Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Can I Be Forgiven? #1356

Posted on July 6, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1356

“Can I Be Forgiven?”

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out – Acts 3:19

The Bible describes some really bad apples and Manasseh was one of the worst. Surely if there is someone who can’t be forgiven it would be him. Yet God poured out His grace upon him when he repented and humbled himself before God in prayer.

Manasseh led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed before the people of Israel… And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. – 2 Chron 33: 6-13

This is encouraging since the devil is always reminding us of our sins and how unworthy we are. He wants us to doubt God’s love. He wants us to doubt that we can be forgiven and receive eternal salvation. He wants us to give up and say, ‘What is the use’, and return to wallow in a life of sin and be destined for eternal damnation.

There is Hope in the Message of the Word of God – The entire Word of God, both Old and New Testaments, reveal to us His plan of redemption for us. It is a message of hope for the forgiveness of sin and salvation to eternal life through faith in Jesus.

I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins; I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord… when I atone for you for all that you have done, declares the Lord God – Isaiah 43:25; Ezekiel 16:62-63

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 103:10-12

The Impossible Call to Perfection – Jesus taught that we must be perfect and holy as our heavenly Father is. He taught that our righteousness must exceed that of the religious leaders of the day. At first blush, these are hope destroying statements and they would have been had Jesus not revealed God’s plan for salvation and that all things are possible with God.

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect; When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”; “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – Matthew 5:48, 19:25-26; John 14:6

Jesus is the Key to Forgiveness – We all have sinned. We were born into sin and deserve the righteous wrath of a holy God. God is just and He will not simply overlook wickedness. It is impossible for us to earn His forgiveness. No amount of good works, community service, or penance will free us from the judgement we deserve. Yet, God loved us when we were unlovable and sent His only Son, Jesus: pure, perfect, holy, and sinless to bear the punishment for all sin for all mankind, once and for all time. Jesus is the key to our forgiveness and imputed righteousness before God.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. – John 3:16-18

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God; And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 4:12; Romans 8:1

Repentance is Necessary – It is necessary for us to acknowledge our sin and our need for a savior and forgiveness of our sin. Repentance, however, is much more than grief over our sins and sorrow because of the consequences we may be experiencing.

The Greek word where repentance is used as a noun is “metanoia” which means “a change of mind.” Repentance is a change of mind, intentions, and of the heart. True repentance is a turning away from the old sinful way of life, desiring to have the mind of Christ, and to follow Him in obedience.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 3:2, 6:23

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

Born Again to New Life – Through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in Jesus’ atonement for our sins, we are a new creation – sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – Colossians 2:13-14;2 Corinthians 5:17

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Sword of the Spirit – New Wine #1355

Posted on June 29, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1355

“New Wine”

He also told them a parable: …And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. – Luke 5:37-38

New Wine – The New Covenant: Jesus ushered in a New Covenant of grace. He fulfilled the Old Covenant of Law and the Prophets, and just as new wine will burst an old, inflexible, rigid wineskin, the New Covenant of faith in Jesus does not fit into the framework of a works-based religious system.

Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah … I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. – Jeremiah 31:31-33

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them; This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. – Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 7:22

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; Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance… – Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:15

New Wineskins – New Mindset: When we come to faith in Jesus and are born again by the Spirit of God. It is not like we just picked up a hitchhiker whom we will take with us for a while as we continue along our way of worldliness and drop Him off somewhere. Our new mindset is that Jesus is not our passenger. He is the one who picks us up and sets our feet on the solid ground of His path.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. – Psalm 40:2

Our salvation through faith in Jesus requires a total and complete transformation of body, mind, soul, and spirit. Jesus does not come along for a ride with us, rather we are yoked to Him, His way, His direction, His purpose, and plan for us.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -; Matthew 11:29-30

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 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. – Colossians 3:2; Romans 12:2

New Wineskin – Relationship not Religion: Our salvation is not a transactional relationship with God. We tend to want the wide and easier road to heaven. We want to be able to do our best, do some good works to tip the balance of the scale to offset our sins, and hope for the best when we face the Lord after we have drawn our last breath. Religion cannot give us the assurance of eternal salvation – only a personal relationship with Jesus can.

