Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – I Am Convinced #1173

Posted on December 15, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1173

“I am Convinced”

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)

To be convinced means to be completely certain of something. I am convinced that we are living in the time of the ‘beginning of the birth pains’ that Jesus speaks about concerning the signs of the end of the age and His second coming.

He answered them, when it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 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 16:2-3; 24:6-8

There is a statue recently placed in front of the UN in New York which looks remarkably like the beast envisioned by the prophet Daniel and described in the Book of Revelation chapter 13. It is supposed to be the ‘guardian of peace and security’.

And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. – Revelation 13:2

A recent 60 MINUTES broadcast featured the tensions and potential war between China and Taiwan and its allies including the United States. They used the word ‘Armageddon’ an abnormal number of times to describe its outcome. Add to that the potential for war between Russia and the Ukraine as well as North Korea’s continued missile development and it feels like we are sitting on a powder keg about to blow.

For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. – Revelation 16:14-18

There is a world-wide movement to require ‘vaccine passports’ to participate fully in society that has transitioned into receiving RFID implants in the hand – a sort of implanted digital wallet to carry all your personal financial and medical information. Sweden is leading the way in embracing this technology. The stage is being set for the ‘Mark of the beast’.

Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. – Revelation 13:16-17

None of this should alarm us or cause us to worry and be fearful. However, it is a call to be prepared.

Are you prepared for eternity to come upon you suddenly?

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Matthew 24:44

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. – John 3:36

Do you know of God the Father and Jesus, His Son in an arm’s length religious sort of way? Or do you know Him in a personal, intimate way as your Lord and Savior? Have you repented and asked Him to forgive your sins? Are you convinced of your salvation through faith in Jesus’ death as payment for your sins?

I am convinced that salvation and eternal life is through Jesus and Jesus alone. There is no other way.

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

I am convinced that all my sins are forgiven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – 1 John 1:9 – Psalm 103:12

I am convinced that nothing will happen in this world that will change the fact that God will bring me into eternal life with Him, justified by faith in Jesus.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. – John 10:28-29

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1

May the Holy Spirit speak to your heart and draw you through repentance into a personal relationship with Jesus as your Savior. May He fill your heart with His peace in the midst of a troubled world.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged End times, Eternal Life, vaccine passports | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – I Am Afraid #1172

Posted on December 9, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1172

“I am Afraid”

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6

I confess, Lord that I am afraid. What are you afraid of? He asked. Name your fears and the Truth of My Word will comfort and guide you.

Father, I am afraid of getting old and feeble, unable to care for myself.

I carried you when you were born, and I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety. – Isaiah 46:4 (ERV)

But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. – Isaiah 40:31(ERV)

Lord, I am afraid of getting sick from cancer or this pandemic.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. – Psalm 91:1-3

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place the Most High, who is my refuge no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. – Psalm 91:9-10

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. – Jeremiah 33:6

Dear Jesus, I am afraid of dying.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever … This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” – John 6:51-58

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. – John 5:24

Lord, the world economy is in a shambles, I am afraid of financial ruin and poverty.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

Father God, I am afraid of the evil that is in the world.

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? – Proverbs 29:25 – Psalm 118:6

…for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:5-6

Holy Spirit, I am afraid of failure.

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

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

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

Jesus, my Lord, I am afraid of harm when I travel and go out in the marketplace.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

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

Lord, I am afraid of our government and laws that take away our freedoms.

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

… My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. – Haggai 2:5

Father, I am afraid of losing friends, family, and my job because of my faith and beliefs.

Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or farms to follow me will get much more than they left. And they will have eternal life. – Matthew 19:29 (ERV)

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. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” – 1 John 2:15 – Acts 5:29

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13

The underlying theme in the world these past two years has been one of fear. The pandemic and fear of it, has been fanned into a conflagration by the media. It has spawned irrational behaviors such as hoarding toilet paper, bottled water and food.

The world governments use the fear of losing jobs, freedom to worship or travel to box people in and force them to get a vaccine. Austria is the first country to quarantine and remove all freedom from the unvaccinated regardless of infection status.

This fear has turned families and friends against each other – the vaccinated against the unvaccinated; the masked against the unmasked.

Satan has used this fear to fragment and divide the Body of Christ, His church. If the sheep can be separated from the flock, they become vulnerable to the wolves.

If you are fearful, name your fears in prayer to the Father and turn to His Living Word for Truth that brings peace and dispels irrational fear.

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – Luke 12:7 – John 16:33

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Sword of the Spirit – Feeling Powerless #1171

Posted on December 2, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1171

“Feeling Powerless”

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” – 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Saul and his army felt powerless before Goliath and were paralyzed with fear.

