Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Cast Your Burden #1333

Posted on January 26, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1333

“Cast Your Burden”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7

When you think of the word, ‘cast’ what comes to mind? A fisherman with net or rod and reel? A game of cornhole, gently casting small bean bags?

Let this Scripture about casting transform your mind’s image from something with strings attached or things gently tossed and retrieved to that of a ‘Get it gone, let it go forever and forget it’ kind of cast. Think of throwing a live hand grenade or that go long, Hail Mary kind of football pass.

Doug Flutie’s “Hail Mary” pass was a game winning, 48-yard touchdown pass that he threw as a desperate final play of the 1984 Orange Bowl. Babe Ruth’s most famous ‘Called Shot’ home run in the fifth inning of the 1932 World Series with two strikes on him scored two runs and ultimately secured the win.

Are you at the point of your final desperate play as Doug Flutie was? Do you have the confidence and faith in Jesus to look and point to Him, calling the shot, as it were, knowing that He will deliver?

Cast Your Sin – Repent and turn away from a life of sin. Like a hand grenade, by the Grace of God, admit your sin, cast it away, and flee immorality never to return to it.

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

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

He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. – Micah 7:19

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1

Cast Your Guilt and Shame – The enemy is a tormentor. He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our peace by reminding us of our past. He is a liar, telling us that we remain unforgiven, unworthy, and guilty. Go long and throw your guilt and shame to Jesus. He’s got this.

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

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1

Cast Your Fears – We derive strength and courage from the Truth of the Word of God. We become weak and fears creep in when we fail to nourish our spirit by neglecting time in prayer and the reading of the Word. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. – Matthew 4:4

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. – Psalm 34:4

Cast Your Doubt – Like Babe Ruth, call the shot. Set your eyes on Jesus, pointing to Him in faith and confidence.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. – Proverbs 3:26

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

Cast Your Worries – We worry and are anxious about the things of this world largely due to our misplaced trust. We erroneously trust in our jobs, education, abilities, investments, and money. All these things are temporary, where moth and rust destroy or can be stolen. When we throw what makes us anxious away, our heart, and therefore, our treasure is in heaven and the peace of God will guard us.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:25,33

May you cast, throw, and give what burdens you ‘the heave ho’. Let Jesus free you from it. He is faithful to deliver you and separate you from it ‘as far as the east is from the west’ – Psalm 103:12.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Walk #1332

Posted on January 19, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1332

“Walk”

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. – 1 John 2:6

The disciples walked with Jesus. They watched, observed, and learned from Him how to deal with life circumstances.

They were commissioned by Jesus to take this knowledge and experience and preach and teach the Gospel, making disciples of all nations. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven, they set an example for others, both believers and unbelievers, by their life walk. In like manner, we are exhorted to also walk with Jesus and learn from Him to walk as He walked. Jesus’ commission applies to us today as well.

How do we learn from Him and to walk as He walked? We learn from Him through His Word and by the counsel of the Holy Spirit. We cannot see and hear clearly when our light is dimmed because we are in the habit of neglecting the reading and study of His Word.

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

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. 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 – John 14:16,26

Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh; 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. – Galatians 5:16; Isaiah 30:21

How is the integrity of your Christian walk? Is your Christian character intact or compromised?

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 4

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. – 1 John 1:6

Are you the same person in all contexts of your life? At home, church, workplace, and when travelling? Are you the same when ‘no one is watching’?

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15

Do people that you encounter along life’s path know that Jesus is in your heart?

We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God…so that you may walk properly before outsiders… – 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 4:10-12

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time; Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise – Colossians 4:5; Ephesians 5:15

The word translated ‘wisdom’ and ‘wise’ is ‘sophia’ and ‘sophos’. This is not worldly wisdom. It is the wisdom of God: His practical and spiritual understanding that the Holy Spirit gifts us with.

Time is a finite and precious commodity. We make the best use of it when we are salt and light to the world that is steeped in darkness and sin.

You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

For at one time, you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light – Ephesians 5:8

For many, your life walk, i.e. your example, is the only or first ‘bible’ they will read. Will they harden their hearts crying out ‘Hypocrite!’ or will they experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the desire to seek and know more about Jesus and the Gospel of salvation through Him?

