Sword of the Spirit – Cain and Abel #1245

Posted on May 16, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1245

“Cain and Abel”

In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So, Cain was very angry, and his face fell. – Genesis 4:3-4

The biblical account of Cain and Abel has several lessons that are relevant and applicable to our lives today. Both Cain and Abel knew God’s directive for offerings. Abel obeyed with a heart of worship, reverence, and thanksgiving, bringing to God the best of the best of his flocks – the fruit of his labor.

Cain, on the hand, went through the motions to grudgingly obey and bring ‘some’ of his crops – probably the damaged and blemished items from his harvest – essentially, the stuff he did not want.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:6-7

Cain knew what was right to do and chose not to do it. He knew he acted inappropriately and rather than repent, he directed his displeasure toward his brother. Cain chose to be a victim rather than a victor over his sin and envy gave rise to murder.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. – 1 John 5:4

The lesson for us: Worship and giving are a matter of the heart.

And Samuel said, Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. – 1 Samuel 15:22

Bringing tithes and offerings is an act of worship. Some of us tithe in a manner of speaking. Some withhold their tithe, earning interest until the end of the year and pay it in a lump sum in order to benefit from a tax deduction. Others meticulously calculate their tithe to the penny and not a penny more. Still others calculate their tithe on their net income giving the government tax collectors priority over the gross amount that the Lord provided for them. This is not worship.

Again, God is not concerned with the amount – He is concerned with our heart attitude – our faith, reverence, and trust in Him as Jehovah Jireh, our provider.

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.  For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:1-4

The lesson for us: Entitlement leads to envy and envy leads to sin.

Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. – Genesis 4:8

The sin of Cain is prevalent in our society today. People want what others have and worked for. They do not want to put the effort in for themselves, so they envy, feel disrespected, and entitled. This is the sin that is ‘crouching at our door’ whose desire is contrary to our spiritual well-being.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

The lesson for us: God is a God of second chances.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. – Genesis 4:9-10

God gave Cain a chance to own up to his sin and repent. Instead, Cain responded in a belligerent and sarcastic manner to the Lord which is indicative of his victim mentality and to where his heart was.

The lesson for us: Sin always has a consequence.

Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. – Genesis 4:16

In spite of God’s coaching and readiness to forgive, Cain’s heart was hardened, and the consequence of his sin was to be away from the presence of the Lord. This is true of us today. If you feel distant from God’s presence it is not because God abandoned you, it is because you abandoned God and have harbored unrepented sin in your heart.

If you are unsettled in your spirit and feel the void in your heart that only God can fill, search your heart and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit to acknowledge your sin, repent and return to Him.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

The lesson for us: No matter our sin, God’s grace is extended to us.

…Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. – Genesis 4:10-16

Even in his hardened heart and sinful state, God responded to Cain’s plea and made provision to protect him from being murdered by others.

Conclusion:

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. – Hebrews 11:4

We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. – 1 John 3:12

I have often encouraged people not to ‘give’ their tithes and offerings. Rather, we should ‘bring’ them to God. We cannot give what is not ours in the first place. We can, however, cheerfully bring the best of the best of the first fruits that the Lord has provided for us as an offering and an act of faith and trust in Him. We are stewards of His provision, and we worship Him by being faithful stewards administering His gifts to those in need as He directs.

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

In addition, we must always seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, learning to be content in whatever circumstances we are in. Envy and its sin consequences cannot take root in the heart of believers with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in them.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. – Proverbs 4:23

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

Sword of The Spirit – Growing Old #1244

Posted on May 7, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1244

“Growing Old”

In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. – Ecclesiastes 12:3-7

A quote attributed to Mark Twain is, “Do not complain about growing old, it is a privilege denied to many”.

God’s Word speaks of aging as a crown of glory, a time of bearing fruit and inner renewal.

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. – Proverbs 16:31

The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. – Proverbs 20:29

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. – Psalm 92:12-15

So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

Indeed, as Solomon so colorfully wrote in Ecclesiastes, our outer self is wasting away. We began to grow old from the time of our conception in our mother’s womb. It is a process that cannot be stopped. We can, however, age gracefully and with the peace and joy of the Lord by glorifying God while in this aging body.

Grow old in faith as a child of God, saved by grace through Jesus Christ.

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation. – 1 Peter 2:2

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. – 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Grow old by caring for your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

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

Grow old in a continual, close relationship with Jesus.

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

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. – Isaiah 46:4

Grow old continuing in ministry, bearing fruit, and serving the Lord.

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. – Psalm 71:17-18

… Abide in me, and I in you. … Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. … By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples… – John 15:1-11

There is much we can do to maintain our physical health as we age. We cannot, however, stop it or reverse it, despite the plethora of products and medical procedures that attempt to recapture our youth.

