Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – The Jezebel of Unbelief #1223

Posted on December 11, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1223

“The Jezebel of Unbelief”

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24

Unbelief affects us all. It begins on a linear scale with atheism on one end and extends in varying degrees across the spectrum even to born again Christian believers.

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump… – Galatians 5:7-10

This ‘leaven’ of unbelief has been likened to that of a ‘Jezebel’ spirit that seeks to trip us up on our faith walk with Christ.

Jezebel was the daughter of a pagan priest of Baal who married Ahab, the King of Israel. If someone were to tell you that you act like Jezebel, they are not paying you a compliment. Her name has become synonymous with someone who will manipulate others and circumstances with lies to get what they want even to the point of murder. As queen, Jezebel worked to rid Israel of the worship of the one, true God and establish pagan worship of false gods. She harassed and killed almost all the prophets of God. She was known to promote sexual immorality and sensuality.

And Jezebel his wife said to him… I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. So, she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city.…. Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.” – 1 Kings 21:7-14

Do you see the work of a Jezebel spirit in our nation today? We have legislated prayer, the Word of God, and Christianity out of our schools and public places. We have legislated same sex marriages into law – what God calls an abomination before Him. We are manipulating our laws to legalize the murder of the unborn innocent children, thereby promoting immorality and profiteering idol worship over the sanctity of life.

Just as Ahab and Jezebel led the nation of Israel into sin, so too is our nation leading its people away from the Truth of God and into unbelief.

We are not immune to the influence of the Jezebel of unbelief. Even Elijah became fearful of Jezebel’s threats against him following the great victory and miracle God worked in defeating the prophets of Baal.

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. – 1 Kings 19:1-3

What is holding you back from entering the rest that God has promised you? Jesus marveled at the unbelief of the people who would not bring their sick to Him to be healed or come to Him to hear the Truth of the Word of God. What is it that unbelief is preventing you from seeking help from the Lord for?

And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief… – Mark 6:5-6

… And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So, we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. – Hebrews 3:16-19

Our society is fast-tracking away from God. As Christians we must not get caught up in that rat race. We must not place our relationship with Jesus as an agenda item on our to do list. Our life walk must be characterized as continual worship no matter the context we are in, whether it be at work, at play, in the marketplace or at church. We must not compromise our Christian values based on the Truth of the Word of God by blending it with current societal norms du jour.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me… for apart from me you can do nothing … If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you … As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love… – John 15:4-10

The antidote and defense against the Jezebel of unbelief is the abiding presence of Jesus. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief!

Charles Spurgeon stated: ‘How can we ever be so ungenerous as to doubt our God? Lord, throw down the Jezebel of our unbelief, and let the dogs devour it.’

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Sword of the Spirit – Trail Markers #1222

Posted on December 4, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1222

“Trail Markers”

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.” 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. – John 8:12; Isaiah 30:21

I love being out in nature and hiking the trails in our state parks and national forests. Some trails are clearly marked while others leave you scratching your head wondering where the trail is and which way to go.

And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. – Matthew 4:25

I pondered following hiking trails as I read how the crowds followed Jesus. Some could see Him, and it was easy to follow the path He took. Others, much further back, followed those who were in front of them, trusting that they were not being led in the wrong direction.

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men; My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – Matthew 4:19; John 10:27

Jesus calls us to follow Him. What path are we to take? What trail markers are left for us to follow? What voice do we listen to giving us directions? Unlike some of the ambiguous trail markers we may find in our forests, the path Jesus wants us to follow is clearly defined and guided by His Holy Spirit. We only have to read, listen, and obey.

“Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house. – Ezekiel 12:2

The Word of God reveals the trail markers for the path we are to follow. From the Scriptures that guided the Magi to seek out Jesus when He was born in Bethlehem through the Gospels that reveal the character of God through Jesus to the Epistles that guide us in the application of His Word, markers have been left that define the way we are to walk.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths; Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 25:4; 119:105

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit was sent to be our guide.

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

Great people of faith, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have gone before us along the narrow path of Christ leaving trail markers for the generations that have come after them. Paul encouraged Timothy and others to follow the trail markers he left behind.