Woe to the world from the stumbling-blocks! For there is necessity for the stumbling-blocks to come, but woe to that man through whom the stumbling-block comes! – Matthew 18:7 (LSV)

May your life walk be steadfast and uncompromised by the world.

May your life walk bring the light of Christ to dispel the darkness of the world.

May your life walk be a living Gospel of salvation to those who are perishing.

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

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Sword of the Spirit – Blinded Minds #1331

Posted on January 12, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1331

“Blinded Minds”

In whom the god of this age blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that there does not shine forth to them the enlightening of the good news of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God – 2 Corinthians 4:4 (LSV)

Our reference Scripture speaks of the blinded minds of the unbelieving. However, I believe that this Word has application to Christian believers today as well.

I am currently in the process of cataract surgery. Cataracts have clouded, blurred, and dimmed my vision. In a similar fashion, the god of this age also works to cloud, blur, and dim the minds and hearts of believers with ‘spiritual cataracts’ of distraction, idolatry, sin, doubt, and religiosity.

Blinded by Distraction – The distractions of this world dull our senses and interfere with our relationship with Jesus. Mindless activities waste the precious gift of time that we have been given. ‘I can’t find time to pray’ some say, yet they spend hours interrupted by and mindlessly scrolling social media.

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

Blinded by Idolatry – Idolatry blinds us with a myopic view of our life purpose. We seek the short-term gratification of the lusts of our flesh and lose sight of our eternal destiny.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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 2:15-16

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, …For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also; You shall have no other gods before me. -Matthew 6:19-21; Exodus 20:3-5

Blinded by Sin – The selfish ‘pursuit of happiness’ through the material and fleshly pleasures of this world hardens our hearts and blind us to the consequences of our sin. Our consciences become calloused and not open and tender to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

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

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. – Romans 8:6-7

Blinded by Doubt – The world teaches that our Creator does not exist and therefore, the world system enacts laws to remove all references to God and His Word from society. The theory of evolution is embraced and taught as factual truth seeking to supplant the Truth of the Word of God. The world system seeks to cast doubt in our hearts concerning the Truth of the Word of God.

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness; The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned – 1 Corinthians 3:19, 2:14

We must remain in the Word: reading, studying, and praying the Word so that it will take root in our hearts and minds. Otherwise, we become easy prey to the atheistic intellect of the world for the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy our faith.

Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. – Luke 24:38; Matthew 13:19

Blinded by Religion – Many people are blinded and deceived into a false sense of eternal security through membership in a church denomination and following its rituals ‘as best they can’. They lack a personal, born-again relationship with Jesus and seek salvation through their good works and religious practice.

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 15:8-9, 7:21

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 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. – John 3:3; Ephesians 2:8-9

May the Lord replace hardened and calloused hearts with hearts of flesh, tender toward the conviction and direction of His Holy Spirit.

May the Lord give you eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that diligently seek Him in faith and Truth.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 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 1:17-18

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Sword of the Spirit – Give Him The Bucket #1330

Posted on January 5, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1330

“Give Him the Bucket”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling… Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:1-10

‘You look exhausted, you should get some rest.’ So, go the well-meaning and well-intentioned statements from your family and friends. You try to make them understand but they cannot. There is no one who can help and you feel overwhelmed, alone, and tired.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

There are people: children, spouse, parents, and others who depend upon you to be there for them. Failure is not an option. You must continue to provide care, but you do not know where the strength to go on will come from.

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

Perhaps you are a business owner or executive trying to navigate treacherous economic waters to keep your business viable and able to continue to provide a living for your employees and their families.

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

You may be a single parent, juggling the demands of a full-time job, parenting, caregiving, and housekeeping. The pressure to succeed and to provide non-stop overwhelms you. Depression looms over you like a tidal wave. Perhaps you are a married couple with young children and another on the way. The sudden realization of the awesome responsibilities to care and provide for others’ lives overwhelms you.

Water closed over my head; I said, ‘I am lost.’ “I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’ You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ – Lamentations 3:54-57

Can you relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life?

It’s as if you are in a storm-tossed boat bailing water as fast as you can to stay afloat. It seems that no one is helping, even Jesus who is asleep in the bow. The boat is taking on water but will remain afloat only as long as you continue to bail. The people who depend upon you will be alright as long as you keep the boat afloat. You are trapped in a wearisome battle for survival, yours, and those for whom you are responsible.

