Sword of the Spirit – Longing for Past Days #1276

Posted on December 25, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1276

“Longing for Past Days”

Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me – Job 29:2

Job was going through some serious stuff, and he longed for days past where he was prosperous and healthy. He longed for a time when God watched over him not realizing that God had never left him and has been continually watching over him.

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

When things get rough in the present day our tendency is to shrink back and we are tempted to dwell on what we perceive to have been the ‘good old days’ of the past.

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. – Ecclesiastes 7:10

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:18-19

We often attempt to face our trials in our own strength and become overwhelmed with inadequacy. This is when we want to join the ‘back to Egypt club’, longing for times past. Our faith in God is shaken and we have forgotten how bad the ‘good old days’ really were.

We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; … Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt? And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” – Numbers 11:5; 14:3-4

God will never abandon us. He is always watching over us even through difficult times. We must not throw away our confidence in the Lord and shrink back longing for times past.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised… But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. – Hebrews 10:35-39

This Christmas season consider the purpose and mission of Jesus – a mission which He doggedly pursued and never looked back.

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

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness; For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – John 12:46; Luke 19:10

Jesus set an example for us in that although He knew the suffering and hardship that was ahead of Him, He never wavered in his confidence and trust in God.

But the Lord God helps me; … therefore, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

– Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:51

There is a reason that our windshields are significantly larger than rear-view mirrors. We do not dwell on what is past since we are not going that way.

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. – Proverbs 4:25

May you shed the weightiness of what causes you despair in the present and a longing for past days. Fix your eyes on Jesus, looking ahead with confidence in His power, presence, provision, and steadfast love for you.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us; For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. – Hebrews 12:1; Romans 8:18

Our Christmas celebration is about the birth of Jesus that made the way for our salvation. This is the glance in the rear-view mirror. Now look ahead. Fix your eyes on Jesus and follow Him. We will soon celebrate His return to bring us home with Him for eternity. Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!

… One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Sword of the Spirit – Sufficient Grace #1275

Posted on December 18, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1275

“Sufficient Grace”

…But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” … For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Paul was tormented by a ‘thorn in the flesh’ and He pleaded with God to remove it. We do not know what this ‘thorn’ was, and theories abound. But in God’s wisdom, Scripture remains vague on this point making the application of this Scriptural Truth universal to everyone. We can all relate to weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Therefore, when God says to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you…”, He says it to all of us.

What is God’s grace? Grace is His free, unmerited favor given to us. It is by His grace that we are given the faith to believe and receive salvation through Jesus.

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

Grace and faith work synergistically in our lives. It is the work of God’s grace and faith that brings salvation, and it is the continued work of grace and faith that gives us power for living in this world. Grace provides the path to eternal life, and it is by faith that we walk this path of grace that God has laid out for us.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For we walk by faith, not by sight – Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7

Having dealt recently with a bout with cancer, I was able to relate to Paul’s prayer for God to remove his ‘thorn in the flesh’. I struggled to process how God responded to our many prayers for healing. As many of you can attest from personal experience, cancer qualifies in the weakness, hardship, and calamity categories.

We prayed for a miraculous healing and, stepping out in faith, I convinced the surgeon to conduct a second preoperative CT scan to see what God had done in answer to prayer.

The scan results showed that the cancer was still there. Where was God’s favor? Where was His grace? Why did He choose not to heal in the manner I had hoped He would?

His response through His Word was: “My grace is sufficient for you…”

When our feet get swept out from under us and we get the wind knocked out of us by the trials of life – this is when faith catalyzes God’s grace, and we find His power to get back up and continue to walk His path and perfect plan for us.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

God is sovereign and His plan is perfect. We may never get answers to our ‘Why, God’ questions this side of heaven but we must always, in faith trust in Him and His love for us.

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

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

I now have a better understanding of why some people struggle with despair when faced with hardships and calamities. I also have a better understanding of how to break the yoke of despondency that a narrow secular worldview can burden you with. We are insufficient in our own strength to deal with such circumstances.

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God – 2 Corinthians 3:5

Our sufficiency is found only through Jesus who is the embodiment of God’s grace to us.

