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.

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

May you stay in the Word and strong in the Lord.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11

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Sword of the Spirit – Good Shepherd #1323

Posted on November 17, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1323

“Good Shepherd”

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. – John 10:11

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. – Mark 10:18

You have probably participated in or heard of the responsorial exclamation that ‘God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.’ Intellectually, we understand that Jesus is good. The question before us is: How do we take such head knowledge that God is good and take it to heart and apply it in a practical sense?

What is Good? When Jesus states that He is the good shepherd, the Greek word kalos is used which means that He is a good worker. Jesus has a good work ethic and does the job of shepherding correctly. Kalos is ethical goodness in action. Kalos is doing good things and doing them with excellence.

In contrast, when Jesus says that God is good, the Greek word agathos is used which means He is a good, holy, and moral person. Agathos is being pure and loving in character and morals.

Jesus Embodies Good – Jesus, being fully God and fully man, embodied the goodness of agathos and kalos simultaneously. He was sinless, pure, holy, and carried out His mission with excellence.

I and the Father are one. – John 10:30

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. – 1 Peter 2:22

This where the ‘rubber hits the road’ and the Truth of this Word of God gets traction in our life: As born-again Christians, God wants us to be like Christ with the goodness of agathos and kalos.

Since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16

Holy (Hagios) means to be set apart and sanctified. It means to be ethically and morally pure. We are to have the likeness of the nature of the Lord because we are different from the world.

And we all… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18

The kalos work ethic and agathos morality of Jesus characterized His ‘walk’. We are to walk in the same manner. Our mission and purpose are to bear good fruit for the kingdom of God as pure salt and light in this world.

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

Love is the Key to Good – Things done well – good works – can be done with wrong motives. The sacrificial, pure love of God working through us brings the agathos and kalos goodness of Jesus together in our life walk.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends; Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – John 15:13; Matthew 20:28

Good Shepherds are Servant Leaders – We are all called to be good shepherds, Husbands, Wives, Parents, Pastors, Government and Business officials.

Husbands and Parents: Husbands and Dads are you taking your role as the shepherd of your family as serious as Jesus does? Do you love them sacrificially?

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her – Ephesians 5:25

Parents, are you leaving your children unsupervised as you chase the mammon of this world? Are they left vulnerable and easy prey to be devoured by the enemy through easy access to the poison of this world through a plethora of devices and social media?

He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. – John 10:12

Are you behaving like a hired hand and not like the good shepherd you are called to be? In so doing, are you hindering your children’s spiritual growth?

Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 19:14

Business and Government:  A good shepherd in business and government is a moral and ethical steward of God’s provision and divinely delegated positional authority. A business and government leader who walks in the manner of Jesus is a servant leader. They should not treat their employees or constituents as an expendable commodity for their own personal gain.

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful; Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. – 1 Corinthians 4:2; Colossians 4:1

You shall not oppress a hired worker…; Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness…who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages – Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Jeremiah 22:13

Church: There is a great accountability for the shepherds of the church, the Bride of Christ. There is an expectancy that the Truth of His Word and the goodness of God be embodied in church leadership.

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 23:1

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. – 1 Peter 5:2; Acts 20:28

May the abiding presence of Jesus in your heart give evidence of the agathos and kalos goodness of God through your life walk and bring Him glory.

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Sword of the Spirit – In Him #1322

Posted on November 10, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1322

“In Him”

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test! – 2 Corinthians 13:5

Pop Quiz. Don’t fret, it is an open book test. Our life walk is like an open book before the Lord. Nothing is hidden from Him.

O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. – Psalm 69:5

Examine yourselves – Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the truth about your life walk. Far too often we are hypocritical and in denial about the compromises we have made with worldliness to satisfy the lusts of our flesh.

Brace yourself. The Holy Spirit will illuminate the dark areas that you sought to keep secret. Now is the best time, not later, to acknowledge, repent, and let Jesus remove these dark chapters of our life walk by His sacrifice for our sins – His death and resurrection.

