Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Avodah #1406

Posted on July 12, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1406

“Avodah”

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

Six days you shall labor and do all your work; but on the seventh day you shall rest. – Exodus 20:9; 34:21

Choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15

These three Scripture references embody the essence of the Hebrew word ‘Avodah’ that integrates our work, worship, and service as Christ followers.

Integration of the Spiritual and the Secular – Our society strives to separate the Spiritual from the secular. Our government has enacted laws under the banner of ‘separation of church and state’ that seeks to censor and delete Jesus from everyday life. Many corporations and schools have followed suit.

We may walk out of a church building and drive out of its parking lot, but we cannot separate ourselves from our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you… 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 14:19-23

We carry Christ and His presence in our hearts as born-again Christians. This interwoven spiritual relationship cannot be left behind like a coat when we enter into the secular world environment. It is through His abiding presence that we are salt and light in this world.

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 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 5:13-14

Are you at a point in life where you are seeking direction for a course of study or career choice? Are you dissatisfied in your current employment and seeking a more fulfilling job? Perhaps you are in between jobs and need direction as to where and what employment to apply for.

Our day-to-day life in this world is to be Avodah, and if you use its blended meaning of our work as worship and service to God and to others in His Name and for His glory, you will have a moral compass and guideline by which to choose a path to pursue.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men; But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – Colossians 3:23; James 1:22

What is Your Motivation? You need to pause and prayerfully reflect on what motivates you. What are your God-given skills and abilities? What are your goals? What is your purpose in life?

So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom; Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! – Psalm 90:12; 119:36

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. Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:24-33

Chasing the World: He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is meaningless. – Ecclesiastes 5:10

What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? For all is meaningless and a striving after wind. – Ecclesiastes 1:2-3; 2:17

The Avodah Approach: 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

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! – Psalm 90:17

I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also, that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Deciding on a Career Path and/or a New Job – Understand how God has ‘wired’ you – your giftedness and ask Him for clear direction and a heart to obey it.

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

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

May you understand your motives and bring them into alignment with the spirit and intent of Avodah.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. – Proverbs 16:2

Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word! – Psalm 119:169

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Sword of the Spirit – Poison Fruit #1405

Posted on July 5, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1405

“Poison Fruit”

Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit. – Deuteronomy 29:18

This weekend, the 250^th anniversary of our nation, let us celebrate the greatest country on earth.

Let us not neglect to thank God for our founding fathers who acted courageously, and through faith in God and at His Divine inspiration, penned our Declaration of Independence appealing to the “Supreme Judge of the world” to vouch for the “rectitude of our intentions” to form a new nation, the United Colonies that became the foundation for our nation, the United States of America.

God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne; He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away; He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; – Psalm 47:8; Job 12:23; Daniel 2:21

Let us also thank God for in His wisdom and plan He placed us here as citizens of this great nation. We are here for a purpose: His purpose and plan. Are we the salt and light He asks us to be?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; You have set my feet in a broad place. – Psalm 23:1-4; 31:8

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? … 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. – Matthew 5:13-16

Today, we look back to our nation’s successes and we praise God. But, on a more somber note, as we look forward, we see a shadowy future. Our nation has turned away from the Lord our God and we are now reaping poisonous fruit as our reference Scripture warns us. Paul asked the Galatian church a pointed question and I imagine that our country’s founding fathers would ask us the same.

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? – Galatians 5:7

We Backed Away From God: According to the Pew research, from the 1960’s to the 1990’s America experienced transformations that marked a distinct turning away from Biblical Christian values.

Religious affiliations rapidly declined as people loved the world more than they loved God and America began to back away from a relationship with God.

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

School prayer was removed in 1962 as was School Bible readings in 1963. Abortion was legalized in 1973. Without prayer and the Truth of the Word of God, America began to lose its moral compass and our moral decline is accelerating.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – 2 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 4:2

We experienced a sexual revolution in the 1960’s decoupling sex from traditional marriage and embracing immoral sexual behavior.

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… Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves… For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. – Romans 1:21-28

There is Death in the Pot: In the early 1900’s our nation was referred to as a ‘Melting Pot’ implying that individual cultures that legally came to America for a better way of life worked to integrate themselves into a single, monocultural mainstream as Americans. This diversity of cultures that sought to become American worked synergistically to make us a great nation – one nation, under God.

