Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – The Feet of Judas #1230

Posted on January 29, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1230

“The Feet of Judas”

The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. – Matthew 10:2-4

Judas Iscariot is a name that lives in infamy. It is a name we use to deride someone who proclaims to be a friend yet cannot be trusted. However, upon reflection, who are we to ‘cast the first stone’ at Judas? Are we any better and what can we learn from the feet of Judas?

The feet of Judas walked with Jesus for three years.

And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal… And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. – Luke 9:1-6

Judas was among the twelve that were given power and authority over demons and to heal the sick. He walked the walk and talked the talk of a disciple of Christ, yet his heart was not fully committed to Jesus. How many of us wear the ‘Christian veneer’ for others to see, yet the Lord sees the hypocrisy of our heart?

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 7:22-23

The feet of Judas served as Jesus’ treasurer.

Judas was entrusted with the Lord’s finances – to go and purchase what they needed to minister and to meet their needs and the needs of others.

“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. – John 12:5-6

How is our performance as the steward of the Lord’s financial and material provision for us? Do we withhold our tithe? Do we tithe on the net pay rather than the gross, giving first preference to the government over the Lord? Do we view the Lord’s provision as ours to use or as all His and our role simply to faithfully administer it as He directs?

The Feet of Judas were washed by Jesus.

…During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – John 13:1-5

Jesus set an example for us as He took the position of the lowest servant of the day and washed the feet of His disciples, even the one He knew would betray Him.

For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. – John 13:15

Judas’ feet were washed by Jesus, yet his heart remained hardened. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, He cleansed His church from the stain of sin.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:7-9

Are we willing to accept the free gift of cleansing salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection or will our hearts remain hardened by unbelief?

The feet of Judas took him to negotiate the betrayal of Jesus.

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. – Matthew 26:14-16

Judas did not agree with or accept Jesus’ mission. He saw an opportunity for personal profit and gain by going with the momentum of the ‘Jesus movement’ of the day. He saw that opportunity dwindle as Jesus proclaimed that He must suffer and die.

But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. – Mark 14:6-10

What do we hope to gain by being a Christian follower of Jesus? Do we follow Him because we love Him and worship Him and desire a personal relationship with Him? Or do we follow Him for what we think we can get from Him? Will our feet be quick to betray Him when the going gets rough or not the way we want them to go?

The feet of Judas took him to betray Jesus.

…So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly” …; Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.”- John 13:25-29; Matthew 26:48

A greeting with a kiss on both cheeks was a common sign of deep respect, honor, and brotherly love in the culture of the day. Are we any less hypocritical as Judas when we worship the Lord in church on Sunday and then live like the devil the remainder of the week? Are we any less hypocritical when we praise His Holy Name in church and use it in vain and anger elsewhere? Are we any less hypocritical when we express our honor and love for Jesus in one context and then seek to be entertained by music, movies and other programming that promote sin and all that the Lord deems abhorrent?

The feet of Judas took him to his death.

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. – Matthew 27:3-5

This is the saddest part of the life story of Judas Iscariot. He had a choice but the hardness of his heart led him to the wrong one. He was remorseful, despondent, and discouraged – yet he was not repentant.

Judas heard the Gospel message of forgiveness and salvation for three years as he walked with Jesus, yet he never believed it. He could have chosen to repent and accept the free gift of salvation from Jesus – the thief crucified next to Jesus did and was saved.

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:43

Know this, you are never too far gone from Christ that He will not forgive you. Jesus’ death and resurrection paid the price for all sin – no matter how egregious.

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. – Romans 10:9-10

The enemy of your soul will tell you that there is no hope. That is a lie from the pit of hell. There is always hope in Jesus. Don’t let your feet follow the path of Judas. May your feet always follow the narrow path of Jesus that leads to eternal life.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – The Gift of NO #1229

Posted on January 23, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1229

“The Gift of NO”

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. – 1 John 5:14-15

We love to read Scripture verses with such encouraging promises. Here are two more like it.

