled to the Father and have eternal life through Him. Also remember His birth with an anticipatory eye toward His imminent return to take His church with Him to be with Him for eternity.

Will He find you ready when He comes?

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. – James 5:8

Merry Christmas!

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Sword of the Spirit – Measured Discipline #1376

Posted on December 14, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1376

“Measured Discipline”

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; – John 12:26

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples – John 8:31

For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD…I will discipline you in just measure… – Jeremiah 30:11

A follower of Jesus is a disciple. We are truly His disciples if we abide in Him, and yes, the Lord disciplines His disciples in just measure.

The words “disciple” and “discipline” come from the same Latin root meaning “student” or “pupil.” Discipline is about instruction, training, and correction through reproof. The words translated as “just measure” mean that His discipline is meted out in proportionate justice to teach, and correct erroneous behavior. The Lord’s discipline is designed to cause us to learn from Him.

Discipline is not Condemnation. Condemnation deals with being declared guilty and therefore punished. Jesus already bore the punishment for our sins.

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

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – Romans 8:1

The Word of God Disciples and Disciplines us. Have you ever experienced conviction and repentance through the hearing and reading of the Word of God? The Word of God is living and active – It teaches us and corrects us when we wander or go astray from His path of righteousness.

Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law – Psalm 94:12

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

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

A Disciple Exercises Self-Discipline.  We should exercise self-discipline in our day-to-day living – in our thoughts and actions. We do so out of love and obedience to the Word. In order to exercise self-discipline, we must remain in the Word – the reading, studying, meditating, and praying the Word.

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

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:27

The Lord Loves us Enough to Discipline us. When we wander from following Jesus and live in disobedience to His Word, Jesus loves us enough to discipline us in just measure. He is committed to not losing any of His disciples.

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. – Revelation 3:19

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. – John 6:39

A Disciple Must Not Despise Discipline. A true disciple is a follower of Jesus who desires to be like Him, to be holy as He is holy. A true disciple can rejoice in the trials of the Lord’s discipline because they know that the Lord is disciplining them in love and in just measure.

How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. I am at the brink of utter ruin… – Proverbs 5:12-14

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. – Proverbs 12:1

Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore, despise not the discipline of the Almighty. – Job 5:17

As a disciple of Jesus and a born again child of God, may you grow in the admonition and discipline of the Lord as you whole-heartedly follow and learn from Him to be conformed to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

Do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises everyone whom he receives. – Hebrews 12:5-6

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Sword of the Spirit – Department of War Part 4 of 4

Posted on December 7, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1375d

Recommended Reading: The Cross In The Shadow Of The Crescent – Erwin W. Lutzer https://amzn.to/3MLJ4y8

“Department of War – Part 4 of 4”

(Demolish Societal Strongholds)

For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Having dealt with our personal strongholds, we are better equipped by the Holy Spirit to focus our attention to the world around us and demolish the strongholds that the enemy has established: Throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God.

Imaginations/Arguments – logismos – This is ‘bottom-line reasoning’ that reflect someone’s values, thoughts, and speculations about God. These are the ‘filters’ through which people view God and their relationship with Him.  These filters can be strongholds that distort the Truth about the Father and create a barrier hindering our close relationship with Him. Our Spiritual weaponry to destroy these strongholds is the Truth of the Word of God wielded in prayer.

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12

Some examples of ‘bottom-line reasoning’ that we are indoctrinated to believe are: Marriage is whatever we define it to be; Homosexuality is normal; Sexual identity is what I define it to be; Abortion is a choice, not murder; Divorce for any reason; Morality changes with the times; God cannot forgive you.

High Thing/Lofty Opinions – hupsoma – Worldly Wisdom – These are barriers created by our self-inflated, prideful view of our worldly knowledge and wisdom. These strongholds of lies perpetuated concerning God become barriers to getting to know Him through Jesus, the Living Word of God.

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God… – 1 Corinthians 3:19

Such lies are: God is dead; There is no God; Jesus is not God; We evolved by chance; There are many ways to heaven.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was 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. – John 1:1,14

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

High Thing/Lofty Opinions – hupsoma – Societal Laws – These are barriers created by a system of laws influenced by Satan in order to raise up generations without our national identity that will readily accept a false god and doctrine because they were prevented from the foundational knowledge of the one, true God upon which our nation was founded.

Such societal strongholds and barriers are: Bible reading was banned in public schools in 1963; Prayer in the Name of Jesus in public schools or government meetings has been banned out of fear of violating the establishment clause or causing offense; The public display of Scripture has been banned if viewed as ‘religious endorsement’ or offensive to others.  

