Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Sacrificial Love #1373

Posted on November 2, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1373

“Sacrificial Love”

It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – Matthew 20:26-27; John 15:13

It is in our nature to desire to be great and to be first. No one likes to be picked last when picking teams. Everyone desires to be named the MVP. In God’s Kingdom, however, being great and first means to turn our natural inclinations upside down.

Jesus taught that to be considered ‘great’ (megas) we need to voluntarily serve and minister (diakonos-servant) to others.

He took it one step further and said that to be ‘first’ (protos – best; foremost) we must be a slave (doulos – bondservant).

Jesus also taught that the greatest love is sacrificial – to be willing to be poured out for others.

Jesus did not merely ‘teach’ as the Pharisees did. He put His teachings into practice, setting an example for us to follow. Jesus is our Servant-Slave-Savior.

Jesus was a servant Matthew 20:28a – (He) came not to be served but to serve. (diakonos)

Jesus was a slave Philippians 2:7 – but emptied himself, by taking the form of a slave. (doulos)

Jesus poured out His life Matthew 20:28b – (He) came to give his life as a ransom for many.

How do we follow Jesus’ example in our day-to-day life?

Sacrificial Love of Praise – It is easy to praise and worship when everything is coming up roses. When times are difficult and you feel angry, resentful, and questioning God’s love, are you willing in faith to die to self and offer a sacrifice of praise? Are you willing to continue to sacrificially serve Him and pour out your praise to ‘prime the pump’ in faith that God will yet see you through these difficult times?

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name – Hebrews 13:15

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. – Romans 12:1

Sacrificial Love in Life – There is a freedom in the born-again Christian’s life having been forgiven, cleansed, and possessing a clear conscience. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, our freedom must be tempered by our love for others whose faith and relationship with Jesus is fragile or non-existent.

In following Jesus are we willing to be a servant-slave to others as Jesus was and to die to our self-interests, being willing to be sacrificially poured out in His Name.

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up; But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. – 1 Corinthians 10:23; 1 Corinthians 8:9

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. – Philippians 2:17

Sacrificial Love in Marriage – Nowhere is the example of Christ’s sacrifice as a servant-slave as explicit as it is in instructing husbands to love their wives. Husbands are you willing to die to your self-interests and be a servant-slave to your wife as Jesus is to His church? Are you willing to pour yourself out to prime the pump of your marriage relationship to receive an abundance of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your marriage relationship?

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her – Ephesians 5:25

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; – Galatians 5:22-23

Servant – Slave – Sacrifice – A secular wisdom story is told about a thirsty traveler who comes upon an abandoned farm with a well pump. There is a jug of water next to the pump with a note: ‘Do not drink this water. Pour it all into the pump to prime it, and you will have an abundance of water.’ The traveler has to decide whether to die to self – his flesh craving for water – and in faith, pour it all into the pump to prime it in hope of receiving an abundant supply in return.

The traveler has to also decide whether to self-serve or serve others who will come after him by after having his needs met, refill the container, leaving others a full jug of water and instructions as to how to obtain an abundance and thereby ministering to the needs of others.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it; Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. – Matthew 16:24-25; 28:19-20

May you whole heartedly and steadfastly follow Jesus’ example of sacrificially being a servant and slave in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Begin first with your relationship with Jesus, then to your family and spouse, and then to the world.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Marking Time #1372

Posted on October 27, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1372

“Marking Time”

And He says to them, “Come follow after Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19 (BLB)

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

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; – Matthew 28:19

Troops march forward in formation until the command is given to ‘Mark Time, march!’ and the troops continue to step but remain in place. Forward motion has ceased.

The Word of God calls us to Come, Follow, Grow, and Go. We answered the altar call, recited the sinner’s prayer of repentance and accepted Jesus’ atonement for our sins. But for many of us, we are satisfied to rest in the assurance of salvation and fail to follow, grow and go. We are ‘Marking Time’ and remain ‘as people of the flesh’.