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24

There is a danger in building our theology as well as our relationship with Father God by picking and choosing Scriptures out of context that appeal to us. The entire Word of God is balanced and true and we must study the ‘whole counsel’ of God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. – 2 Timothy 3:16; Acts 20:27

I am reminded of a song from the early 1970’s by Janis Joplin where she asks God to buy her a Mercedes Benz because all her friends had Porsches.

“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me A Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches I must make amends.” – Janis Joplin

When we build our relationship with Jesus and our theology on a ‘Name it – Claim it’ basis we are way off base. When God says, ‘No’, and He will say ‘No’, our faith is shaken, and we become despondent and perhaps even angry with God.

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

Sometimes, God says ‘No’ to protect us from harm and to work all things for our good.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Other times, God says ‘No’ to our plans in order to accomplish His plan for our lives and to benefit others through us as when He prevented Paul from going to Bythynia and directed him instead to

Macedonia.

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them… And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us. – Acts 16:6-9

Like Paul, we make our plans for what we want to do, where to go, and what to buy. But like Paul, we must have a relationship with the Lord such that we can hear from Him and obey His leading. He may say, ‘No’ to our plans and direct our path differently.

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

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

Sometimes, we plead with God in prayer for good things such as physical healing for ourselves or for others and sometimes, in His perfect love and sovereign plan, He says ‘No’.

David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground…On the seventh day the child died…- 2 Samuel 12:16-18

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

The Truth of the matter is that God is sovereign, and He loves you.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him; But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Colossians 1:16; Romans 5:8

Trust God for who He is, not what you want Him to do for you. Note that David and Paul did not waver in their obedience, faith, and trust in God despite His saying, ‘No’ to their plans or prayer requests.

Thank God for what He does not give you. Trust and worship Him in His gifts of ‘No’ as well as His gifts of ‘Yes’.

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged faith, prayer, trust | 1 Comment

Sword of the Spirit – Division #1228

Posted on January 15, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1228

“Division”

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” – Luke 12:51-53

Have you ever read God’s Word and were left scratching your head wondering what Jesus meant? Our reference Scripture is one such verse. We wonder how the Prince of Peace whose birth we just celebrated at Christmas can say that He came to bring division and not peace.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Digging deeper we see that the Greek word translated, ’peace’ in Luke 12 is ‘eirene’ which means unity and wholeness. Contrast this with the Hebrew word for peace in Isaiah 9:6, ‘shalom’ which implies calmness and serenity. Jesus did not come to unite and make the world whole. He came with the absolutes and uncompromising Truths of holiness which brings division to a fallen, sinful world.

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. – Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)

Division happens at the gate of choice to accept Jesus Christ or not. This division occurs in families, societies, and yes, even in Christian Churches at the denominational and local levels. When we choose to repent and uncompromisingly accept the Truth of the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ we turn away from the sinful ways of the world and the flesh and seek to walk the narrow path of Jesus. We remain in the world, but no longer of the world.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. – John 17:14-17

Christians have experienced the hate of the world since the time of Christ. In more recent times we saw this hate played out during the pandemic when churches were banned from congregating for worship and singing having been deemed ‘non-essential’ while casinos, liquor stores, and abortion clinics were considered essential.

In a world society increasingly embracing the woke ideology of inclusivity, Christians are being marginalized because of the uncompromising Truth of God’s Word. Being sanctified in the Truth of God’s Word means to be separated and set apart from a world seeking to embrace the wide path to destruction.

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you… – John 15:18-20

Jesus never promised us a life of ease in this world. He did promise however that He would never abandon us.

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

There will be the final division in the last days where the wheat will be separated out from the weeds of the world that refused to accept God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus.

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” – Matthew 3:12

Jesus’ prayer was that the Father not take us out of the world. He desires that we occupy until He returns. We are to be salt and light in this dark world showing the lost the way to eternal life through Him. He promises us His peace and protection in the midst of the trials, hatred, and persecution that we are faced with because the world in the grip of Satan hates Him.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Set a Course – Engage! #1227

Posted on January 8, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1227

“Set a Course – Engage!”

