Sword of the Spirit – Thought Life #1203

Posted on July 17, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1203

“Thought Life”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

In our last devotional we examined Philippians 4:6-7 about worry and anxiousness and the need to be in continual prayer and communion with God. That is when God’s peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul then underscores verses 6 and 7 with an exhortation to focus our thoughts on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

All these things to focus our minds (and hearts) on are the antidote to the disease that plagues the heart of mankind.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. – Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19

Our propensity for sin originates in our minds and hearts. Our thought life, what we entertain in the recesses of our minds, give sin a stronghold that holds us in bondage.

For as he thinks within himself, so he is. – Proverbs 23:7 (NASB)

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. – John 8:34

Jesus went further to say that sin does not have to be a physical act. Sin occurs when the thought is conceived and nurtured in our minds.

But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5:28

Therefore, it is important to be diligent in transforming and focusing our thinking on all that is listed in Philippians 4:8.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. – Isaiah 55:7; Romans 12:2

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:5-6

Have you ever been in quiet contemplation, meditation or prayer and have had evil thoughts suddenly enter your mind? It is like, ‘Whoa, where did that come from?’ The enemy of your soul will seek to disrupt your peace and your prayer life with distracting and sometimes sinful thoughts. Guarding your heart and mind means to immediately take that thought captive unto the Lord and destroy it.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. – Psalm 119:15; Psalm 104:34

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

May the Holy Spirit search your heart and mind and reveal to you the strongholds that need to be destroyed through repentance, transformation, and the renewal of your mind through Christ Jesus.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting! – Psalm 139:23-24

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Sword of the Spirit – Anxious #1202

Posted on July 10, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1202

“Anxious”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

This Scripture reference is rich with encouragement. Let’s examine it more closely.

Do not be anxious about anything…

Anxiousness and worry go hand in hand. Worry can be debilitating and physically unhealthy. It will steal your joy and make you ill.

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? – Matthew 6:27

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid… – Psalm 56:3-4

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? Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matthew 6:25,34

but in everything by prayer and supplication…

In everything…The Lord cares about everything that concerns you. Nothing is too small or insignificant in your life that He does not care about it. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are exhorted to ‘pray without ceasing’.  Is prayer your last resort? Do you exhaust the limits of your capabilities and the skills of others before declaring defeat and turning to God in prayer? Learn to prayerfully seek Him first in everything that concerns you and the ones you love and care for. Learn to trust and hope in Him first, In everything…

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17

For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Thank Him in advance, in faith, in trust, and in the hope of His steadfast and unfailing love for you.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. – Psalm 28:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

People that know you and know what you are dealing with will wonder why you are so calm, confident, and peaceful. The Lord’s peace surpasses our human understanding.

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

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

May the Holy Spirit prepare your anxious heart to receive the Truth and soothing balm of the Word of God giving you the peace that surpasses understanding.

May your heart be encouraged and strengthened by His Word. May your trust and hope in God increase as you seek Him first in all things.

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” – Isaiah 35:4

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Posted on July 3, 2022 by ron021950
Pray 1201 – Little FoxesDownload
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Sword of the Spirit – Blinded #1200

Posted on June 26, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1200

“Blinded”

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:4

I have been voting in our country’s elections for more than 50 years. I always sought to vote for candidates of high Christian moral standards especially concerning the issue of abortion. I recall on numerous occasions being criticized for my choice of candidate based on their economic policies, charisma, etc. When confronted with the issue of abortion, my critics would reply, ‘That will never change in our lifetime, vote along another line.’ Praise our Father in Heaven: this week a first step in the right direction to protect the lives of innocent pre-born children has begun!

For nothing will be impossible with God. – Luke 1:37

The people who love this world and the things of this world are blinded by Satan to the Truth of the Word of God. They cannot see the fact that abortion is murder. They cannot see that the preponderance of sexual immorality in our society is an abomination to the Lord our God.

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; Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. – 1 John 2:15; Philippians 3:19

There remains a long road ahead in protecting the life of the innocent preborn children in this country. We must continue in diligent prayer and work to have them recognized as human beings from the moment of conception and afforded all the rights due them by law.

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life; For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. … My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. — Job 33:4; Psalm 139:13-16

There will continue to be sanctuary states for the time being that will allow the murder of preborn children by harboring the abortion industry. Make no mistake about it, if the abortion industry were not profitable, it would not exist. The murder of the innocent is a billion-dollar industry for Planned Parenthood clinics alone. Behind their façade of advocating for a woman’s rights lies greed and the love of money.