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

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. – Hebrews 5:12-14

Come – We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The free gift of salvation is for all who would come to Him in repentance and faith.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 6:35,14:6

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

Follow – Our salvation is the first step of a journey. We must not ‘mark time’ and cease to follow Jesus. To follow Him is to surrender our will to His will, plan, and purpose for our life. We follow Him to be discipled by Him and to learn from Him. We follow to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus.

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. – Mark 8:34

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Grow – When we come to Jesus and follow Him, the Holy Spirit empowers us to grow in faith. This is the sanctification process whereby we are spiritually equipped to live in this world as citizens of heaven. Growth comes through consistent communion and fellowship with God through prayer. We are to seek first His kingdom over everything else in this world.

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

We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ – Ephesians 4:15

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness… For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… – 2 Peter 1:3-11

Go – We grow to go. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. His abiding presence in us equips us for service in the Kingdom of God. His sanctification process prunes the unfruitful branches of our flesh so that we can grow in Him and produce good fruit in abundance.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” – Romans 10:14-15

Forward March! – The call of the Lord is to come to Him and receive eternal life. His call continues to Follow, to Grow, and to Go. He died for us. We are called to live for Him.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called – Ephesians 4:1

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 3:13-14

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Sword of the Spirit – Living Word #1371

Posted on October 19, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1371

“Living Word”

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

If you have ever planted a seed, what initially appears to be inert and lifeless, like the printed words in a book, once planted in good soil, nurtured, and watered, becomes alive and actively grows and bears fruit. The Word of God is like a seed as Jesus taught in the parable of the sower.

Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. – Matthew 13:8

We err when we neglect the Word of God. We err when we discount one Testament in favor of the other or ignore portions of Scripture, picking out only the verses that we want to hear. The entire Canon of Scripture, all 66 books provide the whole counsel of God to us.

For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:27

The Holy Bible is the revealed Word of God to us. It is the inerrant sacred text recorded in the original manuscripts under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Faith is Not Blind – Critics of the Christianity call it ‘blind faith’. Nothing is further from the truth. God gives each of us a measure of faith, a seed if you will, that will grow once nurtured with the water of the Word of God.

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word 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. – 1 Peter 1:23;

Ephesians 2:8-9

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17

The Word of God is Alive – Our life in this world is temporary. Through faith in Jesus, we can be born again by the Spirit and have the assurance of eternal life with Him. The Word of God is alive and gives us life.

Because I live, you also will live. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. – John 14:19, 6:63

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. – Matthew 4:4

The Word of God is Active – Read the Word from a posture of prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Word. Ask Him to activate the Word, teaching you how to apply it in your life circumstances. The Word of God is a catalyst that activates our faith and gives us power for living in this fallen world. Read and meditate on the Word in expectation to hear from God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11

The Word of God is Discerning – God knows usbetter than we know ourselves. Nothing is hidden from Him. We may compartmentalize sin, hurts, bitterness and anger, stuffing them down while wearing an ‘all things are good’ mask when facing the world. We can lie to ourselves and to others, but God knows the truth, and He still loves us. He wants to heal and free us from all that burdens us.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust; But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 103:14; Romans 5:8

When we read the Word of God expect the sharp, double-edged sword of His Word to convict us of sin that we have rationalized and to expose the truth concerning the lies we have told ourselves.

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Acts 2:37,38

Expect the Sword of the Word to lance festering sores and past hurts so that they may be healed and to break the chains that have hindered us from having the abundant life of the abiding presence of Jesus in us.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. – John 10:10; Romans 8:2

May the Water of the Word of God save, cleanse, heal, and sanctify you to fulfill His perfect plan and purpose for your life in this world and for eternity with Him in Heaven.

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Sword of the Spirit – Along the Path #1370

Posted on October 12, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1370

“Along the Path”

Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.

Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.

Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.