When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. – 1 Samuel 17:11

What has you feeling powerless today? The global pandemic and governmental responses to it have worked to restrict and remove personal freedoms of choice leaving many feeling powerless. Some have lost their businesses; others have lost their jobs. Personal freedoms are restricted and heavily regulated. Government mandates and enforcements work to further exacerbate our feeling of powerlessness.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

A recent article in Psychology Today describes this feeling of powerlessness as moral distress and the way to overcome it is to develop moral resilience. While the world view seeks to establish moral resilience through a stoic philosophy – seeking help from within yourself, our Christian world view finds help through Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives us the power for living especially in these difficult and trying times.

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

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. – Psalm 57:1

Psychological science has taught us that a basic need for the human mind is that it desires to feel in control. Lock downs, social distancing, quarantines, vaccine, and mask mandates all work together to take ‘control’ away from us and we feel powerless to make personal choices and exercise our free will. Know this: None of our world circumstances comes as a surprise to God. He’s got this under His control, and He will work it for our good. Our control is to yield to His control.

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

With the abiding presence of Jesus in our hearts we are never powerless. We must keep our eyes focused on Him and He will see us through these trying times to His praise, glory and for His good purpose.

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

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. – Ephesians 6:10

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Sword of the Spirit – From Anger to Thanksgiving #1170

Posted on November 21, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1170

“From Anger to Thanksgiving”

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil. – Ephesians 4:26-27

We seem to be living in a world environment today that is on a rolling boil waiting to erupt in anger and rage. Is your temper on a hair trigger? What are some of the things people do that get ‘under your skin’?

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. – Ephesians 4:31

Our actions triggered by anger can frighten us as well as others when we give full vent to the emotion. Worldly anger usually stems from our self-will being blocked and it almost always leads us down a path we will later regret.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; – James 1:19

Anger, however, is not a sin. Jesus was angry and He never sinned. Anger is merely an emotion albeit a strong one. The sin results from why we are angry and what we do with the anger. The sin results in where we let our anger lead us. Jesus demonstrated how to handle righteous anger.

Again, he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. – Mark 3:1-5

Anger can lead to good. It can lead to thanksgiving. The Pilgrims who first settled in America at Plymouth Colony were angry with the Church of England’s moral corruption and with religious persecution. The Pilgrims’ anger led them to leave their home country and lay the foundation for the world’s greatest free nation.

Jesus’ anger with the Pharisees’ hard hearts led to healing and thanksgiving to God for the healing of the man’s hand. In contrast, the Prodigal Son’s brother’s anger stemmed from his jealousy and led to hurt feelings and alienation from his father and brother.

…for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. – James 1:20

God has ‘wired’ each of us with passions. There are things that passionately motivate us to action. Sometimes that passion is joyous and sometimes it feels like anger. What provokes your passions? What issues exist that motivate you to positive action? What motivates you to make a positive difference, even for just one person?

Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you to discern selfish anger from righteous anger. Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to positive action – to make a difference in this world in the Name of Jesus Christ to His praise and glory. Allow your anger to lead to thanksgiving.

May you have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving Holiday!

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Sword of the Spirit – Remember Lot’s Wife #1169

Posted on November 17, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1169

“Remember Lot’s Wife”

Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. – Luke 17:32-33

Change happens. It is a constant in our lives. Change is sometimes thrust upon us and other times it is a planned event. Regardless of how change comes we all resist it to some degree.

It has been said that people prefer the certainty of misery over the misery of uncertainty and change always has that uncertain aspect to it.

Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, – 2 Corinthians 6:17

God is calling us to follow Him. He is asking us to change – constantly. His call to change begins with our accepting His free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The change process continues as Our Lord wants to sanctify us, cleanse, and purge us of worldliness, and equip us for service in His Kingdom.

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; – Revelation 18:4

Lot and his family underwent a planned change process as they settled their tents in the plains near Sodom and Gomorrah and eventually moved into a house in that wicked city and achieved a place of prominence there since we are told that Lot would take his place in the city gates. Lot was deeply troubled in his spirit by the wickedness of Sodom, yet he remained there. Worldly prosperity, prominence, and prestige had woven itself into the fabric of their lives and so they preferred the certainty of the misery of life in Sodom.

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. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – 1 John 2:15-17

God was about to bring total destruction to Sodom and Gomorrah and sudden change was thrust upon Lot and his family if they were to be saved. They needed to trust God and move fast without regret, reservation, or reluctance.

