Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Deceptive Words #1279

Posted on January 14, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1279

“Deceptive Words”

Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’ … Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. – Jeremiah 7:4-8

I am so fed up with scammers, fake news, and spin doctored lies and half-truths by politicians. We live in a world fraught with deception. Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has provided yet another tool for the evil of this world to use to deceive us and it all began in the Garden.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “… God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die”. – Genesis 3:1-4

The Word of God has much to say about deception. The bottom line is that, like Eve, we are deceived because our flesh gets all ‘goo-goo eyed’ enamored with the false promises being offered.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire; But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. – James 1:14; 2 Corinthians 11:3

The Lie of Religion instead of Relationship

Our reference Scripture from Jeremiah deals with the fact that the people of Israel placed their trust for a relationship with God on the basis of ritual works and their observances of feasts at the temple. They had the form of religion without the power of a relationship with God – A relationship that brings a heart change to worship Him in truth.

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. – Matthew 15:8; 1 John 1:8

Sadly, this deception continues in many church denominations today. The antidote is to read, study, and know the Word of God for it is the only Truth by which we can litmus test what we are taught.

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

The Lie of Salvation Other Than Through Jesus Christ

The secular, new-age world view seeks to dilute the absolute Truth of God’s Word such that there are many paths to heaven.

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

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. – 1 John 4:1

The Lie of Self Deception

Positive self-talk is far better than ‘glass half empty’ negative thinking. We can deceive ourselves, however, when we begin to believe that we are ‘all that and a bag of chips’ with respect to our righteousness and abilities for accomplishment. We must never forget that it is by the Lord’s grace that we receive salvation, and it is by His grace that we achieve success.

For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. – Galatians 6:3

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

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

The Lie of Deceptive Business Practices

The world says that to have a successful business you must be deceptive. The temptation is to deceive the vulnerable with lies of omission and half-truths to close the deal. The Truth of God’s Word instructs us differently.

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. – Proverbs 11:1

You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. – Leviticus 19:11

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. – Proverbs 10:9

The Lie of Social Media

Social media is simultaneously a powerful networking tool and a curse. The enemy uses deceit – lies disguised as truth in social media to entrap the vulnerable. We must be constantly on our guard against clickbait that can steal identities as well as dangerous practices that are promoted.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord…; Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices. – Proverbs 12:22; Colossians 3:9

Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. – Proverbs 24:28

No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes. – Psalm 101:7

Our enemy prowls around seeking the vulnerable to devour. Deception is used to exploit our vulnerabilities. It is a spiritual battle that we fight every day against deceptive words, and we need the Sword of the Spirit – the Truth of the Word of God—in our hearts and minds to be able discern fact from fiction and truth from lies.

Let no one deceive you with empty words…; If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – Ephesians 5:6; John 8:32

Posted in Business as Mission, Relationship, Salvation, Temptation, Words | Tagged Deception, fake news, Social Media | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Two Evils #1278

Posted on January 7, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1278

“Two Evils”

For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. – Jeremiah 2:13

It is easy to read an Old Testament Scripture such as Jeremiah 2:13 and think it does not apply to us. The truth is that all Scripture is applicable and timeless and that when God speaks of ‘My people’ He is also speaking of us who have been grafted into the vine of God’s chosen people through Jesus.

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

As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” – Romans 9:25

Let us examine this Scripture more closely and apply its Truth to our lives.

God says we have committed two evils: (1) We have forsaken Him, the source of Living Water and (2) We have dug our own cisterns – cisterns that cannot hold water.

What does it mean to forsake someone or something? When we have forsaken someone, we have renounced them and turned away from them. Before we get all self-righteous and say that we would never forsake Jesus, remember that Peter said the same thing.

Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” – Matthew 26:33

We forsake Jesus when we fail to stand up for Him out of fear of being ridiculed among our peers, co-workers, family, etc. We would rather not speak the Truth of the Word because we do not want to offend them.

We forsake Him when we, in our impatience, decide to stop waiting for Him to answer prayer and decide to take matters in our own hands to ‘help Him out’. Perhaps we decide to go deeper in debt to purchase what we want rather than wait and trust in God to provide what we need. Perhaps we seek a financial ‘blessing’ by gambling, looking for that windfall rather than relying on God to meet our needs.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

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

God describes Himself in our reference Scripture as the ‘fountain of living waters’. He is the source of all that we need in this life and for eternity in the next. This living water constantly flows. It never ceases. It is fresh, oxygenated, life-giving water. It is the Holy Spirit of God that Jesus would send to us.

A cistern, on the other hand, holds stagnating water if at all. We must work digging, maintaining, and refilling it. When we forsake God and go ‘our own way’ relying on our own intellect and resources we will fail. Cisterns of our own making will always fail us.

…Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink; Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” – John 7:37; 4:10

‘Cisterns’ take many shapes in our lives. We may forsake God and seek to rely on our education, real estate holdings, 401k and other investments, employers, and pension plans, etc. We may abandon our trust in God and place that trust in someone else or even in our selves. This is all tantamount to idolatry – a relying on things, self, and/or others instead of God.

May the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts and help us to turn away from these two evils. May we always follow the Lord, trusting in Him and waiting patiently for Him, confident in His perfect love.

But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

Posted in Business as Mission, Priorities, Stewardship, Trust | Tagged christianity, god, idols, jeremiah, Jesus, Lottery, religion | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – In a Dark Place #1277

Posted on December 31, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1277

“In a Dark Place”

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5

There are several categories of dark places that we face every day: Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional.

Physical Dark Place: Dark alleys; The Dark Web; Seedy establishments, both physical and virtual: bars, drug dens, web sites, etc. are all places to avoid.

I recall being assigned shore patrol duty when in port. I hated having to venture into the dark alleys of the ‘gut’ of a port city seeking out incapacitated sailors that needed to be brought back safely to the ship. Nothing good happens in dark alleyways.

…The dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. – Psalm 74:20

We have a choice whether to venture into the dark places of this world. Having accepted salvation through Jesus we must deny our flesh and say ‘No’ to its desire to venture into the dark places of temptation.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. – 1 John 1:6; Ephesians 5:11

Spiritual Dark Place: We are all born in spiritual darkness and in need of salvation through faith in Jesus.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son – Colossians 1:13

For at one time, you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light; For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. – Ephesians 5:8; 2 Samuel 22:29

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Emotional Dark Place: This is probably the most insidious attack of the enemy upon our society. Satan is the prince of darkness and of the power of the air and he methodically poisons the minds of the vulnerable with hopelessness and despair.

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

None of us are immune to experiencing a dark place in our minds. A “dark place” in a person’s mind refers to a state of deep emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. It is characterized by inner turmoil, sadness, or hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.

Solomon, Elijah, and Job all experienced this emotional dark place.

So, I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me… – (Solomon) Ecclesiastes 2:17

…he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” – (Elijah) 1 Kings 19:4

…He asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” – Jonah 4:8

All three men were brought out of their dark place by the light of the Word of God.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – Psalm 119:105; John 1:5

The most vulnerable among us today, however, is Gen Z. Our youth and young adults under age 25 are experiencing the highest rate of depression and suicide mortality that we have ever seen.

Gen Z’s are the most technologically connected generation yet are the most isolated and lonely, making them vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. We, the church, must be prepared and available to be used by God in reaching this generation and others experiencing a dark place in their minds.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I dare say that we all have been touched directly or indirectly by suicide. How prepared are we to help those in that dark state of mind? How solidly are we grounded in the light of the Word of God to share ‘the Light that dispels darkness’? We cannot give what we do not have. How available are we to be used by God in the divine appointment He set up for us to minister His love and hope to those in a dark state of mind?

Be available. Are we too busy to notice those around us who are hurting? Are we too busy to be available? Ask them how they are feeling and where they are emotionally. Get that ‘penny for their thoughts’ and listen without judgement.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ; And we urge you, brothers… encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. – Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Listen and be there for them. Don’t be quick to speak. People in a dark state of mind do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. Continue to ask and listen and pray silently for the Holy Spirit to speak to their heart and mind. Let them talk. They will ask when they are ready to receive anything from you. Be ready in season to bring the Light of the Word of God into that dark place.

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2

Keep them safe. Stay with them. Help them connect with help resources and be available to follow up with them.

If you are reading this devotional and are in a dark state of mind, there is help for you. You are not alone. There is hope and a future in Jesus for you. There is love for you in Jesus. There is forgiveness and righteousness for you through Jesus.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:17-18

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

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

Don’t let the enemy cloud your mind. Focus on the light of God’s Word.

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

Some resources for help:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-422-HOPE (4673)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help

Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory

May the light of the Living Word of God guide your steps, light your path, dispel the darkness of this world, and fill your heart and mind with the Hope of eternal life through Jesus in the coming New Year.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26

Happy New Year!

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Forgiveness, Hope, Love, Peace, Salvation, Trust, Workplace | Tagged Righteousness through Jesus, Suicide Prevention | Leave a comment

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!

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trials | Tagged Christmas, salvation | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Prayer, Relationship, Salvation, Trials, Trust | Tagged faith, grace, salvation | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Obedience, Priorities, Relationship, Salvation | Tagged Christmas, materialism | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Holiness, Morality, Salvation | Tagged Proverbs, sin | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Morality, Relationship, Temptation | Tagged covenant eyes, morality | Leave a comment

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

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!

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Obedience, Perseverance, Trials | Tagged football | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Salvation | Tagged abortion, End times | Leave a comment