But what happens when one or more of the diverse cultures that come to America attempt to recreate here the culture that they escaped from? We have foreign cultures here legally and illegally that are attempting to use our nation’s freedoms to supplant American rule of law and replace it with their own. As a melting pot nation are we now faced with ‘death in the pot’ as the prophets and Elisha were because of wild gourds and bad water?

But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, O man of God, there is death in the pot! Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant…but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful. – 2 Kings 4:39-40;19-21

Elisha put flour in the poisonous stew and salt from a new bowl into the poisonous waters of Jericho to bring healing.

Jesus is the Bread of Life and as the fine flour miraculously healed the poisonous stew, Jesus is the answer to healing our nation. Jesus is also the salt in a new bowl as the new, unblemished vessel by which God’s purifying power established the new covenant of grace unto salvation for all who will repent and believe in Him.

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

To The Christian in America – Are you salt and light? Is there enough evidence by your actions to attest that you are a Christ Follower? Do you vote? Do you vote guided by a Christian moral compass?

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

To The Christian Church in America – Have you left your first love and compromised the Truth of the Word of God with the corrupt culture of the times?

I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. – Revelation 2:1-7

The Next 250 Years for America: Yes, we should celebrate our past but the next 250 years depend upon this generation’s repentance and return to the Lord.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! – Psalm 33:12

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste. – Isaiah 60:12

May God Bless America and May America Bless God!

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Sword of the Spirit – The Promise #1404

Posted on June 28, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1404

“The Promise”

And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. – 1 John 2:25

Are you as tired as I am of being lied to and manipulated with empty promises?

The devil… does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. – John 8:44

Politicians campaign on empty promises – promises that they know they cannot keep or have no intention of keeping. They are like Popeye’s friend J. Wellington Wimpy’s promise of “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today”. “Vote for me and I’ll gladly keep my promises later”. We vote and give them the ‘hamburger’, and Tuesday never comes.

We live in a day-to-day sea of broken promises and lies. From the macro level of government: ‘We will balance the budget’; and they tax and spend more; To the lack of corporate loyalty and job security as they demand loyalty from employees, referring to them as ‘family’, and then announce layoffs to satisfy short term gains for investors; To the personal relationship level: ‘I will always be there for you’, and they are not; or ‘I will pray for you’, and they do not.

Where can we turn for truth? In whom can we trust to never lie to us and keep their promises to us? Thanks be to God the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations – Deuteronomy 7:9

Our Sure Hope and Solid Foundation

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. – Hebrews 6:19-20

So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. – Hebrews 6:18

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

His Promises are Steadfast and True:

In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began; Fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. – Titus 1:2; Romans 4:21

They sing… the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! – Revelation 15:3

His Promises are 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

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life. – John 14:6; John 5:24

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever; For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. – Hebrews 13:8; 2 Corinthians 1:20

His Promises are Protected and Defended

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; I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. – 2 Peter 3:9; John 10:28

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand; No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – Psalm 37:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:13

His Promises are Precious and Magnificent

By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. – 2 Peter 1:4

When all around you is unstable and shifting sand, look to Jesus, the solid Rock upon which we stand.

When you are surrounded by manipulative lies and half-truths, look to the Living Word of God, the only real Truth that is unchanging, steadfast, and real.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Blessed Man #1403

Posted on June 21, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1403

“Blessed Man”

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

Do you trust God? Most of us will answer this question in the affirmative, ‘Of course, I trust God!’ In reading our reference Scripture, I often pondered what the significance is between trust in the Lord and trust is the Lord.

The Lord provided an object lesson to clarify that point for me this week.

My business requires me to work outdoors, and I always seek the Lord’s favor and pray for good weather, and He has consistently held off the rain until we have completed our work.

This week, the forecast was for thunderstorms and heavy rain for the entire day. Again, I prayed and asked the Lord to hold off the rain, for nothing is impossible with Him. We arrived on site with cloudy and threatening skies but no rain. I scurried about like a hyperactive squirrel working feverishly to accomplish my work to ‘beat the rain’. This was detrimental to me as I was neglecting to pause and remain hydrated. My wife admonished me, so I took a moment to rest and take a hydration break. It is in our stillness that we can hear from Him.

Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

That is when the Lord spoke to my heart and asked me the question: ‘Do you trust Me?’

‘Yes, Lord, I trust You’, I replied in my thoughts.

