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

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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

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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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Sword of the Spirit – Dangerous Ground #1363

Posted on August 24, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1363        

“Dangerous Ground”

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

A common wartime battlefield tactic is to seek to destroy the opponent’s weapons and to kill or maim their troops through the use of booby traps, IED’s, and/or land mines.

We are in a war – a spiritual war, and the path of life before us is a dangerous one with numerous snares that are more deadly than the land mines that can only kill or maim the body.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

In his book: Fight Like A Man, E.Z. Zwayne states that we have three enemies in our fight against sexual immorality: The Devil, Our Flesh, and the World. He also makes the statement that ‘Life is not a resort; it’s a battlefield’ and that ‘The long and winding road of life will be lined with countless lust traps at every turn’.

Since the dawn of time, the Devil has used the world to appeal to the lust of our flesh to lure us into the entrapment and snares of idolatry and sin. As our technology has advanced, Satan has corrupted and twisted what can be a useful tool into a device to spiritually maim and destroy us.

The paths of the world are littered with the mines and snares of the enemy.

For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray. – Proverbs 5:21-23

Watchmen – Pastors, Parents, Brothers, and Sisters, and yes, our elected officials – if we see our children or others about to venture foolishly into a minefield, should we not warn them? God will hold us accountable for our abdication of responsibility.

Son of man, I have made you a watchman… Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. – Ezekiel 3:17

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. – Proverbs 22:6, 13:14

Technology Developers – AI is a new technological tool with great potential and Satan has already corrupted the companies developing it for his nefarious purposes.

“It’s technology that has the potential to enable enormous leaps in productivity and human understanding and yet at the same time is an enabler in a much more destructive, malignant sense.” – Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate.

The AP reports that researchers posed as vulnerable teens and interacted with ChatGPT. Initially, the chatbot provided warnings against risky behavior but when pressed, it provided detailed and personalized plans for risky and self-destructive behavior. Teens were instructed on how to get high and commit suicide.

“We wanted to test the guardrails. The visceral initial response is, ‘Oh my Lord, there are no guardrails.’ The rails are completely ineffective. They’re barely there — if anything, a fig leaf.” – Imran Ahmed

Ahmed said that he started crying after reading three suicide notes that ChatGPT generated for the fake profile of a 13-year-old girl.

Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! – Matthew 18:7

If that is not enough, xAI has released AI avatars that will provide pornographic interaction. A report from Reuters states that ‘Some bots are built to flirt’ and ‘are allowed to engage in sensual conversations, even when talking to minors.’

The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. – Psalm 119:110

A recent study from Common Sense Media indicated that more than 70% of US teens are turning to AI chatbots for intimate companionship. They have ventured out, unsupervised, without warning or guidance into dangerous ground littered with mines and snares. Where is parenting?

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. – Matthew 18:6

Overcome the Enemy – Brave men and women specialized in clearing a path through a live minefield guide fellow soldiers safely through. In like manner, the Holy Spirit is here to guide us on the narrow path that leads to eternal life.

But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life; But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless! Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me and from the snares of evildoers! – Matthew 7:14 (BSB); Psalm 141:8-9

May you remain in the Word, obedient and guided by the Holy Spirit along the safe path through the destructive entrapments and snares of this world.

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Sword of the Spirit – I Never Knew You #1362

Posted on August 17, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1362        

“I Never Knew You”

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’

And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. – Matthew 7:21-23

I have an Atlanta Braves jersey with Jeff Francoeur’s name on it from when he first signed on with the team. I identify with Jeff since we share the same name.  I cheered him on when I watched the Braves play. I do not know Jeff. We have never met, and Jeff does not know me.

What does it mean, then to know Jesus? Knowing Him is much more than self-identifying as a Christian. It is much more than wearing symbols and emblems of Christianity and ‘cheering’ Him on in an occasional worship service as if we were at a ballpark. Let’s unpack our reference Scripture from the Sermon the Mount.

The Will of the Father – The will of God is not about doing Christian things; it is about being born again through faith in Jesus and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior.

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ… – John 6:40;1 John 3:23

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 1 John 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17

On That Day – This is Judgement Day. Regardless as to whether your interpretation is that there are one, two, or three different judgement days, the common denominator for all interpretations is that we all, believers, and unbelievers alike, will stand before Jesus on that final day of judgement.

