Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Rebellion #1266

Posted on October 8, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1266

“Rebellion”

But the children rebelled against me. They did not walk in my statutes and were not careful to obey my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; … – Ezekiel 20:21

We are a rebellious people, continually seeking to go our own way in disobedience to the Truth of God’s Word.

I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; – Isaiah 65:2

In the Book of Genesis, we read about the corruption of the earth by mankind and the Lord brought a great flood to cleanse the earth saving His select few through Noah and the ark.

And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. – Genesis 6:12

I sometimes wonder how much more rebellion the Lord will tolerate before He again declares ‘Enough!’ He truly is a patient and merciful Father. He is however just, and righteous judgement will certainly come.

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

Rebellion is saying ‘No’ to God’s direction and ‘Yes’ to our own way of the flesh. Rebellion is compromising the narrow path of the Truth of God’s Word with the wide and broad path to destruction that our flesh would have us walk.

For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry; For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.

– 1 Samuel 15:23; Romans 8:7

Our elected officials compromise with the world, casting God’s Truth aside in favor of garnering votes to remain in power.

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

Our church denominations dilute the Truth of God’s Word, embracing what God calls an abomination, in order maintain attendance numbers.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

We, too, are equally guilty. We toy with darkness and venture into the shadows rather than remaining in the light of the Lord’s presence. We choose to gratify our flesh’s desire to be entertained by movies, video games, and pagan celebration events that we know feed our flesh, mind and spirit with what God’s Word declares to be sin.

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you. – 2 Corinthians 6:17

Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord …it will be well…- Luke 6:46; 1 Samuel 12:14-15

May you repent of your rebellious nature and by the power of the Holy Spirit be strengthened to deny the flesh and make choices to walk continually in the light of the presence of the Lord, Jesus.

As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. – Hebrews 3:15; Romans 2:13

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged bible, obedience | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Glorified #1265

Posted on October 1, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1265

“Glorified”

When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Colossians 3:4

When we think of being a Christian, we think of being saved. Yet our Christian walk is much more than that. Our salvation is a call to grow in our relationship with Jesus through the process of sanctification leading to glorification.

Our Christian walk begins with a call of God to repent and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

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

Having been saved by grace, we are justified, which means to be declared righteous through faith in Jesus.

And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus – Romans 3:24

Having been saved and justified by grace you are now part of the Body of Christ – His church – His Bride and Jesus is in the process of preparing His Bride for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27

These events bring us to the process of sanctification. This is the process by which the Holy Spirit guides us and equips us to separate ourselves from worldliness and sin and to walk the narrow path of righteousness. It is the process of learning to say ‘no’ to sin and ‘yes’ to the righteous call of God to follow Jesus.

… Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. – Ephesians 5:25-27

Our sanctification and growth in faith is through the Water of the Word of God. The Word of God must be an integral part of our day to day lives if we are to grow in Christ.

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

Paul writes in Romans that God has also glorified us.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. – Romans 8:29-30

God sees our glorification as a finished work. We may not feel like we are glorified right now – and we are not – but the promise is that when He calls us home, we will be conformed to the image of His Son.

May you embrace the process of sanctification, seeking to be conformed to the image of Jesus.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Posted in Faith, Holiness, Salvation | Tagged salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Home #1264

Posted on September 24, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1264

“Home”

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. – John 14:23

My father served in WWII, enlisting at age 18. I recall how he described the feeling of returning home after the war ended. I served during the time of the Vietnam war, and I can relate to my Dad’s feelings when I too, received orders to return Stateside and to return home.

The word, ‘home’ conjures up many feelings. It is more than a building. Home is a place of comfort, peace, security, shelter, and love.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2

This feeling of longing to be home and the comfortable feeling of being ‘at home’ is a temporary experience at best in this world.

Are you confident in your understanding that you have an eternal home with our Father in Heaven?

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

Do we have this same longing to be ‘at home’ with the Lord?

So, we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Reflect on the times in your life when you returned home from deployments or an extended time away. Do you have that same longing and sense of being ‘at home’ with respect to your relationship with the Lord?

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. – John 15:9

We can have the peace, comfort, and security of being ‘at home’ wherever we are and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves through the abiding presence of the Lord.