And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” – Mark 4:3-9

The Lord reminded me of our reference Scripture on a recent road trip in northeast Georgia. As we traveled on a rural road, we came upon a stretch of highway that paralleled railroad tracks.

Along the Path – The Railroad Tracks defined a pre-ordained path to a destination, and for a time, I was headed in that direction as I drove ‘along the path’.

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; – John 12:26

I saw the road I was driving on as a metaphor for the Christian life that is ‘along the path.’ Many of us who proclaim to be Christian have the appearance of following Christ, but we do so with divided affections. We have received the seeds of the Word of God, but the deceitfulness of the world prevents the Truth of the Word from establishing deep roots and bearing fruit.

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; When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. – 1 John 2:15; Matthew 13:19

Rocky Ground. The railroad track bed is on rocky ground. Nothing should grow there that would hinder clear passage by the train. It is designed to be solid ground, stable and firm.

The road I was on was rough in spots with potholes that shook and rattled us and our vehicle while the railroad tracks appeared solid and stable. The trials of life are tough to navigate when we go in our own strength and ability.

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

How rocky is the soil of the garden of my heart? Will the seeds of the Truth of the Word of God take root there and bear fruit for the Kingdom?

As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. – Matthew 13:20-2

Among Thorns – Weeds, thorns, and the like all seem to be able to grow where nothing else will, and they were evident along the path of the railroad tracks.

For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it and … bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned; And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. – Hebrews 6:7-8; Luke 8:14

The road we followed took us through towns. The railroad tracks were on my right. On my left were the trappings of the world with stores and shops selling material goods. Billboards enticed us with everything from food to immoral adult only shops. The thorns that choke the seed of the Word of God in our hearts take many varied forms.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me; – Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 119:133

Good Soil – For a time the road and the path of the train that I followed traversed fertile farmland. Crops were bountiful and the fruit of the land was evident. How fertile is the soil of the garden of my heart? Will the seeds of the Truth of the Word of God take root there and bear fruit for the Kingdom?

But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold; He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers – Mark 4:20; Psalm 1:3

Our Prayer: The road I was on eventually steered away from the path of the railroad tracks and for a time I could still see them and then, after a bit, I was fully encompassed by the world.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. – John 17:14-15

Father, may the seed of Your Word be firmly rooted in the fertile soil of my heart. May it bear fruit for Your Kingdom. May I always follow Jesus and the path You have ordained for me in this world. Thank You, Jesus for ransoming me and that my final destination is eternal life with You!

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Morality, Prayer, Priorities, Purpose, Salvation, Temptation, Trials | Tagged bible, christianity, Eternal Life, faith, god, Good Soil, Jesus, morality, parable, salvation, Sowing Seeds, Thorns | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Denial #1369

Posted on October 5, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1369

“Denial”

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

Our reference Scripture are words spoken by Jesus to the Christian church of Laodicea whom He calls lukewarm. They were unenthusiastic, uninterested, and halfhearted about their relationship with Him.

These same words are applicable today to those of us who profess to be Christians and are lackadaisical in our faith. They are also applicable to unbelievers who deny their need for a Savior altogether. Both groups are living in a state of denial.

None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one… There is no fear of God before their eyes. – Romans 3:10-18

In Denial About the Need for Salvation Through Jesus – There are two eternal destinations that are ahead of each of us: Heaven, and Hell. We deny the Truth of the Word of God when we believe the lie that we do not need salvation or that there is no Hell.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23

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

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all lawbreakers and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – Matthew 13:41-42

We deny the Truth of the Word of God when we believe that we can earn the right to go to Heaven by doing good works.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment; 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; Isaiah 64:6

In Denial That We Need Jesus’ Help Through Trials – Have you ever asked someone if they had a prayer request – something you could pray to the Lord for on their behalf – only to have them respond, ‘No. I am good.’ It is because of foolish pride that we attempt to ‘go it alone’ and not prayerfully seek the Lord’s help through our trials.

