Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Hard Pressed #1316

Posted on September 29, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1316

“Hard Pressed”

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV)

Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians prefaces our reference Scripture verse stating that we are like jars of clay with the light of Jesus as a treasure inside.

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand; For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. – Isaiah 64:8; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

We live in a fallen world that is under the influence of spiritual forces of evil that seek to destroy Christian followers of Jesus.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

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

We may be fragile jars of clay, but we are more than conquerors because of the treasure that is within us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. – Romans 8:35-37

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. – 1 John 4:4

Hard Pressed; Not Crushed – No matter what difficulty has befallen us, our spirit in communion with the Spirit of God is not crushed. Through Jesus we remain spiritually strong in faith, trust, and hope.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? – Psalm 118:6

Perplexed; Not in Despair – To be perplexed means to be at a loss for understanding why bad things are happening to us. Perplexity brings doubt and it shakes our faith. When we are in despair, we feel we are without a resource. This a lie of the enemy and through the treasure of the Living Word of God in us we are strengthened knowing that Jesus is our ever-present resource.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

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

Persecuted; Not Forsaken – The word for persecuted means to be pursued, and aggressively chased down. But God will not abandon us – we are not forsaken. We have a Shepherd who watches over us continually.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep; Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – John 10:1; Psalm 23:4

Struck Down; Not Destroyed – Our enemy gloats when he is able to beat us down. However, when we are driven to our knees, it is not a position of surrender, but rather a position of power through the mighty Name of Jesus. He will fight the battle. He will not lose those who are His!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – Philippians 4:6; James 5:16

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! – Psalm 35:1

We are indeed earthen vessels, hand-crafted by God, each uniquely shaped and gifted, but all with the same Spiritual treasure inside.

For in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body…- 1 Corinthians 12:13

I managed a Big Box store Garden Center for several years. I recall how some people would buy broken pottery to restore and repurpose the pieces into beautiful art arrangements. God does the same with our brokenness. He is our God of restoration, renewal, and salvation. He will not lose any that are His.

So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. – John 6:39

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… For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Ezekiel 34:16; Romans 10:13

May the treasure of the Living Word of God in you encourage and strengthen you with power for living to His glory and praise.

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Perseverance, Prayer, Salvation, Trials, Trust | Tagged bible, christianity, Eternal Life, faith, god, Jesus, prayer, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Awake #1315

Posted on September 22, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1315

“Awake”

So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. – 1 Thessalonians 5:6

I served in the Navy during the Vietnam era, and I dare say that I found the time following the end of the war to be the most dangerous. Without an imminent threat from an enemy, people became complacent and less watchful. General Quarters drills were not taken seriously and people on night watch were not diligent in their duties. We were highly vulnerable.

As I reflect on this time, I cannot help but see a corollary with the spiritual condition of far too many people, Christian believers, and non-believers alike. Our Lord and Master is ‘a long time in coming’ and we have become complacent and oblivious to the threat before us.

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. – Matthew 25:5

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

In our reference Scripture, Paul exhorts the church to wake up.

‘Let us not sleep’ – Paul uses this metaphor to caution us to remain vigilant in our relationship with Jesus. In this context, sleeping is being indifferent to adhering to Biblical Christian morals. It is speaking of faith but having no actions of service to corroborate it and having religion without a relationship with Jesus. Sleeping indicates remaining ignorant of the Word, being satisfied to be ‘bottle fed’ by an occasional sermon and living a compromised worldly lifestyle.

Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. – 1 Corinthians 15:34

‘Let us keep awake’ – Paul exhorts the people of the church to be the watchman – not just the Pastor. Like the sailor on night watch needs to sound the alarm when danger approaches, we need to rouse those who have become complacent and lethargic in their Christian walk. We must stop diluting the Truth of the Word of God and preach the whole counsel of the Word, boldly declaring sin to be sin without fear or reservation.

Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. – Mark 13:33

I have made you a watchman… Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. – Ezekiel 3:17

‘Let us…be sober’ – Paul is not telling us to be sullen. He is exhorting us to avoid a hedonistic lifestyle, indulging in the pleasures of this world at the expense of our relationship with Jesus.

But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. – Luke 21:34

For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man… Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. – Matthew 24:38-42

Living in a worldly stupor dulls our spiritual sensitivity to the imminent and sudden return of our Lord.

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. – Romans 13:11

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:13

If you are ‘on the fence’ about deciding to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, now is the time to choose eternal life through Him. He is the only way.

If you are a Christian still living a compromised lifestyle of worldly stupor, now is the time to awake.

When your time in this temporary life comes to a sudden end, or Jesus suddenly comes for His church, you want to be among those who are clothed in His righteousness.

Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, so that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! – Revelation 16:15

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness – Isaiah 61:10

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Faith, Holiness, Morality, Priorities, Salvation, Temptation | Tagged Be Ready, End times, Eternal Life, morality, salvation, Second Coming of Jesus | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Can I Get A Witness? #1314

Posted on September 15, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1314

“Can I Get A Witness?”

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

A witness is one who testifies to the truth that they know. In our secular courts of law some of us come forth willingly to be witnesses. Others must be subpoenaed, not willing to ‘get involved’.

The Word of God has much to say about being a witness in this world. The ninth commandment deals with lies and being a false witness.

You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother. – Luke 18:20

God’s Word also speaks about being a witness for the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist was a witness to this Truth about Jesus.

He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. – John 1:7

Jesus commissioned us to carry on His mission and be witnesses to the Truth of His Word.

And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:18-20

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus was very clear and up front about how challenging and dangerous being a Christian witness will be in the last days.

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. – Luke 21:10-13

Not one to mince words, Jesus also spoke of the consequences of being ashamed of Him and falling away, not wanting to get involved and be a witness.

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. – Luke 9:26

Jesus also knows how frail our faith and resolve is. He warned His disciples that they would fall away at the beginning.

Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same… And they all left him and fled…But he (Peter) began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” – Mark 14:29-31;50;71

But God is faithful. He does not ask us to be witnesses without equipping us with the power to do so through His Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit present at Pentecost is also available to us today.

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. – John 15:26

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: …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…

And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, …So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. – Acts 2:1-41

How do we apply this Word?

In our own day to day living, without speaking a word, is there enough observable evidence of our Christian faith to convict us in a court of law?

Is it easier to be a quiet, comfortable, chameleon Christian, blending in with the world than it is to lift the light of Jesus high?

Do we gravitate to churches that tickle our ears and avoid the ‘hard Truths’ of the Word of God?

Do we avoid calling sin as sin in order to not offend family, friends, and coworkers?

If we hide our ‘light’ now, how will we fare when real persecution comes?

If I am ashamed of Jesus now, how will I feel when He denies me and says, ‘I never knew you’?

Do we quench the Holy Spirit out of fear when prompted to speak the Truth to others?

Our Prayer

Father, I repent of my worldliness. I repent of the times I avoided proclaiming the Truth of your Word when prompted to do so. Like Peter, I am ashamed of my fear of persecution and of the times I have denied you by keeping silent and blending in with this sinful world. I ask to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, a fresh infilling as at the day of Pentecost, so that I may be equipped with your power for living in this world, as a citizen of Heaven, and a faithful witness to the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Faith, Obedience, Purpose, Salvation, Workplace | Tagged faith, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, Pentecost, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Two Choices #1313

Posted on September 8, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1313

“Two Choices”

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days… – Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Life in this world is indeed all about choices. Some prefer a myriad of choices, and they adventurously gravitate to choose the wild and crazy unknown and let the consequences fall where they may. Others prefer simpler choices, and when faced with multiple options use value weighting decision -making tools to narrow them down.