For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. – Luke 8:17

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

As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:12

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

Do you not realize…that Jesus Christ is in you?

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – Ephesians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17

In him we live and move and have our being; Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. – Acts 17:28; Colossians 2:6

Walk in Him:  Our walk is steady and forward-looking. We live today in anticipation of His eternal Kingdom.

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 119:133

Our walk is continuous and habitual. It is a lifestyle of steadfastly abiding in Him, bearing fruit for the Kingdom and to the glory of God. To walk in Him is much more than the religious observance of Sunday church and perhaps morning and evening rote prayers. It is a continual abiding, 24/7, 365 days a year. We remain in locked-step fellowship with Jesus.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing… By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. – John 15:4-5,8

Examine yourselves – Where do we go? Should Jesus be there, or have we broken fellowship with Him to flirt with the sin of the world? Do we break step with Jesus to yoke ourselves instead to the darkness of worldliness?

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. – 1 John 2:15

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Examine yourselves – Our walk with Jesus in this body of flesh has a purpose and plan. Our body is a temple for His Holy Spirit. How are we caring for it? Is it defiled with the abominations and poisonous immorality of the world? Is it in a shambles, unkempt and unhealthy? Are we good stewards of His temple?

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God; No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. – 1 John 4:15; 3:6, 24

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

Examine yourselves – If the book of our Christian life walk were in a library, where would it be categorized? Fiction or Non-Fiction? Fantasy or Reality of the Truth of God’s Word? Your Christian life walk is the only ‘bible’ that many people who do not yet know the Gospel will ‘read’. Do people in our day-to-day encounters know that they have been in His loving presence through us?

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

Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him. – 1 John 2:5

Examine yourselves – Take the quiz and allow the Holy Spirit to lovingly convict, correct, and counsel you in the way you should walk in Him.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ. – 1 Peter 5:14

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Sword of the Spirit – Vote In His Name #1321

Posted on November 3, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1321

“Vote In His Name”

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him; So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31

I am appalled at the statistics regarding Christian voting participation. Forty percent of professing Christians are registered but do not vote. Another twenty percent of professing Christians are not even registered to vote. This equates to millions of voices left unheard across our nation. Such apathy and indifference are shameful to say the least.

VOTING IS OUR DUTY AND SERVICE

As born-again Christians we have dual citizenships – in Heaven and here on earth. Our duty and obligation are to serve the Lord in both citizenship realms. Abstaining from voting is akin to the wicked and lazy servant who buried his master’s talent.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. – Romans 12:11

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

VOTING FOLLOWS THE BIBLICAL LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING

What do we vote for – a person? a charismatic personality? or Biblically based principles? Voting based on moral principles sows ‘good seed’.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption… – Galatians 6:7-8

They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold, they made idols for their own destruction. – Hosea 8:4

VOTING IS AN ACT OF LOVE

Voting is an act of selfless love. There are many empty promises made by candidates seeking to ‘buy’ your vote by luring you with the mammon of this world. As Christians we must vote not for what we can get, but rather for what can be done for the benefit of others. Our vote must be a voice for those who have no voice.

Vote as salt and light in this world for the glory of God.

Vote out of love for the Lord with all our heart.

Vote for life for the unborn.

Vote for fiscal responsibility.

Vote for integrity in leadership and justice.

Vote for freedom of worship.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ – Mark 12:30

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? … You are the light of the world. …Let your light shine before others, so that they may … give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

VOTING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP

If we love the Lord, we worship Him. If we love the Lord, we bring Him glory in all we do. That includes praying and interceding for the leadership of this nation and voting for men and women of integrity.

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. – Psalm 86:12

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

VOTING IS AN ACT OF FAITH

Regardless of who is elected to office, God remains sovereign and on His throne. He remains in control. Our faith must be in Jesus always and never in an elected official. There is only one Savior, and His name is Jesus. Vote out of Love and service to Him and in faith.

For dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. – Psalms 22:28

In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. – Proverbs 21:1

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. – Psalms 146:3

May the Holy Spirit remove the chains of apathy that hold you back from voting.

May the Holy Spirit quicken your heart to vote out of loving, selfless service to the Lord and our fellow citizens, born and preborn.

May you vote as an act of worship and faith.

Vote!

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Sword of the Spirit – I Will #1320

Posted on October 27, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1320

“I Will”

Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” – John 14:21

What is the measure of your love for God? Do you have His commandments in your heart and a compelling desire to keep them – to be holy?

I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; We are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people; As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” – Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Peter 1:14-16

The Truth of God’s Word encourages those who abide in His love with numerous ‘I Will’ promises.

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love; As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love; If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:10,9,7

God Seeks ‘The One’.

Is your day-to-day life walk in step with Jesus? Do you abide in Him continually? If you feel distant from a close abiding relationship with Jesus, know this: He is seeking you. He is going after the ‘one’.

I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak…- Ezekiel 34:16

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 11:19

God Will Forgive Us.

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. – Hebrews 8:12

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. – John 6:37

God Will Deliver And Protect.

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him… – Psalm 91:14

I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and honor him. – Psalm 91:15

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

God Is Attentive To Our Prayer.

When he calls to me, I will answer him. – Psalm 91:15

Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear. – Isaiah 65:24

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. – John 14:13-14

God Satisfies Our Life And Gives Us Eternal Salvation.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. – Psalm 91:1-16

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. – Isaiah 46:4

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. – Jeremiah 31:25

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:40

God Will Heal Us.

And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” – Matthew 8:7

And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. – Matthew 8:2-3

God Will Never Leave Us Or Forsake Us. He Will Return For Us

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. – John 14:18

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:14

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. – John 14:3

But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. – John 16:22

May your life walk be characterized by the abiding presence of Jesus.

May the Truth of God’s ‘I Will’ promises encourage your heart and increase your faith.

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Sword of the Spirit – Participation Trophy #1319

Posted on October 20, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1319

“Participation Trophy”

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. – 1 Corinthians 9:24

The ‘wisdom’ of the world has worked to reduce people’s character to that of the ‘lowest common denominator’ by rewarding mediocre participation and effort.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, – Colossians 3:23

In education, grade inflation is used to make people feel better whether they performed at that level or not. We are promoting ill-equipped, uneducated people. The lesson that they do learn well is that they are entitled to a reward regardless of their effort.

In sports, the advent of participation trophies rewards those unwilling to put forth the effort to succeed while simultaneously eroding the value of success for those who do.

An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules; Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. – 2 Timothy 2:5; 1 Corinthians 9:25

We are now seeing these dangerous all-inclusive, non-offensive policies emerging in the church. A recent statement made by the Pope demonstrates this ‘feel-good’ theology that has made inroads into the church. He said: “All religions are paths to God. I will use an analogy, they are like different languages that express the divine.”

The Truth of the Word of God says differently: 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

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing… – 1 Timothy 6:3-4

When I heard this ‘feel-good’ theology statement I was reminded of how Satan deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden. Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said…, “Did God actually say…” – Genesis 3:1

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus – 1 Timothy 2:5

The Truth is that there are no ‘participation trophies’ in the Kingdom of God. All religions are not paths to God. Jesus is the way…the only way.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matthew 7:13-14

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

We are not entitled to a crown of righteousness apart from Jesus Christ. What we do deserve is eternal damnation and that gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction.

As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.

– Romans 3:10; Isaiah 64:6

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. – John 3:17-18

It is by the grace of God that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserved and through faith in His death and resurrection, we can have eternal life.