Humble yourselves before the Lord; Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – James 4:10; Philippians 4:6

In Denial About Needing Jesus’ Sustaining Help in Life – We deny the Truth of the Word of God when we discount our need for His abiding presence and the gifts of the Spirit to empower us to do life in this world.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge…so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 1:4-8

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

In Denial about Continual Growth in Faith and Relationship with Jesus – There are some who believe that after they have accepted salvation through Christ there is no more to be done.

Believing in Jesus is only the first step. We must deny ourself and not His call upon our life. Following Him is the rest of our Christian journey.

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. – Mark 8:34

We must acknowledge and not deny our need to be born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Following Jesus means to continually live a transformed life and imitating His example. It is a lifelong process of learning His Word, growth in faith and relying on God’s grace.

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

In Denial About Your Ability to Serve – God does not call the qualified – He qualifies the called. We deny the Truth of the Word of God when we make excuses that we do not have time, or that we are unqualified to minister and serve. Your obedience to His call upon your life releases the Holy Spirit’s power to work through you to minister to others. It is always about Him and His power and never about our ability.

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. – Zechariah 4:6

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

May the Holy Spirit speak the clear Truth of the Word of God into your heart and mind.

May you deny your flesh and embracing the Truth of the Gospel, grow in faith and service as you wholeheartedly follow Jesus.

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Sword of the Spirit – Surpassing Worth #1368

Posted on September 28, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1368

“Surpassing Worth”

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ – Philippians 3:8

Some people go to great lengths, spending time, effort, and money to gain access to a celebrity or to increase their chances for an encounter with them. After all is said and done, they still do not truly know them or are known by them. Their efforts have no lasting worthwhile value.

Zacchaeus’ Encounter With Jesus – Zacchaeus sought an encounter with Jesus and went to extra lengths to see Him by climbing up into a tree.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus changed his life. Getting to know Jesus as his Lord was worth more to him than his material possessions and he received eternal value from his relationship with Jesus.

Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:1-10

Paul’s Relationship With Jesus – Paul uses strong, descriptive language to emphasize the value he placed upon His personal relationship with Jesus.

Count Everything as Loss and Rubbish – When he says everything, he means everything – nothing held back. When he says, ‘Loss and Rubbish’ He is considering all his worldly possessions to be damaged to the point of being useless, and good for nothing but to be thrown away.

Knowing and Gaining Christ Jesus as my Lord – The words used in the original text imply ‘trading up’ (gain) from worldliness to obtain a personal relationship with his Savior, Jesus (knowing). Paul is saying that nothing in this world, its sinful pleasures or material possessions will interfere with his personal relationship with Jesus.

Do I know Jesus, or merely know of Him? Is He only a historical figure that I have heard of?

Am I in a transactional, religion-based law relationship with Jesus or do I have an intimate, abiding personal relationship with Him?

Do I know Jesus as my Brother?

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:34-35

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; You have received the Spirit of adoption as children, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him; That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. – 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:15,17; Hebrews 2:11

Do I know Jesus as my Friend? Jesus is that friend that is never far away. He is closer than a brother. Always present. Will I do anything for Him when He asks as I would for a close friend? Or will I ghost Him when He calls?

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. – John 15:15

Do I know Jesus as Husband? We are the church and are called the Bride of Christ. Do I love Him sacrificially? Do I know His heart, what pleases Him, what hurts Him? Am I willing to lay down my life for Him? Do I abide with Him and do life with Him?

Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready – Revelation 19:7

Surpassing Worth – Paul emphasizes that a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior, Lord, Friend, and Brother is of the supremely highest worth over anything and everything that this world can offer. Absolutely nothing can compare or come close to its worth.

What is this depth and constancy of a personal relationship with Jesus worth to you? Is He worth more than career and material possessions?

