Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Restored #1306

Posted on July 21, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1306

“Restored”

And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. – 2 Chronicles 33:12-13

I used to love to watch the TV show, American Restoration. They would take items that many would toss away considering them to be a lost cause and restore them – sometimes to better than new condition. The restorers had a passion for the restoration and worked at it with love, care, and great patience.

Manasseh was what many would consider to be a lost cause having led the people of Israel ‘to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed – 2 Chronicles 33:9’ But God loved him enough to discipline him and when Manasseh repented, God restored him.

God is in the restoration business. He is patient with us. He disciplines us in love and takes great care in restoring us to Him. We are only a ‘lost cause’ if we choose to be by rejecting Jesus.

God restores us by His love and care for us:

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

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. – 1 John 4:9-10

God is patient with us:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. – Psalm 103:8

God is passionate about our restoration:

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? – Ezekiel 18:23

God restores our physical and emotional health when we are suffering:

For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord – Jeremiah 30:17

God restores what we have lost:

And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. – Job 42:10

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army… You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you… – Joel 2:25-26

God restores our hope when we are despondent:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. – Psalm 51:12

God promises to restore our nation if we repent and return to Him:

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

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord… – Acts 3:19-21

God restores us to eternal life with Him through Jesus:

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

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

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved! – Psalm 80:3

God restores us to His family:

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are. – 1 John 3:1

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – John 1:12

Like Manasseh we are never too far from God’s restoration:

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

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people – Titus 2:11

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

Restoration is a process. We must trust the Lord of the process and wait upon Him.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. – 1 Peter 5:10

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

Praise God for His Restoration!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. – Psalm 103:1-5

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Salvation | Tagged Eternal Life, healing, repentance, restoration, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Election Year #1305

Posted on July 14, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1305

“Election Year”

Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15

Yes, it is that time again. Lawn signs and placards grow like weeds, TV, and social media ads assault us and our mailboxes are stuffed with ‘Vote for Me’ bulk mailings.

As citizens we are faced with choices: 1) Whom do I vote for? and 2) Do I bother to vote at all?

As Christians we have dual citizenships: The Kingdom of Heaven, and that of our earthly country. Our obligation is threefold.

1 – Our first duty is to live and act in obedience to God and the Truth of His Word.

2 – Likewise, we are to glorify God in doing good while in this world.

3 – We participate in the election process and vote for the glory of God and for the good of others.

A threefold cord is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12

Granted, our election process has been fraught with fraud and corruption, and we are tempted to ‘throw in the towel’, give up, and abstain from voting. But, hey – Newsflash: We live in a fallen world. Are you looking for perfection in a sinful world? You won’t find it this side of Heaven and our dual citizenship obligation is to be a sanctifying influence in this dark world. God says that you, individually, and collectively can make a difference.

You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God – Ephesians 2:19

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.

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 5:13-16

You are … a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. …

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to… keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that … they may see your good deeds and glorify God …

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Live as people who are free … as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. – 1 Peter 2:9-17

Many ask, ‘What do I do when the choices are both evil – do I vote for the lesser of two evils?’

Again, keep in mind that we do live in a fallen world, and we will be faced with the choice between two evils often.

Our first consideration should be to base our vote on the issues and platform presented rather than voting for the most charismatic candidate.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

I do not advocate abstaining from our Christian and civic duty of voting. When faced with both evil candidates and platform values that violate God’s Word and Biblical Christian values, I would exercise my freedom to write in a candidate that I believe should be elected and whose values are aligned with the Word of God. In doing so, I may not have influenced the election results, but I have honored my dual-citizenship obligation and at a minimum, I have a testimony to share that holds God’s light high and may influence my fellow man for Christ.

Ultimately, we need to pray for all candidates. God can change and direct the hearts of the most hardened and secular of them all.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. – Proverbs 21:1; Matthew 6:10

In exercising our dual citizenship voting obligation we should seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and vote in accordance with the Truth of His Word. Our vote can be the one that decides between life and death for those that an evil society considers a burden: the unborn, elderly, homeless and infirm.

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 – Deuteronomy 30:19

Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. – Psalms 25:12

Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good. – Job 34:4

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Morality, Purpose | Tagged Elections, right to life, vote | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Rouse Yourself #1304

Posted on July 7, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1304

“Rouse Yourself”

And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” – 2 Samuel 5:24

One of the constants in life is that we will have to deal with change. It requires that we plan, analyze options, and make decisions.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace… of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:13

For many of us, change does not come easy since it almost always disrupts our false sense of security: A regular paycheck, our home, our bank account, and investments, leaving family and moving. This breeds fearfulness and we suffer from analysis paralysis, unable to make necessary decisions. The root of such fear is our lack of trust in God and our idolatrous trust in the things that we feel make us secure.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Rouse Yourself!

This was God’s Word to David, and it is His Word to us today. It is the Hebrew word ‘charats’ which means to decide and act quickly. In other words, take decisive action. But there is a caveat: ‘When you hear the sound of marching… then the Lord has gone out before you.’

Some of us can be recklessly and foolishly self-confident in our abilities and past successes so we knee-jerk react and act without relying upon and hearing from God. It is like we tell God, ‘Hold my beverage, I got this.’ Then we proceed to fail miserably.

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

In our reference Scripture, David has just won a decisive victory over his enemy, and it would have been easy for him to proceed to this next battle front self-confident in his own abilities. Instead, he wisely did not move without inquiring of the Lord first.

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

We may not hear a literal sound of marching in the tops of the trees, but we do hear direction from God – if we listen.

