Sword of the Spirit – Shelter in Place #1090

Posted on March 18, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1090

“Shelter in Place”

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

As the Covid-19 pandemic sweeps the world we see how fragile and vulnerable we really are. Widespread panic fueled by fear is bringing an economic crisis equally as devastating as the virus itself. Those who place their trust in themselves and what they possess are panic-stricken. Christians, who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, need to be a stabilizing force during these difficult times.

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

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

PREPARE – Even at the time of Passover, the Lord gave specific instructions for preparations to be made. We need to make wise and prudent preparations, without panic or hoarding and always with an eye for those who need our help and encouragement in the Lord.

On that same night I will…bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. – Exodus 12:12

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

TRUST – The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. – Psalm 28:7

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

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.– Psalm 16:8

HEAR THE WORD – NOT THE HYSTERICAL HYPE – For the righteous will never be moved…He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. – Psalm 112:6-7

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” – Isaiah 41:10-13

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26

May you shelter in place in the shadow of the Almighty in Jesus’ Name. Amen

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Sword of the Spirit – Persuaded #1089

Posted on March 12, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1089

“Persuaded”

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – (Romans 8:38-39)

Have you ever done something you regretted and then doubted that God would forgive you or still love you? This is a lie that Satan plants in your thoughts to drive a wedge between you and Jesus. The enemy seeks to steal your peace and weaken your spiritual resolve and effectiveness in service of the Lord.

The word ‘sure’ in our reference Scripture from the ESV is translated ‘persuaded’ and ‘confident’ in other translations. This Greek word has as its root the word for ‘faith’. We are to have faith that persuades us and gives us steadfast confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

We cannot muster up such persuasive and confident faith. We cannot earn it. It is a gift from God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, – (Ephesians 2:8)

This gift comes from the Holy Spirit fire kindled in our hearts as we encounter God through His Living Word.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – ( Romans 10:17)

Even though faith is a gift, it is entirely acceptable to ask for more.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” – (Luke 17:5)

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. – (Luke 11:9-10)

Contemplate for a moment on the enormity of the gift of salvation that God has provided for you through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. He even gifted you the faith to believe and be saved. Reflect on all that God has brought you through in this life and provided for you in your times of need. Try to imagine all He will do in the future in eternity beyond this temporary life in the body.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” – (1 Corinthians 2:9)

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father… that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you… may have strength to comprehend …what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Rejoice, worship and give Him Praise! Nothing past, present, or future can separate you from His love.

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Sword of the Spirit – Be Reconciled #1088

Posted on March 5, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1088

“Be Reconciled”

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:23-24

It has been said that harboring bitterness and unforgiveness is like a cup of poison that we drink hoping to inflict hurt on someone else. Scriptures testify to the truth of this maxim.

When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; – Exodus 15:23 In the Hebrew culture a poisonous plant was called ‘bitter’. The waters of the oasis at Marah were bitter (poisonous) and useless.

Now, those who profess to be Christian are to be salt and light in this dark and evil world. They are to be sources of ‘Living Water’. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. – John 7:38; Proverbs 4:23

Therefore, how can a Christian harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in their heart and be able to fulfill their calling as a servant of Christ? Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?– James 3:11

When we harbor unforgiveness we are living according to the law of sin and death and not allowing the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus to transform our hardened heart. …Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, –  Deuteronomy 29:18b

Sowing seeds of the flesh (bitterness, unforgiveness) will reap corruption (destruction and decay). Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.– Galatians 6:7-8

Is keeping your pet demon of bitterness and unforgiveness worth the price of the Father’s forgiveness of your sins? but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:15

Be reconciled while you have the chance. Esau ran and embraced Jacob. (Genesis 33:4) The father ran and embraced his prodigal son. (Luke 15:20)

Perhaps you have been hurt by loved ones or by a friend. Perhaps they are continually being hateful and hurtful to you. The temptation is to harden your heart and become bitter toward them. Resist the temptation in the Name of Jesus. Pray for those who hurt you and let the Holy Spirit’s refining fire move on their hearts. The battle belongs to the Lord. Just as God healed the waters at Marah, He can heal your relationships. Trust in Him.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger…be put away from you, along with all malice. Put on then…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. – Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:12-13

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Sword of the Spirit – The Lord Will Fight For You #1087

Posted on February 26, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1087

“The Lord will Fight for You”

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord‘s, and he will give you into our hand.” – 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Where are the battle lines drawn before you today? So many of us are faced with battles from many fronts and we feel overwhelmed.

One battle front may be physical health for our self or a loved one.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise;  O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. – Jeremiah 17:14; Psalm 30:2

Another battle front may be relational where there is division in family or friends and there is a need for forgiveness and reconciliation. Strongholds of bitterness have hardened hearts and only the Lord can soften them. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. – 2 Corinthians 10:4

Regardless of the battles you are facing – Victory will come through Jesus. 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

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent; Be still, and know that I am God. – Exodus 14:14; Psalm 46:10

This call to be still and silent does not imply passivity and inaction but rather to have the inner peace that surpasses all understanding – the peace from the indwelling presence and power of Jesus Christ. Be strengthened by prayerfully meditating on the Word of God. May these Scriptures encourage your heart as you face your battles in the Name and Power of the Lord of hosts.