The Lord replied, ‘Then why are you acting as if you do not trust Me? Have I not held off the rain repeatedly in answer to your prayers all year? Have I not held off the thunder, lightning, and rain for you today in answer to your prayer? You say that you trust in Me, but your behavior shows that your trust is in your ability to ‘beat the rain’.’

I repented of my actions and thanked the Lord for His Word of counsel. We finished our work in a calm and efficient manner and the Lord held off the rain for the entire time.

I came to realize that I trusted in the Lord enough to pray for good weather. But when it came down to it, I trusted more in my abilities to complete my work quickly. When one’s trust is the Lord, we act and behave in a manner of total abandonment to Him and relinquish our control.

There are three aspects to consider when our trust is the Lord.

A Focused and Singular Trust – Our trust is more than words. It is evident in our actions. We do not take control or seek other sources to place our trust in.

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

A Complete and Steadfast Trust – When our trust is the Lord it is with an undivided heart. It is for all times and with all our heart. We are completely abandoned to trusting Him.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. – Psalm 62:8

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

A Confident Trust – No matter how threatening the skies are or the circumstances that surround us, we remain confident in the Lord.

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

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. – Psalm 27:3

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught; And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Proverbs 3:26; Psalm 9:10

May the Holy Spirit reveal to your heart and mind the Truth of His Word and show you how to not only trust in the Lord, but to also make Him your trust so that your trust is the Lord. For in this you and your family are truly blessed.

He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 17:8

Happy Father’s Day!

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Sword of the Spirit – Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy #1402

Posted on June 14, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1402

“Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy”

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 11:1

In our prior devotional, #1401, we examined God’s Word concerning our fellowship relative to the world around us and in the Body of Christ.

If we are not careful, our fellowship within the body of believers can have a predominately ‘social club’ characteristic as opposed to relationships that promote Christian growth in faith.

This is why we all need at least three key relationships within the fellowship of believers: a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy. This applies to both men and women, and it is prudent that we keep our respective three relationships to be of the same gender as we are: men with men, and women with women.

Who is your ‘Paul’? – A ‘Paul’ is someone who can mentor you in your walk in the faith. They are persons of Christian integrity – not perfect by any means – but people who have walked the path of faith longer than we have and have learned much from the Scriptures and their experience in walking with the Lord. They will always counsel you with the Truth of the Word of God, pointing you always to Jesus and His Word. They mentor you, not with what they think, but rather with what they have learned from the Holy Scriptures and their experiences from walking with Jesus.

I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel; So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. – 1 Corinthians 4:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Who is your ‘Barnabas’? – A ‘Barnabas’ is someone that you do life with. A close friend and fellow believer who is walking the path of following Christ as you are. They love you but are not impressed by you. They are not ‘yes people’ – they will encourage you and advocate for you but will be honest with you and rebuke you in love if necessary.

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement) – Acts 4:36

But Barnabas took him (Paul) and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. – Acts 9:27

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

For whom are you a ‘Paul’ or a ‘Barnabas’ – Who is your ‘Timothy’? – Initially, when we first come to faith in Jesus and are born-again, we need a spiritual mentor and a friend and encourager in the faith. We need to be discipled as we get our ‘faith legs’ under us.

As we grow in faith and experience following Christ, we are called to serve as we have been served and to be willing to mentor and encourage others. We now should share Christ as a ‘Paul’ and encourage others in their faith walk as a ‘Barnabas’.

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – Titus 2:7-8; Galatians 5:22-23

Your ‘Timothy’ mentee will find you based upon the integrity of your life walk and the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. We cannot force a mentor – mentee relationship upon others. Your life example speaks volumes, and your mentee will seek you out. Will you be willing to serve?

Your ‘Timothy’ is someone that you are discipling, counseling, praying for and with, sharing the Truth of God’s Word, and counseling them in the daily application of His Word. This can be a child, grandchild, neighborhood friend, or co-worker.

The Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy relationships are not bound by the four walls of a church building. The Body of Christ, His church is vast and is founded on the Truth of the full Gospel of the Word of God and transcends Christian denominational lines.

When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:35-38

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18-20

May you answer His call to receive, grow, and in turn disciple and encourage others in the faith.