Is He worth more than the sin habit you are unwilling to repent of? Can you consider all the things of this world to be as destroyed, useless rubbish in comparison to a close, personal relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

May the Holy Spirit guide you in reflecting on your walk with Jesus. May He draw you into an intimate personal relationship as children of God through faith in Him and obedience to His Word.

In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence. – Ephesians 3:12 (BSB)

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Sword of the Spirit – Spiritual Stamina #1367

Posted on September 21, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1367

“Spiritual Stamina”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

Spiritual stamina is the inner strength and resilience that enables a person to persevere in their beliefs and values despite challenges, hardships, or difficulties in life.

It is characterized by perseverance, endurance, and steadfastness in purpose. It is demonstrated as resilience in adversity and peace instead of panic in crisis moments.

We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses – Our reference Scripture from Hebrews 12 begins with ‘Therefore’, connecting us to a preceding passage where the writer describes a legacy of the faith of our forefathers from Abel to Moses, and all those who were steadfast in their faith, even to the point of persecution and death. This is the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ that surrounds us. These are those whose legacy of steadfast faith, spiritual stamina, and endurance, sets an example and encouragement for us.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope… – Romans 15:4-5

Lay aside every weight, and sin – If you have ever tried to run to catch a flight while encumbered with heavy baggage, you know how difficult it is. We are weighed down by the worries, fears, and cares of this world making us unfruitful in running the race set before us. We must lay aside every weight that hinders our walk with Jesus.

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. – Matthew 13:22

We are also hindered in running the race before us by sin, which clings so closely. Unrepented sin is like a leech clinging to our skin and sucking our life blood. We need to repent, that is turn away from sin, and be cleansed by the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Acts 2:38

Flee from sexual immorality… But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. – 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Timothy 6:11

Run with endurance – God has set His purpose-driven marathon before each of us that we are to run.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Psalm 138:8; Ephesians 2:10

Running a marathon requires endurance and stamina which are developed through disciplined training. Likewise, we cannot expect to run the race that God has set before us without daily training in the Word of God. Our spiritual stamina and endurance are developed through the testing of our faith and through prayer and the reading and study of Scripture.

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope – James 1:3; Romans 5:3-4

Looking to Jesus – He is the author and perfector of our faith. We must not take our eyes off of Him and look to the things of this world when faced with trials or when we grow weary or tired.

Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength – Isa 40:31

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. – Hebrews 12:3

Run to Obtain the Prize – The prize is eternal life through Jesus. Nothing in this world, no material possessions, no fame, no sinful pleasure – nothing is worth losing the prize.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control… – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. – Colossians 1:10-12

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Sword of the Spirit – The Open Door #1366

Posted on September 14, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1366

“The Open Door”

Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. – Revelation 3:8

Our reference Scripture verse was addressed to the church in Philadelphia which was a city located in modern-day Turkey. This small church community receives praise from Jesus for their endurance under trial and faithfulness in obedience to the Word of God and in evangelism in spite of persecution.

In this letter Jesus describes Himself as the Holy one who has the key of David, who opens doors that no one will shut, and who shuts, and no one opens. Let us apply this Word of Truth to our lives today.

Open Door of Evangelism: We who are born-again Christians comprise the Body of Christ, His church, and we are given His commission to go in the power of the Holy Spirit and make disciples of all nations through the teaching and preaching of the Gospel Truth of the Word of God.

Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus opens the door for us as He did for the Church in Philadelphia. There are ‘divine appointments’ to be had through that open door. Are we willing to step through that door? Are we ready in season and out of season, to share the Truth of the Word of God?

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2

And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. – Acts 14:27

Charlie Kirk: Through his TPUSA Faith movement, https://tpusafaith.com/ Charlie sought to engage, equip, and empower Christians to put their faith into action. The Lord set an open door before him and Charlie stepped through, eagerly and joyfully embracing every ‘divine encounter’ that the Lord provided.

