Sword of the Spirit – Steady Steps #1309

Posted on August 11, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1309

“Steady Steps”

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 119:133

The original word translated as ‘keep steady’ in the ESV also carries the meaning of ‘direct’, ‘guide’, ‘order’, and ‘establish’. The word translated as ‘promise’ also carries the meaning of ‘commandment’ ‘speech’, or ‘word’. Other translations use a combination of these words.

The essence of the prayer in this Psalm is for God to help us maintain the integrity of our walk with Him in accordance with the Truth of His Word. It is His promise to us. In addition, we pray to be delivered from the ever present evil that our flesh is prone to be dominated by.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake… – Psalm 23:3-4

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; – Psalm 31:3

Steady Steps are unwavering. In faith we stay focused on God’s direction and guidance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 32:8

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

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

Steady Steps are secure and sure footed regardless of the difficult terrain we must walk.

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. – Habakkuk 3:19

My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. – Proverbs 3:21-23

Steady Steps remain on the narrow path of righteousness and no sin will dominate you.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. – Romans 6:12

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! – Psalm 19:13

My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. – Psalm 17:5

Steady Steps remain on a well-lit path, avoiding the shadows and darkness in this world.

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

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… – John 16:13

Steady Steps abide in the presence of Jesus, walking in a personal relationship with Him.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

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

Steady Steps are balanced. We are not easily tripped up by false doctrines.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons – 1 Timothy 4:1

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

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

Psalm 119:133 is a prayer for sanctification. Our transformation must be a sanctification of our hearts, minds, and behaviors in accordance with the Living Word of God. Only the pure, unaltered, unchanging. undiluted Truth of the Living Word of God can steady our steps.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. – Isaiah 40:8

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16

May your steps be steady as you walk in the light of His presence continually.

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Sword of the Spirit – Heart of Wisdom #1308

Posted on August 6, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1308

“Heart of Wisdom”

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

‘I have more years behind me than I have ahead of me’ is a popular statement made by those who celebrate a birthday in their elder years. I contemplated this saying as I celebrated another seventh decade birthday and, the more I thought about it the more I came to realize the fallacy of this statement. Our reference Scripture came to mind, and I sought to understand what a ‘heart of wisdom’ is.

  • A heart of wisdom is found in God’s Word – the Holy Bible. The Living Word of God is to be kept within our heart.

Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. – Proverbs 4:21-23

  • Everyone, young and old, regardless of earthly age, has more years ahead of them than behind them. An eternal perspective is the heart of wisdom presented in God’s Word.

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 5:24

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. – 1 Timothy 6:12

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. – John 5:13

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

  • The years ahead of us are going to be lived out in one of two places. Our eternal destination is either in Heaven or Hell. A heart of wisdom leads us to salvation through Jesus Christ.

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

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

  • Our life in the body on earth is not the end-all of life. We are spiritual beings living in a temporary ‘tent’ of a body. We are sojourners here on earth and for the born-again believer in Jesus, our citizenship is in Heaven. A heart of wisdom recognizes that there is far more to life than what we experience here on earth.

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

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – 1 John 2:17

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. – 2 Corinthians 5:1

So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. – 1 Corinthians 15:44

  • From the day of our birth, we do not know the number of our years. Who can say that they have more years behind them than ahead of them? A heart of wisdom lives every moment of every day for the glory of God, ready for His return or call home to Him at any time.

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

O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! – Psalm 39:4-5

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning – Luke 12:35

  • If you are uncertain about your eternal destination, prayerfully seek a heart of wisdom through the Word of God that will lead you to repentance and salvation in Jesus.

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. – Romans 13:11-14

May you have a heart of wisdom as the Word of God shapes and molds your heart, mind and soul for His good purpose. May you continually enjoy His abiding presence, in this life and for eternity.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

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Sword of the Spirit – Prosperity #1307

Posted on July 28, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1307

“Prosperity”

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. – Psalm 1:1-3

Prosperity is classically defined as the condition of being successful or thriving – especially with economic well-being. The desire to be prosperous is strong in our flesh and some in the church have seized upon that worldly weakness to tell us what we want to hear through a false prosperity doctrine.

