Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – God Given Ability #1183

Posted on February 27, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1183

“God Given Ability”

You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill …See, I have called by name Bezalel … and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship – Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:2-3

My working life has spanned six decades. I started out looking for a job, any job, to simply earn income. Then came career choices – what to study; what to specialize in and so on. The objective was to earn maximum income doing what I liked to do. I subscribed to the false philosophy that the one who dies with the most toys wins.

Then I met Jesus and He changed my perspective.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? – Colossians 3:23,24; Matthew 16:26

From that point forward I came to realize that all that I am, all my abilities and skills were not the result of chance genetics, study, and college degrees. All that shaped me was by God’s grace and from Him. My abilities and talents are gifts from God and activated by His Holy Spirit for His purposes and for His glory. I became a steward of God’s varied grace.

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

Can I submit to you that the gifts of the Spirit do not stop with the gifts of prophecy, speaking in tongues etc.?

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Plumbers, surgeons, carpenters, nurses, janitors, engineers, technicians, singers, dancers, teachers – you name the career field and its abilities are all God-given and to be used for His glory and to fulfill His purposes. No matter what our hands are doing, they are the hands of God reaching out to bless others.

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. – Romans 12:4-8

I am about to embark on yet another, perhaps my last, career change. As I wrote my business planning roadmap: Vision, Mission, Purpose etc. I reflected on how different this one was compared to the early plans before I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. I now seek to serve Him by serving others in His Name and for His glory. Unlike past corporations that I have worked for, I now work for God as the ultimate CEO with unlimited resources to provide my needs.

Are you at a career choice junction? Are you trying to decide what educational field of study to pursue? Do you have gifts and talents that bless others? How will you use them?

Recognize first and foremost that your gifts, talents, ‘your shape’ if you will, is from God and according to His perfect plan for you – and for others whose lives you will touch.

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. – Isaiah 64:8

Prayerfully analyze your motives driving your choices. Are you seeking first the mammon of this world, money, power, prestige? Our primary motive is to seek Him and His will. All that we need for living in this world He will faithfully provide.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Matthew 6:33; John 15:5; Philippians 4:13

Be blessed and enjoy the journey, walking with Christ.

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged servant leadership, talents | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Perfect in Christ #1182

Posted on February 20, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1182

“Perfect In Christ”

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. – Colossians 1:28 (NKJV)

Perfect, fully mature, complete. This is Jesus and it is how God the Father sees us in Christ.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. – Romans 8:29-30

When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are born-again by the Spirit and are saved from the penalty of our sin – a price paid in full by Jesus on the cross. We are also justified – it is ‘just as if I had never sinned’ in God’s eyes.

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law…the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. … – Romans 3:21-25

We are saved and justified yet we remain imperfect sinners now.

So, I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. – Romans 7:21-23

The enemy uses this internal spiritual war to spread propaganda lies seeking to plant seeds of doubt about our eternal salvation. He wants to trip us up, cause us to give up and return to a life of willful sin.

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul,“There is no salvation for him in God.” But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. – Psalm 3:1-3

Take heart my Christian brothers and sisters and in the Name of Jesus tell the lying enemy to leave because the Truth of the Living Word of God says that Jesus will not lose you.

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. – John 6:37-39

Furthermore, our Father guarantees our inheritance of glorified eternal life with Him by giving us His Holy Spirit to guide us and sanctify us in this life on earth.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:13-14

We may feel imperfect now, but through faith and trust in Jesus we know that we are made perfect in Him.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:12-14

God has a perfect plan for your perfection. He has provided all you need from the grace and faith to believe in Jesus for salvation and justification through the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit’s perfecting process until He calls us home to be with Him, glorified in Christ.

None of this saving and perfecting process is by our own works. It is all by the grace of God.

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

Trust in God. Trust in His plan and process. Know that you are already perfect in His eyes and do not let the enemy plant seeds of doubt. Let the Holy Spirit guide and correct your way as you walk with Jesus daily.