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

Charlie was not an ordained minister. He was for all intents and purposes very much like you and me. He was, however, committed to following Jesus and an avid student of the Word of God, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, God used him powerfully and effectively to minister to the lost and to those seeking greater understanding of the Truth of the Gospel.

Charlie walked with Jesus, and he obediently walked through the open doors that Jesus placed before him.

For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. – 1 Corinthians 16:9

The enemy sought to close the door that Charlie walked through by assassinating him, but the Truth of God’s Word is that doors opened by Jesus no one can shut.

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens, and no one will shut, who shuts, and no one opens. – Revelation 3:7

Open Door: Answering the Call: Each and every one of us who are born-again Christian followers of Jesus Christ, ordinary people like Charlie, are called to go through the open door that Jesus has placed before us.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? – Romans 10:14

Go through the door in obedience. We may not all be called to minister in the scope that Charlie Kirk did. We are called however to be obedient to study the Word to be ready to cast off the busyness of worldly pursuits and not neglect or abdicate our responsibility to disciple our family, children, neighbors, coworkers, and other divine appointments presented to us.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. – Acts 1:8

Go through the open door not in the power of your intellect but rather in the love, power, wisdom, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts – 1 Corinthians 14:1

Go through the open door in the full armor of God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11

May the Holy Spirit fan into flame the fire of passionate desire and fervent love for God and the Truth of His Word.

May you cast off the things and sin of this world and of the flesh that hinder your close relationship and walk with Jesus.

May you be sanctified by His presence and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within you.

May you, in the power of the Holy Spirit, obediently and eagerly walk through the open doors that the Lord places before you as salt and light, bearing witness of the Gospel Message of the Word of God to the lost by your words and the example of your actions.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Posted in Authority, Business as Mission, Direction, Faith, Holiness, Obedience, Perseverance, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Trials, Workplace, Worship | Tagged bible, Charlie Kirk, christianity, Eternal Life, evangelism, faith, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, Jesus, salvation, TPUSA Faith | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The Kingdom of Heaven #1365

Posted on September 7, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1365

“The Kingdom of Heaven”

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

Many of us erroneously view the Kingdom of God and of Heaven through the lens of the ‘kingdoms’ (governments) of this world. We also err when we think of it solely as the future millennial reign of Jesus. We are not alone in this confusion. Even John the Baptist asked: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matt 11:3)

God’s Kingdom – A Present and Future Reality The Kingdom of God and of Heaven was fulfilled through the first coming of Jesus Christ: ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ As George Ladd, a professor of theology puts it, “The Kingdom of God presently is fulfillment without consummation.” Kingdom blessings can be experienced today but the ultimate consummation of the Kingdom of God is reserved for when Jesus returns.

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them… behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. – Luke 17:20-21

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. – Luke 11:20

Our present reality of the Kingdom of God is found through the abiding presence of Jesus. Where the King is, so is His Kingdom. In His present Kingdom, there is peace that surpasses worldly understanding (Phil 4:7), overcoming power for living in this evil world (John 16:33), and we have the Holy Spirit, His gifts and counsel (John 14:15-31).

God’s Kingdom v World Kingdom We are in the world but not of it. A kingdom is defined and characterized by its culture and the kingdoms of this world are steeped in sin. The kingdoms of this world are also subject to a continual change of leadership that seek to remain in power and forcibly shape the culture to their paradigm and belief system.

The Kingdom of Heaven is not like this world or of this world (John 18:36). There are no elections or coup d’état overthrow of governments. Jesus is Sovereign and its culture is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; – Galatians 5:22-24

God’s Kingdom – Born Again Citizenship We are born into the kingdom of this world, in sin. In this world we are identified by our worldly government citizenships. It is through repentance and faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior that we are born again into the Kingdom of God and although we are in the world, we are now citizens of Heaven.

