Sword of the Spirit – Exchanged Truth #1080

Posted on December 25, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1080

“Exchanged Truth”

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Jesus was born into this world to bear witness to the Truth. …For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” … – John 18:37-38

Yet during this season to celebrate the birth of Jesus so little of the Truth of God is evident. It has been exchanged for the celebration of a generic money-making ‘holiday’. The problem however is much bigger than the Christmas season. The exchange of God’s Truth for the lies of man is consistent all year long. Pilate flippantly asked Jesus ‘What is truth?’ – He did not really want to know and the world system today does not want to know either.

The short answer to Pilate’s question is that the Word of God is Truth. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. – John 17:15-17

Jesus is the Living Word of God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:1,14

Jesus is the Truth that the world needs. Jesus said to him (Thomas),“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

I love to watch nature programs on TV. I cringe however when the scientists proclaim the lie of evolution as truth rather than acknowledging the Truth of creation by God. Claiming to be wise, they became fools…because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie…For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. – Romans 1:22-25, 20

When we remove Jesus and the Truth of God from our lives we back away from Him and into the waiting arms of Satan. God’s Word says that because people have exchanged His Truth for a lie that He gave them over to the lusts of their flesh. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves. – Romans 1:24

We see this playing out in our society today as it increasingly embraces the LGBTQ lie as a new norm. The Truth of God about marriage, creation, the life of the unborn, sexual purity and so on has been exchanged for the lies of a society that has denied Jesus Christ.

As Christians we are at the front line of the battle for the Truth of God. May you be ready equipped with the full armor of God and wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word and the Truth of God. Be encouraged: The Word of Truth has already overcome the world. (Ephesians 6:14-17; John 16:33)

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Sword of the Spirit – Unhewn Stones #1079

Posted on December 19, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1079

“Unhewn Stones”

If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it. – Exodus 20:25

As I reflect on this Word of God, I am reminded of the times I visited ornate cathedrals. These houses of ‘worship’ were marvelous examples of architecture art, and craftsmanship, yet they seemed devoid of the presence of God. They were empty and spiritually dry. Attempts to pray and worship were thwarted by the myriad distractions competing for your attention. What was intended to glorify God seemed to have the opposite effect and glorified man and his accomplishments instead.

This commandment of God to use unhewn stones to build altars for worship and sacrifice sets the example that only God – without help from man – can deliver us from sin and give us salvation and eternal life. Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6

These altars of unhewn stones are an example of Christ who is the ‘stone cut from a mountain’ in Daniel. …just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold. – Daniel 2:45

As God’s creation we too are like altars of unhewn, living stones. We can put on our Sunday finest and our church smiles yet be as spiritually empty as an ornate cathedral. We must not play church. We must be the church – the altar of worship shaped by God alone. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:4-5

We are not only living stones, but also living sacrifices shaped by God for His glory. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship; 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.- Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

We cannot make ourselves holy and acceptable to God through our works and righteous acts. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment; …as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; – Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10 

Yet we are exhorted to offer righteous sacrifices. This is only possible through grace from God. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord; 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;…and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. – Psalm 4:5 (NASB); Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9

May you be a living stone altar shaped only by the hand of God. May your life be a living sacrifice, righteous and acceptable to God by His grace alone and for His Glory and the glory of His Son, Christ Jesus.

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Sword of the Spirit – Great Things #1078

Posted on December 11, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                       1078

“Great Things”

The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. – Psalm 126:3

Too many Christians describe their walk with Christ by the difficulties they have. There is too little mention of the great things God has done for them. Indeed, for many of us, life circumstances in this fallen world have worked to steal and dampen our joy. We have lost sight of the victory we have through Jesus.

The antidote is found through daily reading and meditating on the Word of God which reminds us of all His benefits. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. – Psalm 103:2-5

Trials and difficult circumstances will always be with us while we are in this world. But through a personal, close relationship with Jesus we can overcome them and be filled with the peace and joy of the Lord. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world; But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:57

As you read and meditate on the Word of God, pray the Word also applying it specifically to your circumstances. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Don’t let the busyness and concerns of this world distance you from a personal relationship with Jesus through continual prayer and the reading of the Living Word of God. It is through this relationship that you learn to trust and hope and have rock solid confidence in the knowledge of His love for you.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose; But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation; Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:28; Psalm 13:5; Romans 8:35-39

The Lord has plans for you that the enemy of your soul cannot stop. 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. – Jeremiah 29:11

God is never far from you. Pray and seek His presence continually and be comforted in the knowledge that He has and will continue to do great things for you. 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

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Sword of the Spirit – Give to Caesar #1077

Posted on December 4, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1077

“Give to Caesar”

… “Teacher… Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” …But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. – Mark 12:13-17

Our reference Scripture has more to do with obedience than it does money or taxes. The image on the coin at the time implied literal ownership. The image on our coins is mere symbolism. Caesar however owned the coins – they were minted in his image and he required a portion returned as tax.