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, Lot’s wife disobeyed the directive to not look back and perished becoming a pillar of salt. Perhaps she loved the worldliness of life in Sodom more than God. Perhaps she loved her daughters, sons-in-law, or maybe grandchildren that were left behind more than God.

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. – Matthew 10:37-39

Where are you in God’s change process for your life?

Are you at the crossroad of salvation, to accept Christ or deny Him?

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – John 14:6 – Acts 4:12

Are you saved but having difficulty letting go of worldly things that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to turn from and trust God more?

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – Colossians 3:5

I exhort you as Jesus did to remember Lot’s wife. Hold the things of this world with a light touch and grasp with all your strength the eternal life you have through Jesus Christ. Embrace the sanctifying change that the Holy Spirit prompts you to make and do not look back, keeping your eyes fixed of Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:1-2)

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. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. – Philippians 3:13-15

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Sword of the Spirit – Pleasing God #1168

Posted on November 10, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1168

“Pleasing God”

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. And without faith it is impossible to please him…. – Romans 8:8 – Hebrews 11:6

I recall as a child doing things to please my father. I dreaded the occasional ‘Archie Bunker’ type of rebukes being called a ‘meathead’ and I relished the ‘good job’ praises from my Dad.

I am reminded of this relationship aspect with my father when I read about God the Father stating how pleased He is with Jesus.

…and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17

The questions we need to ask ourselves are: Do we desire to please God in every aspect of our lives and if so, how do we please Him? Our reference Scriptures teach us that to please God we must have faith in Jesus and be born-again by the Spirit of God (i.e.: not in the flesh).

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…. – John 3:3 – Galatians 5:16-18

The faith we need to please God and His Holy Spirit are both His gifts to us so that no one can boast of their ‘righteousness’.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever – Romans 10:17 – Ephesians 2:8 – John 14:16

Jesus is our perfect example of how to live a life pleasing to God. He walked continually in the power and presence of the Father.

And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” – John 8:29

This power for living a life pleasing to God is available to each of us who are born-again and have the abiding presence of Christ in us.

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. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Galatians 2:20 – Philippians 2:13

A life pleasing to God is a Spirit filled life characterized by the indwelling, abiding presence of Jesus Christ in your heart. God works in you and through you for His pleasure and for your good.

…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; – Colossians 1:10

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Sword of the Spirit – Who Touched Me? #1167

Posted on November 3, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1167

“Who Touched Me”

For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” – Mark 5:28

This woman from our reference Scripture had suffered for twelve years with a discharge of blood that none of the physicians of the day could help her with. Then she pressed through the crowd in faith just to touch the hem of Jesus’ garments.

How long have you sought the Lord in prayer for healing for yourself, a loved one or others that you know are in need of God’s healing touch? Do you find yourself getting weary in praying and waiting for God’s answer? Do you start to feel like you are bothering God with the same prayers?

He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. – Luke 18:1

Recognize that weariness in prayer is an attack from the enemy seeking to weaken your faith. Resist him in the Name of Jesus and he will flee from you. We can overcome our weariness and bolster our faith by the following:

Read, study, and meditate on the Word of God. Be encouraged by reading about God’s love for us and how Jesus had compassion and healed those who came to Him.

And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. – Mark 6:56

Immerse yourself in worship. Surround yourself with songs of praise. I was severely injured in an industrial accident and was in a wheelchair for six months. I recall spending hours listening to praise and worship music. The scriptural lyrics fed my mind and soul and dispelled the thoughts of worry and despair that the enemy sought to weaken my faith with. The Lord healed me miraculously.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. – Philippians 4:4

Persevere in prayer even when you don’t know how to pray. Even your sighing and groaning directed to God is a prayer by the Holy Spirit.

Pray without ceasing. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Colossians 4:2-4

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. – Romans 8:26

Pray in agreement with others.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20

Press in and reach out to touch Jesus in faith. He is as real today as He has been for eternity.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8

We can touch Jesus through religion and religiosity and receive nothing or we can touch Him through relationship and faith and receive grace and power and yes, even healing. Contrast the crowd that pressed in and around Jesus with the totally abandoned and vulnerable woman who, with singularity of purpose, pressed forward in faith toward Jesus expecting to be healed.

If you hunger and thirst spiritually, let go of all that hinders – repent of any sin issues and be vulnerable before God and with total abandonment reach out and touch Him. Be the one in the crowd of whom Jesus asks, ‘Who touched me?’