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – John 14:6; Matthew 7:13-14

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit – Titus 3:5

The easy way is why many people seek out a religious system of transactional works righteousness that also has conformed and diluted the Truth of God’s Word to fit the normative behaviors of today’s society. This is lukewarm religion and Jesus will declare that He never knew you and will spit you out of His mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16; Matthew 7:21-23)

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you; 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 – Galatians 5:7-8; 2 Timothy 4:3

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8

New Wineskin – New Life Walk: The new wineskin of our faith is a personal relationship with Jesus. Through repentance of our sin and faith in Him we are born-again by His Spirit. This is the start of our new life walk with Him.

And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me; And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. – Luke 9:23; Ezekiel 36:26-27

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit; As obedient children do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy. – Galatians 5:25;1 Peter 1:14-16

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Sword of the Spirit – Every Day #1354

Posted on June 22, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1354

“Every Day”

Therefore …since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith… Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:19-25

Under the old covenant only one man entered into the Holy of Holies once each year to offer sacrifices for the atonement of the people’s sin.

Jesus changed all that when He ushered in the New Covenant of Grace. It was symbolized when the temple curtain was torn in two upon Jesus’ death on the cross. Atonement for our sin was made once and for all, for all time.

Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. – Matthew 27:50-51

As the author of Hebrews writes in our reference Scripture, we now have the confidence to enter the holy places all day, every day. The question is, ‘Do we?’

Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you. – Psalm 145:2, 88:9

We all have everyday routines that we follow: Get out of bed, personal grooming, breakfast, medicines, commuting to work or school, and many variations on the theme to start and end a typical day in our life. Is prayer, worship, praise, and fellowship with our Lord part of our everyday activities?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Everyday Prayer: Our lives can often get off-balance, and we find ourselves rushing through our morning and daily routines. We dare not be late for work, school, or tee time so we may skip breakfast and take shortcuts on other activities.

Prayer and quiet time, resting in the presence of our Lord is certainly not going to happen. Jesus gave us the example of a balanced and disciplined life of prayer.

And (Jesus) rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. – Mark 1:35

Pray without ceasing – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Everyday Equipping: We may rush out into the world dressed, but we are not equipped, nor are we equipped for the spiritual battle that is certain to ensue. We should not neglect our physical health and bodily nourishment, nor should we neglect our spiritual health either.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-18

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Psalm 105:4

Everyday Witness: An off-balance life is not the best witness of our Christian walk with Jesus. Being spiritually anemic we cannot give what we do not have. Jesus had a demanding ministry schedule, yet He maintained a life balance of work, rest, and prayer.

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him. – Luke 21:37-38

In a similar manner, the disciples continued Jesus’ everyday ministry after His resurrection.

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. – Acts 5:42

All Day, Every Day: May the Lord rebalance your life and equip you through His Word for spiritual battle. May the Holy Spirit guide you in a life discipline of ministry, witness, rest, and fellowship as you walk with our Lord, Jesus.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin; – Hebrews 3:13

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Sword of the Spirit – Do Life Together #1353

Posted on June 15, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1353

“Do Life Together”

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Walking with God is to do life together with God. It is a continual, intimate, close relationship with our Savior – our friend who gave His life for us so that we may have eternal life with the Father.

A friend is more than an acquaintance. Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a blood relative.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. – John 15:15

True friendship requires reciprocity. Jesus gave His life for us. We, in turn, are to be obedient to the Word of God.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. – John 15:13-14

True friendship is steadfast. We all have friends who, although separated by time and distance, remain steadfast in friendship. On a phone call or a visit when passing through where they live you pick right up where you last left off. They remain there for you and you for them in fellowship and support.

Jesus is our steadfast friend with a difference: We are never separated from Him by time or distance. We do life with Him continually through His abiding presence.

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. – John 14:23

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. – John 15:9-10

Doing life with God involves dialog. When we do life with friends, we talk, and we listen. We share our hearts, joys, experiences, challenges, and sorrows. Doing life with God is a life of continual prayer.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2

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

Prayer is much more than a 911 emergency call. We all have friends in our contact list speed dial for the occasional conversation. Our relationship with Jesus should not be relegated to that of only a 911 emergency help call. Doing life with Jesus is ‘leaving the line open’. It is continual prayer, praise, and thanksgiving throughout the day and night.

By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. – Psalm 42:8

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May your Christian walk be much more than a religious affiliation. May you know the intimate abiding relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit as you do life with God.

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Sword of the Spirit – Light #1352

Posted on June 8, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1352

“Light”

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. – Genesis 1:3

Light. We seek it. We desire it. The first thing we do when walking into a dark room is flip the light switch on.