Wherever you may fit on the scale from adventuresome to simplified, most life choices have only temporary consequences. Two choices, however, will decide your eternal destiny.

Wavering Between Two Opinions – To use a common idiom: We must choose to ‘fish or cut bait’. Will we choose to deny God or serve Him as Lord? There is no middle ground, and this choice has eternal consequences.

For 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. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. – Romans 1:19-21

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 if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – 1 Kings 18:21; Joshua 24:15

Accept Jesus as Savior – There are many religious people who believe in God but deny Jesus’ Deity, and that salvation is only through Him. This choice to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has eternal consequences.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me; You believe in God; believe also in me… I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – Revelation 3:20; John 14:1,6

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God; For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – John 1:12; Romans 6:23

Fear or Trust – Life in this world is not easy. Jesus told us it would be difficult. He also told us that He will be there with us every step and every choice along the way. Our choice to continually look to Him and abide in His presence gives us a ‘peace that surpasses understanding’.

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

In God I trust; I shall not be afraid… – Psalm 56:11

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

Obey or Disobey – Temptations will come – that is a given. We must choose to avoid the contexts and situations that we know make us vulnerable to sin. We must choose to flee from sin and take the ‘way of escape’ that God faithfully provides.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

If you love me, you will keep my commandments; So, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – John 14:15; 2 Timothy 2:22

Choose to be Salt and Light – Our day-to-day life choices as Christians should be a preservative (salt) and a proclamation of the Gospel Truth of Jesus (Light). We make choices that are either worldly or spiritually driven. For example: this is an election year, and our voting choices are indicative of our value system base.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit; Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good. – Romans 8:5; Job 34:4

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

May you choose life – eternal life through Jesus and may your daily life choices be salt and light, guided by the Holy Spirit to bring glory to God, drawing others to Him.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Faith, Holiness, Morality, Obedience, Peace, Salvation, Temptation, Trust | Tagged Eternal Life, faith, salvation through Jesus, vote | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Showers of Blessing #1312

Posted on September 1, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1312

“Showers of Blessing”

And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. – Ezekiel 34:26

My favorite elective course of study while in engineering school was ‘Mountain Geography’. One aspect of that study was the plants that thrived in the alpine biome. I was reminded of these flowers when I read our reference Scripture from Ezekiel and I continue to marvel at God’s creation and how He provides and cares for all that He created.

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? – Matthew 6:28-30

We are created in God’s image, and we are given eternal life, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We are of greater worth in all of God’s earthly creation, yet we seem to have less faith than an alpine plant.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Luke 12:6-7

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. – Psalm 145:15-17

As we consider the marvel of God’s creation, the Holy Spirit can teach us spiritual life lessons, if we will take the time to listen.

But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. – Job 12:7-10

Reach for God. The alpine plants have hairy petals that reach up and capture the moisture God provides for them. It is almost as if they are lifting holy hands to praise God and to receive the showers of His blessing. If a plant reaches to God, how much more should we lift our hands in surrender and praise to Him? How much more should we look to Him to receive showers of blessing, both spiritual and physical?

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands …. – 1 Timothy 2:8

You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it… The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. – Psalm 65:9-13

Close to the Ground. Alpine plants do not stand tall, remaining close to the ground. Do we stand tall and prideful before God? Are we falsely confident in a work’s righteousness? Are we humble before God, trusting in Jesus alone for our salvation, provision, and righteous standing before a Holy God?

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ … – Luke 18:9-14

At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:10-11

Shallow Roots. Plants in the alpine tundra have shallow roots. They hold the earth loosely and are primarily sustained from above, not below. Do we truly understand that our citizenship is in Heaven? Do we rely too much on the things of this world and less upon God? Have the things of this world become idols to us?