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:48

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Sword of the Spirit – Teach Me Your Paths #1181

Posted on February 6, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1181

“Teach Me Your Paths”

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

Consider for a moment the enormity of all the decisions you have made in your lifetime. Some were good, others resulted in failure. Some were made in haste with worldly thinking and others were entered into through an unceasing prayer atmosphere.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As we grow in maturity in our Christian walk, we should be increasingly attuned and obedient to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – John 14:26 – Psalm 119:105

God speaks to us – teaches us – in various ways, even in our sleep.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 16:7; 32:8

Do you have a teachable spirit? Oftentimes we have a preconceived idea as to which path we want to take and how we will get there. We ask the Lord for direction while what we are really doing is asking Him to put His stamp of approval on our worldly plans. When the Lord directs us in a different direction, we are in danger of rejecting His teaching and going our own way.

Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. They have turned to me their back and not their face. And though I have taught them persistently, they have not listened to receive instruction.- Luke 6:46 – Isaiah 55:8 – Jeremiah 32:33

What crossroad are you currently facing? What major life decision is before you? Do not act in haste but take the decision before the Lord in an atmosphere of prayer.

Pray continually. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern the ministry aspects of the decision vs. its worldly attraction.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way – Proverbs 14:8 – James 1:5

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

Pray for a teachable, trusting, and obedient spirit.

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

Seek biblically based counsel. The Lord sometimes speaks to us through the Body of Christ.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. – Proverbs 19:20; 15:22

With spiritual discernment weigh all the counsel with Scripture and what you hear God speaking to your heart and commit your decision and path to the Lord. Give it to Him for His glory.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. – Isaiah 48:17

May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

May the Holy Spirit teach you and guide you in all your life decisions as you walk with Him along the perfect path and plan He has for you.

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged decision-making, direction | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Shipwreck #1180

Posted on February 2, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1180

“Shipwreck”

The headline in a hypothetical Red Sea News might have read:

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber. – 1 Kings 22:48

Very much like the news media of today, we are given only a snippet of information leading us to believe that these ships were wrecked by some nasty twist of fate. All the while the truth – the backstory is withheld. In this case the backstory is found in 2 Chronicles.

After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-geber. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish. – 2 Chronicles 20:35-37

God loves us enough to destroy our ‘ships’. When we wander from God’s plan and path, His love and hand of protection will sometimes take what we deem to be extreme measures to break unholy alliances and get us back on His path.

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

Sometimes it seems that Jehoshaphat was not the sharpest crayon in the box. As a faithful follower of God, he cleansed the land of idol worship after he became king and God blessed him with prosperity and protection. Yet he turns and makes an unholy alliance with Ahab arranging for his son Jehoram to marry Athalia the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.

Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor, and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab. – 2 Chronicles 18:1

In addition, Jehoshaphat agrees to join Ahab in battle wearing his royal robes while Ahab was in disguise. He should have known that that would make him a prime target for the enemy. Yet God protected him from his foolishness and Ahab was killed by a random arrow. (1Kings 22:32-34)

Later we see Jehoshaphat make another unholy alliance this time with Ahaziah, Ahab’s son to build ships to go for gold. These are the ships that God destroyed as soon as they started to leave the harbor.

God loves us enough to provide ample warning as we trend toward sin.

Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. … 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. – Proverbs 4:14-15, 23-27

Be careful not to make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it become a snare among you. – Exodus 34:12

Jehoshaphat made some bad choices as did the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon.

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore – 1 Kings 4:29

Despite his wisdom and close relationship with God, once Solomon allied himself with pagan nations and gave in to his lust for foreign wives, his heart grew cold toward God.

Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. – 1 Ki 3:1; 11:4 (NIV)

God loves us enough to discipline us when we disobey Him.

The Lord was angry with Solomon because he had shifted his allegiance away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him on two occasions and had warned him about this very thing, so that he would not follow other gods. But he did not obey the Lord’s command. So the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you insist on doing these things and have not kept the covenantal rules I gave you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant. – 1 Kings 11:9-11

Throughout the history of mankind, alliances have been formed in order to manipulate circumstances and to achieve an advantage over others. In today’s Scriptures we see Jehoshaphat and Solomon, two faithful men of God, make serious strategic and tactical errors in forming alliances with the pagan nations that were enemies of God. In our stubborn desire to maintain control of our circumstances we sometimes resort to anything rather than rely on God first.

Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin; who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection, to Egypt’s shade for refuge. – Isa 30:1-2 (NIV)”

What about you and me today?

What alliances have we made that God would not approve of?

Where and from whom have we sought help instead of seeking God first?

Have we entered into a business partnership that is on the shady side of truth and integrity?

Do we seek financial gain and security as investors in funds that derive a profit from ‘sin’ industries? Are we unequally yoked in our personal relationships, our circle of friends and acquaintances?

The Scripture is as true today as it was when it was first written:

“Bad company ruins good morals.” — 1Cor 15:33

God is calling us to ally with Him first and foremost. He wants us to be abandoned to Him and to rely on and trust in Him totally and completely.

May you learn to let the Holy Spirit guide you into holy alliances that God would have you enter into and avoid stepping out on your own.

May you have the strength of faith and resolve to break the yoke of any unholy alliances you may have already made and are now trusting in.

May you continually rely on God first to provide and guide you through all your circumstances.

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged Jehoshaphat, Solomon, Trust in God, unholy alliance | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Prayer Life #1179

Posted on January 26, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1179

“Prayer Life”

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2

How would you characterize your prayer life? Spontaneous? Sporadic? Non-existent? Continuous? Our prayer life is to be as natural as our regular breathing. It is unfortunate that this Christian duty and privilege of prayer is one of the first things displaced when the trials and time demands of our carnal life bear down on us.

There are many segments that we divide our time into, Church, Home, Work, Play, Society/Government, and the World in general. Our prayer life and relationship with God is not to be relegated only to the ‘Church’ time slice. Regardless of the context that we find ourselves in, the abiding presence of the Lord needs to be there with us and what binds that holy relationship is our prayer life.

Let’s examine our reference Scripture in more detail.

Continue –

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” … – Luke 11:1-13

To continue in prayer, we must have started. Like Jesus’ disciples we need to ask Him to teach us to pray, which is a prayer in and of itself.

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

But when you pray, go into your room, and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. – Matthew 6:5-8

Jesus teaches us that our prayer life is a continual relationship conversation with Him. It is not to be a public show of our perceived holiness or rote recitation of memorized words devoid of heartfelt meaning. To continue in prayer is to be filled with the Spirit and walk in the abiding presence of Jesus.

Steadfastly in prayer –

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26:39

Jesus was steadfast in His prayer life as He demonstrated in the Garden of Gethsemane when He yielded to the Father’s will in prayer three times.

The word ‘steadfast’ from the Greek text means to attend constantly, to persist, persevere, and wait upon. God does not always answer prayer immediately. He does not always answer our prayer in the manner we desire. Nevertheless, we must remain steadfast, trusting in His Love and perfect will for our good and the good of others.

Being watchful in it –

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

The disciples could not watch and pray with Jesus for very long in the Garden of Gethsemane. We also must be watchful when we pray. Our minds will wander, we become sleepy, and our hearts do not remain steadfast in prayer.

We must be diligent to eliminate distractions when in our prayer closet and ask the Holy Spirit to usher us into the presence of the Father. I like to have instrumental Christian hymns playing softly in the background to maintain a worship atmosphere and shut out the cacophony of the world that seeks to undermine prayer.

In all other contexts, prayer is spontaneous, prompted by the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. The phone rings at work and we say a silent prayer for peace and wisdom to handle the call. A coworker, employee or acquaintance comes to you with a problem and again, a silent prayer offering up the time to the Lord, seeking His wisdom for the right words and for discernment.

Watch for the divine appointments that the Lord will bring to you. You may find yourself praying with an individual in a grocery store aisle, or the lumber department in a big box store. Be ready to seek discernment how to pray and boldness from the Spirit to pray when prompted to do so.

With thanksgiving –

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Faith and trust are demonstrated in heartfelt thanks to God for answering prayer before He answers it.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

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 this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. – 1 John 5:14

May you walk prayerfully in the peace, power, and abiding presence of our Lord, Jesus.

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged Abiding presence, Holy Spirit, prayer | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Make No Provision #1178

Posted on January 19, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1178

“Make No Provision”

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. – Romans 13:11-14

The word ‘provision’ in the original Greek text is ‘pronoia’ and it has the meaning to have forethought to enable or allow for something to happen. It is a plan for sinful success and for moral failure.