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Sword of the Spirit – Consider Your Ways #1166

Posted on October 27, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1166

“Consider Your Ways”

Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. – Haggai 1:5-7

The Hebrew word for ‘way’ in our reference Scripture is used in a variety of contexts. It can mean a road, distance, journey, or manner. The Lord’s Word to us through the prophet Haggai is to carefully consider our manner of life.

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.” Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Luke 12:15 – Hebrews 13:5

Americanism advertising appeals to our innate sense of covetousness. It tempts us to buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t know or like. Our covetous nature keeps us in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.

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

Our manner or way of life goes beyond how we manage our finances and material appetites. It encompasses our life stewardship of our health of spirit, mind, and body. It deals with our stewardship of life relationships with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and strangers. We are exhorted to carefully consider our way of speaking, thinking, and acting.

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. – 1 Corinthians 4:2 – 1 Peter 4:10

Do you find yourself surrounded by numerous material possessions yet remain dissatisfied? Are your relationships with others a mere formality without depth? Does your character and manner of life testify to the presence of the Living Word of God in your heart?

Carefully consider your ways and be transformed and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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. In all your ways acknowledge Him… that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. – Romans 12:2 – Proverbs 3:6 – Colossians 1:9-10

May your ways, your manner of life and the meditations of your heart and mind be pleasing to the Lord.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. – Ephesians 5:15-16 – Matthew 24:46

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Sword of the Spirit – Rebellion # 1165

Posted on October 20, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1165

“Rebellion”

For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; – Isaiah 30:9

Rebellion is an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. Rebellion started in the Garden of Eden and our nation and world society remain in active rebellion against the authority of God today.

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

The same rebellious spirit that cried out ‘Crucify Him’ 2000 years ago continues to seek to remove Jesus from authority today. We have passed laws, rules, and regulations that have torn down and destroyed Biblical references to the Word of God such as the Ten Commandments. We ban and prohibit prayer in schools as well as references to God in public speeches.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. – John 14:15

Around the world, Bibles are prohibited, and church services are banned or closely regulated. Christians who openly profess their faith in Jesus Christ are persecuted, imprisoned, or killed.

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. – Acts 5:29

Private businesses founded on Biblical Judeo-Christian values are being targeted, persecuted and brought before a corrupt judicial system that is equally rebellious to God’s authority.

There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths. For they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. – Job 24:13 – Psalm 107:11

Sadly, many mainstream church denominations have also rebelled against the sound teaching of the Truth of the Word of God and are embracing homosexuality and same sex marriage as normal rather than the abomination that God’s Word declares it to be.

For the time is coming when people will not endure soundteaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Ah, stubborn children, declares the Lord, who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; – Isaiah 30:1

In spite of the world’s rebellion, God remains ready to forgive. Jesus, the One whom the world seeks to remove from authority, died for all sinners who will turn from their rebellious ways and accept 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

I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. – Isaiah 65:2 – Jeremiah 33:8

Pray church. Pray for a revival in our land. Pray for God’s refining fire to cleanse us of our rebellion and sin. Pray for the Holy Spirit to equip us with the full armor of God to stand our ground in the day of evil.

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Sword of the Spirit – According to Your Word #1164

Posted on October 13, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1164

“According to Your Word”

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

I especially like reading Psalm 119 and I find myself lingering there meditating on the Word. Recently, I was struck by the repeat occurrence of the phrase ‘according to your Word’ and sought to delve deeper into those verses.

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

We guard our way to avoid willful sin by guarding our hearts. We guard our hearts through prayer and seeking the presence of the Lord continually – abiding in Him. It is simple: Go nowhere, say and do nothing without first acknowledging the presence of the Lord with you.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! – Psalm 119:25 – Psalm 119:28

Sometimes life in this fallen world repeatedly beats you down into the dust. You feel like there is no strength left in your body, mind or soul to get back up. Your soul melts away. Like water to a parched land, the Living Water of the Word of God will revive your heart and strengthen you to persevere in the power and might of the Holy Spirit.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – 1 Samuel 30:6 – Zechariah 4:6

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. – Psalm 138:7

Life circumstances and difficulties notwithstanding, sometimes our health is afflicted, and we despair of life itself. As always, the Word of God is a light to our path and a comfort in our affliction.

I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. – Psalm 119:107 – Psalm 119:50

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. – Jeremiah 17:14

Sometimes we can’t help but ask ‘Why, Lord?’ Through prayer and meditation on God’s Word the Holy Spirit who inspired these Words will also speak understanding, knowledge, and direction to light your path.

Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. – Psalm 119:169-170 – Psalm 119:65

May the Word of God light your way, and bring you comfort, peace, and wholeness of spirit, mind and body.

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged Psalm 119, Word of God | Leave a comment