And when he (Jesus) got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. – Matthew 8:23-24

If you are feeling overwhelmed, there is good news! Jesus understands our weaknesses having experienced being overwhelmed Himself and He remains steadfastly ready to help us – if we will let Him.

Then he said to them, My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death… – Matthew 26:38 (NIV)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses… – Hebrews 4:15

Recognize that Jesus has not abandoned you in your sinking boat. Acknowledge His presence as He calls out to you to come and receive His rest. It means that you will have to relax your tight-fisted grip on the bucket and relinquish control to Him.

Come to the Lord and hand Him the bail bucket. Trust Him. He will not let the boat sink.

Jeremy Camp – Out of My Hands

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Sword of the Spirit – Today #1329

Posted on December 29, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1329

“Today”

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts… – Hebrews 3:15

The year is ending, and New Year’s Resolutions are being made. We have all made them and we have all broken them.

The second Friday in January is known as the National Quitters day. It is the day where most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions.

I believe that such resolutions do not last because they are rooted in self. It is like building a house on sand rather than on the rock of Jesus Christ.

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock… And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand…and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” – Matthew 7:24-27

Our resolutions in life should be guided by the Word of God and empowered to remain steadfast by His Holy Spirit.

Resolve to Live by The Word of God: Rooted and Grounded in Christ.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence – 2 Peter 1:3

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; But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – Isaiah 30:21; James 1:22

Resolve to Honor God in Physical Health: Lose weight, exercise, eat healthier, quit smoking, drink less.

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

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. – Daniel 1:8

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; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Resolve to be Less Anxious and Fearful: Trust God.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul; Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Psalm 143:8; Matthew 6:34

Resolve to be a Faithful Steward of God’s Provision: Manage Finances better, save more, spend less, Be faithful in tithes and offerings.

And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? – Luke 12:42

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me… In your tithes and contributions… Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. – Malachi 3:8-18

Resolve to Follow Jesus: Today is the day for the Ultimate Resolution – Salvation through Jesus Christ; Do not wait for tomorrow since tomorrow may not come. Hear His voice calling you and do not harden your heart.

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; Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Hebrews 3:13; Matthew 3:2; Acts 2:38-39

May you grow in your relationship and walk with Jesus in the coming new year.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18

Happy New Year!

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Sword of the Spirit – Home #1328

Posted on December 22, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1328

“Home”

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

Christmas. This season is an emotional one. It conjures up feelings for simpler, happier times. Television commercials, Christmas carols, Hallmark movies and the like all tug at our emotional heart strings fueling a longing in our hearts for home.

There are many in our Armed Services who are deployed far from home who experience this deep longing.

Then, also there are many among us whose Christmas memories are bitter-sweet. Memories of loved ones who are no longer with them temper their joy.

Still others, and there are many, have never experienced the joy, love, and peace of Christmas and this season brings only painful memories.

We live in a broken world, damaged by sin. Life is not like a Hallmark movie and that is precisely why Jesus came. The good news of the Gospel is that regardless of our past and present situations we can all know the joy and peace of Christmas through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Jesus is, after all, the reason for the season and He is our home.

Home is our place of abiding, our abode.

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. – 1 John 4:15

Home is our warm and loving place.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. – John 15:9

Home is our peaceful place.

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

Home is our refuge and a shelter.

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. – Psalm 121:5-8 (NIV)

Home is where we are fed and cared for.

You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. – Psalm 145:16

Home is our joyful place.

My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. – Psalm 84:2

Home is where we are welcome as family.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God; See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God;- Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:1

May you know the joy, love, and peace of Christmas every day of the year through the abiding presence of Jesus.

Jesus is our home now and for eternity. Come to Him. Come home.

This is My Home – Jason Upton

Merry Christmas!

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Sword of the Spirit – 360 Degrees #1327

Posted on December 15, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1327

“360 Degrees”

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. – Haggai 1:5-7

I inspected a high-end motorhome recently that featured a 360-degree camera system. Being the techno-geek that I am, I was intrigued by the technology and how it provided an excellent view of my surroundings making driving, parking, and lane changes much safer.

Not to over-spiritualize things, but the technology made me consider my life walk with the Lord as well. How do I measure up in a 360-degree view of my day-to-day life walk?