And the Word became flesh … as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14

We grow in grace and faith giving us power for living, not through a religion, but rather through a personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship is developed through prayer, and the knowledge gained through the reading of His Word.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… – 2 Peter 3:18

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

No matter what challenges you are faced with, God’s grace through Jesus is sufficient to see you through.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:2

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Sword of the Spirit – The End Of The Matter #1274

Posted on December 10, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1274

“The End of the Matter”

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of mankind. – Ecclesiastes 12:13

Solomon looked at the world view through the eyes of someone trying to find meaning, purpose, and happiness in the temporal things of this world apart from God.

He explored substance abuse, sought pleasure in grand possessions, and accumulated wealth. Whatever his flesh desired he purchased, seeking more pleasure.

And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. – Ecclesiastes 2:10

Solomon’s conclusion: It was all in vain, like chasing the wind.

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. – Ecclesiastes 2:11

Solomon became discouraged when he realized that all people are the same in the end. The rich and the poor alike all met the same end and he saw the futility in all that he was striving for.

Solomon’s conclusion: Apart from God, there can be no enjoyment in life.

For apart from him (God) who can eat or who can have enjoyment? – Ecclesiastes 2:25

Solomon also came to realize the importance of a relationship with God from an early age and he exhorts us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth.

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them” – Ecclesiastes 12:1

Solomon’s conclusion: Wisdom from the Lord is Truth for guidance in this life.

The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. – Ecclesiastes 12:11

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

After all was studied, said, and done, Solomon came to his final conclusion, ‘the end of the matter’, that our whole purpose in this life is to have a respectful awe (fear) of our Creator God and to obey His commandments.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. – Proverbs 9:10

How many of us remain caught in the quagmire of the lure of worldly pleasure, position, and power? At what price do we chase the worldly ‘dream’? Broken relationships with our spouse and children? Spiritual anemia in an on again, off again relationship with God? Degradation of physical health due to overwork and stress?

In this Christmas Holiday season, we are bombarded with commercials to buy things that we are told we cannot live without.

For many, this is a stressful time of year, and they seek to self-medicate with their drug of choice in order to cope.

Have you come to the ‘end of the matter’ realization that it is all in vain? A chasing after the wind?

Call out to God and He will deliver you.

When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. – Psalm 91:15

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 end of the matter is this: Abundant life is found only through a personal relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior with respect for and obedience to God because of our love for Him.

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

May the Holy Spirit give you the wisdom to objectively take stock of your life track, your motives, thoughts, desires, and actions. May you come to the ‘end of the matter conclusion’ that this life is empty apart from Jesus.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Dead Flies #1273

Posted on December 3, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1273

“Dead Flies”

Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a stench; so, a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. – Ecclesiastes 10:1

Flies are not only attracted to decaying organic filth. They are also attracted to sugary substances as well as fragrant perfumes and ointments that have sweet, floral notes. If left unattended, many flies will die there, and their decay will give off a stench.

This was a common occurrence in Solomon’s day, and he used this as a metaphor in his teaching.

What does this have to do with Christianity? How do we apply this Scripture to our lives?

The answer lies in the fact that as Christians we are the fragrance of Christ to a dying world. We have a common saying of ‘There is a fly in the ointment’ meaning there is an irritation that spoils the success or enjoyment of something. Flies, both living and dead, as well as habitual sin are indeed an irritation and a stench.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing – 2 Corinthians 2:14,15

Solomon’s proverb is a call to self-examination.

I say I am a Christian. Do my actions support my proclamation?

And by this we know that we have come to know him if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him… whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he (Jesus) walked. – 1 John 2:3-6

I say I go to church. Am I the ‘church’ outside of the four walls of the sanctuary?

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? …If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. – James 2:14-17

In this dying world, your Christian walk with Jesus – your actions in the day-to-day trenches of life, may be the only ‘bible’ some people ‘read’.

Are there the ‘dead flies’ of habitual sin in your life walk that spoil the fragrance of Christ to those around you?

No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; … – 1 John 3:6

Even small transgressions that we allow in our life will have consequences. That coarse, off-color joke; The hand gesture or profanity spoken in a moment of anger; The lie of commission or omission; These and more are the ‘little folly that outweighs wisdom and honor’ that Solomon was speaking about.

These are the dead flies that spoil the fragrance of Christ and repel those who need Him most.

