Sword of the Spirit – Ambassadors #1074

Posted on June 30, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1074

“Ambassadors”

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)

An ambassador is an official representative to a foreign country. Their citizenship is elsewhere and although they reside in a foreign place they are not of that place.

As born-again Christians, our citizenship is in heaven. This is why God’s Word calls us ambassadors. We are in this world but not of it. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world; But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (John 17:16; Philippians 3:20)

When irreconcilable tensions arise between nations, ambassadors and other diplomats are recalled home. Tensions have always existed between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of this world and these tensions have been on the rise since the fall of Adam and Eve. In January 2018 Newsweek reported that “the persecution and genocide of Christians across the world is worse today than at any time in history.”

Although North Korea ranks as the number one nation for the persecution of Christians, the United States is becoming increasingly hostile to Judeo-Christian values considering them to be intolerant. Given such increasing tensions, could a recall of the Lord’s Ambassadors be imminent?

… For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

So what are we to do? We are to occupy until He comes regardless of persecution. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ (Luke 19:12-13)

Paul declared himself to be an ambassador in chains yet continued to preach the Gospel. …for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:20)

As Ambassadors we are ‘living letters’ from Christ. How we act, behave, speak, and vote speaks volumes to those around us that need to know the Gospel Truth of salvation in Jesus. And you show that you are a letter from Christ…written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts; “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (2 Corinthians 3:3; Matthew 5:14-16)

A recall is coming soon. May you be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the Day of God… (2 Peter 3:11-12)

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Sword of the Spirit – Don’t You Care? #1073

Posted on June 2, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1073

“Don’t You Care?”

…And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41)

Imagine being in a shallow draft boat when hurricane force winds whip up the sea you are sailing in. All hands are on deck furiously bailing the water that was crashing over the sides – except one: the Teacher you have been following is fast asleep at the back of the boat. That’s when you wake Him and ask ‘Don’t you care?’

Are the storms of life overwhelming you right now? Perhaps you have suffered the loss of a loved one or a job or your health. Are you tempted to wonder if Jesus cares? Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!  Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? (Psalm 10:1; Psalm 44:23-24)

The disciples at this time did not fully comprehend who Jesus was – they knew Him as a Teacher with a message that they were drawn to. Do you fully comprehend who Jesus is to you? Is He your Lord and Savior – God incarnate, creator of heaven and earth? Or is He a figure head in your religion?  …waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily… (Titus 2:13; Colossians 2:9)

Some disciples had a closer relationship with Jesus than others. Some were in the boat with Him and others followed at a distance in other boats. Is your relationship with Jesus a close one? Are you in His presence occasionally, or continually? The disciples in the boat with Jesus grew in their knowledge of Him when He calmed the seas and the wind. Their faith and trust was strengthened. Whereas those who followed at a distance in other boats had no clue as to what happened to calm the storm. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

The Lord allows storms in our life because He loves us. Storms are relationship and faith builders between us and Jesus. Storms equip us with increased knowledge of Him and experience that we can share with others to bring the Lord’s comfort to them in their time of need. The Lord works all things for good for His children. 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)

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, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

No matter what storms assail you, remain close to Jesus and know that He does care. …casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

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Sword of the Spirit – The Desires of My Heart #1072

Posted on May 15, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1072

“The Desires of My Heart”

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

What are your heart’s desires? What do you dream about doing, achieving, having? What are your goals? Do you expect that God will give you what you desire?

Our tendency is to use this Scripture in such a manner that we expect God to become our personal ATM blessing machine giving us whatever our heart desires. But this is far from the truth of this Scripture.

Note that our heart is deceitful and sinful.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19)

The bottom line is that, in our fallen state, the desires of our hearts do not come from God. So, how do we understand and apply Psalm 37:4 to our lives? The key is found in the word ‘delight’.

This word, delight, in the original language carries the meaning to be soft, delicate, and pliable toward the Lord and His will for you. We delight in the Lord when our heart and mind has been renewed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit – when we are born again.

