Sword of the Spirit

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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Sword of the Spirit – Able #1346

Posted on April 27, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1346

“Able”

Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you; Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? – Jeremiah 32:17,27

Is God a capable God? Yes, He is but you will not find Scriptures stating that. You will find, however that God is able.

What is the difference in the two words we use almost interchangeably? “Capable”, implies the potential or suitability for a task whereas “Able”, focuses on the presence of necessary skills and resources. For example: You might be capable of learning a language, but not yet able to speak it fluently.

In essence: “Capable” suggests potentiality, while “able” emphasizes the present or immediate ability to act. When one is able, they are willing to, and actively exercise their capabilities.

The Scripture Greek word for “able” is “dunamai” from which we derive the words, dynamic, dynamo, dynamite. The word conveys active power, energy, and force.

If we are capable of doing something, we have the ability to do it. The question is, will we? God will, and does so continually.

Able to Save – No one, nothing, has the capability or ability to save us from our sin and give us eternal life, except Jesus.

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. – Acts 4:12

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant … because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. – Hebrews 7:22-25

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. – Jude 24-25

Able to Bless and Provide- It is by the grace of our Lord that our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs are met. Note the purpose for His grace: so that we may exercise our God-given ability.

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

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

Able to do More – We cannot even begin to imagine the ‘much more’ of God’s ability. We look at the stars in the night sky and try to fathom the vastness of His creation. We examine the molecular and atomic structure of nature and the intricacies of His creation of life – we are wonderfully made – yet there is so much more that we cannot even begin to fathom. We are in awe of Him.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Able to Relate – Jesus gets us. As our Creator, He knows us intimately. He understands us and what we are going through, and He will guide and provide what we need to live an overcoming life.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust – Psalm 103:13-14

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. – Hebrews 2:18

Able to Fulfill His Promises – Are you convinced of God’s ability to accomplish all He has promised? Are you able to wait patiently for Him, without losing faith and hope in His promises?

He (Abraham) did not weaken in faith … No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. – Romans 4:19-21

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 3:9

Able to Love – We are capable of love, but are we able? Always? Unconditionally? Are you fully convinced of God’s steadfast, unchanging love for you?

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

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

We are Capable…Are we Able? – God has created us and gifted us through His Holy Spirit with capabilities. Are we willing and able to serve Him and our fellow mankind in His power and strength for His glory?

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father … – John 14:12-14

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good; I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – 1 Corinthians 12:7; Philippians 4:13

Response: Father, I stand in awe of your majesty and ability. I know that you have created me with the potential for more. I pray for a fresh infilling of your Holy Spirit with the gifts and willing ability that I need to serve You and others in Your Name. To You be all the glory, honor, and praise!

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Sword of the Spirit – Open #1345

Posted on April 20, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1345

“Open”

Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades; Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. – Revelation 1:17-18; 3:8

The tomb was opened, and the stone rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but rather to let us see that He is risen and believe!

Jesus has the keys to eternal life. He comes and knocks on the door to our heart and senses. Will we open the door that traps us in unbelief and sin and allow Him to set us free?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. – Revelation 3:20

Open Our Eyes

We are blinded by the bling of this world.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. – 1 John 2:15

When we seek Him, His kingdom and righteousness, He will open our eyes to the Truth of His Word.

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Matthew 6:33; Psalm 105:4

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law – Psalm 119:18

Open Our Ears

We must quiet the cacophony of this noisy world that competes for our attention and drowns out His still, small, whisper of encouragement and direction.

We not only hear God’s Word audibly, but also spiritually as the Holy Spirit opens our ears to hear Him.

So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ; But blessed are your… ears, for they hear. – Romans 10:17; Matthew 13:16

He opens their ears to instruction and commands that they return from iniquity; 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 – Job 36:10; Isaiah 30:21

Open Our Minds

Our minds have been dulled by the plethora of media in this world that has spoon fed us false doctrines. Our minds are cluttered with thoughts of the things of this world such that we lose our eternal perspective and focus and prioritize the temporal and secular things.