Unbelievers will have stored up wrath for that day and will receive eternal punishment. But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. – Romans 2:5

Believers will also be judged. Those whose names are in the Lamb’s Book of Life will receive their rewards. These are those who are born again by the Spirit of God. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:23

Other believers, i.e. Nominal Christians, will hear the worst words that one can hear from Jesus: ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Nominal Christianity – ‘Fake it till you make it’ may get you by in a worldly context, but it is fatally flawed in God’s economy. Nominal Christianity is a minimalist approach to the faith: Do as little as you can to receive a maximum perceived benefit. It is seeking easy Christianity i.e. faith without change or transformation. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Nominal Christians view church membership as evidence of salvation. They straddle the fence between the world and religion. They may self-identify as ‘Christian’ based upon their culture: raised in a Christian family, live in the Bible Belt of the United Sates, etc. but it is superficial.

This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men – Isaiah 29:13

Nominal Christians are falsely confident in a salvation being founded on works righteousness, religious rituals, and a lukewarm, distant relationship with God.

And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: … I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘… I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. – Revelation 3:1, 14-16

But Lord, We Did Works! – Nominal Christians will be devastated by Jesus’ statement even though the Truth of the Word of God made it abundantly clear that a relationship with Jesus was required, not works.

Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. – Galatians 2:16

Relationship not Religion – The key differentiator between Christianity and all other religions of the world is relationship. Specifically, a born-again personal relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

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… that I may know him and the power of his resurrection… – Philippians 3:8-11

This devotional topic is a ‘hard saying’ of Jesus. The good news of the Gospel is that our Father desires that none should perish and that all should reach true repentance. May the Holy Spirit use this Word of Truth to awaken your heart. May He draw you into a personal relationship with Jesus – to know Him and be known by Him.

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Sword of the Spirit – Get a Grip #1361

Posted on August 10, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1361        

“Get a Grip”

You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. – Deuteronomy 13:4

While serving in the Navy, I searched at every port of call for a set of tall chess pieces that would complement the handcrafted board I had found in Italy. I found a bronze set in Palma de Mallorca. It was very heavy. Our ship was not allowed in port due to its nuclear technology and we were moored out in the Mediterranean.

Our shore leave was cut short due to a storm that was kicking up heavy seas. I clutched my chess piece prized possession with a tight grip as I attempted to step off the liberty boat onto the ship’s gangway platform whose position fluctuated many feet above and then below the edge of the liberty boat as the seas buffeted us. My timing had to be perfect, and I only had one hand free to grasp the gangway railing.

If I misstepped and ended up in the sea, would I continue to maintain a grip on the heavy chess pieces and let them drag me down to certain death, or would I let them go and grab the life saving grip of my shipmates?

I share this life experience as a metaphor for our everyday lives in this world and our relationship with Jesus. Do we maintain a tight grip on the temporal things of this world instead of the saving grip of Jesus Christ?

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? – Mark 8:36

A Death Grip – If I had fallen into the sea, to hold on to my chess pieces would have indeed been foolish. How many of us today maintain a death grip on the perishable things of this world to the detriment of our relationship and walk with Jesus?

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 John 2:15-17

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity; And he said to them, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions – Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 12:15

How many of us stubbornly hold on to sin, rationalizing and justifying it away as not ‘being so bad’?

Why then has this people turned away in perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return. They hold fast to their evil purpose; – Jeremiah 8:5; Psalm 64:5

How many of us foolishly place our ‘grip of trust’ in ourselves or others in this world first before seeking help from our Lord in prayer?

Behold, you are trusting now in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him; Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! – 2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 31:1

Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord; Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. – Jeremiah 17:5; Psalm 146:3

An Eternal Life Grip – We need to hold loosely the things of this world and hold fast to the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our trust, our help in time of need, our hope for forgiveness of sin and eternal life is found only in Jesus. We must hold fast our confession of faith in Him and maintain an Eternal Life Grip on Him.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession; Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. – Hebrews 4:14, 3:6

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. – Jeremiah 17:7

What are you maintaining a spiritual death grip on? Upon what are you holding fast to the detriment of your close walk with Jesus?

May the Holy Spirit speak clearly to your heart revealing to you the things of this world that you need to let go of and the things that you need to hold loosely.

May you hold fast to Jesus with an eternal life grip, walking with Him, trusting Him, and growing in a personal relationship with Him.

Responsorial Prayer: Father, I confess and repent of my misplaced trust in the things of this world. I repent of the sin I have harbored in my heart and held fast to. With open hands and an open heart, I let it all go and I hold fast to Your Word of Truth. Take my hand Lord and do not let me go. I want to keep an Eternal Life Grip on You all the days of my present life and into eternity with You. Thank You, Father for Your saving grace. Amen.

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Sword of the Spirit – Crucified with Christ #1360

Posted on August 3, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1360        

“Crucified with Christ”

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

What does it mean to be crucified with Jesus? We are not literally being nailed to a cross so what is the Holy Spirit teaching us through the Gospels about being crucified with Christ?

Crucified with Christ – It is about what He did.