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

Cluster Together. Alpine plants grow and thrive in clusters. They share moisture and warmth. In the harsh alpine biome survival requires community. It is the same with us. Being a part of the Body of Christ is essential for our spiritual growth. The Body of Christ is held together by His love. It is where our unique spiritual and material blessings, and gifts are shared to strengthen the church.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. – John 13:34-35

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:4-5

God speaks to us through His creation. May you know and rely on His showers of blessing, both spiritual and physical. May His blessings flow through you and bear fruit for His kingdom.

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. – Isaiah 44:3

Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it. – Isaiah 45:8

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Holiness, Relationship, Salvation, Trust, Worship | Tagged Eternal Life, faith, Lessons from Nature, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – In The Zone #1311

Posted on August 25, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1311

“In The Zone”

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

Baseball was my passion as a youth. I vividly recall those times when I was ‘in the zone’. The fast ball seemed to move in slow motion. I could see the sweet spot of my bat connect solidly with the ball and you just knew that it was a home run even before you left the batter’s box.

The Zone is defined as an intense, undivided focus on the activity you are engaged in. It is the merging of action and awareness. Your actions become effortless, your senses are heightened and feedback about how you are doing is available immediately. The zone is something that athletes of all disciplines strive to be in.

We speak of getting in the zone in the context of sports. What then shall we say of our time spent in worship and prayer? Do we have an intense, undivided focus on worshipping God?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also; 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. – Matthew 6:21;24

Our reference Scripture speaks of our worship being nothing more than lip service. We dutifully say our morning and evening prayers and attend church services but are we really there in spirit as well as in body? Are we just going through the motions?

Their heart is divided; Now they are held guilty… – Hosea 10:2

We all suffer from divided hearts.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? – Jeremiah 17:9

We have all been there: Clapping hands, singing worship songs all the while thinking about what we will have for lunch, work, or study activities due this week, why that person in the third row is dressed the way they are and so on.

We are going through the motions of worship and our hearts are far from God. We are not in the zone and our worship is in vain. So how do we ‘get in the worship zone’?

Desire. First and foremost, we must want to enter God’s presence and worship Him.

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. – Psalm 42:1

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

Preparation, Anticipation and Expectation: Eagerly prepare your heart and mind to come into your loving Father’s presence. It is like the anticipation of returning home after being away far too long.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! – Psalm 100:4

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! – Psalm 95:1-2

Focus. God’s Word refers to ‘the sacrifice of praise’. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we ‘press in’ to the presence of God shutting down all the errant thoughts that would distract us.

Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name – Hebrews 13:15

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; – Psalm 50:23

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

Go Deep. God’s Word describes the Living Waters that flow from His Temple in Joel 3:18, Zechariah 14:8, and Ezekiel 47. At first, Ezekiel finds the river to be ankle deep and a little further out, knee deep, then further still, waist deep and finally water so deep that He had to swim. We must not be satisfied with an ankle, knee, or waist deep relationship with Jesus. We need to go for a deep immersion in God’s presence in our worship and prayer.

Again, he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. – Ezekiel 47:5

May you know the joy and peace of His presence as you continually worship Him in spirit and truth.

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. – John 4:24

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

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Sword of the Spirit – Now and Forever #1310

Posted on August 18, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1310

“Now and Forever”

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

Heaven, our eternal destination, is described as ‘paradise’ where we will worship and glorify God. It is a place of indescribable continual joy in the presence of the Lord.

…To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God; …The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. – Revelation 2:7; 22:3; 21:4

However, our reference Scripture declares that God is to be glorified ‘both now and to the day of eternity.’ What are we doing to glorify Him now?

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. – Psalm 29:2

Jesus, fully God and fully man, glorified the Father by all that He said and did while on earth.

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. – John 17:4

As Christians, followers of Jesus, what are we doing to bring glory to God ‘now’ during our sojourn here on earth?

Can we glorify Him in the trials of life as Job did after he was hammered with multiple catastrophes and trials from several fronts?