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)

A heart that delights in the Lord can hear and discern His will and direction for our lives.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Hebrews 3:7-8; Isaiah 30:21)

When we are born again by the Holy Spirit the Lord supernaturally removes our hardened hearts of stone and replaces them with a heart of flesh, soft, delicate and pliable – a heart that can delight in Him.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, (Ezekiel 11:19)

This is when the desires of our heart become His desires and our wills seek to do His will. We are no longer rebellious but serve Him with joy.

May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! (Psalm 20:4)

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Sword of the Spirit – Vengeance or Justice #1071

Posted on May 1, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1071

“Vengeance or Justice”

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. (Proverbs 21:15)

In April 2011, convicted killer Michael Bargo, along with four co-conspirators, lured 15 year old Seath Jackson to a house where they beat, tortured and shot him and burned his body. He was dismembered and his remains were placed into paint buckets and dropped into a water-filled quarry. Michael Bargo was the ringleader and he was sentenced to death by a 10 – 2 Jury vote.

Six years later Michael Bargo was granted a resentencing hearing due to a Florida Supreme Court ruling that death sentences had to be by unanimous vote.

I spoke with a prospective juror for this trial who was not picked to be on the jury. They confessed about dealing with inner turmoil regarding whether they could vote to end someone’s life. The trial concluded with a unanimous vote by the jury for the death penalty.

This trial gave me pause for reflection as to how a born-again, Christian should deal with a death penalty sentencing hearing. God’s Word is clear that we are not to take revenge.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

To better understand this we need to first examine the difference between revenge and justice.

Revenge is all about retaliation. You hurt me and I will hurt you back. The motivational forces behind revenge are anger and rage and its goal is clearly to inflict harm.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. (Psalm 37:8)

Justice however is about restoring balance. Justice remains objective and dispassionate. Justice takes no pleasure in disciplinary actions, even death, and as depicted in the imagery of Lady Justice it will not hesitate to use the sword to restore balance if necessary.

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (Isaiah 1:17)

It is our civic duty to serve on a jury when called to do so. It is our Christian moral duty to do so prayerfully guided by the Holy Spirit with discernment and wisdom.

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Sword of the Spirit – Notre Dame Lessons #1070

Posted on April 19, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1070

“Notre Dame Lessons”

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”; And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:1; Luke 21:5-6)

The recent Notre Dame fire was indeed a tragedy. As I watched the news reports and listened to the commentary about the building: its architecture and artifacts, I was reminded of our reference Scripture where the disciples marveled at the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus took that occasion to be a teaching moment about the signs of the end of the age and put in perspective how temporary the things of this world are.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is indeed an iconic historical structure. Because of that fame the church had compromised its spiritual purpose in favor of capitalizing on its commercialism. This reminded me of the Scripture where in His zeal for His Father’s house Jesus dealt harshly with the commercialism of the temple.

And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:15-17)

Later news reports indicated French President Macron’s claim that the cathedral will be rebuilt in five years. This was met with much criticism as an unrealistic timeline. Again, I was reminded of Scripture where Jesus spoke of raising the temple of His body in three days.

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (John 2:18-22)

The news reported of the bravery of the individuals who not only fought the fire but at great personal risk, rescued the crown of thorns artifact which is believed to have been the crown of thorns placed upon Jesus’ head at His crucifixion. As with all religious artifacts we must take care to avoid worshipping the artifact in lieu of worshipping the one true God, our Lord, Jesus Christ. He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). (2 Kings 18:4)

The Living Word of God continues to teach us life lessons through the context of current events. Jesus lives today and because He lives we can have eternal life through Him. No building or religious artifact can do that for us – only Jesus. Let us rejoice in His sacrifice for our salvation. Let us rejoice in His resurrection. He is risen – He is risen indeed!