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. – Luke 9:51

I love the command sequence in Star Trek. The captain commands the helmsman to set a course and speed for a particular destination. The helmsman replies ‘Course laid in, Sir’. The captain commands ‘Engage!’

As Jesus conducted His ministry on earth He had one main heading – to die for our sins, rise again, and bring salvation to all who will believe in Him. His course was set, and He was fully engaged in following it. Every destination waypoint throughout His ministry served a purpose in moving toward His Heaven-bound heading.

And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” …I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” – Mark 1:38; John 14:31,11:7

The Lord wants us to set a course for heaven. He desires that we engage all our God-given resources in carrying out our daily activities to continually move toward that heading. Is Heaven the main heading of your life? Are you fully engaged in moving toward that heading?

Paul was fully engaged in his heaven-bound course and heading.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. – Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:7-9

With the course of our life locked in toward joining our Lord in heaven, every waypoint along life’s journey is chosen and evaluated by its ministry contribution in serving Jesus as well as moving us along the correct heading. Like our fictional Start Trek counterparts exploring space, we are only sojourners here on earth. Eternity in heaven with our Lord awaits us as our ultimate destination.

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. – 1 Peter 2:11; Proverbs 4:25-27

Some of us have difficulty with the ‘Engage!’ command. We may be fearful of taking the next steps in our life journey. Perhaps we need to choose a career path, education course of study, invest in starting our own business, or getting married and starting a family.

The destination waypoints are numerous and varied and we can fail to engage because of fear of making a ‘wrong’ decision. We suffer from analysis paralysis. This is where God’s Word lights our path, increases our faith, and by His Grace, we are equipped to move forward in boldness and courage, trusting in Him.

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

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

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

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. – Psalm 5:8

May the Word of God bring light to your heart, mind and soul dispelling the darkness of doubt and fear that keeps you from fully executing His command to ‘Engage!’

May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you – 1 Peter 1:2-4

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged fear, heaven, ministry | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Seeking Direction #1226

Posted on January 1, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1226

“Seeking Direction”

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles. – Luke 6:12-13

As we close another calendar year and transition through the celebrations into the start of a new year we pause to reflect on the past and make plans for the days ahead of us.

Businesses seek direction from a plethora of economic and demographic data to make important decisions. Individuals, such as you and me, also seek direction on key life choices we need to make. We may need direction in a career choice, curriculum of study, whom to marry, where to live, buy a house or rent and the list goes on and on.

Jesus, in our reference Scripture sets an example of how to seek direction in making important decisions: ‘He continued in prayer to God’.

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

Note that Jesus went out to the mountain to pray. He distanced Himself from the distractions of everyday life demands and quieted His mind so that He may have communion with the Father and be able to hear His voice.

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. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. – Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 11:15

When I prayerfully seek direction from the Lord, I always ask for two things:

That He eliminate the ‘gray areas.’ I want clear ‘black and white’ direction. If a door is not to be opened, I ask that He shut it tight and the path I am to follow be clear and level before me.
That He show me the ministry in the direction I should go. How will my choice in direction further His Kingdom and serve others in His Name?

This is where I need ‘ears to hear’ and a heart after God’s own heart. I must not have a preconceived notion of what I want to hear from the Lord to the point that I attempt to kick down the doors that He shuts tight in order to have my way.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! – Psalm 143:10

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

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. – Psalm 25:4

Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. – Psalm 25:12

All our life choices, direction, and decisions pale relative to the decision about our eternal destination. If we remain ‘on the fence’ in deciding for Christ, we are double-minded and cannot expect to have fellowship with God and hear His direction.

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:7-8

If you are that person who needs direction from God but have yet to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that is the first direction from God’s Word that you need to obey.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 1:12

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

May the Lord give you clear direction in all you do in the coming year.

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

Happy New Year!