Look Within – Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the condition of your heart. Would God say of you as He did of David that you are a person after His own heart?

I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will. – Acts 13:22

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of hardness in your heart that hinder a closer walk with the Lord. Do you harbor unforgiveness? Are there unrepented sins? Is your heart divided between love for the world and love for God?

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. – 2 Corinthians 13:5

Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord! – Lamentations 3:40

Look Above – Do you have the heavenly perspective of assurance of salvation through Jesus? Do you know, beyond a doubt, that your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Are you holding loosely to the things of this world, recognizing that this life is temporary and that eternity in Heaven awaits?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life; Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God; And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. – John 3:16; 1 John 4:15; 2:25

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes… – Philippians 3:20; James 4:14-15

Look Behind You – Learn from the past. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the Lord’s ‘fingerprints’ on your past life experiences and challenges. See how He has kept you, shaped you, protected and delivered you, and developed your character. See how He has been faithful and steadfast in His love for you while you yet walked the path of disobedience and sin. Let your past build your faith and love for Jesus.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me; Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Psalm 51:3; Romans 7:24-25; 8:1

I consider the days of old, the years long ago; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – Psalm 77:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Look Below – Where is your life path taking you today? Do you continue to stray from the path of righteousness and wander onto the broad path of sin and destruction? Is your current path of life directed and illuminated by the Word of God?

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; You make known to me the path of life; – Psalm 119:105; 16:11.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths; Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. – Proverbs 3:6; 4:26

Look Around – We are in the world but not of it. Is your environment, relationships, business practices, and life decisions compromising the integrity of your walk with the Lord?

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” My son do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths. – 1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 1:15

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – John 2:15

Look Ahead – Are you living a purpose driven life for the Kingdom of God? Are there ‘divine encounters’ on the path ahead of you – ordained by God to share His good news of salvation through Jesus? Are you ready in word and example to share the Gospel?

Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Hosea 6:3; Philippians 3:14

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. – Mark 16:15

360-degree Perspective – Be encouraged, Jesus has gone before you and He will go with you. He will not leave you, nor forsake you and there is a great cloud of witnesses cheering you on.

It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

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Sword of the Spirit – Double Minded #1326

Posted on December 8, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1326

“Double Minded”

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. – 1 Kings 18:21

Life this side of Heaven is a series of choices and decisions, some major and some minor. For many of us, these choices can be overwhelming and daunting giving way to fear of making the wrong decision resulting in hesitation, vacillation, indecisiveness, and double mindedness.

The English language has several idioms to describe this condition: ‘hot and cold’, cold feet’, ‘on the fence’, ‘hem and haw’, ‘up in the air’, ‘half-hearted’, etc. In our reference Scripture, Elijah essentially told the people it was time to ‘fish or cut bait’.

The Word of God calls it limping between two opinions, wavering, divided loyalties, lukewarm and idolatry.

For they go up to their roofs and bow down to the sun, moon, and stars. They claim to follow the Lord, but then they worship Molech, too. – Zephaniah 1:5 (NLT)

Be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind… Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. – James 1:6-8 (NLT)

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – James 4:8

Truth Revealed in Creation: God wants all people to come to Him and He reveals Himself to us through His creation.

What can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse. – Romans 1:19-20

Truth Revealed Through the Word of God: God continues to draw us by His Holy Spirit to a steadfast, single-minded commitment to Jesus through Scripture.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 10:17

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. – John 16:8

Eternal Consequences: The single most important decision we must make while we have breath has eternal consequences. We must decide to repent of our sin, confess that Jesus is Lord, and follow Him.

The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance; The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent; Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out – 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9

Undivided, Steadfast Devotion to Jesus: Having responded to the revelation of God and the conviction of His Holy Spirit to repent, we must now stay the course, steadfast in faith and devotion to Jesus.

We must die to this world, i.e. ‘Take up our cross’ and follow Jesus. We must not be double-minded and unstable, having one foot in the world and the other on the narrow path of righteousness.

Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God; Remember Lot’s wife.” – 2 Corinthians 1:17; Luke 9:62; 17:32

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money; Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – Matthew 6:24; 1 John 2:15

May your walk with the Lord be with a steadfast, undivided heart. May He steady your steps according to the promise of His Word. (Psalm 119:133)

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

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Sword of the Spirit – Power of Death #1325

Posted on December 1, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1325

“Power of Death”

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. – Hebrews 2:14-15

We are Flesh and Spirit – Contrary to worldly wisdom, we are more than a higher form of animal. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit in communion with our spirit.