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Sword of the Spirit – Protect the Innocent #1069

Posted on March 24, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1069

“Protect the Innocent”

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

I recall holding my newborn children. They seemed so innocent, helpless and vulnerable. I loved rocking them to sleep as they nestled safe and secure in my arms. I felt that I had to be their protector.

Sadly, in our society today it seems that children are despised. Our lawmakers have legislated that the unborn are not human and that their life can be terminated at any time. Recently they extended this death sentence to include children born alive from a failed abortion attempt. If not to flaunt this heinous act, seventeen days later these same lawmakers pass a ‘kitten’ act preventing the killing of kittens used in various types of experimentation declaring that the kittens have a right to a good home. Children are despised and kittens are valued among our convoluted, corrupt, and dare I say evil elected officials. May the Lord hold them accountable!

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.(Proverbs 6:16-17; Luke 12:48)

Innocence is fleeting for our children. Their eyes and ears are assaulted with things that rob them of innocence as soon as they begin to watch TV, let alone walk down the halls of their schools, public and private alike. …but 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)

The Greek word translated as ‘sin’ is “skandalidzo” from which we get our more common word: ‘scandal’.  It literally means a trap-stick or bent sapling used to create a snare to capture or causes to stumble. Our children learn by watching. Are we protecting them or setting snares to trip them up?

Do we set the snare of prejudice toward their fellow man by what we say and how we act?

Do we place the stumbling block of compromising values by our entertainment choices?

Do we teach them the principles of biblical financial stewardship or set the trap of the materialistic principles of this world?

Do we teach them of the sanctity of marriage and the value of a family unit solidly built upon the rock of Jesus or do we set the snare of a divorce and of a fractured family unit.

Let us pray for the innocent children, that God’s hand of protection be upon them.  Let us pray for the strength through God’s Holy Spirit to be men and women of integrity in that we would never cause one of God’s innocent ones to stumble or be snared by sin.

but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

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Sword of the Spirit – Spiritually Minded #1068

Posted on March 14, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1068

“Spiritually Minded”

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth… (Colossians 3:1-4)

I heard a sermon preached once where the speaker made a statement that people can be ‘so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good’. In light of the Truth of God’s Word, is this statement even remotely true? I imagine that there are false Christians who appear religious (act heavenly-minded) in certain contexts and otherwise blend into the world (no earthly good).  These are the ones of whom Jesus says He never knew. “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…And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

But this is a narrow line to paint with such a broad brush that heavenly-minded people are no earthly good. In fact, the Word of God contradicts this notion and repeatedly exhorts us to be spiritually and heavenly minded. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8)

Spiritually minded people recognize that they are sojourners here on earth and that their citizenship is in heaven. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20)

Heavenly minded people however do not wait idly but remain occupied in the service of the Lord. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

Spiritually minded Christians walk with the Lord. They bring the Love, Grace, and Peace of His presence into all the worldly contexts they are involved in. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Indeed, we must be spiritually minded in order to be of any earthly good. We must be salt and light in this dark, unsavory world. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

It is the heavenly minded Christian who impacts the earth for good. Those with the mind of Christ work to elect officials and government representatives based upon biblical moral values rather than the empty promise of worldly gain.

It is the spiritually minded who walk with the Lord that impact the world for good by their example of saying ‘No’ to sin when temptation and opportunity present itself.

May you be so spiritually minded that you are earthly good.

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Sword of the Spirit – Weary in Waiting #1067

Posted on February 27, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1067

“Weary in Waiting”

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but 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 40:28-31)

The verb translated ‘wait for’ in our reference Scripture has a meaning of the ‘tension of enduring’ which I find very descriptive and true

I do not wait well. I am a toe-tapping, floor pacing, fidget in the seat kind of waiter. I do indeed endure the tension of waiting and it makes me weary. All this is well and good until I cross the line and become weary with waiting for the Lord. This is when He gently, but firmly reminds me that His grace is sufficient for me.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”… (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Are you restless and weary? Do you feel anxiousness and despair? Are you unable to sleep because you dread the uncertainty of tomorrow? Are you tired of waiting for things to change for the better?