Being crucified with Christ is not about what we can do to live a righteous life and overcome our sin nature. It is about what Jesus did by His death and resurrection – paying the penalty for our sin so that we can be saved by grace and justified before God.

For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

…We have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. – 2 Corinthians 5:13-15

Baptism – A Symbolic Act of Being Crucified with Christ – Having repented and accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we symbolize our death to sin and resurrection to a new life through Baptism.

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

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life… – Romans 6:3-4

Crucified with Christ: Dead to Sin – Alive in Jesus.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience; The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him – Ephesians 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:11

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin… So, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. – Romans 6:6-11

Crucified with Christ: A New Way of Life, Love, and Commitment. When Jesus comes into our heart we are born again into a new way of life. By the power of the Holy Spirit in us we have power for living a more righteous life in this unrighteous world. Our desire and commitment are to serve Him, be obedient to Him, love as He loved, and walk in His plan and purpose for us to His praise and glory.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you since you are not under law but under grace. – Romans 6:12- 14

And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised; And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. – Matthew 10:38; 2 Corinthians 5:15

Dying Little Deaths – Sanctification. Being crucified with Christ brings about change, but it is not all instantaneous. Big changes in lifestyle are evident at first and then the Holy Spirit begins to ‘peel the onion’ and reveal to us hardened areas of sin that we have not yet repented of or continue to harbor and justify as ‘it is not that bad’. We have to continually ‘die little deaths’ to the sin idols in our life that interfere with our close fellowship with the Father and our ability to fully serve Him and others in His Name.

Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. – Leviticus 19:2

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming; For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. – Colossians 3:5-6; Romans 8:13

May you be crucified with Christ and walk and serve Him in the newness of life in this world and into eternity with Him. To God be the glory!

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Sword of the Spirit – Relaxed Fit #1359

Posted on July 27, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1359        

“Relaxed Fit”

For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:18-19

I like relaxed fit clothing. I don’t want to feel constrained or uncomfortable in restrictive clothing. I like the freedom of movement that a relaxed fit provides.

While this desire to be unrestricted is acceptable with respect to clothing, it is far from acceptable with respect to the Truth of the Word of God. We must not relax the Truth of the Word, no matter how restrictive the teaching seems to us. The fact of the matter is that the Truth of God’s Word actually sets us free – from sin, condemnation, and from spiritual death.

Relaxed Fit Doctrine – We must avoid false teachings and doctrines that relax the Word of God to fit current societal norms and desires. These teachings seek to make us more comfortable in our sin.

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

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. – Deuteronomy 4:2

Hard Truths Define the Narrow Path – The Word of God defines Truth that seems hard to our flesh, yet it is for our eternal good.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matthew 7:13-14

Satan is a liar, and he has deceived and clouded the minds and thinking of many in our world leading them to the wide and easy path. We who hold to the Truth of God must hate the sin and false teachings all the while loving the sinner with the love of Jesus. We must remember that we are not better, we are sinners also, saved by the grace of God.

He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. – John 8:44

Abortion – Life begins at conception and abortion is murder no matter what society legislates as acceptable.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb… 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. – Psalm 139:13-16

Gender Identity – God created two sexes, male and female. There is no binary neutrality sex. There are no other sexes. Humanity, created in the image of God does not transition from one to the other.

So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27

Homosexuality – The Truth of the Word calls this an abomination to God.

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. – Leviticus 18:22

Adultery and Sexual Immorality – Our society is steeped in sexual immorality. We must fix our eyes on Jesus and His narrow path of righteousness and flee the temptations.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5:27-28

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body… You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Covetousness, Lying, Falsehood, and Theft – Our society is fraught with falsehood in marketing, advertising, and sales practices. Cheating on taxes and fraud to steal from the government and others permeates our society. Politicians speak out of both sides of their mouths. Fake news inundates us through the media. The idolatry of covetousness is at the root of it all.

You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. – Leviticus 19:11

Marriage and Divorce – The relaxed fit teachings about marriage and divorce have been a destructive force on the integrity and unity of the family and robbed many children of stability.

So, they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so – Matthew 19:6,8

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. – Hebrews 13:4

The Relaxed Fit Of Conformity – Seek the narrow path of the Truth of the Word of God.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. 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. – Proverbs 30:5-6; Romans 12:2

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Sword of the Spirit – Refiner’s Fire #1358

Posted on July 20, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1358        

“Refiner’s Fire”

For you, God, have tested us; you refined us like silver. – Psalms 66:10-12

Precious metals are purified through a refining process using fire. Once the metal is in its molten state, the dross or impurities in the metal rise to the top and then skimmed away from the surface before the metal is allowed to cool and solidify again. A refiner’s fire does not destroy or consume what is precious. Rather it makes it better and more valuable such as is the case with 24 carat gold or silver.