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

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

God’s Kingdom – What is it Worth to You? When we hear the Gospel Truth, Jesus stands knocking at the door to our heart. (Rev 3:20) The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Will we let Him in?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son – John 3:16; Colossians 1:13

Jesus taught parables about what the Kingdom of Heaven was like, which described people who recognized its eternal value and worth and gave up everything of this world to obtain it.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field; Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:44-46

Are we willing to seek His Kingdom first above all the temporal things that the kingdoms of this world have to offer? What is eternal life with Jesus worth to you?

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

God’s Kingdom – Stepping Into Purpose The governments of this world have ambassadors that work to promote harmony between kingdoms. We, who are born again into the Kingdom of Heaven are all ambassadors for Christ. We bring His Gospel Truth in word and deed to all we meet to advance the Kingdom of Heaven. It is like a planted mustard seed and yeast that works through the dough. (Matthew 13:31-33)

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:20

Responsorial Prayer:

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. – Matthew 6:10- 2 Timothy 4:18

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Obedience, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Words, Workplace | Tagged bible, Born again, christianity, Eternal Life, faith, forgiveness, god, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Fall Risk #1364

Posted on August 31, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1364

“Fall Risk”

Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”- Mark 14:29-30

Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12

I recall the times that I have been hospitalized that I had to wear identification tags informing the staff that I was a fall risk. I reflected on this as I read our reference Scriptures – Is my faith walk with Jesus free from stumbling blocks and trip hazards?

Failure to maintain balance. As I advance in age, I realize that I can no longer be confident and secure in my ability to maintain balance. I furniture surf and need the support of grab bars and other devices to safely navigate my way.

Spiritually speaking, am I foolishly going through life in a fallen world, boasting in my own strength without relying on the support, guidance, counsel, and power of the Holy Spirit?

Truly God is good …to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. – Psalm 73:1-3

If we try to walk with one foot in the world and the other foot on the narrow path of righteousness, we will most surely lose our balance and stumble and fall.

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; Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. – 1 Timothy 6:9; 1 John 2:15-16

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:15-17

Failure to repent. For many of us, straddling the paths of the world and the narrow path of righteousness means that we are justifying a habit or sin issue in our life that we do not wish to let go of. A hardened heart causes us to be a fall risk.

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 119:133

For me, I continued to indulge in tobacco and alcohol use – seemingly innocuous habits – not really sinful – until the Lord convicted me of the fact that these things were idols that I turned to instead of relying on Him to calm nerves, relax, etc. Now they became sin for me, and I had to choose to repent or harden my heart against the leading of the Holy Spirit.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – 1 John 1:8-10

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. – Proverbs 28:14

Failure to Walk in the Light. When the doctor put me through balance tests, I did not do too badly until they asked me to perform the tests with my eyes closed. Darkness greatly increased my fall risk.

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” – John 11:9-10

We cannot live as Christians without growing in the depth and knowledge of the Light of the Living Word of God. Religion is superficial. God’s Word revealed to us daily builds a relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that gives us power for living and security in our steps.

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

Failure to Follow and Failure to Lead. Our instability in following Jesus can lead others to stumble and fall also. When we proclaim to be Christian and yet still openly live a rationalized, compromised worldly lifestyle, we place stumbling blocks and snares before others who may be vulnerable to our influence and look to us as an example to follow.

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Sometimes, we just have to deny ourselves for the sake of others. It may be alcohol, tobacco, and other unhealthy indulgences. It could be our choice of entertainment in movies, music, or gaming. The Holy Spirit will show you – if you will obey Him.

Let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. – Romans 14:13

Our Prayer: Father, I thank you for the Truth of Your Word that lights my path to keep me from falling. I thank You, Holy Spirit for speaking Truth and guidance to my heart to let go of stumbling blocks and unrepented sin that I have rationalized and stubbornly harbored. I repent of my disobedience and seek to wholeheartedly grow in relationship with Jesus, my Lord, bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. May I present your Light, Jesus, to others and never cause anyone to stumble.

For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. – Psalm 56:13

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen – Jude 1:24-25

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