You shall not murder; Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked. – Exodus 20:13; 23:7

As Christian brothers and sisters we must continue to fight for the innocent, preborn children who cannot fight for themselves. We must carry the Truth of the light of Christ in our homes, workplaces, churches, and into the voting booth.

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.” …I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ – John 8:12- Acts 26:17-18

The Lord’s command to us is to choose life. Life for the preborn as well as all humanity, life in the flesh and life in the spirit for eternity through Jesus.

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing, and curse. Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live – Deuteronomy 30:19

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Sword of the Spirit – Pray for Ukraine #1199

Posted on June 19, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1199

“Pray For Ukraine”

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! – Psalm 35:1

Today’s headlines read: War in Ukraine ‘could last for years,’ NATO chief says. To that we say, ‘But God…’

This devotional is dedicated to praying the Word of God in intercession for the people and nation of Ukraine. The power of prayer, when in concert and in agreement should not be underestimated. Prepare your hearts before Our Father and His Son, Our Lord, Jesus and join me in praying Psalm 9 for the Ukraine.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

            Our Father in Heaven, we praise you and thank you that we can come before you through the sacrifice of Jesus, Your Son and our Lord and Savior. Incline your ear to hear our prayer and petition as we gather in agreement as Your children and make our petitions on behalf of the people and nation of Ukraine in the Name of Jesus.

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. – John 14:13

When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence. For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

            Send the enemies of Ukraine back to where they came from, Lord. Confuse their communications and logistics – make them stumble and perish before Your holy presence and the presence of your angelic army. Maintain the cause of the people of the Ukraine and restore their nation.

You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.

            Rebuke the Russian leadership, Lord. Bring them to an everlasting ruin that they would never oppress the innocent again. Protect the Russian people who are innocent of this egregious war effort against the Ukrainian people. May they rise up with boldness and power to stop their corrupt leaders.

But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

            We trust in Your righteous judgement, Lord. We worship You as Sovereign over all and we trust in Your perfect plan for the people of the Ukraine. We may not understand today why You allowed this war to happen, but we know that nothing happens that You have not allowed to happen.

We humbly ask Lord that You will bring this war to an abrupt end and free the people of the Ukraine from oppression. May they know it was by Your hand that they have been set free and their enemy is defeated. May they give You the glory as they, as one people turn their hearts to You and to Your Son, Jesus. May there be a mighty move of Your Holy Spirit across that nation and the world as You revive hardened hearts, and they acknowledge that You are Sovereign and sit enthroned forever.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

            Be a stronghold for the people of the Ukraine, Lord. May they seek You with undivided hearts. For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds! For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

            We praise You, Father and thank You for what You will do for the people of the Ukraine. Your Word tells us of Your mighty power and how You have delivered people from oppressors since time began. Be mindful of the Ukrainian people and hear the cry of the afflicted.

Be gracious to me, O Lord! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.

            Father, we ask that You pour out Your grace and Holy Spirit anointing upon the people of the Ukraine. Lift them up from the gates of death that is before them because of the Russian oppressor. Repel the enemy, we ask in Jesus’ Name so that Your praises will be recounted in their streets and that there will be rejoicing in the salvation of the Lord.

The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.

            Thank You Lord for what You are about to do to free the people and nation of the Ukraine. May the Russian forces sink in their own pit and may they be snared in their own traps. Make Yourself known Lord and strike terror in the hearts of the enemy.

The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.

            Send the wicked oppressor back to where they came from, Lord. May they never rise up again to attack innocent peoples and nations.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

            The people of the Ukraine are needy and poor, Lord. Move on the hearts of the nations of the world to come to their aid and bring them comfort. May the hope and trust of the Ukrainian people be in You, O Lord. May they know that it is by Your hand and by Your Spirit that they are comforted and set free from their enemy.

Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men!

            Arise, Lord! We pray. We boldly ask that the enemy not prevail. Contend O Lord with the Russian nation that contends with innocent people. Show them Your power Lord. Show them that they are but men. Put the Russian forces and leadership in fear of You and turn them back and bring an end to this war. We ask on behalf of the Ukrainian people, in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted. O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more; for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. – Psalm 10:12, 17, 18; Deuteronomy 20:4

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Sword of the Spirit – Tablet of the Heart #1198

Posted on June 12, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1198

“Tablet of the Heart”

Keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 7:2-3

The ‘apple of your eye’ is an idiom that originated in the word of God. It literally means the pupil of your eye and refers to the reflection in your pupil of what you are gazing at intently. By keeping God’s Word, His commandments and moral code for living in the forefront of our lives we are writing them on the tablet of our heart. They become woven into the fabric of our being.