God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them; 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. – Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19

Inherited From Adam – Mortal Flesh and a Sin Nature– We are all descendants of Adam. Because Adam and Eve chose to give in to temptation and disobey God, death came into the world through their sin and the enemy of our soul was given the power of death.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned – Romans 5:12

The Power of Death Brings Separation – Death is both physical and spiritual. Our bodies are mortal, and they will die, and our soul will separate from it.

By the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return. – Genesis 3:19

The real danger lies in the separation of our soul from communion and fellowship with God.

What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

The Power of Death brings a Fear of Dying and Keeps Us in Bondage to Sin. – Satan, who holds the power of death is a liar. He seeks to keep us in bondage to sin and destroy our communion with God. He lies when he tells us that we are too far gone to be forgiven and saved. Believing this lie brings a fear of dying and a less than fulfilled life.

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. – 1 John 3:8

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10

The Ultimate Power of Death is Eternal Separation from God – Our refusal to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus, choosing rather to embrace a life of willful disobedience and sin, gives death its ultimate power over us: our eternal damnation.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins. – 1 Corinthians 15:56; John 8:24

Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. – Matthew 25:41

The Power of the Cross Destroyed the Power of Death – The good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that the power of death has been broken. By His death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed the power given to Satan by sin.

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. – Colossians 2:13-15

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us; He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. – Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24

The Power of the Cross Frees Us from the Consequence of Sin – Death has no power over us when we accept Christ’s sacrifice and receive forgiveness of sin and eternal life through Him.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – Romans 8:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Power of the Cross Gives Us Hope for Eternity – Our souls may separate from our mortal bodies in death, but that is not the end. Rather, it is the beginning of eternal life having been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Now is the time to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior – while it is still ‘day’ – while we have breath to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 10:9)

But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive… The last enemy to be destroyed is death. – 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? – John 8:51,11:26

May you be set free from the power of death and bondage to sin.

May you live an abundant and fruitful life in the abiding presence of Jesus.

May you live a victorious life over sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.

May you stand in the wake of Jesus’ victory over death on that last day as you are welcomed into the presence of the Father.

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:54-55,57

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Sword of the Spirit – Influence #1324

Posted on November 24, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1324

“Influence”

Ahaziah…did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. – 1 Kings 22:51-52

While serving in the Navy my ship was home ported in Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy. I worked closely with two individuals who were from West Virginia and Kentucky. I returned home after a year with a southern drawl accent and my parents wondered if I had really been in Italy.

I mention this to illustrate the power of influence that our environment can have on us. Influence is defined as: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

We are Influenced – We become what we behold. We in turn influence others. Is our influence positive for the Kingdom of God? Or is our influence destructive to the environment and spiritual health of others?

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

Christian Influence: Jesus provided His ‘environmental impact statement’ for His church when He declared that we are salt and light. The light of Christ and the Living water of His Word are a positive influence in the environment of this world and on those whom we encounter.

You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. – John 7:38

One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. – Proverbs 12:26

Parental Influence: As parents we bemoan the negative influence of television, movies, music etc. But who is really at fault? Who has failed to lead, guide, and protect their family from the evil of this world? Who has provided their children with unfettered and unsupervised access to the seedy side of the internet? When we point our index finger of accusation at those who produce sinful media, recognize that the there are three other fingers pointing back at us.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. – 2 Timothy 1:5

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:9

Individual Responsibility: We have a choice. Ahaziah had a choice. He did not have to capitulate to the negative influence of his father and perpetuate a life of sin. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, yet he chose to make himself vulnerable to sinful influence.

For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. – 1 Kings 11:4

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. – Galatians 5:7-9

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

Toxic Environmental Conditions: We are in the world. We cannot escape that fact. However, we do not have be influenced by the evil of the world, but rather, be influencers, making a positive impact for the Kingdom of Christ.

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

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 2:15

Hazmat Suit: We cannot withstand the toxic slurry of this world without the protection of the full armor of God. Fending off the negative influence of the world and making a positive impact is not a matter of sheer will and strength. It requires spiritual armor, spiritual strength, and weapons that fight spiritual battles.