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Sword of the Spirit – Prepare an Ark #1225

Posted on December 24, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1225

“Prepare an Ark”

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. – Hebrews 11:7

The wickedness of the world grieved the heart of God and He resolved to destroy His creation.

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…But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord…Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. – Genesis 6:5-9

Because Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, God provided a way of salvation from the wrath of the flood to come, and He commanded Noah to build an ark to His precise specifications. The Lord established a covenant with Noah in that day for salvation.

But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. – Genesis 6:18

After the Great Flood, God established another covenant with Noah and all future generations that He would never destroy mankind again with a flood and He set a rainbow as a sign of His covenant.

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. … and all flesh that is on the earth.” – Genesis 9:12-17

In the years following the flood, mankind returned to its wicked and sinful ways yet, in His great love, God made provision for another ‘ark’ in the person of Jesus Christ by which all those who enter in can be saved.

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

Noah and his family were saved because he was righteous and walked with God. Jeremiah prophesied of the coming of God’s righteous Branch by whom all who come to Him can be saved from their sin.

In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. – Jeremiah 33:15

Just as Noah and his family entered the door of the ark to escape God’s wrath, we too can escape the wrath we deserve because of our sin by entering through the door that is Jesus Christ.

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved… I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – John 10:9; Isaiah 43:11; Matthew 26:28

Our God is a covenant-making God. He keeps them and is faithful to fulfill them. He has prepared an ‘ark’ by which we can enter in and be saved from the wrath we are due for our sins. We can be declared righteous, not because of what we have done, but rather because of what He has done for us by His birth, death, and resurrection.

… And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ – Jeremiah 23:6

Merry Christmas!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. – Luke 2:11

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Sword of The Spirit – Spinach in Teeth #1224

Posted on December 19, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1224

“Spinach in Teeth”

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness… – Galatians 6:1-3

The political candidate for office is working the crowd, shaking hands, kissing babies, all the while smiling broadly for the cameras and the audience. People notice the green spinach prominently stuck in his teeth but say nothing, not wanting to be the messenger of embarrassing news. Then one of his staff workers, noticing the spinach, discretely mentions it to the candidate.

The politician with spinach in his teeth appears unattractive. The professing Christian, living a double-standard life of willful disobedience to God’s commands, is equally unattractive.

Woe to you… hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence… For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. – Matthew 23:25-27

It took someone who cares for the candidate to tell him what was wrong with his appearance. In the same manner God, who loves and cares for His children deeply, will tell us through His Holy Spirit when we appear unattractive. This correction can come through direct conviction of our heart or through others in the Body of Christ.

Correct me, O Lord, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing. – Jeremiah 10:24

And the Lord sent Nathan to David… Then David’s anger was greatly kindled… and he said to Nathan, As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die… Nathan said to David, you are the man! – 2 Samuel 12:1-7

Like the politician and David, we have a choice to make once informed of the problem. We can do nothing and continue in our disobedience or immediately rectify the situation. God’s Word has two lessons for us: A lesson on how to deal with correction and a lesson on how to bring correction.

Bringing correction:

…And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” – Mark 8:32-33

There is a fine line between holding someone accountable and being judgmental. The dividing line is defined by the manner with which you confront the individual and your motive in doing so. Peter’s motives were worldly, and Jesus called him out for it.

Our duty: My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Again, if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and commits injustice, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have not warned him, he shall die for his sin, and his righteous deeds that he has done shall not be remembered, but his blood I will require at your hand. – James 5:19-20; Ezekiel 3:20

Our manner: If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. – Matthew 18:15-17

Our motive: Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 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? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:1-5

When we act in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit and in the love of Jesus with His grace and love our motive and manner will be pure.

Receiving correction:

As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. – Hebrews 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Our Response: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – 1 John 1:9; James 5:16

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof – Proverbs 3:11

May you be a faithful watchman and respond to the leading of the Lord to speak His Truth with grace and love to the brother or sister who has wandered and may they receive His correction and be joyfully restored.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

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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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