Many of us can relate to the truth of the words from Ecclesiastes 12. We can choose to fight it and complain about it and try to reverse it. But that is meaningless chasing after the wind as Solomon would say.

May you embrace the gift of aging that the Lord has given you.

May you abide in Him as He abides in you, growing in faith, grace, and in the Word.

May your life, well into your old age be a ministry to others and testimony of the Love of God.

May your life continually bear fruit for the Kingdom of God as you choose to serve Him all the years of your life until He calls you home to be with Him for eternity.

…Choose this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:23

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

Sword of the Spirit – Ebenezer #1243

Posted on April 30, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1243

“Ebenezer”

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” – 1 Samuel 7:12

Samuel had gathered the people of Israel at Mizpah for a time of repentance and renewal because of their sins. The Philistines decided that this was a good time to attack them. The people cried out to the Lord and He delivered them victorious over their enemy. Samuel then set up a stone of remembrance and named it ‘Ebenezer ‘which means ‘Stone of Help’.

We have an ‘Ebenezer Stone’ on our kitchen counter. It is a continual reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness, mercy, and love. Knowing the context from 1 Samuel, it is also a continual reminder to repent of our sins that we, oh so easily gravitate to.

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. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – 1 John 1:8-10

Look to your past – and see how the Lord, your rock of salvation has helped you. He provided the means for forgiveness of your sins, salvation, and eternal life through Jesus.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. – John 3:16-17

Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” – Isaiah 28:16

Look at the present – He is an ever-present help in the time of your need.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint; I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:13

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. – 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth; So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” – Psalm 124:8; Hebrews 13:6

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber… The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. – Psalm 121:1-6

Look to the future –His help is eternal – Jesus came so that through Him we can have His indwelling Spirit here and for eternity.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever; 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 14:16,26

But the Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced; therefore, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. – Isaiah 50:7

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. – Psalm 121:7-8

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

I am overwhelmed every day by the Lord’s unfailing love, provision, and help in every aspect of my daily life. Nothing seems too small and insignificant that His ‘fingerprints’ aren’t all over it. He truly is our ever-present help.

Is Jesus your ‘Ebenezer Stone’? Is He the foundation rock that you rely upon for everything?

“Till now the Lord has helped us.” May you recognize that the Lord has been, and is your help from yourpast, into your present, and all your future ‘nows’ into eternity with Him.

May you be overwhelmed with praise and thanksgiving as you rejoice in His abiding presence as your ‘Ebenezer Stone’.

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Assaulted #1242

Posted on April 23, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1242

“Assaulted”

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. – Psalm 119:9

Have you ever traveled to a foreign country for a season? Do you recall the comforting sensation of being home when you returned to your homeland?

Zoom out for a more macro perspective on ‘home’ and view our planet from space. God positioned Planet Earth perfectly in space to protect it and shield it. He equipped it with what it needed to renew itself and the chemicals and minerals to support human life which He created in His image. And here we are. If we do not like it here, there is no other ‘home’ to go to – or is there?

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20

As Christians, saved by grace through Jesus and born again by the Holy Spirit, we are indeed strangers in a strange land – and it is getting stranger by the day.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. – 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The world that we consider ‘home’ is becoming increasingly uncomfortable for Christians. We are repeatedly assaulted visually and verbally with the siren song of sin. Temptation attacks our flesh at its weakest and most vulnerable points as the world seeks to assimilate us into the cesspool that it has become.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. – James 1:14

We are visually assaulted everywhere by people dressed provocatively and immorally. From beer to burgers, advertisers promote the LGBTQ and woke agendas seeking to desensitize us, especially our youth, to what God calls immoral and an abomination to Him. There is no escaping the assault on our senses that violate Biblical Christian values.

So how are we to keep our way pure? How are we to walk in holiness? The Psalmist answers this in our reference Scripture: By guarding it according to your word. We need spiritual armor and weapons to defend against the daily assault we are faced with.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. … praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, – Ephesians 6:10-18

We cannot stop the world and get off as if it were a nightmarish amusement ride. We are here until the Lord calls us home and we are to be salt and light in this dark society we find ourselves in.

And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one…. 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. – John 17:11-15

Rest assured that the day will come when God says ‘Enough!’ That day will come when it is least expected. The world will not be ready. We need to be ready every moment of every day.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. … You, therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:10-18

May you live and move and have your being in this world as citizens of Heaven being empowered, equipped, and protected by the full armor of God. May you know His divine power, strengthening you to live a godly life in the midst of being assaulted by this ungodly world.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. – 2 Peter 1:3

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

Sword of the Spirit – Contentment #1241

Posted on April 16, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1241

“Contentment”

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. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8

It has been proven that contented cows give more and better milk. This was used as a marketing slogan as far back as the early 1900’s and the theorem has been applied to management and leadership principles to this day that contented employees are more productive.