We are the sons and daughters of the living God, and we are at home with Him in this life and for eternity.

A closing worship song by Jason Upton: This Is My Home.

https://tinyurl.com/ms9zbu2f

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Salvation | Tagged Abide in Jesus, Eternal Home | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – He Goes Before You #1263

Posted on September 17, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1263

“He Goes Before You”

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

Life in this world is eventful to say the least. These events can be challenging, paralyzing, energizing, and exhilarating depending upon our outlook and spiritual mindset.

None of these events come as a surprise to God since He is eternal and beyond the time construct of His creation.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. – 2 Peter 3:8

Every moment of every day – every event that we are or will be faced with in this life has been written in God’s book before we were formed in our mother’s womb.

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

As a born-again believer in Jesus, I take great comfort in knowing that He has already gone before me to face the events that lie ahead of me.

I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. – Isaiah 45:2 (NKJV)

As if that were not enough, Jesus also promises to go with us as we abide in Him and walk the paths of life ahead of us.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

What are the ‘unknowns’ that lie on the path of life ahead of you? Career choice? Marriage? College? Military? Medical procedure? Learning to drive a car? First time on an airplane? Job interview? School and professional certification exams? Judicial court proceedings? …

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

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

God’s Word takes it even one step further with another promise that He will not leave us or forsake us as we walk the path ahead of us.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24

God’s Word says that He will never abandon us in the middle of the trial we are walking through. Jesus is that ‘friend that sticks closer than a brother’.

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; For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”- Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:13

May you rejoice in the presence of the Lord as you face the events of each new day with confidence in Him, knowing that He has already walked the path ahead of you and He will take your hand and walk it again with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. …. The Lord is at hand; 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. – Philippians 4:4-7

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Peace, Trials, Trust | Tagged Courage Through Jesus, Do Not Fear, trust in the lord | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The Danger of Success #1262

Posted on September 10, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1262

“The Danger of Success”

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. – Deuteronomy 8:18

Success can be a dangerous thing. It can have an intoxicating effect on us. The temptation to our pride is to bask in the light of accolades, peer respect, money, and power. It can cause us to lose sight of the fact that all we have belongs to God and we are merely stewards of His provision to administer it for our needs and the needs of others. The temptation is to hoard it for ourselves.

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?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” – Luke 12:16-21

A great danger of success is that it can cause us to neglect our relationship with God. We begin to rely on and trust in the mammon of this world.

My son do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:1-4

Christian Communes, Business as Mission entities, Outreach Ministries, and Churches alike can all fall under the intoxicating spell of success. God cautions us to be careful to continually meditate on the Truth of His Word to overcome the danger of success.

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

He (Uzziah) set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. – 2 Chronicles 26:5

Our Father in Heaven loves us and His plans for us are for good. He desires to prosper us and give us success.

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

Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore,“Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” – Psalm 35:27

Our flesh is weak and easily tempted. We must remain on guard against the danger of success through humble commitment to the Lord.

Commit all that you do to the Lord.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3

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

Delight in your relationship with Jesus.

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

And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. – 1 Samuel 18:14

Stay Humble. Don’t let success go to your head.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. – James 4:10

…If riches increase, set not your heart on them. – Psalm 62:10

Success and prosperity are good things and a blessing from God. The danger stems from the attitude of our heart as to how we handle success. May your prayer be as that of the psalmist:

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me; I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 51:10; Psalm 119:11

Posted in Character, Obedience, Purpose, Stewardship | Tagged prosperity, stewardship | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Guidance #1261

Posted on September 3, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1261

“Guidance”

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… – 2 Samuel 5:24

I recall a time when I needed guidance, and I sought counsel from my Pastor. He advised me to not make a move until the pillar of cloud and fire moved.

Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. – Exodus 40:36

I don’t know about you, but the sound of marching in trees or the visible manifestation of pillars of cloud and fire are not everyday occurrences in my life. I was not sure how to process my Pastor’s advice. I found the answer in the Word of God.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. We will never accept counsel and direction from someone we do not trust. God is trustworthy, faithful, and true. His love is perfect. To trust Him we must know Him, and we get to know Him through His Word and the abiding presence of Jesus in us.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. – Psalm 143:8

Do not lean on your own understanding. Far too many of us seek guidance from the Lord when in reality we are seeking rubber stamp approval from the Lord for decisions we have already made by leaning on our own understanding.