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. – John 8:12

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:4-5

Light gives clarity. We see obstacles and stumbling blocks in our well-lit path. Light keeps us from stumbling.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. – Psalm 56:13

Light makes us feel safe. Dark alleys are to be avoided. We tend to remain in well-lit areas. We are attracted to the light.

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. – John 12:46

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” – John 12:32

Beware of Counterfeit Light. Bug zappers emit an attractive light with deadly consequences. Angler fish do the same. The enemy seeks to appeal to our flesh with a false light. He twists the Word of God to us to appeal to the lust of our flesh. Through the Truth of the Word of God revealed to us by His Holy Spirit, we can discern what is counterfeit and avoid it.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

Shadowy Light. The light of Christ in our hearts is grayed out when we live a compromised Christian life. Allowing some ‘darkness’ by keeping one foot in the world and the other on the path of following Jesus dims the light in us and makes us susceptible to the false light of the enemy. It also makes others (spouse, children, neighbors, etc.) susceptible to stumbling because of our compromised example.

The Greek word for darkness is ‘skotos’ (shadiness, obscurity, darkness) from which we derive our word ‘scotoma’ meaning a blind spot giving impaired vision. Spiritual scotomas cause us and others to stumble.

But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. – John 11:10

Therefore, let us…rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. – Romans 14:13

Therefore, be careful lest the light in you be darkness. – Luke 11:35

The Light of Christ is in us. The Greek word for ‘light’ is ‘phos’ meaning luminousness, fire, and light. Our word ‘phosphorescence’ meaning emitted light is derived from ‘phos’. Our life walk, in example and speech is to emit the unblemished, pure light of Christ in us.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. – Matthew 5:14,16

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world – Philippians 2:14-15

May the pure light of Christ light your path and keep you sure-footed.

May His light shine through you dispelling the darkness of the world.

May it expose the false light of the enemy.

May the light of Christ in you draw others to receive salvation through Jesus.

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Sword of the Spirit – Perfect Will, Purpose, and Plan #1351

Posted on June 1, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1351

“Perfect Will, Purpose, and Plan”

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. – Psalm 57:2

We cry out to God in prayer for healing, provision, and deliverance for ourselves and others. We rejoice and praise Him when He answers our prayer.

How do we react when His answer is ‘No’? ‘Not yet’?

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9

How do we handle His perceived silence on the matter?

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; – Psalm 37:7

How do we deal with His answer that is not in accord with our desires?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus provided an example for us when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane: Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. – Luke 22:42

We act like arrogant, spoiled children when we approach God as if He were a genie in a bottle to grant us wishes. Who is ‘god’ in that relationship?

God is willing to heal us – When it is in accordance with His perfect will, purpose, and plan.

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” – Mark 1:40-41

Jesus healed the leper and the woman with the issue of blood and numerous others. He did not heal Paul of his ‘thorn in the flesh’. Timothy continued to suffer with stomach issues. Can we trust in Him and in His perfect love, plan, and purpose when He chooses not to heal?

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

Joni Eareckson Tada who sought God’s healing of her paralysis said it this way:

“God may remove your suffering, and that will be great cause for praise. But if not, He will use it, He will use anything and everything that stands in the way of His fellowship with you. So let God mold you and make you, transform you from glory to glory. That’s the deeper healing” (quoted on Grace to You, October 16, 2013)

God has a perfect plan and purpose for us – God’s plan for us was determined before we were born.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. – Psalm 139:16

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

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. – Psalm 138:8

Jesus said, ‘Come, follow Me’ – Our Christian walk is a walk of faith, trust, and obedience to the will of God for us. We receive guidance, direction, and power for living in this world through His abiding presence, He in us and us in Him.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you; 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. – Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! – Psalm 143:10

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Philippians 2:13

God will meet our needs in all circumstances. – We must be careful to differentiate our wants and our way, from our needs and trusting acceptance of God’s sovereign will. We must always be confident in His love and in His perfect will, purpose, and plan for us.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. – 1 John 5:14

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

Trust in God – Peace and contentment come from absolute trust in the love of the Father and in His perfect plan and purpose for us no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:11-13

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Sword of the Spirit – Stability #1350

Posted on May 25, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1350

“Stability”

The Lord is exalted…and he will be the stability of your times… – Isaiah 33:5-6

We desire stability in life. We do not like it when the earth quakes under our feet or when the economy, job markets, and world peace become unstable.

In spite of the uncertainty and instability in the world, the LORD, is our sure foundation and Rock of stability upon which we stand and are secure. He is the stability of our times.