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

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

Pray that the Lord open our minds and by His Holy Spirit renew and transform them to give us clarity, discernment, and understanding of the Truth of His Word.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you; Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures – John 14:26; Luke 24:45

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

Open Our Hearts

Our hearts can be hardened by unbelief. Our hearts can be fickle, giving the Lord ‘lip service religious worship’ while living a life of sin and disobedience.

This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 15:8; Matthew 6:21

Pray that the Lord remove our sin hardened hearts and give us a right spirit.

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. – Ezekiel 36:26-27

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. – Psalm 51:10

Pray that the Lord bring the light of His presence in our heart dispelling the darkness that we have harbored there.

Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints – Ephesians 1:18

Open Our Mouths

The tomb is opened and empty. Jesus is risen! Jesus suffered and died to redeem us from the judgment of our sin. Because He lives, we are justified through faith in Him, and we have the hope and blessed assurance of eternal life.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed; For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. – 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:10

He died for us. Now let us live for Him and tell the world the good news of His Gospel of salvation.

Pray…that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…; O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise – Colossians 4:3; Psalm 51:15

He is risen – He is risen, indeed! May the spirit, meaning, and joy of His resurrection be with you always. Happy Easter!

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Sword of the Spirit – No Escape #1344

Posted on April 13, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1344

“No Escape”

Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? – Hebrews 2:1-3

Two of my favorite escape themed movies are Papillon and The Great Escape starring Steve McQueen. There are numerous other movies, and they all share a common thread highlighting man’s tenacity and ingenuity to be free from captivity. It is in our nature to be free. There are some situations however where we need help. We need someone to rescue us and set us free from the law of sin and death. We need a Savior.

No Escape From Death – Our physical death is an inescapable fact. As healthy as we strive to be, we cannot cheat the inevitable outcome. We can live forever, however through faith in Jesus.

No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. – Ecclesiastes 8:8

What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? – Psalm 89:48

Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? – John 11:26

Held Captive by Our Sin Nature – How many of us have repeatedly tried and failed to break a sin habit or an addiction? There is no escape from our sin nature except through Jesus.

I am of the flesh, sold under sin… For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate… For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing… but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members… Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! – Romans 7:14-19,23-25

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. – Corinthians 10:13

No Escape From the Truth of God’s Word – Do not be captivated by the easy way of the world and its false doctrines. The enemy of your soul wants to hold you captive, and he uses lies and deceit to offer false alternate paths to eternal life. Jesus is the only way.

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; For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. – Colossians 2:8; Matthew 24:24

Set Free by Jesus – We cannot escape the reality of our mortality, nor can we escape the reality of our depravity. We need a Savior and Jesus is His Name. There is no other Name by which we can be saved.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me… to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed – Luke 4:18

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 14:6, 8:36

And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. – 1 John 5:11

There is No Escape from that Final Day – We tend to go about our daily lives, living for the things of this world, oblivious to the fact that our next heartbeat is not guaranteed or that the Day of the Lord can come suddenly. For those who have accepted the free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus this day is anticipated and not feared because the way of escape has been purchased by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them… and they will not escape; But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; Luke 21:36

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10

Jesus Chose to not Escape the Cross – In His love for us, Jesus paid the price for our sin. Because of His horrific suffering, death, and glorious resurrection, through faith in Him we can be set free from captivity to the law of sin and death.

Behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. – Revelation 1:18

We are entering Passion Week, the week before Easter where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Let us remember the sacrifice Jesus made to provide for us a means of escape from sin and the death of eternal separation from God. Let us rejoice and thank Him for His glorious rescue.

Choose the Way of Escape Through Jesus – If you have not yet decided to accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus, now is the time. Jesus is speaking to you now through His Holy Spirit, The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. – Revelation 22:17

See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven; For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Hebrews 12:25; Romans 10:13

Pray this aloud: “Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and surrender my life. Wash me clean. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That he died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day for my Victory, I believe that in my heart and make confession with my mouth, that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. I receive eternal life, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Welcome to the Family of God and celebrate Easter with significantly greater depth of meaning and joy!

