Sword of the Spirit

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.

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. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! – Romans 7:21-25

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

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

Posted in Business as Mission | Tagged fear, Pandemic, salvation, vaccine | Leave a comment

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.