To hear God’s guidance and direction we must squelch the noisy worldly wisdom and fine tune into the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit. We must also be clear about our motives regarding the decisions we need to make.

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

The motives of our heart deceive us and cloud our understanding.

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

Be honest with yourself: Does the direction you are seeking bring glory to God or to you?

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. – James 4:3

What is the root desire behind the direction you are seeking? Is it the idol of mammon?

In all your ways acknowledge Him. This is inviting God into every facet of our everyday life. It is the practice of His presence in everything we say and do and everywhere we go. It is being salt and light in a dark world. Does the direction and guidance we are seeking acknowledge Him?

And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God… – Luke 12:8-9

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. – Isaiah 58:11

He will make straight your paths. He will guide you. Do you have ‘ears to hear’ His guidance? Is your heart ‘good soil’ ready to receive the Word of God and let it take root and bear fruit? Not to put too fine a point on it, we simply cannot hear God’s direction and guidance if we do not take the time to be in His presence and listen to Him.

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

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

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:7-8

Conclusion

We may not hear the sound of marching in the trees or see the pillar of cloud and fire move but by the Holy Spirit we will have ‘the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding’ and we will know with confidence the direction that the Lord wants us to go.

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. – Philippians 4:6-7

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged Guidance | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Bring #1260

Posted on August 27, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1260

“Bring”

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

I confess that there was a time early in my Christian walk when I would bristle and chafe whenever our Pastor brought up the subject of money. Perhaps you can relate. Why do we feel that way? We feel that way because of the idolatry of mammon.

Our Christian walk should be one of spiritual growth and understanding as we are sanctified through a personal relationship with Jesus.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18

The first thing we must come to terms with is the acknowledgement of our sin of idolatry.

It is through this spiritual growth in sanctification that the Holy Spirit reveals to us that money and possessions have become an idol in our life in which we have placed more trust than we have in the Lord. That is why we want to hang onto it so tightly like a toddler gripping a toy saying ‘mine’.

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

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

The second step in growth is the understanding that nothing, absolutely nothing, is ours to possess.

Our physical bodies and all the trappings of this world that we refer to as our possessions are not ours – they are gifts and blessings from God. We are stewards of what He has provided us. We err when we say ‘mine’ and run the risk of these trappings trapping us.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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

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? – Luke 12:42

The logical third step in understanding is that everything in Heaven and Earth belongs to God, not us.

Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. – Leviticus 27:30

Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. – Deuteronomy 10:14

There are three facets to our stewardship of God’s provision: Receive, Bring, and Give.

Receive: We have received all from God and we understand that we are to be faithful stewards of His provision to meet our needs as well as the needs of others as He directs.

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

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? – Romans 8:32

Give: The classic definition is to freely transfer the possession of something to someone. The operative word is freely. These are the offerings we give from the provisions God has given us to meet our needs. These are separate and distinct from the tithe.

A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him. – Proverbs 28:22

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver… – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? – 1 John 3:17

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13:16

Bring: The classic definition is to convey, lead or carry. I love that God’s Word does not say to ‘give’ the tithe but rather that we are to ‘bring’ it as faithful stewards of the portion of His provision that is set apart as holy unto the Lord.

Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe – Hebrews 12:28

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; – Proverbs 3:9

Our tithes and offerings are acts of worship and love. Bringing the full tithe equips the church body to serve and minister the love of Jesus in this world. Offerings freely given selflessly share what God has provided for our needs to help meet the needs of others. These offerings can be the giving of our time to serve as well as sharing material goods.

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

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged giving, offerings, tithe | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The High Places #1259

Posted on August 20, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1259

“The High Places”

Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, when you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places. – Numbers 33:51-52

The Lord gave the promised land to the nation of Israel because of His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and because of the abominable pagan practices of the people that lived there.