Posted in Business as Mission, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Salvation, Temptation | Tagged bible, christianity, Easter, Eternal Life, faith, forgiveness, god, Jesus, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Go and Speak #1343

Posted on April 6, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1343

“Go and Speak”

Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak. – Exodus 4:12

Have you ever been in a social setting where you felt compelled to speak the Truth of the Gospel, yet kept quiet?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes; Do not quench the Spirit. – Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Has anyone ever questioned you about the validity of Christianity, yet you were at a loss for words to ‘defend the faith’?

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect – 1 Peter 3:15

In the Book of Exodus chapter 3 we read the account of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. Moses fled from Egypt being wanted for murder. For forty years he has lived in Midian as a shepherd, married, and started a family. Then God called him.

God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” – Exodus 3:4

Personal Reflection: In many respects we too have heard the call of God to come to faith in Jesus. It may have been a worship song, a church service altar call, through the reading of the Bible, or the witness of a friend. How did you …how are you responding to this call to faith and salvation?

Then there is the call of God to serve Him and fulfill His purpose and plan for our lives. How did you … how do you respond?

Excuses – Moses was comfortable in his life and God was calling him out of his comfort zone, so Moses made excuses.

But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” – Exodus 4:10

We know from God’s Word that Moses was indeed eloquent having been educated in Egypt.

And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. – Acts 7:22

Personal Reflection: Are we so comfortable in our lifestyle that we cringe and shy away from the call of God to serve or speak the Truth of His Word in contexts that make us feel uncomfortable? Is the limit of our Christian walk bound up within the four walls of our church fellowship? Do we not realize that we enter the mission field as soon as we leave the church parking lot or walk out of the door of our homes to go to work or walk the neighborhood? Are we willing to carry the light of Jesus with us in the darkness of the world that we live in but are not a part of?

It is Not About Us – God’s response to Moses and to us today, is that it is not about us, our own intellect, our own power, and eloquence. It is all about Him and being empowered by His Holy Spirit.

Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? – Exodus 4:11

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

Personal Reflection: Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? Do you seek a fresh infilling each day for His power, guidance, direction, and gifts of the Spirit to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God in all you say and do?

Listen for the Commitment – We are taught in management counseling for performance to actively ‘listen for the commitment’. So much that is spoken are excuses that have an underlying root commitment that is the driving force behind our actions and speech. Moses’ commitment was that he did not want to go. Period.

But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” – Exodus 4:13

Personal Reflection: What is your commitment level when God calls you to step out in faith and serve or speak the Truth of His Word? Do you say, ‘Send someone else?’ or do you seek boldness, power, and wisdom from His Holy Spirit to step out of your comfort zone?

The Lord Became Angry with Moses – Up to this point the Lord was merciful and gracious, answering all of Moses’ questions: Who am I? Who shall I say sent me? What is His Name? Suppose they will not believe me? God answered all his questions and shows him miraculous signs that He will do through him to solidify his commission. But now, the root commitment that was driving all Moses’ questions is exposed and the Lord became angry.

Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…. – Exodus 4:14

Personal Reflection: God’s anger is righteous anger. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart – Mark 3:5 His purpose and plan will always prevail, with or without us. As a loving Father, He will discipline us in love. Will I freely and wholly commit my life to Him or tell Him, ‘No. Send someone else’?

Jesus Commissions Us

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you; All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – John 20:21; Matthew 28:18-20

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth. – Acts 1:8

Personal Reflection: Can I say with all honesty of heart, ‘I’ve witnessed the power, love and faithfulness of God and I am committed to tell what I’ve witnessed. He died for me. I will live for Him.’

I’ve Witnessed It – Bethel Music, Jen Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHYpWwTJ0Ug

Posted in Authority, Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Obedience, Purpose, Salvation, Service, Trust, Workplace | Tagged bible, bold faith, christianity, Eternal Life, Exodus, faith, god, Grieve the Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Moses, salvation, Witness | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – A Secure Peg #1342

Posted on March 30, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1342

“A Secure Peg”

And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honor to his father’s house. – Isaiah 22:23

I recall helping my Dad with projects where he would build shelves or tie something down. When completed, he would always put the full weight of his frame on it or pull on the securing strap and state, ‘That’s not going anywhere’ to signify how secure it was.