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshipped. – Job 1:20

The Bible, the Word of God, reveals Him to the world. For many in this world, our reaction to trials such as driving in traffic, having to wait in a line, or dealing with serious losses, may be the only ‘bible’ these people will ever read. They have seen and heard our profession of faith. Do our actions and reactions align with our profession? Do they bring glory to God?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. – 1 Peter 2:12

Can we glorify Him in the comfort and pleasures of life? It may be more difficult for us to glorify God in our prosperity than it is through the pain of trials. When in pain, we cry out for help. When prosperous our tendency is to forget the Lord, neglect our relationship with Him, and even to enter idolatry, trusting in worldly riches instead of Him. Solomon is an example for us of how easy it is to be led astray.

So, Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done… – 1 Kings 11:6

And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 19:23

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. – 1 Timothy 6:17

The Proverb penned by Agur through inspiration of the Holy Spirit clarifies the danger trials and prosperity present toward our life bringing glory to God.

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord? “or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. – Proverbs 30:8-9

I had a morbidly obese doctor once scold me for being 20 pounds overweight. Needless to say, his words did not motivate me to change my diet. Do how we care for our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit, glorify God?

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

As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. – Philippians 1:20

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; So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31

Are we guilty of stealing glory? Pridefulness can trip us up and instead of bringing glory to God through our lives, we take it for ourselves and get puffed up by the praise of men.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! – Psalm 115:1

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise. – Proverbs 27:21

May your life walk with Jesus be as His was and in everything bring glory to God, the Father.

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever; For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. – Psalm 86:12; Romans 11:36

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Holiness, Morality, Purpose, Salvation, Temptation, Trials, Worship | Tagged Eternal Life, morality, prosperity, trials | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Steady Steps #1309

Posted on August 11, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1309

“Steady Steps”

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

The original word translated as ‘keep steady’ in the ESV also carries the meaning of ‘direct’, ‘guide’, ‘order’, and ‘establish’. The word translated as ‘promise’ also carries the meaning of ‘commandment’ ‘speech’, or ‘word’. Other translations use a combination of these words.

The essence of the prayer in this Psalm is for God to help us maintain the integrity of our walk with Him in accordance with the Truth of His Word. It is His promise to us. In addition, we pray to be delivered from the ever present evil that our flesh is prone to be dominated by.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake… – Psalm 23:3-4

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; – Psalm 31:3

Steady Steps are unwavering. In faith we stay focused on God’s direction and guidance.

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

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

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. – Isaiah 30:21

Steady Steps are secure and sure footed regardless of the difficult terrain we must walk.

God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. – Habakkuk 3:19

My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. – Proverbs 3:21-23

Steady Steps remain on the narrow path of righteousness and no sin will dominate you.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. – Romans 6:12

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! – Psalm 19:13

My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. – Psalm 17:5

Steady Steps remain on a well-lit path, avoiding the shadows and darkness in this world.

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

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… – John 16:13

Steady Steps abide in the presence of Jesus, walking in a personal relationship with Him.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

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

Steady Steps are balanced. We are not easily tripped up by false doctrines.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons – 1 Timothy 4:1

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

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

Psalm 119:133 is a prayer for sanctification. Our transformation must be a sanctification of our hearts, minds, and behaviors in accordance with the Living Word of God. Only the pure, unaltered, unchanging. undiluted Truth of the Living Word of God can steady our steps.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. – Isaiah 40:8

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16

May your steps be steady as you walk in the light of His presence continually.

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Faith, Holiness, Obedience, Relationship, Salvation, Temptation | Tagged salvation, semper reformanda, Sola Scriptura, The Word of God | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Heart of Wisdom #1308

Posted on August 6, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1308

“Heart of Wisdom”

So, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

‘I have more years behind me than I have ahead of me’ is a popular statement made by those who celebrate a birthday in their elder years. I contemplated this saying as I celebrated another seventh decade birthday and, the more I thought about it the more I came to realize the fallacy of this statement. Our reference Scripture came to mind, and I sought to understand what a ‘heart of wisdom’ is.