… it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is driving them out before you… that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. – Deuteronomy 9:4-5

This was the basis for the admonition of the Lord for the people of Israel to destroy the high places of idol worship and thereby ‘cleanse the land’. Sadly, they did not obey, and we see throughout their history that the high places remained and became a snare to them adversely affecting their intimate relationship God.

And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind. – Jeremiah 7:31

Fast forward to our current century and we see that little has changed. We still have ‘high places’ i.e. anything that we place in a priority position ahead of our relationship, trust, and obedience to God’s Word.

You shall have no other gods before me. – Exodus 20:3

High places are a compromise with the pagan culture of people around us. It was true in Old Testament times, and it is true today. High places dilute our trust in the one, true God and are idolatry.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. – 1 John 5:21

I grew up in a religious tradition of praying, offering sacrifices to, and worshipping ‘patron saints’ and other biblical persons instead of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus – 1 Timothy 2:5

Idolatry is putting your faith in anything or anyone other than our Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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

You may say that we do not sacrifice our children like they did. Don’t we? Abortion is sacrificing our children to the god of mammon. ‘We cannot have a baby now, it will be an inconvenience to our careers, earning potential, and desired lifestyle’.

The dictionary defines mammon as “wealth being a false object of worship and devotion”. We worship the idol of mammon in our selfishness, greed, covetousness and reckless desire to gratify the lust of our flesh.

Other high places of idol worship today are:

Worry balls – stress and meditation balls that are rolled around in your hand instead of praying to God and seeking His peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

Drugs and alcohol– from nicotine to controlled substances – giving a new meaning to ‘high’ places. Choosing to become numb to the reality of our circumstances rather than facing them in the power, strength, and presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober… But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. – 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

Positive ‘self-talk’ – the world’s approach is to be rooted in self while the Christian approach is rooted in the Truth of God’s Word. The world and self say: ‘You got this!’ God’s Word says: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13’ Both are positive self-talk, only one is grounded in Truth.

The world says: ‘I am a good person and better than most. I am righteous on my own.’ God’s Word says we are righteous only through Jesus.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21

God brought the nation of Israel across the Jordan to the promised land. In a sense we ‘cross the Jordan’ today when we repent of our sin and accept salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Like the Israelites, we also need to destroy the high places that remain in our life as we grow in our relationship and walk with Jesus. This is the process of sanctification.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. – Colossians 3:5

May the Holy Spirit reveal to you the high place strongholds of idolatry that remain in your life and give you the power and strength to destroy them in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged abortion, idols, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Do You Fear Death?

Posted on August 13, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1258

“Do You Fear Death?”

So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” – Psalm 90:12; Genesis 3:19

I recall the time when my Dad was battling cancer. One lung had to be removed and, for a time, he appeared to be the picture of health and cancer free. Then it returned with a vengeance. My Dad was in denial at first but as he grew weaker, I believe he accepted it as fact. Tests were done and it was determined to be untreatable, and he was given only a few weeks at most to live. I vividly remember sitting on the edge of his bed to discuss the doctor’s prognosis with him. I still marvel to this day, years later, of his stoic courage in accepting the news. He looked me in the eye, said thank you, and closing his eyes, went back to his nap. He went to be with the Lord a week later.

So, we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord…. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be … at home with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

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

Do you fear death? There are several facets that make up our fear of death.

There is the Fear of the unknown. This is the same fear basis that prevents us from travel and experiencing new things in this life. We like the familiarity of the known and avoid what is unknown out of fear, yet God’s Word makes our eternal destiny known if we will accept His Word by faith.

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? – John 14:2

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. … What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. – 2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

There is the Fear of pain. We worry that the dying process will be more painful than any illness we have previously experienced.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. – Romans 8:18

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

There is Fear of no control. In our pridefulness we erroneously believe we are in control of our life circumstances, and we foolishly do our best to control circumstances to delay our inevitable death.

No man has … power over the day of death. … – Ecclesiastes 8:8

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! – Psalm 39:4

There is the Fear of leaving others behind. We are concerned about the welfare of our loved ones after we are gone. We are good stewards if we set our house in order and keep it that way because we do not know the time of our passing. We err in thinking too highly of ourselves that we are the provider and protector of our loved ones. The Lord is their provider and protector, and He will not abandon them.