The Christian far oftener disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining-pot of prosperity. – Charles Spurgeon

Is Biblical Truth concerning prosperity all about material wealth and possessions as proof of God’s blessing and love for us? The answer is an emphatic, No! God, as a loving Father will withhold material wealth when He knows that it will become an idol for us.

I wanted a fast sports car when I first received my driver’s license and my Dad refused. Why? Because he loved me and knew that it would have been detrimental to my physical well-being. Likewise, God will not allow material wealth and possessions to be detrimental to our spiritual well-being.

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

Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! – Luke 18:24

The Truth of God’s Word is that prosperity means that we seek God first and remain in His will.

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

Paul prayed for a prosperous journey to Rome, and he got that, albeit through a storm and shipwreck. He was prosperous because he remained in the will of God and God worked all things for his good.

For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13

Note that Paul considered himself to be prosperous in all situations and circumstances. He remained content because he had faith and trust in Jesus no matter what. Note also that such contentment is a learned response to life. It does not come naturally to our flesh. It comes from a steadfast personal relationship and walk with Jesus.

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other… – Ecclesiastes 7:14

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

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth… – Deuteronomy 8:18

Prosperity is more about stewardship than it is about the accumulation of wealth. The one who dies with the most toys does not win. My Dad was fond of saying that ‘There are no U-Hauls behind hearses.’ Stewardship implies an understanding that we are caretakers of what belongs to God. We are not to possess and hoard what is not ours but rather, we are to use it and faithfully administer it as God directs.

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. – Malachi 3:10

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. – Proverbs 3:9-10

Note from our reference Scripture that one who prospers is ‘like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.’ These streams are the Living Water of the Word of God. Our close relationship with God through Jesus Christ sustains us in all seasons and circumstances of life. This is true prosperity.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

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Sword of the Spirit – Restored #1306

Posted on July 21, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1306

“Restored”

And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. – 2 Chronicles 33:12-13

I used to love to watch the TV show, American Restoration. They would take items that many would toss away considering them to be a lost cause and restore them – sometimes to better than new condition. The restorers had a passion for the restoration and worked at it with love, care, and great patience.

Manasseh was what many would consider to be a lost cause having led the people of Israel ‘to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed – 2 Chronicles 33:9’ But God loved him enough to discipline him and when Manasseh repented, God restored him.

God is in the restoration business. He is patient with us. He disciplines us in love and takes great care in restoring us to Him. We are only a ‘lost cause’ if we choose to be by rejecting Jesus.

God restores us by His love and care 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. – John 3:16

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 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 4:9-10

God is patient with us:

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

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. – Psalm 103:8

God is passionate about our restoration:

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? – Ezekiel 18:23

God restores our physical and emotional health when we are suffering:

For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord – Jeremiah 30:17

God restores what we have lost:

And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. – Job 42:10

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army… You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you… – Joel 2:25-26

God restores our hope when we are despondent:

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

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. – Psalm 51:12

God promises to restore our nation if we repent and return to Him:

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

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord… – Acts 3:19-21

God restores us to eternal life with Him through Jesus:

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

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 5:24

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved! – Psalm 80:3

God restores us to His family:

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

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – John 1:12

Like Manasseh we are never too far from God’s restoration:

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

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people – Titus 2:11

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. – Psalm 23:3

Restoration is a process. We must trust the Lord of the process and wait upon Him.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. – 1 Peter 5:10

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

Praise God for His Restoration!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. – Psalm 103:1-5

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Sword of the Spirit – Election Year #1305

Posted on July 14, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1305

“Election Year”

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

Yes, it is that time again. Lawn signs and placards grow like weeds, TV, and social media ads assault us and our mailboxes are stuffed with ‘Vote for Me’ bulk mailings.

As citizens we are faced with choices: 1) Whom do I vote for? and 2) Do I bother to vote at all?

As Christians we have dual citizenships: The Kingdom of Heaven, and that of our earthly country. Our obligation is threefold.

1 – Our first duty is to live and act in obedience to God and the Truth of His Word.

2 – Likewise, we are to glorify God in doing good while in this world.