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds, – Hebrews 10:16

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. – Luke 6:45

God gave us the Ten Commandments carved on stone tablets. We have monuments, placards, and posters of them displayed in our homes, businesses, and public places. The Words of God contained therein are living and active and they remind us of our need to be obedient to Him.

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

I believe that this is why our society seeks to remove the display of the Ten Commandments and any other public displays of the Word of God. The evil intent of the heart of our society does not want to be reminded of its sinfulness and have to acknowledge the need of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

Therefore, it is so important for us to embrace the new covenant of grace and to make God’s Word the apple of our eye and write His moral laws on the tablet of our heart. His Word needs to be woven into the very fabric of who we are, how we act, and what we say.

My son do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. – Prov 3:1-4

The words in the original Hebrew translated ‘steadfast love and faithfulness’ also carry the meaning of ‘mercy or kindness and truth’ as is evident in some translations. It is interesting to note that when God identified Himself as He passed before Moses He identified Himself as ‘abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness’.

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, – Exodus 34:6

In Proverbs 3 we are exhorted to have the attribute of God: ‘steadfast love and faithfulness’ written on the tablet of our heart.

When the Living Word of God is part of the very fabric of our being, engraved on the ‘tablets of our heart’ every aspect of our daily lives speaks of the presence of God and brings Him glory.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. – Psalm 25:10

May the Word of God and His commandments be the apple of your eye and written on the tablet of your heart.

May His Living Word, the very presence of God by His indwelling Holy Spirit, be woven into the fabric of your being such that in all things God is glorified.

And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. – 2 Corinthians 3:3

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Sword of the Spirit – Reflection #1197

Posted on June 5, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1197

“Reflection”

And we all having been unveiled in face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18 (BLB)

How much time do you spend looking in a mirror? Have you ever looked intently into your own eyes? What do you see? Do your eyes reflect weariness, fatigue, a lack of sleep from worry? Or do your eyes reflect a brightness and clarity? Are they joyful?

Have you ever noticed the eyes from the mug shots shown in the nightly news of people who have committed heinous crimes? Their eyes are like dead, dark pools of evil.

Does your face reflect anger, worry, and fear or does it reflect the peace and joy that stems from the presence of the Lord and your abiding walk with Him? What do your eyes and face reflect when others look at you? Shakespeare is quoted as stating “The eyes are the windows of the soul”. Jesus stated it first this way:

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. – Luke 11:34

Paul begins with a statement that ‘we all having been unveiled in face’. He is addressing us as Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we come to Christ, the veil of unbelief is removed.

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. – 2 Corinthians 3:16

Paul continues to say that we, as Christians are ‘beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.’

It is important to note that the mirrors of Paul’s day were not like the glass mirrors that we have today. The mirrors of the day were made of highly polished metal and their reflection, although imperfect, also illuminated the face especially in strong light.

When we accept Christ and by His Spirit He comes to dwell in our hearts, His presence is reflected and radiated by our lives. Although we remain an imperfect reflection of Jesus, people we encounter will know that we have been and are abiding with Christ.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13

This is where Paul introduces the transformative work of Christ in us. We ‘are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.’

Transformation requires time. We call it sanctification and it is a process that goes beyond an occasional encounter with Jesus. When Paul said we are ‘beholding as in a mirror’ he was talking about more than a casual glance. Beholding alludes to a careful study and examination of the Living Word of God.

Transformation follows our desire to get to know Him more. It stems from our love for Him, our awe of Him, and our thankfulness for His saving grace.

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

May your eyes and face continually reflect the light of the glory of the Lord.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

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Sword of the Spirit – Perspective #1196

Posted on May 29, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1196

“Perspective”

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. – Revelation 3:17

When we view life from a worldly perspective, we place ourselves on the central throne of our life and we view ourselves as being in control. God calls those who maintain this perspective foolish.