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 1:13

The Word of God tells us about many who led others astray from the narrow path of following Jesus.

Nadab the son of Jeroboam…did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin which he made Israel to sin. – 1 Kings 15:25-26

We too, our life walk, our character, our words, actions, and reactions provide trail markers that others follow. Are we leading them along the path of Christ or the path of sin, away from Christ? Are we leaving a clearly marked, level path or stumbling blocks for others?

And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! …. My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths – Luke 17:1-2; Proverbs 1:15

May you see the trail markers that God has left for you along the path of life He has chosen for you.

I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. – Proverbs 4:11

May you hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you along that path.

Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. – Proverbs 4:26

May you leave trail markers for those who come after you that lead them to Jesus.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. – Philippians 3:17

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Sword of the Spirit – Whitewashed #1221

Posted on November 27, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1221

“Whitewashed”

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. – Matthew 23:27-28

Whenever you sell a house, car, or an RV, you always ‘dress it up’, stage it, and make it as appealing and presentable as possible. Prospective buyers are wowed by the outward appearance, and they buy it at their peril if they do not have it inspected first. Inspectors look beyond appearance and assess the true condition of the property. This is how the Lord sees us. He looks beyond the outward and sees the true condition of our heart.

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

Examine your own heart. What report will Jesus give you? Will He see you as a Nathaniel or a religious hypocrite?

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” – John 1:47

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; – Matthew 15:8

We can easily deceive ourselves concerning our spiritual condition.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick… – Jeremiah 17:9

We can have the appearance of a religious person without the power of a relationship with Jesus. It is like seed that falls on rocky soil and lacks the depth to sustain spiritual life. Having accepted Jesus, we need to continually grow in grace and power. To do that we must put to death what is earthly in us.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit – Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:18

The Greek words translated ‘be filled’ are in the present imperative tense. This is not a once and done filling of the Holy Spirit. It is a continual filling and refilling as we walk by the Spirit.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. … And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit…. – Galatians 5:16-26

Without the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we can easily be deceived by the enemy.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. – 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4

By the Holy Spirit, we too can look past outward appearances and discern truth. Note how Paul, being filled with the Spirit, looked intently at Elymas the magician before responding.

… Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him, and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? – Acts 13:9-10

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits… A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit… Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits. – Matthew 7:15-20

Do you have a religion or a relationship? Are you part of a religious social club or do you have a personal relationship and walk with Jesus in fellowship with other believers – The Body of Christ, His Church? Do you have ‘power for living’ by the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit?

If you desire to be more than a whitewashed empty religious person, and to be a washed white vessel for the Holy Spirit, then ask, seek, and knock. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. – Luke 11:10

May you be washed white by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior who was crucified for your sin and rose again to bring you eternal life through Him. May you be filled with power from on high by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you to live a fruitful Christian life while in the body and for eternity.

For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father… that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being… that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority… – Ephesians 3:14-19; Colossians 2:9-11

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Sword of the Spirit – After Egypt #1220

Posted on November 20, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1220

“After Egypt”

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. – Exodus 20:2

The Lord performed a mighty work in delivering the nation of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. Many miracles were performed, not the least of which was the parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass through the waters – the same waters that ultimately defeated the pursuing Egyptian army.

The Israelites walked with God, being led by His presence in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, yet for some reason they rebelled against the Lord and preferred the certainty of the misery of slavery in Egypt over the perceived misery of the uncertainty that was ahead of them. Many failed to grow in their faith and trust in God and perished in the desert destined to never to enter the promised land.

Behold, you are trusting in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. – Isaiah 36:6

It is far too easy for us to ‘arm-chair quarterback’ and critique the actions of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Rather, the Scripture record of the Exodus should prompt us to examine our own ‘after Egypt’ walk with God.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…; 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. – 2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:8-9

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (chapter 10 verses 6-12) cautions us to take heed of our ‘after Egypt’ walk with the Lord:

Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. – 1 Corinthians 10:6

There is no escaping the fact that our flesh desires evil.

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. – Genesis 6:5

In our ‘after Egypt’ walk with the Lord, we must remain diligent in curbing our sin nature.