Contentment as a biblical Truth teaches us that contented Christians live more godly lives.

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. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. – Timothy 6:9-11

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

Our flesh desires more. It is prone to covetousness, desiring what others have.

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15

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?

…For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:25,32-33

Contentment does not come naturally. It is a learned and developed character trait. Apart from the Holy Spirit working in us, we can never be content.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Galatians 5:17

When we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that is where the treasure of our heart is and the Holy Spirit, abiding in us, empowers us with discernment to learn contentment.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. – Proverbs 23:4

I worked closely in a tech company with a mechanical engineer decades ago. I have never forgotten the Scripture verse he had on his cubicle wall from Proverbs 30. He told me that he grew up in the deep south in poverty and among other things, did not experience indoor plumbing until he went to college. It would have been easy for him to seek more and more of worldly comforts as a successful engineer, yet he kept the reminder of God’s Word in front of him every day that first and foremost, his relationship with Jesus was where his heart and treasure needed to be.

Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. – Proverbs 30:7-9

May the treasure of your heart be in a close, personal relationship with Jesus.

May the Holy Spirit equip you and empower you to overcome the desires of the flesh and learn to be content in all your circumstances for ‘godliness with contentment is great gain.

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

Sword of the Spirit – The Siren Song of the World #1240

Posted on April 9, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1240

“The Siren Song of the World”

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. – 1 John 2:15-16

‘The devil made me do it’ was a catch phrase popularized by comedian Flip Wilson in the 1970’s. The saying that art imitates life holds true in that so many of us chose that catch phrase to fall back on as an excuse for our sin when in reality, it was our own evil desire succumbing to the siren song of the world.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. – James 1:14-15

Jesus came and experienced every temptation we are faced with yet did not sin. He showed us that, with a close relationship with God, it is possible to avoid sin.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 4:15

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

God’s love for us is manifested in the person of Jesus Christ who came to bear the punishment for our sin and bring the promise of eternal life to all who would repent and believe in Him as their Lord and Savior.

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

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

Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly suffered and died on the cross to bear the punishment for our sin. He sacrificed Himself, died and was resurrected so that we could be forgiven and have the hope of eternal life.

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

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. – 1 Peter 2:24

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit – 1 Peter 3:18

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 – 1 Peter 1:3

The siren song of the world appeals to our flesh and entices us to wander from the path of righteousness that Jesus calls us to follow Him on. Jesus shows us that we can overcome the lure of lust of the world by the power of the Resurrected Christ living in us. It is a choice we make – friendship with the world or friendship with Father God.

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

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

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

This Easter season we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Have you spiritually crucified your natural flesh desires and welcomed the life of the resurrected Christ to abide in you as you abide in Him?

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

Come to Him and accept His sacrifice for you.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. – 1 John 5:4

He is Risen!  He is Risen indeed! May this Easter celebration be your born-again celebration also. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen!

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – No Other Name #1239

Posted on April 2, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1239

“No Other Name”

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 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.” – Acts 4:11-12

We are in error when we disassociate the second person of the Trinity from His Name. Far too many people use His Name flippantly in anger and rage and then call on His Name when they are in need as if it were a magic incantation. Yet, they have no personal relationship with the Son of God, whose Name is Jesus.

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. – Acts 19:13-16

Notice in our reference Scripture from Acts chapter 4 the preface ‘This Jesus’. There were many people named Jesus, but it was only ‘This Jesus’ – this person who has become the cornerstone of our salvation.

It is This Jesus of whom the angel spoke to Joseph and Mary.

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

It is This Jesus who is fully God and fully man.

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily – Colossians 2:9

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high – Hebrews 1:3

Our salvation, the healing of our infirmities, our protection and the daily provision of our needs comes from the power of God which resides in the Person of Christ whose Name is Jesus.

Authority in This Jesus

And Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. – Matthew 28:18

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. – John 16:23-24

Power in This Jesus

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. – Proverbs 18:10

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. – John 14:12-14

Love is found in This Jesus

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

Salvation is found only in This Jesus

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13

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

As you reflect on the passion, death, and resurrection of This Jesus during Easter focus on the person of Jesus.

Seek Him, not just to know His Name, but rather to know Him in a deeper, more intimately personal relationship.

He is the One who died for your sins and mine. He is the only one whose Name is Jesus by which we are saved to eternal life and given power for living in this world as we await His coming.

There is no other Name.

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

Sword of the Spirit – Visible Grace #1238

Posted on March 26, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1238

“Visible Grace”

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. – 2 Timothy 4:22

Grace is a word that is often used in Christian circles.

‘Grace be with you.’

‘Grace upon Grace’

‘Grace and Peace’

‘Grace and Truth’

‘Great Grace was upon them all’

But what does grace look like, practically speaking? Is it tangible and visible or just a spiritual concept?