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

Christian Businesses have been sued for refusing to provide services that violated their biblical moral principles based upon the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Public schools cannot require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or salute the American Flag starting in 1943; The phrase ‘One Nation Under God’ is being challenged to be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Word of God is banned when it offends and is considered to be non-inclusive by one group or another. Indeed, the Truth of the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, is absolute and not inclusive when it comes to embracing sin and false doctrine.

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. – Matthew 10:34

The Boiled Frog Syndrome – This is a metaphor for how people fail to react to a significant threat because it develops gradually, making them complacent. We are reaping what we have sown. We have raised up generations that are embracing the ideology of Communism, Socialism, and Islam because they have come to trust and depend upon government instead of God.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8

Islamic Strongholds – The seat of Christianity was displaced by Islam through military conquests in the 7th century. Over time, socio-economic and political factors gradually imposed Arab culture to solidify the shift in Europe and it is now taking root in our country as well.

The Quran may indeed promote peace and tolerance. However, when taken in totality with the Hadith (the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings) and Sharia (The laws and path to live by) we get a different picture. Sharia Law is flat out incompatible with American Law.

The heat is gradually being turned up under the melting pot of our country. Like a boiled frog, are we foolishly basking and relaxing in the ‘hot tub’ of the immorality, affluence, and materialism of our society, oblivious to what is happening around us until it is too late?

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

Where is the church Body of Christ? Why are we not sounding the alarm as appointed watchmen?

Why is the voice of Truth not ‘heard’ from the pulpits to the polling booths of America?

Is the church cowering in fear of ‘offending the enemy’ by proclaiming the whole Truth of God?

Is the church body so fearful that it does not reach out to Muslims with the Gospel?

Is the church body so fearful of Sharia that it would turn away Muslim converts to Christianity?

I have made you a watchman…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Ezekiel 3:17; Joshua 1:9

Why has the church Body of Christ become lackadaisical and cavalier in our attitude toward the Word of God and prayer?

Why are we not as devoted to the reading and study of the Bible as Muslims are to the Quran?

Why are we Christians content to being spoon fed ‘feel good’ sound bites of the Word of God without having the discernment to recognize false doctrine?

And he gave… the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints… for building up the body of Christ… to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. – Ephesians 4:11-14

Has the church Body of Christ become so embedded and infiltrated by the secular world that our Christian faith is unrecognizable, diluted, compromised, and ineffective to demolish strongholds? Are we Christians in name and symbolism only? For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. – 1 Corinthians 4:20

Jesus speaks to us today as He did to the Seven Churches. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. – Revelation 3:2

Jesus calls us today to put on His full armor and engage the enemy to demolish strongholds through prayer and the power and testimony of the Truth of His Word.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8

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Sword of the Spirit – Department of War – Part 3 #1375c

Posted on November 30, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1375c

“Department of War – Part 3 of 4” (Environmental Influence)

For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We are citizens of Heaven and are engaged in prayerful spiritual warfare here on earth to demolish strongholds.

Pray without ceasing; The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16

We must deal with our personal strongholds before we can effectively engage the enemy on other fronts and on behalf of others in prayer.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…- Romans 12:2

Personal strongholds are first established through our thought life.

We have a choice: entertain that thought or take it captive unto Christ. bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

We have a choice: feed our minds the trash and sin of this world by what we choose to see and hear or feed our minds on the Word of God.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

Personal Strongholds stem not only from our thoughts but also from our environment e.g. our family and chosen circle of relationships.

Family Environment: We must never underestimate the influential power of parental behavior on their children. Dysfunctional families can and do breed dysfunction in the families of their children through established strongholds from their childhood.

We cannot choose our family circle of relationships, but we can choose how we are shaped by them going forward.

We do not have to remain a ‘victim’ of dysfunctional family relationships. The ‘generational curse’ can be broken by the power of Jesus Christ. The strongholds of dysfunction are demolished when we are born-again into the family of God.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are. – 1 John 3:1

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

Social Environment: We must also never underestimate the influential power of peer pressure by our chosen circle of friends and relationships. My mother would warn my brother and me regarding our choice of friends with the proverb, ‘If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas’. This secular proverb conveys a Truth stemming from the Word of God.

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

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20

Our choice of social environment from childhood into adulthood can allow the enemy to establish strongholds that will torment us until we demolish them through the power of the Holy Spirit.

These strongholds are like sand spurs that silently and insidiously embed themselves in your clothing when you walk through fields in Florida having deviated from the established path. You do not know they are there until they jab you. If you have ever experienced these, you know how painfully difficult they are to remove.

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

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh; Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children – Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:1

May you be fully committed, equipped, and prepared for spiritual warfare, having been born-again by the Spirit and cleansed from the enemy’s strongholds that hindered your personal life walk with Jesus.

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