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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Sword of the Spirit – Brought Near #1256

Posted on July 30, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1256

“Brought Near”

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. – Ephesians 2:13

The Garden of Eden

The garden was a place of close fellowship with God until Adam and Eve sinned. Their sin, and the sin we are all born with, drove them away from the Garden and created a chasm between mankind and God. This was the beginning of mankind being ‘far off’.

Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. … therefore, the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. – Genesis 3:22-23

Old Covenant – Keep Back!

And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. – Exodus 19:12

And you shall hang the veil from the clasps and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. – Exodus 26:33

God, in His great love and mercy promised a redeemer for mankind when He drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden. His chosen people, the Nation of Israel were set apart as the people through whom God would bring the Messiah, the Redeemer of all mankind. The Old Covenant of the Law prepared people for His coming by making us all keenly aware of our need for a Savior – a better hope … through whom we draw near to God.

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

New Covenant – Come!

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. – Matthew 27:50-51

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins and He said it is finished, the curtain (veil) that separated the Holy of Holies from mankind was torn down. Jesus bridged the gap between sinful humanity and our Father in Heaven.

Jesus is the Only Way – We cannot come near to God on our own merits.

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

Good Works Don’t Work – The pridefulness of mankind looks for another way to bridge the gap apart from Jesus. We look for ways earn His favor and enter into the presence of God.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment… – Isaiah 64:6

We justify ourselves: ‘I am better than that person’.

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? – Matthew 7:3

We rationalize and repackage God’s character to our liking: ‘My God is a God of love, and He will not send people to hell.

The Lord has taken his place to contend; he stands to judge peoples; And he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness; And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. – Isaiah 3:13- Psalm 9:8- Revelation 20:15

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ – Matthew 7:21-23

We look for an easier way – A way that loves the world.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matthew 7:13-14

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 mammon. – Matthew 6:24

Jesus is the Only Way – We are Drawn and Brought Near.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. – Hebrews 10:19-22

Our recognition and acknowledgement that we need Jesus brings a repentant heart and we are drawn to Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! …. – Romans 7:24-25

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – Galatians 4:6; John 1:12

Our world is under the influence of Satan. Jesus is the only way for us to enter God’s presence and the world system that we live in is steadily and continually seeking to eliminate Him. For example: Praying in the Name of Jesus is banned in many places and we no longer measure time periods as BC (Before Christ) and AD (After Jesus’ Death). They are now using BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era).

May you discern the Truth and avoid the lies of this world as you draw near to Christ and be brought near to God through Jesus clothed in His righteousness.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness… – Isaiah 61:10

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Sword of the Spirit – Deception #1255

Posted on July 24, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1255

“Deception”

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us.” … So, the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them. – Joshua 9:3-6,14-15

According to Psychology Today Magazine, Deception refers to the act of encouraging people to believe information that is not true. Lying is a common form of deception—stating something known to be untrue with the intent to deceive.

Others have simply defined it as “False communication to the benefit of the communicator.” And “The communication of information provided with the intent to manipulate another.” This is what we see in our reference Scripture where Joshua and the nation of Israel were deceived by the Gibeonites.

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” – John 7:24

We live in a world society fraught with deception. It is nothing new. Deception has been around since Satan deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It has, however, taken on a more high-tech and pervasive approach through social media channels. Regardless of the method, it is all driven and backed by the prince of the power of the air in this world.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience – Ephesians 2:1-2

There are new tools in Satan’s arsenal: Generative AI and Synthetic Media are terms used for chatbots that simulate human activity creating deepfake videos and the cloning of voices to create speech that was never uttered. We know it and see it as fake news and social media posts intended to manipulate thinking and defraud people through scams.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape – Proverbs 19:5

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD – If you are in business, sales, marketing, and advertising, walk the narrow path of integrity following Jesus and avoid the world’s wide path of deception.

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. – Proverbs 20:17

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. – Proverbs 21:6

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord. – Proverbs 20:10

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

GUARD YOUR HEART – Stay continually in the Truth of the Word of God. Read it. Study it. Meditate upon it. Pray it.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

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. 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 6:10-12

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; And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. – 1 John 4:1; Corinthians 11:14-15

But test everything; hold fast what is good. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT and SEEK SPIRITUAL MATURITY – By the power of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit you can discern truth from falsehood no matter how cunning the perpetrator is.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits …. – Matthew 7:15-20

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. – Hebrews 5:14

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5

JESUS IS TRUTH – Abide in Jesus and He will set you free from the snares of deception in this world.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. … – John 14:6

Abide in me, and I in you. … – John 15:4

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Psalm 105:4

BENEDICTION

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9-11

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Sword of the Spirit – Blessed Basket #1254

Posted on July 16, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1254

“Blessed Basket”

Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.

Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock.

Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. – Deuteronomy 28:3-6

Our Heavenly Father loves us, and He loves to bless us. In His great love He gave His only Son, Jesus to bear the punishment for our sin and make a way for us to have eternal life through Him. If that were not enough, Our Father continues to bless us in this world, providing all that we need for an abundant life.

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

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

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places – Ephesians 1:3

These blessings of God were given to the people and nation of Israel and extended to all the peoples and nations of the world that would be ‘grafted into the vine’ through faith in Jesus. These blessings are as true and available today as they were in Old Testament times if we choose to obey God.

And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, … all these blessings shall come upon you … if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. – Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Like a door that swings open and closed on its hinges, God’s blessings hinge on obedience to Him. We cannot have it both ways with one foot in worldly disobedience and another on the narrow path of Christ.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matthew 7:13-14

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance; 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. – Peter 1:14; 1 John 2:15

We choose obedience to God because we love Him – not because we want His blessings.

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

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

We choose obedience to God because our heart is set on seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.

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

We choose obedience to God even when His directions go counter to our plans.

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

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – Isaiah 30:21

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

Our Father, our Creator, has given us free will to choose.

See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known. – Deuteronomy 11:26-28

May you choose wisely, choose the obedient, abundant life through Jesus, the Savior of the world.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26

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