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

Do not be idolaters as some of them were …- 1 Corinthians 10:7

Examine your daily walk with the Lord. Are you guarding your heart from the idolatry and evil of the world? The worldly things that we place our trust in are empty and without life. We become like them when we turn to them instead of to the Lord.

The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them. – Psalm 135:15-18

We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. – 1 Corinthians 10:8

Sexual immorality is a root of so much sin and harm in our society. Marriages are destroyed and families are fragmented by sexual indiscretion. Our walk with the Lord should be continual and close, without compromise with the lustful temptations that are all around us in this world.

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18

We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. – 1 Corinthians 10:9-10

Do you find yourself grumbling against God because you do not have certain things or circumstances are not to your liking. Beware of covetousness which breeds discontent. Learn to trust in God’s perfect plan for you and know that He works all things for your good.

… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Philippians 4:11-13; Romans 8:28

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:6-9

Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:11-12

Like the nation of Israel being delivered out of Egypt, we too were delivered from bondage and slavery to sin when we received salvation through Jesus. We passed through the waters of baptism in Christ and our name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life.

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

Far too many of us fail to walk by the Spirit in our ‘after Egypt’ born-again experience. We fail to live an abundant and full life on earth characterized by joy, contentment, and spiritual strength. We fail to enter this ‘promised land’ because we choose to compromise our Christian walk with a corrupt and evil world.

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:4

May you remain continually, and without compromise, in the presence of Jesus in your ‘after Egypt’ Christian life.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:11

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Sword of the Spirit – Reshaping America #1219

Posted on November 14, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1219

“Reshaping America”

O land, land, land, hear the word of the Lord! – Jeremiah 22:29

I am out of shape. I admit it and I know that if I do not make changes to my lifestyle habits that my health will suffer.

America is out of shape, and it is through our election processes that ‘We the People – We the Church’ can work to reshape America and restore it to health.

Our recent midterm elections indicate that ‘We the people – We the Church’ failed to work to reshape America with abortion rights being a major factor in drawing people to the polls. Voter turn-out analysis indicates that one-third of Evangelical Christians voted for abortion rights. The percentage is higher for Catholics, Jews, and other voters identifying as Christian. America simply wants the right to kill its unborn innocent children and the Church in America has failed to follow the Truth of the Word of God and be salt and light in our society.

“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

A KFF Midterm analysis report stated that ‘The Supreme Court decision Overturning Roe v. Wade disproportionately motivated Democratic voters, first-time and younger voters, and women under age 50, Both nationally and in key states.’

To underscore America’s passionate desire to murder its innocent children, a measure in Montana did not directly say ‘abortion’. It had to do with babies “being born alive” being declared a legal person with rights to medical care. That measure was struck down.

You shall not murder. – Exodus 20:13

Mother Teresa said, “We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, of killings, of wars, of hatred. If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other?” and, “A nation that kills its children in the womb has lost its soul.”

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So, I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. Then the word of the Lord came to me: … Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand… If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it. Now, therefore, … ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, everyone from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’ – Jeremiah 18:1-11

We the people – We the Church sanctimoniously cry out for human rights, gun control, and climate change to protect ‘mother earth’ yet deny our unborn children, created in the image of God, their right to live from conception through birth.

America is a spoiled vessel that needs to be reshaped by the hand of God. God’s hand can reshape us for good or judgement and disaster. If ‘We the People – We the Church’ do not humble ourselves and repent America will come under God’s wrath.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Wake up, Church!

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Sword of the Spirit – Two Promises #1218

Posted on November 6, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1218

“Two Promises”

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? – Numbers 23:19

I love the promises of God. Part of my morning devotional time is spent in reading and meditating on a Daily Promise from God’s Word. Indeed, there are many books and publications listing the encouraging promises of God.

It dawned on me, however, that there are two types of promises that God makes. There are encouraging promises that stem from His love for us and there are stern consequential promises that originate from His justice. Both are true and profitable for us.

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

God promises eternal life through Jesus, and He promises judgement for those who reject Him.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 14:6, 1:12

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins; For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – John 8:24; Romans 6:23

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. – Psalm 145:18-20

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand; So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – John 10:28; Matthew 13:49-50

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance; For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. – 2 Peter 3:9; Colossians 3:25

The throne of God is founded on Righteousness and justice.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you; All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies; For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense. – Psalm 89:14; Psalm 25:10; Isaiah 61:8

God’s Word in the Holy Scriptures are balanced. The church does a disservice by not teaching the whole Truth of the Word of God as Paul stated in the book of Acts.

Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:26-27

May you be encouraged and rejoice in the promises of God’s love for you. May you also understand the whole counsel of God’s Word in that He promises salvation and eternal life as well as justice for those who reject Him.

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. – 2 Corinthians 7:1

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Sword of the Spirit – Look To Me #1217

Posted on October 30, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1217

“Look To Me”

Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. – Isaiah 45:22

The Hebrew word ‘panah’ is rendered ‘turn’ and ‘look’ by various translations. It means ‘to turn, to face back’. The implication is that we are going in the wrong direction.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—everyone—to his own way; … – Isaiah 53:6

To what or whom do we turn when we are troubled? Where do we look for help?

Are you restless, downcast, and in inner turmoil? Turn to God. Look to Jesus and place your hope in Him.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation – Psalm 42:5

Are you stressed out? Do you find yourself seeking to self-medicate with drugs, alcohol, and stress-eating comfort food? Turn from the temporal things of the world and look to Jesus for a lasting 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

Are you worried, anxious, and fearful about the future, what you are facing at work, exams to take, or potential conflict you will be facing?

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

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. …casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. – Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6-7

Are you facing a health issue? Seek medical attention, for the Lord has provided and gifted doctors and nurses with His wisdom. Yet, all the while continue to look to Jesus for His healing touch.

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:14

Are you concerned about your eternal destination? Is there a hunger in your soul that needs to be satisfied? Turn away from all that the world and false doctrines offer as ‘another way’ to eternal life and look only to Jesus.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; You shall have no other gods before me. – John 14:6; Isaiah 45:5; Exodus 20:3

Charles Spurgeon came to Christ on Sunday, January 6, 1850, as a young teenager. He had a hunger in his spirit for God and a repentant heart for his sin. He found a small church whose pastor was delayed because of the heavy snowstorm that day. A deacon stepped up, unschooled and unprepared to preach a powerful sermon. The deacon read our reference Scripture from Isaiah 45:22 ‘Look to Me and be saved…’. God’s Word fueled by His Holy Spirit changed Spurgeon’s eternal destiny that day.

May you turn and look to Jesus for salvation and help in every aspect of your life, now and for eternity.

Therefore … let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely … looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…. – Hebrews 12:1-2

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Sword of the Spirit – Take My Yoke #1216

Posted on October 23, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1216

“Take My Yoke”

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to Me”. There is a depth of meaning in these three words of Jesus. He did not instruct us to go to someone else, or to an inanimate idol, or to a patron saint, or to a religious tradition. No, He simply instructs us to come to Him.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. – Revelation 22:17

The enemy of our souls will lie to us and tell us that we are not worthy to answer Jesus’ call to come to Him. Don’t listen to the lie. Read the Truth of the Word of God and respond to the call of the Father and the drawing of the Holy Spirit to come to Jesus.

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. – Luke 5:32; 19:10; John 6:44

Jesus is calling ‘all who labor and are heavy laden’. There are two application contexts here. We labor and are heavily laden through religiosity – trying to be righteous and worthy of salvation through religious works. We also labor and are heavily laden in our everyday work seeking to provide for the daily needs of our family.

In both contexts Jesus wants to give us rest. He instructs us to let go of the yokes of religious traditions, self-righteousness, and worry and toil and to take His ‘yoke’ upon us.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. – Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20

Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Matthew 6:25; Philippians 4:19

Jesus uses the metaphor of yoked oxen in His teaching. The yoked oxen learned to pull together and not work against each other. A young ox was often paired with the older, mature ox. The older one did all the work while the young one learned to stay alongside and walk with him.

Imagine being yoked with Jesus. He carried the burden of your sin. You no longer have to bear it. He goes before you and is with you in the workplace. You do not have to carry the weight of providing for your daily needs and the needs of your family – Jesus is carrying it.