For many of us as born-again Christians, the lure of a past sin life tugs and tempts our flesh to the point that some will make provision to return to that sin. It is like the addict that leaves alcohol or drugs stashed away ‘just in case’ they will need it. It is as if we think that Jesus will not return any time soon and we can indulge the flesh at least one more time.

Paul prefaces our reference Scripture with a call for the church to ‘wake up’ and be ready for the imminent return of our Lord. Jesus also taught that we need to remain vigilant, anticipating His return.

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Matthew 24:42-44

You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.- Luke 12:40,45-46

Even after being justified and saved by faith in Jesus Christ, we remain sinners by nature, and we deceive ourselves if we deny that truth.

For we all stumble in many ways. If we say that we do not have any sin, we are deceiving ourselves and we’re not being truthful to ourselves. As it is written, “Not even one person is righteous.”- James 3:2; 1 John 1:8; Romans 3:10

Paul explained it best in his letter to the Romans.

Sin begins in our minds, in our thought life. We must be vigilant in putting on the armor of light and to be transformed by the renewal of our mind through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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 12:1-2

put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24

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

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:1-2

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

When we walk, live, and keep in step with the Spirit we are less likely to make provision for the flesh and stumble.

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, 24-25

What do we take away from this devotional?

It is time to wake up. Jesus is coming soon.
We must put on the full armor of the light of God to fend off the attack of the enemy.
We must not make provision for moral failure: Say no to certain movies, music and other forms of ‘entertainment’ that appeal to the lust of our flesh and entice us to sin.
Seek to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit to not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. – 1 Peter 2:11

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged salvation, sin, Thought Life, walk by the spirit | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Think It Over #1177

Posted on January 12, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1177

“Think it Over”

The word ‘muse’ means to think. When prefaced with the negative ‘a’ we get ‘amuse’ – not to think. The word ‘amuse’ carries the common meaning of entertaining as well as the meanings of deception and distraction.

God wants us to think. The enemy of our soul wants us to be amused, deceived, and distracted from what is truly important in life – our relationship with Jesus as Lord, and Savior.

For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, … lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power… and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. – 2 Timothy 3:2-7

We make time to be amused with our plethora of devices but have little or no time to interact with our children, neighbors, or spouse, let alone quiet time in daily prayer and reading of the Word of God.

We have become too comfortable being ‘bottle-fed’ our values and life principles. We accept being told what and how to think by the media, the government, and even some churches that water down the Truth of the Word of God.

For though by this time, you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. – Hebrews 5:12-14

God invites us to come to Him and reason together. He has sent His Holy Spirit to counsel and guide us in the Truth of His Word if we will take the time to shut out the amusement of the world and press into His Holy Presence to hear Him.

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – Isaiah 1:18 – James 4:7-8

Do not let the world system think for you. Do not let the ‘woke counterculture’ redefine history to mold the present into their new and evil paradigms. Stand firm on the solid foundation of your relationship with Jesus Christ and carry the light of His presence and Truth to dispel the darkness of the world.

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

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged Cancel Culture, woke | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Strength to Strength #1176

Posted on January 5, 2022 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1176

“Strength to Strength”

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, … They go from strength to strength; …. – Psalm 84:5-7

Psalm 84 speaks of people whose heart steadfastly seeks the presence of our Lord even as they have difficult ‘valley experiences’ in this life. Warren Wiersbe describes the Valley of Baca referenced in Psalm 84 as “any difficult and painful place in life, where everything seems hopeless and you feel helpless, like ‘the pit of despair.’”

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. – Isaiah 40:29

A new year has begun and many of us hang on to a tenuous hope that it will be better than the recent past.

My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! – Psalm 119:28

Indeed, pandemical persecution has escalated around the world as oppressive governments have used the pandemic crisis to increase Christian persecution according to Open Doors UK. Although North Korea is number 1 on the World Watch list for Christian persecution, our own United States is not exempt from such persecution tactics enacting mandates that force people to vaccinate or lose their jobs regardless of their religious right to refuse the vaccine.