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be? – Luke 12:20

When our perspective on life is through the lens of the Word of God, we gain respect, awe, and a holy reverence for who God is. The Bible calls this ‘the fear of the Lord’ and our thinking is transformed from what is characterized as foolishness to wisdom. We transition from an unfaithful servant to a faithful and wise steward.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. – Proverbs 9:10

One of the memory verses from a small group study on stewardship that I was involved in was from 1 Chronicles chapter 29 verses 11 and 12. Of all the memory verses in that study, this one has continued to resonate in my spirit for decades.

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. – v 11

There is no room for pridefulness in this perspective. There is no attitude that says, ‘I did it my way’ or ‘I am a self-made person’. There is no possessive attitude in this perspective. Everything belongs to Him. Nothing belongs to us. We are only stewards of what He provides. This perspective overflows with reverence and awe for who God is.

Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand, it is to make great and to give strength to all. v 12

This perspective acknowledges the Sovereignty of God in all things, from the creation of the universe and all life to the minute details that affect our daily lives. It is this perspective that brings home the fact that He is the vine, and we are the branches – apart from Him we can do nothing.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:4-5

May you view this life through the perspective of the Truth of the Word of God. May your heart be filled with reverential awe for who God is and what He has done for you through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. May you be the one God refers to as His faithful and wise steward.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Sowing to the Spirit #1195

Posted on May 22, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1195

“Sowing to the Spirit”

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. – Galatians 6:7-8

I am reminded of this Scripture when I recall the scene from the movie Secondhand Lions where the uncles decide to plant a garden and bought a large variety of vegetable seed packets which turned out to all be deceitfully labeled. When the garden bore fruit, everything was corn.

Isn’t that the way of the enemy of our souls? He deceives us into believing that we can sow to the carnal pleasures of our flesh without dire spiritual consequences. The Truth of God’s Word tells us that we will indeed reap corruption and death by sowing to the flesh.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21

What does it mean to sow to the spirit? What does it look like in practical daily living?

Speech: We sow when we speak. Our words sow into our own spirit and the spirit of others. How we speak to our children, spouse, coworkers, ourselves and to others in general sow spiritual seeds. The words we choose, the tone, and the intentions of our heart can either sow into their spirit the seeds of the love of God or the seeds of discord and strife. Our words can either build up or tear down.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. – Colossians 4:6

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29

You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. – Deuteronomy 6:7

Seeing and Hearing: We sow seeds into our spirit by what we choose to be entertained with – by what we allow ourselves to hear and see. Books, TV, movies, music, games, and the internet all plant seeds that will bear fruit later in our lives. What fruit will that be?

I will ponder the way that is blameless… I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless… – Psalm 101:2-4

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching – Proverbs 1:8

Actions: We sow by our actions, what we do and when, how we vote or abstain from voting, how we work and how we interact with others: family, friends, neighbors, and the public.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

Thinking: We sow by what we think. Our thought life can plant seeds that will bear the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of fleshly corruption and sin.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

May your life walk be characterized as walking by the Spirit of God. May the choices you make – what you say, see, hear, do, and think all plant the good seeds of the Holy Spirit that will bear His fruit in your life and in the lives of others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

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Sword of the Spirit – Faith Is A Choice #1194

Posted on May 15, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1194

“Faith is a Choice”

All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness … and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore, the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” … So, Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. – Exodus 17:1-6

The Lord miraculously delivered the people out of Egypt and provided for them manna and quail when there was no food to eat. He made the bitter water safe to drink when they were thirsty. Yet with each new trial and difficulty the people chose to grumble against Moses and lost sight of their foundation of faith. We must not be too quick to judge these people, saying ‘If I had been there, I surely would have trusted God to provide’. I believe that most, if not all of us would have fallen into the ‘lack of faith’ camp during these trials.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. – Romans 12:3

Faith is a choice to trust God even when the road ahead is uncertain.

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. – Matthew 24:6-8

The road ahead is indeed uncertain: war in the Ukraine, inflation, COVID on the rise again, wildfires and a severe drought in the west, mass shootings in public places, Russia threatening nations against joining NATO, a critical need for baby formula, frequent tornados, and severe weather extremes. On a personal level our road ahead may be uncertain due to physical illness or loss.

He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” – Luke 8:25

Jesus asks us the same question today, “Where is your faith?” God has given each of us a foundational measure of faith and it is our choice to build upon that foundation as the Lord takes us through trial after trial in life. These are called faith builders and we would do well to reflect upon and remember all that the Lord has delivered us from and taken us through.

May you learn to choose faith over fear when faced with new trials in this life. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen; for we walk by faith, not by sight. – Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7

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