The world offers many coping mechanisms for these feelings but perhaps we need to first take stock of our spiritual walk: How close does God seem? Does He seem distant and far off? Know this for certain: God did not make Himself distant. Rather, it is we that have distanced ourselves when we have taken our eyes off of Him and focused our energy on the things and desires of this world.

Our daily walk and personal relationship with Christ must be our priority.  It is through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit that we have the power to deal with the daily life pressures that we face. It is through the abiding presence of Jesus that we can have peace and stillness in waiting.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him… (Psalm 37:7)

It is those who wait and hope in the Lord that will renew their strength.

It is those who wait and hope in the Lord that have true power for living, who will run and not grow weary.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)

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Sword of the Spirit – Choose Joy #1066

Posted on February 13, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1066

“Choose Joy”

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

We cannot always be happy – but we can always have joy. Happiness depends upon circumstances and our emotional response to them. Some situations make us happy, others make us sad.

Joy, on the other hand, stems from the abiding presence of Jesus in our heart.  It is one of the fruits of the Spirit evident in our life when we are born again by the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness… (Galatians 5:22)

We choose Joy when we choose to abide continually in the presence of Jesus. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

What does this joy of the Lord look like in our daily life circumstances? When trials and tribulation strike, those around us may despair and curse. The joy of the Lord gives us words of hope and encouragement to speak. This joy gives us patience during the season of difficulty as we remain in prayer.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

People ‘read’ your reaction and response to the same difficulties they are experiencing. They are drawn to the joy and presence of the Lord in you. The joy of the Lord strengthens you and helps you minister to those who need a touch from Jesus.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Trials can be seen as an ‘Oh woe is me’ moment or we can see them as an opportunity for Jesus to minister to us and through us to others.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (James 1:2)

Each day is a gift from God and we have a choice to make as to how we approach it.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Begin by seeking His abiding presence and choose to abide in Him.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

No matter what life throws at you recognize that the day is holy and the joy of the Lord will strengthen you to overcome all difficulties.

… for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

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Sword of the Spirit – Let Go #1065

Posted on February 4, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1065

“Let Go”

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Monkeys are easily snared and caught by exploiting the fact that once they have a grip on what they want to hold on to they refuse to relax their fist and let it go. Hollowed out coconuts with an access hole large enough to let their hand through but not large enough to let a fist full of goodies back out is used to trap them. The same principle is employed in other parts of the world using termite mounds or other suitable ‘anchors’ that will keep the monkey in place long enough for the hunter to capture or kill it.  The monkey’s refusal to let go effectively traps it.

What are you holding on to that hinders your freedom? What won’t you let go of that has you trapped and vulnerable? Are you a victim of your own refusal to let something go?

Some people have a grip on things from the past that entrap them.  It may be past hurts that they refuse to let heal.  They seem to always serve up the same cup of bitter bile in conversations. This bitterness and unforgiveness eventually alienates them from friends and family alike and more importantly it hinders their walk with God. …if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14

Others have a grip on the present material wealth and things of this world that have become a snare to them. Their hearts hear the call of God to share, be wise stewards, tithe, help others in need, yet they cannot let go to the extent that God’s Holy Spirit has prompted them to. …Jesus…said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. – Luke 18:22

Still others have a grip on their fears and worries for what might happen in the future that hinders their freedom in Christ. Their tight fisted grip is on the tangible things that they trust and rely on instead of trusting in God by faith. Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life … But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. – Matthew 6:25

Freedom comes through heart knowledge of the truth of God’s Word which comes through His abiding presence. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:17

May you no longer be victimized by your own stubborn refusal to let go of your past as well as things present and future. May you relax your grip and let go of all that hinders your walk with the Lord. May your open hands be free to reach for the hand of Christ and heed His call to ‘Come, follow Me’. May you know the joy, freedom, and power that come through His abiding presence in your heart.

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