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. – 1 John 4:10

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

Jesus tells us that ‘His yoke easy and His burden is light’. His yoke is a yoke of relationship, not bondage. His yoke is freedom – from worry, anxiety, and condemnation.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. – 1 John 5:3

The Word of God exhorts us to walk with Him.

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

Seek to have an ‘abiding walk’ with Jesus. Not a walk following at a distance, or in front of Him, or behind Him, but a close ‘yoked relationship’ – one where His presence is palpable: you can hear His voice and feel His close presence – seek to be so close that you can hear His heartbeat.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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 15:4-5

May you take His yoke upon you and learn from Him.

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Sword of the Spirit – Full of His Glory #1215

Posted on October 11, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1215

“Full of His Glory”

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse. – Romans 1:20

I love being out ‘in nature’. Whether it is hiking in the mountains, walking the beach, or camping in the forests, being outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of the ‘rat race’ is a great way to decompress and relax. But it is much more than that. Being immersed in God’s creation provides a renewed sense of awe for His majesty and glory and draws us into worship.

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures…When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. – Psalm 104:24-30

Our worldly system has embraced Darwinism for decades and the theory of evolution has been the dominant thought forced upon generation after generation in our educational system. Yet today according to Science Digest one of the fastest growing controversial groups are scientists who are rejecting the evolution model. Though many do not yet know the God of creation, they understand that creation must be by ‘intelligent design’, and they have taken the first step in the right direction.

Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing. – Isaiah 40:26

If you can get far enough away from the light pollution of our cities, you can look up and be in awe of the vastness of the stars in the night sky. How infinite is our God and how vast is His creation of the universe.

The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. – Psalm 19:1-3

I encourage you to uncouple, disconnect, and go for a stroll in nature. Notice the spirals on seashells, the intricacy of snowflakes of which no two are alike and the beauty and precision of flowers. All these are designed and created with perfect mathematical precision and give glory to God.

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.…When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? – Psalm 8:1-4

Have you ever considered how marvelous a creation the human body is? How our brain is more powerful than any supercomputer ever constructed by man? How our bodies heal themselves and how our organs all function in a synergistic fashion to maintain physical health? We are created in the image of God with an eternal soul.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. – Psalm 139:14

There is an age-old adage that states: ‘Take the time to smell the roses.’ The point is to pause from a hurried lifestyle and appreciate what is around you. Go beyond the various fragrances that God has placed in nature and see the beauty and intricate precision in His design. Observe the vast variety of colors and patterns in the flora and fauna of His creation and know that He is God.

Let us join the Seraphim in saying:

… “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” – Isaiah 6:3

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Sword of the Spirit – Like One of Them #1214

Posted on October 3, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1214

“Like One Of Them”

On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gates and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were like one of them. – Obadiah 1:11

God’s Word has several things to say about what and whom we are to be like and not like.

Obadiah references those who arrogantly stood by and watched the people of Israel be ransacked. Although they personally did not attack Israel, they were just like those who did because they stood aloof and did nothing to help.

What about us today? Are we remembering to pray for the people of the Ukraine? How about the people affected by the recent Hurricane Ian? Then there is a battle for the lives of the unborn children that are at stake. Are we standing aloof being more preoccupied with our own affairs while ignoring the needs of others? We can pray, we can vote, we can help: physically, and/or financially. Otherwise, by our indifference we are just like the oppressors.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. – James 2:18

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

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. – Proverbs 21:13

How many of us are like the Scribes and Pharisees having a self-righteous air about us? Do we look down upon those of a lessor social stature? Do we consider ourselves to be ‘superior Christians’? Jesus was scathing in His rebuke of people like this.

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 18:9-14

Jesus warns us to not be like them.

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. – Matthew 6:5

Then there are those of us who trust more in their education, wits, bank accounts and investments than in God. For these people the things of this world that they trust in have become their idols. They become like them: lifeless and empty.

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands…Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. – Psalm 115:4-8

Jesus set an example for us to live by.

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. – John 13:12-17

Examine your Christian Life Walk. Are you like ‘one of them’: the indifferent, the self-righteous, the self-sufficient idolators? By the power of the Holy Spirit’s transformative work in you, may you be transformed by the renewal of your mind, and do not be ‘like them’, rather, be like Christ.

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