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Sword of the Spirit – Fellowship #1401

Posted on June 7, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1401

“Fellowship”

That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. – John 17:21

Have you noticed that when you have occasion to be in an unfamiliar environment or situation that you tend to gravitate toward like-minded people who are equally feeling out of their comfort zone? Perhaps it is going to a new school or college, a boot camp experience, corporate seminar, or other large group gathering. Regardless of the situation, our innate desire is for fellowship – to not remain isolated, and to share life experiences with others.

Balanced Fellowship – We are in the world but not of it. Our inclination for fellowship must be balanced between the secular and the spiritual. It is like being in a foreign country and our citizenship is elsewhere.

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. – John 17:16

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

Secular Fellowship – Worldly social fellowship is one-dimensional. It is founded on shared human interests: sports, clubs, work, etc. Secular fellowship is transitory and conditional on maintaining common interests and compatibility. There is little or no moral accountability in these relationships.

We must choose secular fellowships wisely so as to not give the enemy a foothold for sin and cause us to stumble.

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

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

Spiritual Fellowship – Christian fellowship is two-dimensional. It is inexorably linked to our fellowship relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and our shared spiritual identity with other believers.

Christian fellowship is covenantal, not conditional.

That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. – 1 John 1:3

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

So, then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God – Ephesians 2:19

Christian fellowship edifies us and promotes spiritual growth in our relationship with God.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. – Matthew 18:20

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. – Acts 2:42

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. – 1 Corinthians 1:9

Christian fellowship has a high degree of moral accountability. Whereas secular fellowship ‘minds its own business’, Christian fellowship obligates us to hold each other accountable in love.

Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. – 1 John 3:24

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

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

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. – Galatians 6:1

Christian fellowship witnesses to the world – A balanced fellowship life in this world equips us to reflect the love of Christ and His Gospel Truth with integrity of faith while we are in secular fellowship contexts.

You are the salt of the earth…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; By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”- Matthew 5:13-16; John 13:35

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind; The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 1 Peter 3:8; 2 Corinthians 13:14

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Sword of the Spirit – He Lifted Me #1400

Posted on May 31, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1400

“He Lifted Me”

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. – Psalm 40:2

The tide was out and revealed the remains of a dune buggy at the bottom of a sand cliff. I foolishly made my way down to explore it and stayed too long. The tide was fast approaching and every attempt I made to scale the sand cliff resulted in my footholds giving way and I would repeatedly slide back to the fast-disappearing bottom. I pridefully refused help from my wife, “I got this,” I said. Then I became tired, weary, and in desperate need of a lifeline. My wife tossed a tow rope over the edge, I grasped it, and using the Jeep, she pulled me back up onto solid footing.

I recall this experience when I read our reference Scripture verse and realize how desperately I needed a Savior to rescue me from the depth of the depravity of my sin nature. I needed someone to love me enough to rescue me when I was unlovable.

Sin Soiled, Unclean, and Unlovable – We are born in the sin of Adam and unrighteous enemies of God. We are steeped in sin from the beginning.

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” – Romans 3:10-18

The Overwhelming Love of the Father – God loved us while we were yet unlovable, living in sin and rebellion. The depth and breadth of the Father’s love for us overwhelms our mind.

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – Romans 5:7-; John 3:16

For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father…that you may … grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge. – Ephesians 3:14-19

Rescued, Delivered, Cleansed, and Transformed – Jesus touched the unclean lepers. He broke bread with the sinners, and He came to rescue us also.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins; You have set my feet in a broad place. – Colossians 1:13-14; Psalm 31:8

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

And we all… are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18

Jesus is the only lifeline – There is no other way to salvation. We earn the wages of eternal destruction through willful sin and rebellion against God. Our saving grace is a free gift of God.

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. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit -1 Peter 3:18

Are you at the bottom of a sand cliff or mired in the muck of sin?

Are you helpless, hopeless, and in despair trying to extricate yourself from sin?

There are no self-help programs that can save you.

There are no people in this world that can save you.

There are no religions that can save you.

There are no good works that will tip the balance scale of the weight of sin that can save you.

Now is the Best Time – There is no better time than Now – Why are you waiting to call out to Jesus? What are you waiting for before you reach out to take His hand of salvation that is patiently extended toward you?

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

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. – 2 Corinthians 6:2

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost; For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – 1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 10:13; Acts 4:12

May the Holy Spirit reveal to you the depth and breadth of the love of God for you.

May you take His hand and be lifted up, saved by grace, born-again to a new life in Him as a child of God, for now and into eternity.