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. – Ephesians 2:8-9

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

Jesus is indeed the narrow gate that leads to life and He does not sugar coat it – the way is hard. Our flesh wants what it wants and it does not want to be disciplined and obedient to God’s Word. Our flesh wants salvation, but on our terms. We want one foot in the world, steeped in sin, and still receive salvation. We want the wide path to lead to God apart from Jesus and the worldly church is more than happy to deceive echoing Satan: “Did God actually say…”

May the Holy Spirit give you discernment to see the lie of false doctrines. May He clarify the Truth of His Word and lead you to faith in Jesus as the way, the only way to eternal life.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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Sword of the Spirit – Surpasses Knowledge #1318

Posted on October 12, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1318

“Surpasses Knowledge”

And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:19

I love to study the sciences: physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, biology and anatomy. I have found that the more I study the more I appreciate how marvelous our Creator God is.

Take astronomy for example and try to wrap your head around  the vastness and immeasurable nature of His creation of the universe and what lies beyond. We can only see a glimpse of what God has created and its intricacies. Who can deny our Creator God?

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years. – Genesis 1:14

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. – Psalm 19:1

I recall camping in the mountains of Colorado far away from man-made light pollution and marveling at the night sky. This was a small example of what David as a shepherd and psalmist must have seen at night.

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting… He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. – Psalm 147:1-5

Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number,     calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing. – Isaiah 40:26

All aspects of His creation declare His glory as it is revealed to us in nature or through the study of the sciences. But, as our Scripture reference declares, what really boggles the mind is to comprehend the love of God for us through Jesus Christ. Try, if you will, to understand this Agape love.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life; For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? …O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:3-9

Wrap your head and your hearts around this: These tiny, seemingly insignificant carbon-based specks of humanity in the vastness of God’s creation are created in His image and through faith in Jesus Christ we step from being His intricate creation to being called His sons and daughters.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. – Psalm 139:14

Can you begin to understand it? The God of the universe, creator of heaven and earth loves us as His children through faith in Jesus. He is our loving Abba, Father, Daddy.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13

May the Holy Spirit bring you to know the love of Christ that surpasses human knowledge.

May you be filled with the fullness of Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, through faith in Jesus Christ.

May you never cease to worship, praise, and marvel at the goodness and love of God as you walk with Him all the days of your life.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them; Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. – Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 2:6-7

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Sword of the Spirit – Victory #1317

Posted on October 7, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1317

“Victory”

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Victory is defined as the achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties. We have all experienced a victory in our life at one time or another and it is a great feeling.

There is one victory however that we cannot achieve on our own. The odds are infinitely stacked against us and nothing – absolutely nothing – we can do is sufficient to be victorious. Forgiveness of our sin, Eternal life, Salvation, this is the ultimate victory in life, and it is only achieved through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

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

Sin is an ever-present reality in life this side of heaven. The power of sin is the Law. For example: if there were no speed limit laws, one could travel at whatever speed one desires and there would be no transgression. When the law is present: ‘Speed Limit 55’ – sin has power over us as we are tempted to travel faster and break the law.

The Ten Commandments summarize God’s Law and because of our sin nature we are all law breakers and deserving of God’s wrath: the wages of sin.

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

Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 5:20-21

Consider the reasoning behind our government removing the Ten Commandments from public places. It is a feeble attempt by Satan to remove the power of sin by removing the Law. It is an attempt to pave the way for freedom to sin without consequence. But God, who created us in His image, has put His moral law in our hearts and minds so all mankind is without excuse for their sin. The power of sin cannot be removed apart from Jesus Christ.

I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God; They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness… – Hebrews 8:10; Romans 2:15

We all need deliverance from the sting of spiritual death and eternal damnation. We cannot be victorious over it on our own. We need Jesus.

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate… So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 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. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! … – Romans 7:15-25

We can live a victorious life today over the law of sin and death through Him.

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. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. – Romans 8:1-4

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. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. – Colossians 2:13-15

We can live an overcoming life this side of Heaven through faith in Jesus. Accept His free gift of salvation and be born again by the Spirit of God.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? – 1 John 5:4-5

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world; For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. – 1 John 4:4; Romans 6:14

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires; Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – Galatians 5:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Victory through Jesus!

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