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. – Psalm 68:5

Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover. – 2 Kings 20:1

Then there is the Fear of hell. Some are uncertain of their eternal destiny and therefore, they fear death.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame. – Romans 10:9-11

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

There is 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

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

In Summary: The fear of death can rob you of the abundant, victorious life you can have in your short time on this earth. This fear comes from the enemy of your soul, the devil, and you need not succumb to his lies.

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

Death is not something to be feared for the Christian, child of God, born again by the Holy Spirit, and clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Death is New Life. It is a simple transition – going home to be with our Father and Lord for eternity.

Come to Jesus and fear no more.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged Death, Dying, Eternal Life, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Distracted #1257

Posted on August 6, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1257

“Distracted”

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

We are an overworked, overstressed, and spiritually anemic people. Satan loves to keep us off-balance, running like a hamster in a wheel – going faster but getting nowhere – he seeks to conform us to the rat race of this world. The cacophony of distractions robs us of peace, sleep, hinders personal relationships, and more importantly stifles our fellowship, worship, and spiritual attunement with our Lord, Jesus.

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

Distractions can become idolatry in two contexts: The World, and yes, in Ministry as well.

Worldly Distractions

Careers, studies, entertainment, sports, trials, the challenges of life – all the things of the world can become idols when they take precedence in our hearts and minds. Such idolatry hinders our spiritual relationship with the Lord.

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

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. – Psalm 119:37

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

Ministry Work Distractions

Can there be too much of a good thing? Yes, there can be when we begin to love the ‘work of the Lord’ more than the ‘Lord of the work’. Martyn Lloyd-Jones coined this phrase and called it ‘ministry idolatry’.

There is a time and place for both ministry work and fellowship with our Lord, Jesus. Balance is the key. Jesus was very active in His ministry and demonstrated how to maintain balance by often withdrawing from the distractions and the work of His ministry to pray and remain in fellowship with the Father.

But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. – Luke 5:16

Jesus encouraged His disciples to do the same.

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” …. – Mark 6:31

Martha was caught up in the idolatry of ministry as she fretted about in the kitchen making preparations to the point that she became upset with her sister, Mary who remained in fellowship with Jesus. I can only imagine what went through Martha’s mind when Jesus lovingly told her that Mary had chosen what was better. In a sense, Martha had abandoned her first love and chose works instead.

I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. – Revelation 2:3-4

Making the Right Choices

Jesus made choices to withdraw. Mary made a choice to prioritize her time with Jesus. We also need to make choices to live a balanced life and nourish our minds, bodies, and spirit. We need to continually press into the presence of Jesus in all contexts of life in this world.

Press In

Set aside quiet time and withdraw from all distractions to pray. This may require a sacrifice in rising early before the distractions of the world begin. Rising early may require a sacrifice to deny watching late night TV or playing X-box games. A disciplined prayer life is a choice – a choice to ‘seek first His kingdom’.
Turn OFF distractions: cell phones, email, television. etc.
Begin with worship. Don’t just listen – sing along. This connects your mind and spirit in worship.
Read the Word – aloud. Again, this keeps your mind from wandering and focuses your whole being in fellowship and worship of God.
The enemy will seek to break in with distracting thoughts – take them captive as unto the Lord and say No to entering that rabbit hole and say Yes to remaining in Jesus’ presence.

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

The woman with the issue of blood pressed in to touch Jesus and by faith she was healed.

And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians … She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. … – Mark 5:25-34

Paul also lived a life of pressing in.

… 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 3:12-14

Walk with the Lord

Our quiet time of prayer and worship is a precious and wonderful way to start everyday life. But we do not leave Jesus behind when we go about our daily activities and work. Our time in the Lord’s presence is not a once and done event – take Him with you – walk with Him continually.

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – 1 John 2:6; Ephesians 2:10

Pray without ceasing, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints – 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18

May your Christian walk be free from the distractions of this world. May the Holy Spirit continually draw you into the sanctuary of His presence, isolated from the noise of this world as you enter into worship and know His peace as In Him we live and move and have our being – Acts 17:28

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged prayer life, Quiet Time | Leave a comment