Stability in Faith – Our salvation is sure and secure in Him.

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard… – Colossians 1:21-23

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

Stability in Hope – We must remain steadfast in hope, waiting patiently for Him for He is faithful and true to His promises.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation – Psalm 42:5

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22

Stability in Emotions – The enemy seeks to steal our peace and make us anxious about the many ‘what if’ scenarios that can happen. Keep your mind stable and stayed on Him and receive His peace.

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

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 62:6

He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. – Psalm 112:7

Stability in Purpose – We must remain steadfast in following Jesus and not be the one that He talks about putting his hand to the plow and looking back. Our stability in purpose stems from seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; – Colossians 1:10-11

Stability in Trials – We will have trials and challenges in this world. Jesus told us as much. Our stability in trials is found in Jesus who overcame the world, and through Him we too are overcomers.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world; Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – John 16:33; James 1:12

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me; For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. – Psalm 119:133; Galatians 5:1

You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip; And you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place. – Psalm 18:36, 31:8

Stability in Our Times – I find it interesting that the Greek word translated ‘stand firm’ is ‘histemi’. It is pronounced HEE-stay-mee. We do not stand firm in our own strength and ability. Our stability in our times is found only in Jesus: ‘HE STAY ME’.

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. – Psalm 75:3

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Love Held Him There #1349

Posted on May 18, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1349

“Love Held Him There”

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. – 1 John 3:16

Jesus could have stopped the crucifixion. But He didn’t. His followers could see the determination in His face as they journeyed to Jerusalem.

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem; But the Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced; therefore, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. – Luke 9:51; Isaiah 50:7

Was it sheer physical will and gut determination that enabled Jesus to suffer tremendously and die a tortuous death by crucifixion? No. It was His steadfast love for us and His unwavering obedience to the Father that gave Him the resolve to suffer and die for our sin.

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

The nails did not hold Him on the cross – His love did. Love powered Him through and held Him there.

During His ministry, in His love, Jesus cared for and ultimately died for those He knew would yell, ‘Crucify Him’. He ministered to the Roman oppressors, Samaritans, and tax collectors – He did not discriminate in His love.

In His love, Jesus washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, whom He knew would betray Him. He also washed the feet of His disciples whom He knew would abandon Him and flee.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

It is mind boggling to try to fathom the depth and breadth of the love that God has for us through Jesus and yet, His commandment to us is that we love as He loved.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:12-13

How can we possibly obey this commandment? It is not humanly possible. Precisely! Our ability to love as Jesus loves comes through the power of the Holy Spirit and His greatest gift to us.

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible; You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth; By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. – Matthew 19:26; Acts 1:8; John 13:35

We must first have an unwavering, unconditional, steadfast love for God.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. – Matthew 22:37-38

We must also love ourselves, caring for our spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, not selfishly at the expense of others but rather in recognizing that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

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

And a second (commandment) is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself – Matthew 22:39

We must love and forgive others, not only those who love us back, but also those who are unloving toward us.

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. – 1 John 4:20-21

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive; Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Colossians 3:13; Mark 11:25

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same; But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil; But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. – Luke 6:32-33, 35; James 2:9

Jesus’ love held Him on the cross. Will we allow His love to hold us in difficult family relationships; Husband-Wife? Parent-Child? Caring for elderly parent? Brother-Sister?

Are we willing to allow His love to hold us in difficult relationships with others? Church conflicts? Workplace conflicts? Neighborhood conflicts?

Will we allow His love to hold us in loving those who act unlovingly toward us and treat us poorly?

It is a ‘tall order’ to love as Jesus loves. We cannot obey His commandment to do so apart from His abiding presence and the power of His Holy Spirit. Will you allow His love to hold you there?

According to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:16-19

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Sword of the Spirit – Ahead of the Curve #1348

Posted on May 11, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1348

“Ahead of the Curve”

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

During a military passing in review exercise a cadence is used to keep everyone synchronized in step and marching in unison. Someone who was consistently out of step was said to ‘March to the beat of a different drummer’.

Societal norms of behavior and beliefs are like a cadence designed to bring conformity and compliance. If conformity were to be plotted, it would form a bell curve with the peak as the defined normative behavior. Those who refuse to compromise and conform to societal normative pressures are said to be ‘ahead of the curve’. They are typically change-agents, leaders, and trend-setters, working to create a new norm.