3 – We participate in the election process and vote for the glory of God and for the good of others.

A threefold cord is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12

Granted, our election process has been fraught with fraud and corruption, and we are tempted to ‘throw in the towel’, give up, and abstain from voting. But, hey – Newsflash: We live in a fallen world. Are you looking for perfection in a sinful world? You won’t find it this side of Heaven and our dual citizenship obligation is to be a sanctifying influence in this dark world. God says that you, individually, and collectively can make a difference.

You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God – Ephesians 2:19

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

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 5:13-16

You are … a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. …

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to… keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that … they may see your good deeds and glorify God …

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Live as people who are free … as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. – 1 Peter 2:9-17

Many ask, ‘What do I do when the choices are both evil – do I vote for the lesser of two evils?’

Again, keep in mind that we do live in a fallen world, and we will be faced with the choice between two evils often.

Our first consideration should be to base our vote on the issues and platform presented rather than voting for the most charismatic candidate.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

I do not advocate abstaining from our Christian and civic duty of voting. When faced with both evil candidates and platform values that violate God’s Word and Biblical Christian values, I would exercise my freedom to write in a candidate that I believe should be elected and whose values are aligned with the Word of God. In doing so, I may not have influenced the election results, but I have honored my dual-citizenship obligation and at a minimum, I have a testimony to share that holds God’s light high and may influence my fellow man for Christ.

Ultimately, we need to pray for all candidates. God can change and direct the hearts of the most hardened and secular of them all.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. – Proverbs 21:1; Matthew 6:10

In exercising our dual citizenship voting obligation we should seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and vote in accordance with the Truth of His Word. Our vote can be the one that decides between life and death for those that an evil society considers a burden: the unborn, elderly, homeless and infirm.

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live – Deuteronomy 30:19

Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. – Psalms 25:12

Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good. – Job 34:4

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Sword of the Spirit – Rouse Yourself #1304

Posted on July 7, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1304

“Rouse Yourself”

And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” – 2 Samuel 5:24

One of the constants in life is that we will have to deal with change. It requires that we plan, analyze options, and make decisions.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace… of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:13

For many of us, change does not come easy since it almost always disrupts our false sense of security: A regular paycheck, our home, our bank account, and investments, leaving family and moving. This breeds fearfulness and we suffer from analysis paralysis, unable to make necessary decisions. The root of such fear is our lack of trust in God and our idolatrous trust in the things that we feel make us secure.

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.” – Joshua 1:9

Rouse Yourself!

This was God’s Word to David, and it is His Word to us today. It is the Hebrew word ‘charats’ which means to decide and act quickly. In other words, take decisive action. But there is a caveat: ‘When you hear the sound of marching… then the Lord has gone out before you.’

Some of us can be recklessly and foolishly self-confident in our abilities and past successes so we knee-jerk react and act without relying upon and hearing from God. It is like we tell God, ‘Hold my beverage, I got this.’ Then we proceed to fail miserably.

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. – Proverbs 3:26

In our reference Scripture, David has just won a decisive victory over his enemy, and it would have been easy for him to proceed to this next battle front self-confident in his own abilities. Instead, he wisely did not move without inquiring of the Lord first.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

We may not hear a literal sound of marching in the tops of the trees, but we do hear direction from God – if we listen.

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

I recall a time where I was dealing with plant closures, layoffs and having to uproot my family and find a job in another state. At a prayer meeting we attended, an evangelist whom I had never met, called me forward saying he had a Word from God for me. He spoke a single word to me, and I went back to my seat. That week I had a battery of six interviews for a position in another state and in the course of those interviews that word was used an uncommonly, inordinate number of times. I knew in my spirit that of the choices I had before me that this was the job the Lord wanted me to take.

What are the take-aways from this devotional?

Take no steps without direction from God. Whether it is the sound of marching in trees or a single word spoken and corroborated, He does direct us, when we listen.

Do not move forward self-confident in your own skills, abilities, and past victories. Always recognize that it is God who equips, who enables, who gifts us, and who provides the victory and success.

Change is like walking on water. To do so requires that you get out of the boat.