The analogy of a refiner’s fire is used by God throughout His Word to describe how He purifies our hearts through trials to prepare and equip us to fulfill His purposes in this life and to stand in the righteousness of Jesus at the last day.

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. – 1 Peter 1:7

Joseph was sold into slavery. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den. We, too, will endure trials and difficulties in this life and just like Daniel, Joseph and many others in God’s Word, our Lord will be with us and see us through it.

It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. – Deuteronomy 31:8

The refiner’s fire is part of God’s sanctifying process for us in this life and is not to be feared. Jesus died in our place so that we may be justified and receive salvation through faith in Him. We must also die ‘little deaths’ to the impurities of our hearts in this life as the dross of our sin habits are revealed to be skimmed away, purifying our hearts a little bit at a time.

For by a single offering, he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. – Hebrews 10:14

Trust the Lord – We must trust the Lord through the trials we encounter, never losing sight of His perfect love for us.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. – Psalm 143:8

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

Stay Close to God – Remain in the Word: in prayer, in praise and worship, and in silence – listening to the Holy Spirit for encouragement, knowledge, conviction, and direction.

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? – Jeremiah 23:29

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16

Don’t Resist – Repent – We know the sin that we continue to harbor. We hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit, yet we resist letting go of impurity, making excuses to justify ourselves. God’s refining process will heat up the fire of trial even more because He loves us. We must repent and yield to the conviction of the Spirit for what remains to be purified.

Do not quench the Spirit. – 1 Thessalonians 5:19

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. – Psalm 51:3

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. – Job 23:10

I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. – Isaiah 1:25

Become Different – ‘I was one way, and now I am completely different’ is a line from THE CHOSEN spoken by Mary Magdelene. The Refiner’s fire will make you different – you will know it and those around you will know it resulting in a testimony that brings God glory.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

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

Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; – Proverbs 25:4

Be Ready – He is Coming Again – When we stand before Him at the last day, may we be those who endure the day of His coming, standing clothed in His righteousness, having been sanctified and purified by His refining fire.

Who can endure the day of His coming? He will be like a refiner’s fire and a fuller’s soap. – Malachi 3:2

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21:36

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Sword of the Spirit – Anticipation #1357

Posted on July 13, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                              1357         

“Anticipation”

I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. – Psalm 81:10

The classic definition of ‘anticipation’ is that it is a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the near future. Are we excited and joyful when we enter into worship? Do we anticipate His loving presence?

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” – Psalm 122:1

Anticipation is different from Expectation – The best definition I found of the difference between the two words is: “Anticipation is looking forward with excitement to what is coming, resting in the assurance that it will be good regardless of what form it takes. Expectation is projecting an imagined reality onto the future.”

In our expectation, we prayerfully lay out the formula, when, and how we expect God to act. This is idolatry of self. It usurps the sovereign position of God and renders Him as a genie in a bottle destined to grant our wishes. Then, when our expectations are not realized, we become disillusioned, even angry, with God. Spurgeon called such prayers, ‘tight-laced’.

“We have half killed our prayers by tight-lacing them… Our cup is small, and we blame the fountain.”- Charles Spurgeon

Jesus set us an example when He prayed in the Garden before His crucifixion: He asked big. He asked in anticipation that God’s will: His perfect, loving will would be accomplished and He anticipated it with joy!

Saying, “Father if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42

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 12:2

Character of Anticipation – Is your Christian walk characterized by anticipation or expectation? Are your prayers anticipatory or dictatorial? A Christian character of anticipation prayer is joyful in the Lord in all circumstances. Anticipation trusts in the Lord, His love, and perfect will for you.

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

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7

Expectation prayer on the other hand is dictatorial – it is asking wrongly.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. – James 4:3

Anticipation of His Provision – God is faithful to provide the needs of His children.

To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants     look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us. – Psalm 123:1-2

Anticipation of His Protection – God is faithful to protect us from the enemy of our souls.

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. – Psalm 3:3

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2

Anticipation of His Saving Grace and Eager for His Return – The New Covenant of Grace through Jesus’ death and resurrection made the way for us to be saved and become children of God through faith in Christ. We eagerly anticipate His return.

But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. – Micah 7:7

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

Anticipation is Readiness for His Return – Are you ready for His return? Do you eagerly, and joyfully anticipate His return?

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near; Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Luke 21:28; Matthew 24:44-46

May the Holy Spirit give you a heart of anticipation as you walk in relationship and fellowship with Jesus continually.

May your prayers be filled with joyful anticipation of the Father’s love and perfect will and plan for you.

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