A heart of wisdom is found in God’s Word – the Holy Bible. The Living Word of God is to be kept within our heart.

Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. – Proverbs 4:21-23

Everyone, young and old, regardless of earthly age, has more years ahead of them than behind them. An eternal perspective is the heart of wisdom presented in God’s Word.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life. – John 5:24

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. – 1 Timothy 6:12

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. – John 5:13

And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. – 1 John 2:25

The years ahead of us are going to be lived out in one of two places. Our eternal destination is either in Heaven or Hell. A heart of wisdom leads us to salvation through Jesus Christ.

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

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. – John 3:36

Our life in the body on earth is not the end-all of life. We are spiritual beings living in a temporary ‘tent’ of a body. We are sojourners here on earth and for the born-again believer in Jesus, our citizenship is in Heaven. A heart of wisdom recognizes that there is far more to life than what we experience here on earth.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 3:20

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – 1 John 2:17

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. – 2 Corinthians 5:1

So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. – 1 Corinthians 15:44

From the day of our birth, we do not know the number of our years. Who can say that they have more years behind them than ahead of them? A heart of wisdom lives every moment of every day for the glory of God, ready for His return or call home to Him at any time.

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

O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! – Psalm 39:4-5

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning – Luke 12:35

If you are uncertain about your eternal destination, prayerfully seek a heart of wisdom through the Word of God that will lead you to repentance and salvation in Jesus.

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. – Romans 13:11-14

May you have a heart of wisdom as the Word of God shapes and molds your heart, mind and soul for His good purpose. May you continually enjoy His abiding presence, in this life and for eternity.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Trust | Tagged Eternal Life, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Prosperity #1307

Posted on July 28, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1307

“Prosperity”

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. – Psalm 1:1-3

Prosperity is classically defined as the condition of being successful or thriving – especially with economic well-being. The desire to be prosperous is strong in our flesh and some in the church have seized upon that worldly weakness to tell us what we want to hear through a false prosperity doctrine.

The Christian far oftener disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining-pot of prosperity. – Charles Spurgeon

Is Biblical Truth concerning prosperity all about material wealth and possessions as proof of God’s blessing and love for us? The answer is an emphatic, No! God, as a loving Father will withhold material wealth when He knows that it will become an idol for us.

I wanted a fast sports car when I first received my driver’s license and my Dad refused. Why? Because he loved me and knew that it would have been detrimental to my physical well-being. Likewise, God will not allow material wealth and possessions to be detrimental to our spiritual well-being.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:9

Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! – Luke 18:24

The Truth of God’s Word is that prosperity means that we seek God first and remain in His will.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

Paul prayed for a prosperous journey to Rome, and he got that, albeit through a storm and shipwreck. He was prosperous because he remained in the will of God and God worked all things for his good.

For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13

Note that Paul considered himself to be prosperous in all situations and circumstances. He remained content because he had faith and trust in Jesus no matter what. Note also that such contentment is a learned response to life. It does not come naturally to our flesh. It comes from a steadfast personal relationship and walk with Jesus.

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other… – Ecclesiastes 7:14

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

You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth… – Deuteronomy 8:18

Prosperity is more about stewardship than it is about the accumulation of wealth. The one who dies with the most toys does not win. My Dad was fond of saying that ‘There are no U-Hauls behind hearses.’ Stewardship implies an understanding that we are caretakers of what belongs to God. We are not to possess and hoard what is not ours but rather, we are to use it and faithfully administer it as God directs.

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 3:10

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. – Proverbs 3:9-10

Note from our reference Scripture that one who prospers is ‘like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.’ These streams are the Living Water of the Word of God. Our close relationship with God through Jesus Christ sustains us in all seasons and circumstances of life. This is true prosperity.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Faith, Priorities, Stewardship, Trust | Tagged Name it Claim It, prosperity doctrine, stewardship, tithe | Leave a comment