Rouse Yourself! Take decisive action and get out of the boat. That is the first step of faith.

So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; …” – Hebrews 13:6

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

Rouse Yourself! Now, let go of the boat that holds all your ‘security’ and keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, trust that He has got this.

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

May you have ears to hear His direction and guidance.

May your daily walk with Jesus be so close that you can hear His heartbeat and direction.

May you know His peace through the process of change as you trust in Him.

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Sword of the Spirit – It Bred Worms #1303

Posted on June 30, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1303

“It Bred Worms”

But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank… – Exodus 16:20

Some of the first words we speak as children are ‘No’ and ‘Mine’. Our nature is to be stubborn, disobedient, covetous, and selfish.

God tested Israel’s trust in Him in the desert.

This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’ And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.”- Exodus 16:16,19

It was a simple and clear command: Take only what your family needs for today and trust in God to provide what you will need tomorrow. But some did not trust God and hoarded the manna which bred worms and created a foul stench.

Before we wag our heads at the behavior of the Israelites, we should first look at our behavior during Y2K and the recent Covid Pandemic. People hoarded everything from SPAM and Gasoline to Toilet Paper and N25 dust masks. Guns and ammunition were purchased in bulk to defend against those who may want what we had.

Do We Trust in God to Provide?

Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? – Matthew 6:25-26

…Your Father knows what you need before you ask him; And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Matthew 6:8; Philippians 4:19

Worry is the worm that eats at our relationship with God. When we worry and take matters into our hands, we tell God that we do not trust Him.

Do We Selfishly Hoard What God Has Provided?

And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ – Luke 12:16-20

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

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:19-21,33

Are We Good Stewards of God’s Provision?

And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. – Luke 12:42-43

God desires that we sow into His kingdom. We sow His Word, living and active in our life as salt and light in this world. We also sow His provision in blessing others through tithes, offerings, and service.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it; Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. – Proverbs 3:27; Malachi 3:10

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. … He who supplies seed to the Sower, and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Overcoming our disobedient, covetous, and selfish nature cannot be done by the force of self will. It requires being born again by the Holy Spirit of God. It requires us to come under the headship of Jesus instead of Adam. It is through the abiding presence of Jesus in our heart that we learn to love, trust, and obey God fully.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – The Other Shoe #1302

Posted on June 23, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1302

“The Other Shoe”

Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. – Proverbs 3:25-26

We are a worrisome people. We have idioms passed down through the generations that have become pseudo truths.

We say ‘Bad things come in threes’ and ‘Wait for the other shoe to drop’ anticipating another bad thing to happen to us. Perhaps this is why the Bible exhorts us not to worry and not to fear so often in the Word of God.

  • We have experienced losing a job through a layoff in the past and even though we have a new job we cannot help but worry if there will be yet another layoff.
  • Our business failed due to an economic downturn or pandemic and although we have regrouped, worry niggles at the back of our mind that it will happen again.
  • We have battled cancer and wonder if it will come back.

Do I make plans?

Do I continue to live life to the fullest or mark time, waiting for the other shoe to drop?

Do I live my life like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs? Or do I walk confidently in the courage, power, presence, and protection of the Lord.

Our choice each day is fear or faith, joy or worry. The joy of the Lord is a fruit of the Spirit which strengthens us and the enemy works to steal that joy.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full; …Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. – John 15:11; Nehemiah 8:10

Living life looking over our shoulder for that next disaster, is no life at all. Jesus came to give us abundant life.

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

The battleground is in our hearts and minds. We can preoccupy ourselves with media hyperbole of possible disasters and play the ‘what if’ game or remain in the Word of God, walking confidently in His abiding presence.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus; Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:34

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! … He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid … – Psalm 112:1,7-8

When the enemy comes to steal my joy in life, I encourage myself in the Word of God. I remind myself that Jesus has already walked the path before me, and as I walk it, He will go with me. I know that He will never leave me to go it alone therefore, I choose faith over fear and joy over worry.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed; 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; The Lord is on my side; I will not fear… – Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 118:6

No matter what this world throws at you, forget superstitious idioms, and the lies of the enemy. Feed your spirit continually with the Word of God and live life joyfully to the fullest, abiding in His peace, power, and presence.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea – Psalm 46:1-2

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Sword of the Spirit – A Better Hope #1301

Posted on June 16, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1301
“A Better Hope”

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. – Hebrews 7:18-19

I grew up in a legalistic church tradition. For 30 years my relationship with God was based upon my ability to follow the rules of law and consequently, I went to confession often. I continually sought absolution for the same habitual sins and my punishment, my penance as it were, was to say a specific quantity and type of rote prayers. I was indeed a wretched man.