I thought of these memories of my Dad as I read in Isaiah about a secure peg. The Hebrew word is ‘yathed’ meaning a peg, pin, or stake. These were used to securely fasten the tents and to hang valuables on an interior support beam.

Our reference Scripture from Isaiah 22:20-25 deals with two men, Shebna and Eliakim, both servants in the house of King Hezekiah. Shebna was a proud, vain man who heart was not right before God and the Lord states that the false security that Shebna relied upon was going to be cut down.

In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, the peg that was fastened in a secure place will give way, and it will be cut down and fall, and the load that was on it will be cut off, for the Lord has spoken. – Isaiah 22:25

Eliakim’s heart, however, was right before God and the Lord states that He will establish Eliakim as the new, secure peg that could be relied upon.

In that day I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and I will clothe him with your robe, and will bind your sash on him, and will commit your authority to his hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. – Isaiah 22:20-22

Eliakim here is a type of Christ who has the key of the house of David, the keys of Hades and Death and all authority.

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens; I am the living one, I died, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. – Revelation 3:7; 1:18; Matthew 28:18

Where is your security? What ‘peg’ are you hanging on to? Is your secure peg yourself? Finances and investments? Your home and possessions? Someone else? Your career?

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord! – Isaiah 31:1

Everything that is of this world is insecure. As recent events can attest, even the most secure structures will burn and fall before strong winds and tornados. The very earth we stand on, Terra Firma is being shaken violently. Are these the ‘beginning of birth pains’ Jesus speaks of in Matthew 24?

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. – Matthew 24:5-8

Do you hang on every Word of God? Do you hold on to His promises? Jesus is our steadfast anchor. He is the firstfruits of our resurrection to eternal life. Upon this Truth we can hang our faith and hope for forgiveness of sin and eternal life with Him.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain; And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. – Hebrews 6:19; John 14:3

May the Lord remove all the false security ‘pegs’ from your life. May the Lord Jesus be your only safe and secure peg. Take hold of Him. Trust Him. Without delay, set all your hope in Him and only Him. Come to Him and He will give you salvation and eternal life.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe; The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. – Matthew 11:28; Proverbs 18:10; Nahum 1:7

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Peace, Salvation, Trust | Tagged earthquakes, Eternal Life, faith, forgiveness, hope, idolatry, idols, Jesus, salvation, security, trust in Jesus | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Reasonable Service #1341

Posted on March 23, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1341

“Reasonable Service”

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. – Romans 12:1

Appeal by the Mercies of God

God’s Word appeals to our free will. He calls us to make a choice. In His great mercy and grace, He died for us so that we may have eternal life through Jesus. Are we willing, then, to live for Him while in the body here on earth?

Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness… choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:14-15

Present your bodies.

God wants our entire being, body, soul, spirit, and mind, not just our occasional ‘good deeds’.

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. – Isaiah 64:6

Our entire being is to be engaged in true, spiritual worship of Him. God does not want ‘lip service’.

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me… – Matthew 15:8-9

As born-again Christians, saved by grace, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are stewards of our bodies. We are not our own, having been bought with a price – Jesus’ death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin.

Living Sacrifice

It has been said that the problem with living sacrifices is that they tend to crawl off of the altar.

The idea here is that of denying self and a sacrificial dedication of our lives to His service.

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

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God; Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. – Colossians 3:2-3; 3:5

Holy

Sacrifices were to be unblemished and without spot. For us this is only possible through the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us. We cannot ‘live like the devil’ all week and worship Him in truth occasionally. Our entire life, 24/7 is to be a dedicated holy worship of God – all we say, do, and think.

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.” – 1 Peter 1:15-16

Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24

Acceptable to God

The sacrifice of Jesus is acceptable to God. Our lives must transcend that of religion and denominational affiliation and be characterized by a continual personal relationship with the abiding presence of Jesus.

By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. – Romans 5:1 (CEV)

Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So, use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. (NLT) – Romans 6:13

Reasonable Service

The original Greek word used here is ‘logikos’. It is derived from ‘logos’ meaning word, reason, or logic. It is translated into English in a variety of ways, all suggesting the idea of worship or service that is thoughtful and in concert with the divine Truth of the Word of God. It signifies much more that the occasional worship service or good deed. Our reasonable service is a lifestyle of worship.