May the Holy Spirit refiner’s fire cleanse the ‘dead flies’ from your life as you confess and repent of them. May your life walk bring glory to God.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

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Sword of the Spirit – Flee #1272

Posted on November 26, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1272

“Flee”

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. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

I recall the active shooter workplace training we received in recent years where our response priority order needed to be Run, Hide, and then Fight as a last resort.

For many of us, fleeing as a priority defense strategy is counter to our nature. But in this case, it is the proper response. The same fleeing defense strategy holds true when it comes to the temptation to sin.

…Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” – Genesis 4:7

So, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – Timothy 2:22

Flee Passions of the Flesh – We are continually tempted by our own innate desire to sin. We are solely responsible for our decision to leave the path of righteousness and follow the path of sin. No one else is to blame. God always shows us the way of escape and it is up to us to choose to flee immorality or not.

… But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. – James 1:13-14

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

Flee from sexual immorality. … You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11

Flee Idolatry – What do you live for? What can’t you live without? What preoccupies your mind and takes precious time away from your relationships with God and others? If it is a created thing, it is an idol.

Therefore, my beloved flee from idolatry. – 1 Corinthians 10:14

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. – 1 Timothy 6:11

Practical Application – How do we flee from sin in a practical sense?

Walk away from immoral group conversations, joking and the like.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

Turn off the TV or change the channel if the language or scenes become immoral or irreverent.

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

Stay away from contexts that you know will tempt you to sin such as bars, clubs, concerts, movie theaters etc.

Don’t allow yourself to be inappropriately alone with a member of the opposite sex.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:9,11

Don’t hang out with an immoral crowd. Choose relationships carefully.

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

Maintain online accountability – The newly elected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, is being ridiculed and persecuted in the secular media because of his commitment to be held accountable to flee from immorality. He and his son are accountability partners through the Covenant Eyes app on their devices which reports if they partake of the immoral sin that ‘is crouching at the door’. The Lord knows what we do in secret. An accountability partner brings that reality closer to home.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:13-16

These practical steps are not a sign of weakness. They are signs of strength of commitment and resolve to seek first the Lord’s kingdom and righteousness.

Flee to Jesus – In the active shooter training we are exhorted to always be aware of exits and escape routes. It is the same when we flee from sin – we flee to Jesus for safety.

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. – Psalm 143:9

May you walk the walk of moral integrity in every aspect of your daily life to the glory of God.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

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Sword of the Spirit – Line of Scrimmage #1271

Posted on November 20, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1271

“Line of Scrimmage”

…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line where opposing forces line up to do battle in the game of American football. This game, and the line of scrimmage are an apt metaphor for our Christian walk of faith.

Training and Preparation – In Christianity as well as the game of football, we cannot ‘just wing it’ and ‘fake it till we make it’ as is the sluggard’s way in this world. The sluggard wants to win but does not want to put in the effort to do so.

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. – Proverbs 21:25

To win you must be more than a member of a team (Church). You must be a student of the ‘game’ and study the playbook (Bible). Study the enemy’s strategies so that you are not caught unawares.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

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

You cannot play this game of Christian life in a lackadaisical manner – in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops. This game is serious, and you must be disciplined and in full armor.

So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control… – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11

Team Huddle – An isolated Christian is easy prey and will not make it past the line of scrimmage. Imagine stepping up to the line of scrimmage all alone, facing the entire opposing team by yourself. To be successful and gain ground beyond the line of scrimmage takes a team of likeminded Christian brothers and sisters who share the same moral values and goals.

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25

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

Holy Spirit Coach – The Holy Spirit coaches you from the sidelines and you can follow His lead or you can call an audible and attempt to achieve your goal, ‘your way’. This may work in the game of football but in our Christian walk it is always best to listen and obey the leading of the Lord.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:26

Stay Focused on the Goal – Sometimes we lose ground. We do not always advance repeatedly to another first down and ultimately score. There are setbacks along the way. We must not lose heart and remember that our hope and victory is through Jesus who will never leave us.

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 4:12-14

…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

Get Back Up – Sometimes you are sacked – don’t remain on the ground. Get up and step up to the line of scrimmage again. Getting sacked is not fun. It hurts. It is discouraging and kindles a paralyzing fear of being sacked again. These are the times when we must look to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and hear Him say, ‘Get up’.

For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. – Proverbs 24:16

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” – Matthew 17:7

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Step up to the line of scrimmage – it is where the battle line is drawn, and the fourth quarter is ending. The clock is ticking down.