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Love, Obedience, Salvation, Trials, Worship | Tagged bible, christianity, Eternal Life, faith, god, Jesus, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Complete Covenant #1399

Posted on May 24, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1399

“Complete Covenant”

Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah; But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ; And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. – Jeremiah 31:31; Ephesians 2:13; Ezekiel 36:26

The Word of God uses metaphor and symbolism to convey spiritual truths. Every day common objects and numbers are used symbolically to convey a better understanding for the reader.

One numeric symbol used prominently in the Bible is the number three. It signifies completeness, perfection, and wholeness, as is the case with the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: The completeness of the redemptive work of Jesus to usher in the new covenant of grace is emphasized in the Word of God using the number three.

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world; For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit – 1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 3:18

At the end of His crucifixion, Jesus spoke three words: “It is Finished” when He announced that all of humanity’s sin debt was tetelastai, an accounting three-word term meaning “paid in full”.

Completely satisfied our sin debt. No more sacrifice is needed.
Completed His mission. Jesus accomplished the redemptive work of the Father.
Complete victory was achieved over sin, death, and separation from God. Jesus reconciled us to God.

Jesus was three days in the tomb before His resurrection. This completely satisfied the Jewish tradition that required a three-day period before they believed a person was truly dead. This three day period also fulfilled the prophecies of His resurrection on the third day.

For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. – Matthew 12:40

The New Covenant is Complete, Perfect, and Whole: There is a three-fold essence to the new covenant of grace: God saves sinners by His grace alone, through faith that He alone provides, and through Jesus Christ alone.

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. – Ephesians 2:8-9

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. – John 14:6; Hebrews 7:25

Do you continue to be plagued by the guilt of your sin?

Does the enemy of your soul torment you with doubt of your salvation and eternal destiny with Jesus?

Do you feel that you have to be saved again, and again?

Do you lack the blessed assurance of the completeness of Jesus’ redemptive work for you?

Meditate on the following Scriptural Truths and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you of the complete and perfect redemptive work of Jesus for you.

Forgiveness by the Father Through Jesus – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more; As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Hebrews 8:12; Psalm 103:12

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. – John 10:28-30

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

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

Relationship With Jesus- This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant; Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. – Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 9:15

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

May you walk with Jesus in the power, grace, and peace of His Holy Spirit, confident in who you are as a child of God by the redemptive work of Jesus for you.

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Hope, Obedience, Peace, Relationship, Salvation, Trust | Tagged bible, blessed assurance, Eternal Life, faith, forgiveness, god, Jesus, New Covenant, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The Lord Was With Him #1398

Posted on May 17, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1398

“The Lord Was With Him”

The Lord was with Joseph…- Genesis 39:2

This devotional was added to the timeline list in January 2025 for a release date in May 2026. Little did I know that I would be living the experience of this devotional topic as I write it.

I am currently sitting in the parking lot of an Auto Pawn business 400 plus miles from home with a broken-down truck and my travel trailer.

Preferred Son to Pit – Joseph was on top of his world as the preferred son and the envy of his brothers. Then suddenly, bad things happened to Joseph, and he was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery to become a servant of Potiphar.

So, when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. – Genesis 37:23-24

We did not see it coming either. On our way to a consulting job in Atlanta and having a great time when suddenly – transmission failure and we found ourselves desperately trying to claw our way out of the pit.

Take note that God’s Word tells us that the pit was empty and dry. There was nothing to harm him in the pit. Even in this dire circumstance, God was with Joseph.

The pit was empty; there was no water in it. – Genesis 37:24

Even so with us. God provided a convenient, safe, empty parking area for us to pull into. When we realized we could not get help, we noticed that He provided a private area on the side of the business that we could back into. He also provided an exterior electric outlet – that was working!

He provided the skills and knowledge to cobble a power cord adapter to power our camper air conditioner and keep our food refrigerated. He gave us favor with the business owner and the local police to remain there. Even in these unfortunate circumstances, God was with us and there is so much to be thankful for and praise Him.

Pit to Potiphar – Joseph was sold into slavery and became a servant of Potiphar, and the Lord gave him favor and success.

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master…So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. – Genesis 39:2-4

We moved from the pit into a limited, but functional camping situation. This is our Potiphar experience. We had to cancel our appointments and reservations in the Atlanta area. God gave us favor with our client and he refused a full refund, opting to reschedule instead for a future date. The campgrounds either fully refunded our payment or gave us credit toward a future stay.