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. – John 4:23-24

Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. – Hebrews 12:28

With every breath, each day in the body of flesh, we are to glorify God. This is our practical, reasonable worship in serving Him and our fellow man in His Name.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 4:10-11

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Morality, Obedience, Priorities, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Stewardship, Worship | Tagged Abiding presence, bible, christianity, Deny Self, Eternal Life, faith, forgiveness, holiness, Jesus, salvation, worship | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Don’t Go Far #1340

Posted on March 17, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1340

“Don’t Go Far”

I will let you sacrifice to the Lord your God … Only you must not go very far away… – Exodus 8:28

Pharoah proposed a compromise – Moses refused.

The world system that we live in is influenced by Satan.

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. – 1 John 5:19

As a result, the world system hates Jesus, hates Christianity, and hates Christians.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world – John 17:14

Compromise, meeting others half-way, the art of giving and taking to maintain peace is good in some contexts. The Truth of God’s Word, however, is absolute and not subject to compromise: Jesus is the only way, sin separates us from God, and repentance is necessary for salvation.

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

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil – Isaiah 5:20

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. – Luke 13:3

Government Restrictions: Our secular world system is like Pharoah, tolerant of our Christian faith, but with limits: Don’t go too far.

Worship in church and Christian fellowship contexts, but don’t pray in public.

Worship your God but do not speak His Name in public speeches.

Worship your God but remove the Ten Commandments and other references to Him from your places of work and schools.

You can have your business Christian value statement, but you must compromise those values for special interest people – Do not go far.

So, they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:18-20

Social Restrictions: The ideologies of ‘political correctness’ and ‘woke’ have been carried to the extreme in our social contexts. To speak the Truth of the Word of God, albeit in love, is deemed to be ‘hate speech’ and subject to punishment.

Homosexuality is a sin (Romans 1:26-27)

Abortion is murder (Jeremiah 1:5)

The world says: ‘You can have your Christian faith and Bible, but do not go too far.’

Will you stand firm on the Truth of God’s Word? Will you stand in the gap for the unborn and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves? Are you all in with Jesus?

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. – Psalm 82:3-4

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. – Proverbs 31:8-9

Self-Imposed Restrictions: The sad truth is that the desires of the flesh and the pride of life become self-imposed limits on our Christian Walk. We will follow Jesus, but not too far.

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. – 1 John 2:16

‘I will give money, but a tithe? On the gross? And offerings on top of that? I will worship in tithes and offerings, but not too far.’

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me…in your tithes and contributions… Bring the full tithe into the storehouse – Malachi 3:8

‘I know that some movies, music, and video games expose and immerse me in the unholy aspects and sin of this world, but I need entertainment. I can handle the poison I am feeding my mind and spirit. I will worship you with my life, but not too far.’

‘I really like this person I am in a relationship with, and we plan to get married. It is so expensive to maintain two separate apartments and it makes more economical sense to live together. I will follow you, Lord, but not too far.’

It is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”- 1 Peter 1:16

‘I know I should eat right and exercise to maintain health in my mind and body. But there is so much stress with work and all and I really like to eat and I need to relax and chill out. I will worship you, but healthy foods and exercise, that is going too far.’

All In with Jesus: Are you ‘all in’ with following Jesus? The disciples left everything when He called them to follow Him. They were all in. Are you following, but at a distance? Are you following, but not too far?

And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. – Luke 5:11

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me: Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord… – John 12:26; Mark 8:34; 2 Corinthians 6:17

Our Prayer: Lord, I repent for my compromises with the world and the desires of my flesh. I repent for the times I have quenched your Spirit and given in to my flesh and societal pressures and failed to be all in and boldly follow you without reservation. Create in me a clean heart, Lord. May I serve you, and you alone, wholeheartedly, in faith and obedience to Your Word.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Faith, Holiness, Marriage, Morality, Obedience, Priorities, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Temptation, Workplace, Worship | Tagged abortion, bible, christianity, compromise, Eternal Life, faith, Follow Jesus, god, Hate Speech, Jesus, morality, persecution, Politically Correct, salvation, tithe, woke | Leave a comment