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7

The Victory is Won! – The line of scrimmage is where the church, the body of Christ advances in unity to the victory already won by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ; Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Corinthians 15:57; Hebrews 13:20-21

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Sword of the Spirit – The Look #1270

Posted on November 13, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1270

“The Look”

And then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” – Luke 22:61

My mother had the look. My wife has the look. If you have ever done anything that met with your mother’s or wife’s disapproval, you have seen the look. No words are spoken – the look says it all.

Put yourself in Peter’s shoes when the rooster crowed three times and Jesus looked at him. What did you see in Jesus’ eyes? Hurt? Anger? Compassion? Judgement? Love?

Can you hold His gaze, or do you look away?

Jesus knew that Peter would betray Him. He told him as much, so Peter’s betrayal did not surprise Him. I believe that Peter saw in Jesus’ eyes a look of love, compassion and hurt. This gave Peter a deep sense of conviction, repentance, and sorrow for his betrayal.

And he (Peter) went out and wept bitterly. – Luke 22:62

God’s Word reveals to us the looks we can expect from Jesus.

COMPASSION

Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” – Mark 10:21

Even when we fall short, as was the case with the rich, young man, Jesus looks at us with love and compassion. He knows our weaknesses and He still loves us.

For He Himself knows our form; He is mindful that we are nothing but dust. – Psalm 103:14

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

ANGER

And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. – Mark 3:5

The religious leaders of the day saw His look of anger. This is not the look I ever want to see. It is a look reserved for those who know the Truth and yet reject the Truth of God. Beware of religious teachings that compromise the Word of God with the ‘new world order’ creating their own ‘truth’ in place of God’s unchanging Living Word of Truth.

For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

JUDGEMENT

In the days of Noah and Abraham God looked upon humanity with fiery eyes of judgement.

And God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for humanity had corrupted its way upon the earth. – Genesis 6:12

Then the men rose up from there and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, … The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. …” – Genesis 18:16-21

There will come a day, and I believe it is coming soon, when the look people see will be His eyes of fire.

His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. – Revelation 19:12

The Lord is exercising great restraint because of His love and desire that none should perish apart from Jesus.

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

However, our world society is exceedingly corrupt and sinful. The outcry of the millions of children murdered in the womb is indeed great and I believe that His final cry of command and the sound of the trumpet of God is imminent.

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16

When Jesus looks at you what do you see in His eyes?

Do you see what Peter saw? Love, compassion, and hurt because of unrepented sin?

Are you able to hold His gaze?

Are you ready for His imminent return?

But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderer’s soap. – Malachi 3:2

May the Holy Spirit fire refine, wash, and sanctify you in preparation for His coming such that the look you see is a look of love and joy that communicates ‘Well done’.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. … enter the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:23

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Sword of the Spirit – Gains and Losses #1269

Posted on October 29, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1269

“Gains and Losses”

He hired also 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for 100 talents of silver. But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the Lord is not with Israel…And Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?” The man of God answered, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this.” – 2 Chronicles 25:6-9

Amaziah had a strategy to win the battle they were about to fight which included hiring mercenaries from Israel for 100 talents of silver (over $26 million dollars in today’s money).

Like Amaziah, we can make strategic and tactical decisions that are based upon worldly intellect, fleshly desires, passions, pridefulness, and greed. These can sometimes result in a short-term gain, but they will always result in a loss of some type. Some take aways from this Scripture:

Worldly decision-making can cause us to suffer losses. Amaziah’s mistake was not seeking direction from the Lord and instead moving ahead in his own wisdom and resources. Even though the Lord gave Amaziah the gain of a victory, he suffered the loss of the money paid out and the lives lost when the mercenaries returned and raided the towns of Judah in retaliation for being ‘let go’.

But the men of the army whom Amaziah sent back, not letting them go with him to battle, raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon, and struck down 3,000 people in them and took much spoil. – 2 Chronicles 25:13

When faced with key decisions in life, it is best to always seek direction from the Lord and not ‘get ahead of Him’.

Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore, David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” – 1 Samuel 23:1-2

Sometimes the Lord’s direction is to move forward and sometimes it is for us to simply wait. This is when our impetuousness and impatience for gain can get us in trouble and we suffer loss.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! – Psalm 37:7

Avoid unholy alliances. Amaziah not only acted out in worldly wisdom, but he formed an unholy alliance with a people that God had rejected at that time.