And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him… But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. – 1 Samuel 30:6

Like David, who faced many trials and difficulties, we can strengthen our self in the Lord.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11

From the fullness of His abiding presence in our heart we receive an abundance of grace to increase our strength of faith and trust in Jesus.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth… For from his fullness, we have all received, grace upon grace. – John 1:14-16

Are you in a ‘Valley of Baca’? Perhaps you are dealing with serious health issues for yourself or a loved one. You maybe going through significant changes – some forced upon you and some by your own choosing that put you in a difficult or stressful situation. Seek the Lord and His grace and strength. He is faithful and will take you through your valley.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble – Psalm 46:1

May this year be a year of growth in grace, in faith, in love, and in the knowledge of His Word.

May the Lord heal your body and mind and fill you anew with His Holy Spirit.

May you continually seek the abiding presence of our Lord as He takes you from strength to strength, grace upon grace, building you up into a spiritual warrior for the faith to the praise and glory of His Name.

May this year be a year of growth in grace, faith, strength, and knowledge of the Living Word.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 3:18

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged healing, Pandemic, persecution | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Give Me the Torch #1175

Posted on December 29, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1175

“Give Me The Torch”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

‘Give me the torch,’ my friend Jim spoke calmly but firmly. Jim was helping me remodel my house and I was on my back in an 18-inch dirt crawl space under the kitchen. I had finished soldering the last copper pipe connection under the sink and the propane torch would not shut off.

Panic began to rise as I envisioned setting myself and the house on fire.

‘Give me the torch,’ Jim calmly insisted. ‘Trust me,’ he repeated. I saw no other option and I slowly maneuvered the flaming torch down toward my knees as far as I could reach. Jim was able to reach the torch and setting it upright extinguished the flame.

I was reminded of this time in my life as I reflected on the trust it took for Mary to yield to the will of God and become the mother of Jesus.

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:38

Joseph also trusted God in the storm he was facing as his betrothed was found to be pregnant.

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 1:19-20

Peter also took a bold leap of faith and trust when he stepped out of the boat onto the stormy seas to walk toward Jesus.

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. – Matthew 14:28-29

God’s Word contains numerous examples of people placing their trust in Him and obeying His Word. “Stretch out your hand.” and the man’s hand was healed (Matthew 12:13); “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” and he came back seeing. (John 9:7); “Cast the net on the right side of the boat” and they caught many fish. (John 21:6)

The past two years have been stormy years for all of us. The New Year 2022 is upon us and will have storms of its own that we must get through. But our God is faithful. He will carry us through all the trials we encounter.

I trusted my friend Jim once I decided there was no other option. Oh, to be able to trust God immediately, without reservation and without exploring other options.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and healthy in the coming New 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

May you seek His presence continually as you abide in Him and He in you.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11

May you hear His voice with immediate obedience without reservation, reluctance, or regrets as He directs your path.

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… – Hebrews 3:15

Happy New Year!

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged faith, trust god | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Expiration Date #1174

Posted on December 22, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1174

“Expiration Date”

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, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ – Titus 2:11-13

This present age is an age of grace. It was ushered in with the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. – John 1:17

God’s love is eternal but this age of saving grace will expire.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 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. 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. – 2 Peter 3:8-10

There is a ‘BEST BEFORE’ date on all of God’s creation, including every one of us in this body of flesh. This expiration date is known only to God.

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. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. – Psalm 139:16 – Matthew 25:13

For too many people, God’s saving grace is like an unwrapped Christmas gift left under the tree. We leave it there to be accepted and opened at a ‘later date.’ We are too busy with love for this world and its concerns and are not seeking first His kingdom.

We act as if God’s gift won’t expire and that we will have all the time we need to accept it later. But the opposite is true. The day of the Lord, the end of the world, will come like a thief in the night when it is least expected. Our own death could come upon us suddenly while God’s gift of grace, salvation, and eternal life remains unopened.

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – Romans 2:4 – John 3:16

Jesus came so that we might have eternal, abundant life. Do not push the Giver away any longer. Allow His grace to lead you to repentance and accept His free gift of saving grace to you. It is a limited time offer.

Merry Christmas!

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged Christmas, Grace expires | Leave a comment