What is deemed a norm in society is not necessarily normative in God’s Kingdom. Jesus ‘marched to the beat of a different drummer’ guided by the cadence of the Holy Spirit and was ‘ahead of the curve’ concerning societal norms about behaviors and beliefs. He exemplified and preached the new norm of the Truth of the Word of God.

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

A personal, born-again relationship with Jesus is not a norm in world society. Sadly, this is also true for many who claim to be Christians. The norm is to live primarily for this world and maybe occasionally dabble in religion and religious practices. They have the form of religion without the wisdom and relationship power of the abiding presence of Christ in their hearts. They are like the unprepared foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable teaching us to always be ready for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise… at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ …and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. – Matthew 25: 1-13

Jesus challenged the norms – He touched lepers, ate with sinners, and healed on the Sabbath – He was ahead of the curve, marching to the beat of a different drummer and was crucified for it.

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. – John 3:19

Jesus boldly spoke out against the norms that violated the Truth of the Word of God, pronouncing woes to those who sought to bring people into conformity with their false teaching. He then went on to define the new norm according to the Truth of God’s Word.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Woe to you, blind guides… – Matthew 23

You have heard…But I say to you… Murder, Adultery, Oaths, Retaliation, and Love for Enemies. – Matthew 5

The world norm banned church worship during Covid, yet many abortion clinics and bars were allowed to remain open.

The world norm embraces same sex marriage.

The world norm encourages sexual, transgender, and homosexual education for children.

The world norm ordains homosexual ministers.

The world norm embraces allowing a child to choose their own gender preference.

The world norm celebrates what God considers to be an abomination.

The world norm is to be entertained by media that celebrates sin in graphic word and action.

The world norm embraces the murder of babies as a woman’s right to choose.

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

The world has a siren call that appeals to our flesh. It beats a cadence to conform us to many norms that violate the Truth of the Word of God. Is this the drumbeat you choose to march to?

Will you compromise and conform to the normative bell curve of the world, or will you stay ahead of the curve, following Jesus?

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; …Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you – 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

May you follow Jesus wholeheartedly and walk according to the cadence of the Holy Spirit. May your life example in word and deed be witness to the new norm of the Truth of the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. – Matthew 16:24

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Sword of the Spirit – Discipline #1347

Posted on May 4, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1347

“Discipline”

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. – Revelation 3:19

What comes to mind when you think of the word, ‘discipline’? Punishment? Pain? Restrictive, structured living?

Discipline is a multi-faceted word whose root meaning is instruction and learning. Our use of the word has meanings ranging from punishment & correction, rules & regulations, as well as teaching and learning. In the military we learn to be disciplined through training and we are disciplined through punishment and correction when we willfully resist conformity.

Discipline is Training – Discipline is not condemnation. It is for the training and growth of God’s children in righteousness.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons… For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives. – Romans 8:1; Hebrews 12:7,6

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age – 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:11-12

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it; Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law – Hebrews 12:11; Psalm 94:12

Self-Discipline – We have a responsibility and an obligation to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus as His disciples, disciplining our flesh to obedience to the Word of God.

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls; But I discipline my body and keep it under control…. – Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 9:27

God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control; Train yourself for godliness; – 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Timothy 4:7

Parental Discipline – This has been severely lacking in our society for decades. Parenting skills are almost a lost art. Many Mom’s and Dad’s, single and two-parent homes alike, too tired from work and life interests have abdicated their responsibility as parents to discipline their children leaving them to be taught and raised by a corrupt world system.

Fathers do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord; Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. – Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6

God’s Discipline – God’s discipline is always based in His love for us and intended for the betterment of His children. He takes measures to correct our behavior and path to help us grow in holiness and develop a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Be subject to the Father… for…he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. – Hebrews 12:9-10

Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore, despise not the discipline of the Almighty…; But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. – Job 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 11:32

Consequence Discipline – The consequence discipline from the world system is objective punishment and lacking the love component. When we sow to the works of the flesh in an undisciplined lifestyle, we will reap the consequences of our own sin and disobedience. The ultimate consequence of this is eternal separation from God.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap; Behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out. – Galatians 6:7; Numbers 32:23

Responsorial Prayer: Father, I repent of my undisciplined life choices – my choices to sin against you. I thank you, Lord for your grace and forgiveness. I thank you, and yes, I rejoice in the trials of your loving discipline to correct and guide me on your path of righteousness. I ask that you Keep steady my steps according to the promise of your Word and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 119:133. In Jesus’ holy Name I pray, Amen.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ – Titus 2:11-13

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