Jesus’ reply to the attempt to trap Him instructs us how to live in obedience while caught simultaneously in two kingdoms: The kingdom of this world, and The Kingdom of God.

We belong to God – we are made in His image.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…; 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.– Genesis 1:26; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The things of this world belong to this world and we are subject to the governing authorities.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. … Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. – Romans 13:1-10

I have a tendency to be disobedient and rebellious. Perhaps you can relate to nudging your cruise control a few MPH over the speed limit or disobeying other valid civil laws and rules. I was convicted of my rebellion recently when I decided not to comply with a new policy instituted at work which I deemed to be silly and stupid. The Lord showed me through His Word that my disobedience to the governing authorities was indeed disobedience to Him and a failure to follow His example.

Our civil disobedience tarnishes our witness and does not bring glory to God. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. – Hebrews 5:8; 1 Peter 2:21

Our Father in Heaven wants us to walk in obedience following the example of Jesus. We are not our own. We are His and He desires our obedience more than our works of the flesh.

And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice… – 1 Samuel 15:22

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 – Clay Pots #1076

Posted on November 26, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1076

“Clay Pots”

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

I managed a big box garden center for several years and it was quite a learning experience. The Lord brought this experience to mind as I read our reference Scripture, specifically all the pottery associated with plants.

We had pottery that ranged from basic terra cotta to the very ornate. I recall that some of the most beautiful arrangements were done with non-descript pottery allowing the ‘treasure’ of the plant to be the focal point.

The focus must be the treasure, not the pot. And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplace. – Mark 12:38

We are clay pots. …for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” – Genesis 3:19

As Christians, born again by the Spirit of Christ, we have priceless treasure in our hearts. This treasure is the light, life, and power of the living presence of Jesus in us. 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

Do we hide our treasure? Do we seek to blend in with the world of clay pots and hide the light of Christ? Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”… “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16

Do we seek to glorify ourselves and usurp the glory that is due to God and God alone? Like an ornate pot do we take away from the glory of the treasure within? Your giftedness and abilities should always be used for the glory of God. For it is… Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6 and He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30

God’s Word exhorts us to ‘walk in Him’. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him… – Colossians 2:6

Walking is an action word. We are to actively pour out the Living Water of Jesus and let His light shine in all the contexts of life on this earth. Light shines brightest when surrounded by darkness. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6

May all recognize that you have been with Jesus and give glory to God.

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Sword of the Spirit – The Day of Evil #1075.1

Posted on November 19, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1075

“The Day of Evil – part 2”

O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage.  They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.” – Psalm 94:3-7

Evil in this world is nothing new. It has been with us since Adam and Eve sinned and Cain slew Abel.

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” – Genesis 6:5-7

Even though the Lord purged the earth because of its evil at the time of Noah, mankind has continued its evil spiral into greater and greater sinfulness. I don’t know why I am surprised that each day it seems that a new level of depravity is played out in our society as well as the world news media and ‘entertainment’ venues. Like David wrote in our reference Psalm I ask, ‘How long, O Lord shall the wicked exult?’ The answer has to do with the grace of God that is poured out on mankind.

I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth…”– Genesis 9:11-13

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:19

God will deliver us from these evil days. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, – Galatians 1:3-4

Meanwhile we need to wear the whole armor of God each day, placing our hope in Him to keep us from evil. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13

Thou art my hope in the day of evil. – Jeremiah 17:17

Being surrounded by evil will bring temptation but God will see us through it as we trust and hope and Him. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  – 1 Corinthians 10:13

May you seek the presence of the Lord continually, walking in the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

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Sword of the Spirit – The Day of Evil #1075

Posted on August 31, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1075

“The Day of Evil”

Thou art my hope in the day of evil. – Jeremiah 17:17

I write this from a campground in west central Georgia. I have evacuated my home in Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian. As I drove the several hundred miles fleeing the impending storm I was reminded of God’s Word that admonishes us to flee evil.

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22

We have not yet fully recovered from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma two years ago and I was tempted to lose hope as Dorian gathered strength and took aim for Florida. Whether it is the evil of a hurricane or the temptation to sin, God remains faithful and will provide a way of escape.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. -1 Corinthians 10:13

The Lord provided the way of escape for us and we were able to reserve the last campsite available at my chosen location to flee to. He provided favor with our employers allowing us the time to escape the storm. He is truly our hope in the day of evil.

The times we live in are evil. Our society celebrates full term murder of babies and is methodically attacking all Judeo-Christian moral values, indoctrinating our children in schools with all that God’s Word declares to be an abomination to Him. 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… 2 Timothy 4:3

Living in Florida, we have to be prepared for hurricanes. Our house is boarded up and secured as best it can be to withstand the winds. We also must be dressed ready for spiritual battle every day.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13

Some people foolishly fail to prepare for devastating hurricanes. Some even plan to party in the midst of the evil day. This same mentality applies to those who live for today and refuse to repent and accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. God calls these people fools and unwise.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

Whether it is Cat 4 hurricanes or the temptation to sin, God is our hope in the day of evil.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father; But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. – Galatians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:3

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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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