Grace is found at the intersection with mercy as outlined in the parable Jesus taught about the unforgiving servant.

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants… one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay…out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ … Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ …- Matthew 18:21-35

Grace begins with God forgiving our sins when we, by faith, accept salvation through Jesus. We had a sin debt that we could not pay, and Jesus paid our debt for us through His death on the cross.

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

This is visible grace in action. This is God’s grace to us.

For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

Having received grace, God expects us to give His grace to others. He wants to pour His abundant grace through us to others.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. – Titus 2:11-12

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Grace looks like Sharing.

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. – Mark 9:41

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

Grace looks like Forgiveness.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven … – Matthew 5:43-45

…and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. – Matthew 6:12

Grace looks like Joyful Giving.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share … 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Grace looks like Serving.

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

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45

Grace is not just a spiritual concept. It is a real, tangible and visible demonstration of God’s love to people, sinners and saved alike, that He pours out through His church.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. – John 13:35

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. – 2 Peter 1:2

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. – Revelation 22:21

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

Sword of the Spirit – Present Vanities #1237

Posted on March 19, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1237

“Present Vanities”

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. – 2 Corinthians 11:3

Charles Spurgeon wrote: ‘Let him suffer no foolish attachment to present vanities to occupy his thoughts to the exclusion of this glorious, this heavenly honor of union with Christ.’

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” – Psalm 27:8

Our heart desires to seek the face of the Lord, to abide and rest in His presence. We get quiet before the Lord with our Bible and then, like a popcorn popper, our mind is bombarded with the thoughts and cares of this world – present vanities – and we are distracted from communion with Jesus.

We … take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with … cares of this life …. – Luke 21:34

This happens to all of us. We can overcome these present vanity distractions by persevering in prayer, pressing through into the presence of God. Ask the Father to place a hedge of protection around you and to sanctify that place and time of prayer for His glory.

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. … Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Psalm 119:37; Colossians 3:2

Then the day begins, and we venture out into the world to work, school, play, travel, whatever occupies our daily lives. Are we walking with the Lord throughout our daily lives bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God or have the cares of the world, the present vanities, choked Him out of our heart and mind?

As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. – Matthew 13:22

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money – Matthew 6:24

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Galatians 5:16-17

Martha was busy doing ‘good things.’ But sometimes good things become present vanities and get in the way of what is best in our relationship with Jesus.

… But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

We cannot escape the present vanities that are part and parcel to our lives in this world. We can, however, keep ourselves from becoming foolishly attached to them to the point that they hinder our walk with the Lord.

May every facet of your lives, from thoughts through to action, be a testimony of your steadfast, sincere, and pure devotion to Jesus.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

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

Sword of the Spirit – From Mess to Message #1236

Posted on March 12, 2023 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1236

“From Mess to Message”

When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” … Then the Lord said, “… Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:4-10

I dare say that we have all made a mess of our lives at one time or another. Beginning with Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden and extending to the present day, humanity has been making a mess of things.

However, through the power of God, these messes can become messages for His glory. He can take our M, E, S, S and add an A, G, E (After God Encounter) and turn our mess into a message of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Moses made a mess of his life in Egypt. After murdering an Egyptian, he was forced to flee into the wilderness to escape the wrath of Pharaoh. Then as we see in our reference Scripture, Moses had an encounter with God and his mess was turned into a message that brought deliverance from bondage for the people of Israel.

God can use some of the messiest people for His glory.

A woman from Samaria came to draw water. …  The woman said to him, … “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” … So, the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him. – John 4:7-30

The Samaritan woman had five husbands and was currently living with a sixth who was not her husband. Her life was a mess and she no doubt had a reputation in the town. Yet, Jesus chose her to reveal that He was the Messiah. After her encounter with God, she became an effective evangelist for Christ. Her ‘mess’ was turned into a ‘message’.

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” – John 4:39

It is never too late or too far gone.

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:39-43

The thief that was crucified with Jesus may have never preached a sermon, yet his story of faith, forgiveness, and salvation as recorded in the Holy Scriptures has preached to countless people. His mess was turned into a message after his encounter with God that day.

Don’t believe the lie of the enemy of your soul that it is too late for you, or that your sin is too great for God to forgive you. Hear the message of Scripture: God loves you and desires to forgive you and give you eternal life through Jesus who paid the penalty for your sin and mine.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

The Word of God reveals the mess to message transformation of many: Jacob, Samson, Peter, Matthew, David and so many more.

Our sinful past, our mess, does not define us. After an encounter with God through Jesus we are defined by, and our message becomes all about the forgiveness and eternal life that is ours through Jesus Christ.

Will you add your name to the list?

Will you allow God to turn your mess into a message for His glory?

Will you carry that message, the light of Christ, into the darkness of this world proclaiming ‘Come and see what He has done for me and can do for you?’

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses … to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

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