For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! … – Romans 7:22-25

Hope in legalistic works is no hope at all.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. – Romans 3:23, 20

The Law set the standard of performance but did nothing to equip us to live up to that standard. It provided the diagnosis, not the cure. The Law shows us how inadequate we are – how hopeless our situation is. It points us to a better hope – in Jesus.

Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. – Galatians 2:16

Through the Truth of God’s Word, I came to realize that I did not love God as much as I selfishly feared eternity in Hell. Thanks be to God for His grace and love through Jesus!

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. – 1 John 4:18

A Better Covenant
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

God has always loved us – even when we are unlovable, steeped in sin and rebellion. Through faith in Jesus, we are cloaked in His righteousness and our sins are forgiven. Through Jesus we have the free gift of salvation. We cannot work to earn it. It is ours by the grace of God. Jesus is the better covenant.

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. – Hebrews 8:6

A Living Hope
By His death on the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, once and for all. By His resurrection from the dead Jesus became our living hope, our guarantee that through Him we have eternal life. He is alive and our living hope!

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. – Hebrews 7:22

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

But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 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; For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 7:24-25; 4:15

May you be free from a legalistic, performance-based fear relationship with God. May your relationship with Him be based upon grace and love through Jesus, our better, living hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13

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Sword of the Spirit – He Lingered #1300

Posted on June 9, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1300

“He Lingered”

But he lingered. So, the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. – Genesis 19:16

Abraham and Lot needed to separate their families so that the land could support them both. Abraham’s right was to choose first, but in a generous gesture he allowed Lot to make the first choice.

And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. – Genesis 13:10

Lot lusted after and chose the best land for himself, and he moved near Sodom. This interaction between Abraham and Lot is a picture of selflessness and selfishness. Lot was motivated by the lust of his eyes, and without consideration for Abraham, his elder, he seized the opportunity and took the best land for himself.

Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord. – Genesis 13:12

Lesson Point: When we act on the lust and desires of our flesh, we position ourselves as easy prey for the enemy to draw us into sin.

Lot started out living near the city and eventually was drawn into it. He became unequally yoked with the culture of Sodom and we later see him sitting at the gate as a man of position in the city. Lot was tormented in his spirit, living a compromised life, being caught between two positions.

And if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard) – 2 Peter 2:7-8

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him…” – 1 Kings 18:21

Lesson Point: We cannot live with one foot in the world, satisfying the lust of our flesh and the other foot in the Kingdom of God, seeking to follow Jesus.

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

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. – 2 Corinthians 6:14; James 3:11-13

Do we foolishly think ‘we can handle it’, living the Christian life and a worldly life at the same time?

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. – Mark 14:38; 1 Corinthians 10:12

Lesson Point: God is merciful. Lot lived a compromised life and although he lingered, not wanting to be separated from his worldly lifestyle, God mercifully and forcefully removed him from the danger of destruction about to be unleashed upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

It is easy for us to judge the speck in Lot’s eye. But what about the plank that is in our own eye?

Do we linger with our eyes on a provocatively dressed person?

Do we linger a little too long when encountering a sensual and sexually immoral picture, video etc., that pops up on TV or our computer?

Do we linger, harboring hate, anger, jealousy, or envy?

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

Lesson Point: We must choose: a life serving our flesh or a life serving Jesus. We must not look back, or linger, longing after our former life of sin. We are able to deny our flesh and follow Jesus, not in our strength of will but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:24

Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness… And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:14-15

May you live an uncompromised life, in the world but not of it, walking in the Peace, Power, and abiding Presence of Jesus.

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