In business it is tempting to form alliances with individuals and corporations that we perceive can help us achieve great gain but that have no regard for the Lord and His commands. Any gain from such an alliance will result in a loss, if not materially, then certainly in a spiritual sense. We can be blinded to the truth by our greed.

Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. – Proverbs 1:19

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! – Isaiah 31:1

Unholy alliances are not solely in business. They can be in friendships, social circles and clubs, employers, romantic relationships, and marriage.

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

Whatever we seek to gain or have gained in this world should counted as nothing when compared to the gain of a relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? – Mark 8:35,36

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. – Philippians 3:7,8

May you seek and obey the Lord’s direction in all aspects of your life and then step out in faith, trusting in Him.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – A new Heart #1268

Posted on October 22, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1268

“A New Heart”

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. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. – Ezekiel 36:26-27

Our ‘heart’ in the biblical sense is the very core of our being. It is the wellspring of our life, emotions, and desires. We use the phrase ‘the heart of the matter’ in a similar sense to describe the root or core of an issue.

In our fallen nature we are born with a deceitful, sinful heart.

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

For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” – Mark 7:21-23

God loves us so much that He bore the punishment for our sins in the person of Jesus Christ so that through Him we can be saved and have the heart and mind of Christ.

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

Accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior is much more than the ‘head knowledge’ gained through church membership and following the rules and traditions of denominational doctrines. There must be a heart change as well.

…This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men – Isaiah 29:13

Accepting salvation through Jesus is being born-again by the Holy Spirit, receiving a new heart instead of the stone cold, stubborn, and rebellious heart that we are born with.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh – Ezekiel 11:19

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

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

A new heart manifests itself in our daily life: our thoughts, speech, and actions. Our heart’s desires are no longer worldly but are aligned with the heart of God.

A selfish heart becomes a selfless heart.

A callous and judgmental heart becomes a compassionate heart.

A heart caught up in the rat race of worldliness becomes a heart that seeks first His kingdom and righteousness.

Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:21-24

Having a new heart is not a guarantee of smooth sailing. We are in the world, although no longer of it. The enemy cannot steal your salvation, but he can tempt your flesh to compromise with the world.

We must remain vigilant and guard our heart.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. – Proverbs 4:23; Hebrews 3:13

May you yield to the Holy Spirit as He draws you into a closer relationship with Jesus.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… – Psalm 51:10; Hebrews 3:7-8

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Sword of the Spirit – I Will Confess #1267

Posted on October 15, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1267

“I Will Confess”

I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. – Psalm 32:5

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

Far too many of us are in a state of denial with respect to sin in our life. Over time, we have calloused our hearts through compromise and rationalization of thoughts and behaviors that God’s Word of Truth calls sin.

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. – Proverbs 28:13

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

The Hebrew word for ‘confess’ in Psalm 32 literally means to physically throw or cast down – a forsaking of sin. The Greek word used by John in his epistle translated ‘confess’ means ‘to agree’.

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

God’s Word instructs us to acknowledge our sin – to cease from the compromise and rationalization and acknowledge to God that ‘I have sinned’.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. – Psalm 51:3

This confession is agreement with God’s Word and the conviction by the Holy Spirit concerning the sin that we have been harboring.

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

This confession also leads to repentance – a casting down of the sin and turning away from the context and behavior patterns that lead us into sin. The Holy Spirit casts light on the dark areas of your life that hinder your walk in holiness with the Lord. We must not suppress the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts.

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:15-16

What do you need to cast down and turn away from?

Do not quench the Spirit. – 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Where are the ‘gray’ areas where you have compromised the integrity of your walk with the Lord by flirting with the things that tempt you to sin?

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Mark 14:38

When we agree with His Word and acknowledge and confess our sins, Jesus is faithful to forgive and clothe us in His righteousness.

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 Lord is coming for His church soon. Will you be caught by surprise in a state of compromise with the world? Have you abandoned your first love through compromise and toleration of the Balaams and Jezebels of this world system?

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first…that you put a stumbling block…that you tolerate…sexual immorality…and idols. – Revelation 2:4,14,20

In the Name of Jesus there is power for salvation and to be set free from the spiritual death entanglement of sin.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen – Jude 24-25

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