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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Sword of the Spirit – Jesus Weeps #1064

Posted on January 28, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                    1064

“Jesus Weeps”

On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man. (Psalm 12:8)

I have written on the topic of abortion many times over the years, yet I am compelled to write again in light of the sick celebratory atmosphere in New York this past week over the signing into law allowing full term abortions. The New York event is not isolated. There are the Shout Your Abortion, and Abortion Care Network movements among others that proudly and cheerfully promote the murder of innocent children. More than 60 million children have been murdered in the womb since 1973 making the mother’s womb the single most dangerous place for a baby.

The tragic irony is in the fact that the state that banned the death penalty for convicted murderers just legalized the murder of innocent children in joyful fanfare. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

I struggle to find adequate words to express how I felt in light of the New York event. Aghast, Dumbfounded, Appalled, Angry, Sad – I felt gut-punched and could not breathe. I felt hopeless until I prayed. …when I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God; (Psalm 73:16-17)

Yes, I believe that we are living in the last days. But that is no reason for Christians to lose hope and cease to ‘occupy’ until He returns. Blessed is that servant whose master returns and finds him doing his job. (Matthew 24:46, BSB)

What can we do to occupy until He returns? Keep your homes and your heart and mind a safe sanctuary from the vileness of the world. Filter or block altogether vileness and filth that is piped into our homes through various media channels and devices.

Prayerfully put on the full armor of God every morning before venturing out to school and work. Pray without ceasing for yourself, your family, and your nation.

Vote. Exercise your right and privilege and vote to elect candidates based upon Judeo-Christian Biblical values. The lives of millions of children are at stake in addition to Christian freedom to worship and serve the one true God and His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I mourn the loss of the America that I grew up in. I believe that what grieves my heart also grieves the heart of Jesus. Just as He wept over Jerusalem, I believe that He now weeps over America for we have turned our backs on Him and have embraced evil.

May God have mercy on us. May His Holy Spirit bring a refining fire to sweep our land and bring repentance and revive our hearts to turn away from evil and return to Him. May He contend with those in power who seek to undermine the Judeo-Christian foundation that America was founded upon.

Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. (Psalm 37:27)

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Sword of the Spirit – Kiss the Son #1063

Posted on January 21, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                   1063

Kiss the Son

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2:12)

There are three types of kiss mentioned in the Bible. There is the amorous kiss seen in the Song of Solomon. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; (Song of Solomon 1:2)

There is the kiss of friendship which largely remains a custom to this day in many cultures. Greet one another with a holy kiss… (Romans 16:16)

The kiss from our reference Scripture in Psalm 2:12 is a kiss of respect and honor for someone in authority such as a king. We see an example of this when Samuel anoints Saul as king. Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel…” (1 Samuel 10:1)

The most important kiss mentioned in the Bible is this kiss of allegiance. With respect to Jesus, this kiss is an act of worship. The purest and most touching example of this kiss I see in the Word of God is the example of Mary Magdalene. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, … brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. (Luke 7:37-38)

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry…What would anger Jesus? A divided allegiance would. And Jesus answered him, It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ (Luke 4:8)

A divided allegiance can take the form of half-hearted worship and religious lip service. Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;’ (Mark 7:6)

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot is the extreme example of such lip service. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. (Matthew 26:48-49)

Where am I in my allegiance worship relationship with Jesus? Is my allegiance divided between serving Christ and satisfying the desires of my flesh? Do I acknowledge Him from a distance with a wave or nod of the head? Is it a fist bump kind of relationship greeting? Or do I kiss the Son in worship as Mary did? Where are you in your worship relationship?

Kiss the Son…; Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! (Psalm 2:12; 95:6)

Lord, I ask that You create an undivided heart of worship in me for You. I desire to worship You in spirit and in truth. I ask in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

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Sword of the Spirit – Border Security #1062

Posted on January 14, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1062

“Border Security”

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)

Our nation’s border security is in the forefront of the news lately with our government officials at an impasse regarding the proposed border wall along our southern border.

God’s Word has much to say about border security and walled cities were the norm in those days. Jericho fell when its walls were destroyed through divine intervention and Nehemiah and his team sacrificed much to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem despite fierce opposition. These all have to do with physical border security whether at the city or national level—but what about at our personal level as individuals and family units?

We may be in this world as citizens of a particular nation, but as Christians, saved by Jesus and born again by the Holy Spirit, we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. Unfortunately, far too many of us have allowed our spiritual walls to be breached and compromised by the sin of this world. For many…walk as enemies of the cross of Christ…with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ… (Philippians 3:18-20)

To be a Christian in this world but not of it requires spiritual self-control. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (John 17:16)

This self-control comes from boundaries to effectively guard our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)

We need to set boundaries in relationships. Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals; But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. (1 Corinthians 15:33; 1 Corinthians 5:11)

Place boundaries with relationships with non-spousal members of the opposite sex at work, in your neighborhood, even at church. Avoid being alone with them.

Place boundaries with respect to entertainment and recreation. We go to great lengths to secure our homes with alarm systems and locks yet we allow the walls to be breached with the internet and cable sewer pipe. Guard your heart and the hearts of family members with appropriate filters and the self-control to say ‘No’ to compromise with the world.

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)

God’s Word exhorts us to be holy and perfect and if we are truly seeking first His kingdom and righteousness we will build walls and set the necessary boundaries to keep us in the center of His perfect will. … You shall be holy, for I am holy; You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness… (1 Peter 1:16; Matthew 5:48; 6:33)

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