A local campground had a vacancy that we were able to book while the truck is being repaired.

God was with Joseph and He is with us to see us through this valley experience. Praise Him!

Potiphar to Prison – Joseph is comfortably cruising along in his newfound role and prosperity when suddenly, falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, he is thrown into prison. God never left Joseph and He continued to be with him in prison also.

And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. – Genesis 39:20-21

As I write this devotional, we are in our prison experience. Every avenue I have explored has resulted in dead end after dead end until this morning when I ran across a 24/7 towing company that can not only tow our truck to the dealer but also the travel trailer to the camp site where we will have to leave it until such time as our truck is repaired.

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

We are learning from Joseph’s experience as we live through ours. We trust in Him to level the path and provide for us through our time in this prison.

Prison to Pharoah’s Preferred Servant – Although Joseph received favor in prison, he continued to suffer setbacks that kept him there until, in God’s perfect timing, a door opened for him to receive favor from Pharoah.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” – Genesis 41:39-41

We continue to await in anticipation for God’s perfect timing in delivering us through this challenging time. Is it fun to go from peaks to pits in life? No, it is not! But God’s Word tells us to expect it in this fallen world this side of heaven with Him.

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

Times such as these teach us, and others, valuable lessons and build our faith and trust in God.

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Peace, Perseverance, Trials, Trust | Tagged bible, CONTENTMENT, faith, genesis, god, Jesus, Joseph, Pharoah, Potiphar, Prison, trust | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Wrestle #1397

Posted on May 10, 2026 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1397

“Wrestle”

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing… – Romans 7:15-20

I was a big kid in High School and not very athletic. One of the things I hated about Gym Class was wrestling. The coach used me as the ‘practice dummy’ pairing me up with those who were on the wrestling team and although I gave it my best effort, I always got pinned.

I was reminded about the futility of those wrestling matches when I read our reference Scripture from Paul’s letter to the Romans and realized our time on earth is a life-long wrestling match. The difference is that, through Jesus, we can overcome!

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – Romans 7:24-25; John 8:36

Wrestle with Our Sin Nature – Paul describes his ongoing wrestling match with his sin nature in his letter to the Romans. Just as Jacob and Esau representing two warring nations wrestled in Rachel’s womb, we too have two ‘nations’ at war within us. Our spiritual and natural natures will wrestle for dominance as long as we live in this body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body… The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. – 1 Corinthians 15:44, 2:14

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Wrestle Against Spiritual Forces – The world denies the existence and/or toys with the demonic forces in the spiritual realm. They call them alien life forms, spirit guides, and through entertainment, open themselves up to demonic influence through games, movies, songs, and even worship.

Jesus’ work to protect those who are His continues in Heaven as He intercedes for us against these dark spiritual forces and we, as born-again Christians join Him and wrestle against these cosmic powers through intercessory prayer and in the power and authority of the Spirit of God.

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. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. – 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25

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

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. – Colossians 4:12

Wrestling with God – Jacob was left alone. Stripped of all his material possessions, everything he valued in this world was sent away from him. His deceit was catching up with him as he was about to face Esau who had vowed to kill him, and he wrestled with God. The Lord wanted to remove Jacob’s heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh that was obedient to Him.

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day…– Genesis 32:24,28

We are clay, God is the potter. When the clay resists being formed into His purpose, sometimes the Lord has to slap it back down into a lump and start over. Jacob resisted being transformed by the renewal of his mind and the Lord had to cripple him in order to get his attention. When we wrestle with God, God always wins.

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand; Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots!

Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? – Isaiah 64:8; 45:9

Perfect Submission – The image for this devotional shows the agony of our wrestling struggle against sin. On our knees before God with arms raised, not to push Him away, but rather to reach out to Him in perfect submission, we receive power for living an overcoming life through His Holy Spirit. Jesus set the example of obedience to the Father’s will for us to follow.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross; saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” – Philippians 2:8; Luke 22:42

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. 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; Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – Romans 12:1-2; James 4:7

Posted in Authority, Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Hope, Morality, Obedience, Perseverance, Prayer, Priorities, Purpose, Salvation, Temptation, Trials, Worship | Tagged bible, christianity, Demonic forces, Eternal Life, faith, god, intercessory prayer, Jesus, salvation, sin, Spiritual Realm, Submission, Wrestle | Leave a comment