You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf…’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17

for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.’ – Deuteronomy 20:4; Deuteronomy 3:22

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles; What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Psalm 34:17; Romans 8:31

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Psalm 35:1 Corinthians 15:57

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Sword of the Spirit – Better is the End #1086

Posted on February 19, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1086

“Better Is The End”

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.- Ecclesiastes 7:8

In Ecclesiastes chapter 3 Solomon wrote about a time for everything – each with their beginnings and endings. Indeed our lives on this earth are characterized by such cycles encompassed by the span of time from our birth to the time of our passing into eternity to be with our Lord. Some matters are short cycled, others are prolonged. Either way, God’s Word tells us that the end will be better than its beginning.

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

God’s Word also instructs us that it is better to be patient in spirit than to be proud. We tend to grow impatient during some prolonged trials and in our pridefulness we decide to ‘help God out’ in bringing the matter to an end. This will almost always end in disaster and at the least we will miss out on God’s best for us in the situation.

He has made everything beautiful in its time… – Ecclesiastes 3:11

What are you going through right now that has you wearied and troubled? It is when we are physically and emotionally drained that the enemy seeks to sow seeds of doubt and worry. We wonder how much longer, and what good can come of this. The remedy is to immerse yourself in the Word of God – soak in it – remain in the continual presence of Jesus and He will give you peace and comfort.

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. – John 14:1 (NLT)

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. – Hebrews 10:35-36

And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great. – Job 7:8

I like how Spurgeon describes the hope we need during trials. ‘Hope itself is like a star-not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.’– C.H. Spurgeon

May the Lord renew your strength and encourage your heart with hope and trust.

…they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

The end of a matter is better than its beginning.

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Sword of the Spirit – Boldness #1085

Posted on February 12, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1085

“Boldness”

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:31-33

We, the Church, have become too apprehensive and concerned with political correctness with regards to the truth of the Word of God. I confess that there are times when I write these devotionals that I too have to fight the temptation to ‘soften’ the Word so as not to offend.

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. – Luke 9:26

It is past due time for the Church – the Body of Christ – to be bold and get a backbone and stand up, stand out, and stand firm in the Truth of the Word of God.

Stand Up

Know the Word and what you stand for. Be bold in declaring the pure unadulterated Truth. Jesus is the only way to eternal life, there is no other way. There is only one, true God. Abortion is murder. Homosexuality is a sin.

…proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. – Acts 28:31

Being bold does not mean being brash. Boldness seasoned with grace is the example of Jesus. Speak the Truth in love with grace.

Stand Out

Being afraid to offend is tantamount to being ashamed of your Christian faith and ashamed of Jesus. In a court of law would there be enough evidence from your daily behavior to convict you of being a Christian?

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John … they recognized that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13

Stand Firm

When you stand up and stand out you will be a target for ridicule and persecution.

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted; Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” –2 Timothy 3:12; Deuteronomy 31:6

In this election year know where you stand. It has been said that: ‘If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.’  We will be inundated with out of context sound bites, and mealy mouthed, empty promises by all the presidential wanna–be’s. Know where you stand. Know the Word that you stand on. This knowledge will guide your vote.

Stand up and be counted.

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Sword of the Spirit – Home #1084

Posted on January 25, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1084

“Home”

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be … at home with the Lord. – Matthew 6:2; 2 Corinthians 5:8

‘Treasure’ is the Greek word thēsaurós from which we get the word ‘thesaurus’. Our treasure is where we store what is valuable and precious to us, whether it is material possessions, thoughts or memories.

‘Heart’ is the Greek word kardía which is the affective center of our being. Our kardía is where our desires and moral choices are produced. It is what makes us tick and defines our character and who we really are.

‘Home’ in our reference is from the Greek word endēméō meaning being among our own people. There are many words in Scripture that convey the idea of home being a place where we abide, our abode, our refuge. It is where we are in the presence of our Lord among our brothers and sisters in Christ.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2

The idea conveyed in our reference Scriptures is that our hearts, our desires, what we treasure and our sense of home are all interconnected.

We seem to strive so hard to establish a sense of ‘home’ by surrounding ourselves with the biggest houses, spacious lands, and filling them with material treasures and possessions yet we continue to feel empty. They remain empty shells of bricks, sticks, and stucco – houses, but not homes.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Our sense of home begins with our heart. It needs to be a heart after God’s own heart, desiring to do the will of God. This drives our moral value system and defines our character and what we treasure. A heart right before God abides in Him and is at peace in His presence. It is home.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Abide in me, and I in you…; As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. – Matthew 6:33; John 15:4; 9

Lord, I pray for a heart that is right before You. Change my heart to seek Your kingdom and righteousness first rather than the temporary things of this world that moths and rust will destroy.

Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. – Psalm 26:2

May you be at home in the presence of the Lord in this life and for eternity in the next. May you know His peace, power, and presence as you abide in Him and take refuge in Him.

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Welcome home.

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Sword of the Spirit – Not Forgotten #1083

Posted on January 18, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                       1083

“Not Forgotten”

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Psalm 139:17; Luke 12:6

Have you ever felt forgotten by God? There are times in our lives where we feel like we are in exile. Sometimes we feel like we are being punished by God and He is turning a deaf ear to our cries for mercy and deliverance. This is such a time for me and perhaps for you also.

I imagine Noah may have experienced such feelings being shut in for months in the ark. We know David did as is evidenced in his Psalms. How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? – Psalm 13:1-2

Joseph was also a man favored and loved by God, yet as we look at his life we see setbacks, trials and difficulties. How he must have despaired. Yet he never wavered in his faith and trust in God. Joseph’s hindsight statement to his brothers sums it all up. As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. – Genesis 50:20

Whenever I am distressed by setbacks and trials in this life I am reminded to turn to God’s Word and to be strengthened and encouraged by the Truth therein as the Holy Spirit ministers to me through the Living Word of God. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. – 1 Samuel 30:6

You are not forgotten by God. Hear His Word and be encouraged and strengthened:

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands… “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”…For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope…And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Isaiah 49:16; Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28

A story is told about an artist that is just beginning to apply the first broad strokes to the canvas. A passerby asks what the painting is about. The artist describes an idyllic mountain valley scene resplendent with life and vibrant colors. The passerby comments that they do not see it to which the artist replies, ‘give it time – in due time it will be completed’.

Like the artist, God is painting the canvas of our life and it will be marvelous. We cannot see the end result now but God does and He will bring it to fruition. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

Lord I cry out to you in my time of distress. I repent of my lack of faith and failure to trust in You as these trials seem to drag on without an end in sight. Encourage my heart by Your Word and grant me the grace to persevere in trust and hope in You.

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Sword of the Spirit – Comfort Food #1082

Posted on January 8, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                         1082

“Comfort Food”

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction …- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Comfort foods are foods that provide pleasure and temporarily make us feel better. Eating food high in fat, sugar or salt activates the same reward and pleasure systems in the brain that are active in drug addiction. We all have a tendency to emotional eating where we are drawn to unhealthy comfort foods when dealing with stress or having a bad day.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

Many Christians are partaking in church wide Daniel Fasts at this time of year. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God and build a deeper spiritual connection through prayer. All too often these corporate Daniel fasts are characterized by social media networking of recipes that follow dietary guidelines that are designed to continue to satisfy the pleasures craved by our flesh. The focus has shifted from God to maintaining physical pleasure in food as we endure the 21 day fast. We seem to have lost sight of the true purpose of Christian fasting.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. – John 6:51

God’s Word reminds us that our physical bodies are temples of His Holy Spirit and we are exhorted to take care of it and glorify Him with it.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

There is nothing wrong with eating comfort foods on occasion. However, indulging our flesh with a steady diet of such foods fails to properly care for His temple. When we seek first the comfort derived from such foods when we are under stress or in a gloomy mood for whatever reason then we have crossed the line into idolatry.

You shall have no other gods before me; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…; Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…- Exodus 20:3; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 11:28-30

May the Holy Spirit guide you to the Living Bread to nourish your soul and comfort you in all afflictions and trials.

May you seek Jesus in prayer first in your time of need for comfort.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

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Sword of the Spirit – Simply Faith #1081

Posted on January 1, 2020 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1081

“Simply Faith”

…and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

In our attempt to engineer computers with artificial intelligence that approximate human reasoning, fuzzy logic was developed to allow for partial truths to exist. With respect to spiritual matters of faith, human wisdom is flawed. Human wisdom wants to fit God into a box that it can analyze, dissect and explain. This is a futile exercise; therefore human reasoning rejects God and faith and explains creation as chance evolution.

Sadly, fuzzy human reasoning has compromised the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus in our Christian churches as well. Thank God that His grace has provided a breakthrough from fuzzy reasoning to the clarity of His Truth by faith. 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

Do you remember the woman with the issue of blood who pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus believing she would be healed? …She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased… – Luke 8-43-48

Many people were ‘following’ Jesus and touching Him during that time. But only one followed, pressed in, and touched Him in faith. So it is today in many of our churches. People professing to be Christians follow Jesus, attending church services but never really touch Him. Their faith rests in the wisdom of men, in doctrines and creeds and righteous works. They lack the simplicity of faith from God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit; 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; … Who has bewitched you? …Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? – John 3:6; John 6:63; Galatians 3:1-3

We need to return to the simplicity of a personal relationship with Jesus – a lifestyle of walking with Him in faith. 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; Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him… – Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:6

May you reject the fuzzy thinking of this world and embrace the simplicity of faith in Jesus as revealed through His Word. May you walk confidently with Him in faith secure in your salvation not by what you have done but rather by what He has done for you.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ; So we are always of good courage… for we walk by faith, not by sight..- Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

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