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

I recall a time where I was dealing with plant closures, layoffs and having to uproot my family and find a job in another state. At a prayer meeting we attended, an evangelist whom I had never met, called me forward saying he had a Word from God for me. He spoke a single word to me, and I went back to my seat. That week I had a battery of six interviews for a position in another state and in the course of those interviews that word was used an uncommonly, inordinate number of times. I knew in my spirit that of the choices I had before me that this was the job the Lord wanted me to take.

What are the take-aways from this devotional?

Take no steps without direction from God. Whether it is the sound of marching in trees or a single word spoken and corroborated, He does direct us, when we listen.

Do not move forward self-confident in your own skills, abilities, and past victories. Always recognize that it is God who equips, who enables, who gifts us, and who provides the victory and success.

Change is like walking on water. To do so requires that you get out of the boat.

Rouse Yourself! Take decisive action and get out of the boat. That is the first step of faith.

So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; …” – Hebrews 13:6

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

Rouse Yourself! Now, let go of the boat that holds all your ‘security’ and keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, trust that He has got this.

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

May you have ears to hear His direction and guidance.

May your daily walk with Jesus be so close that you can hear His heartbeat and direction.

May you know His peace through the process of change as you trust in Him.

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Faith, Obedience, Peace, Trust | Tagged change, decisions, Trust in God | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – It Bred Worms #1303

Posted on June 30, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1303

“It Bred Worms”

But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank… – Exodus 16:20

Some of the first words we speak as children are ‘No’ and ‘Mine’. Our nature is to be stubborn, disobedient, covetous, and selfish.

God tested Israel’s trust in Him in the desert.

This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’ And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.”- Exodus 16:16,19

It was a simple and clear command: Take only what your family needs for today and trust in God to provide what you will need tomorrow. But some did not trust God and hoarded the manna which bred worms and created a foul stench.

Before we wag our heads at the behavior of the Israelites, we should first look at our behavior during Y2K and the recent Covid Pandemic. People hoarded everything from SPAM and Gasoline to Toilet Paper and N25 dust masks. Guns and ammunition were purchased in bulk to defend against those who may want what we had.

Do We Trust in God to Provide?

Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? – Matthew 6:25-26

…Your Father knows what you need before you ask him; And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Matthew 6:8; Philippians 4:19

Worry is the worm that eats at our relationship with God. When we worry and take matters into our hands, we tell God that we do not trust Him.

Do We Selfishly Hoard What God Has Provided?

And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ – Luke 12:16-20

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” – Luke 12:15

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:19-21,33

Are We Good Stewards of God’s Provision?

And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. – Luke 12:42-43

God desires that we sow into His kingdom. We sow His Word, living and active in our life as salt and light in this world. We also sow His provision in blessing others through tithes, offerings, and service.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it; 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. – Proverbs 3:27; Malachi 3:10

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. … He who supplies seed to the Sower, and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Overcoming our disobedient, covetous, and selfish nature cannot be done by the force of self will. It requires being born again by the Holy Spirit of God. It requires us to come under the headship of Jesus instead of Adam. It is through the abiding presence of Jesus in our heart that we learn to love, trust, and obey God fully.

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Obedience, Relationship, Stewardship, Trust | Tagged manna, Offering, tithe, trust god | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The Other Shoe #1302

Posted on June 23, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1302

“The Other Shoe”

Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. – Proverbs 3:25-26

We are a worrisome people. We have idioms passed down through the generations that have become pseudo truths.

We say ‘Bad things come in threes’ and ‘Wait for the other shoe to drop’ anticipating another bad thing to happen to us. Perhaps this is why the Bible exhorts us not to worry and not to fear so often in the Word of God.

We have experienced losing a job through a layoff in the past and even though we have a new job we cannot help but worry if there will be yet another layoff.
Our business failed due to an economic downturn or pandemic and although we have regrouped, worry niggles at the back of our mind that it will happen again.
We have battled cancer and wonder if it will come back.

Do I make plans?

Do I continue to live life to the fullest or mark time, waiting for the other shoe to drop?

Do I live my life like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs? Or do I walk confidently in the courage, power, presence, and protection of the Lord.

Our choice each day is fear or faith, joy or worry. The joy of the Lord is a fruit of the Spirit which strengthens us and the enemy works to steal that joy.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full; …Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. – John 15:11; Nehemiah 8:10

Living life looking over our shoulder for that next disaster, is no life at all. Jesus came to give us abundant life.

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 battleground is in our hearts and minds. We can preoccupy ourselves with media hyperbole of possible disasters and play the ‘what if’ game or remain in the Word of God, walking confidently in His abiding presence.

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; Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:34

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

Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! … He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid … – Psalm 112:1,7-8

When the enemy comes to steal my joy in life, I encourage myself in the Word of God. I remind myself that Jesus has already walked the path before me, and as I walk it, He will go with me. I know that He will never leave me to go it alone therefore, I choose faith over fear and joy over worry.

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; Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go; The Lord is on my side; I will not fear… – Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 118:6

No matter what this world throws at you, forget superstitious idioms, and the lies of the enemy. Feed your spirit continually with the Word of God and live life joyfully to the fullest, abiding in His peace, power, and presence.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea – Psalm 46:1-2

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Peace, Prayer, Trials, Trust | Tagged cancer, faith, joy of the lord, layoff, Pandemic, Worry | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – A Better Hope #1301

Posted on June 16, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1301
“A Better Hope”

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. – Hebrews 7:18-19

I grew up in a legalistic church tradition. For 30 years my relationship with God was based upon my ability to follow the rules of law and consequently, I went to confession often. I continually sought absolution for the same habitual sins and my punishment, my penance as it were, was to say a specific quantity and type of rote prayers. I was indeed a wretched man.

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 7:22-25

Hope in legalistic works is no hope at all.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. – Romans 3:23, 20

The Law set the standard of performance but did nothing to equip us to live up to that standard. It provided the diagnosis, not the cure. The Law shows us how inadequate we are – how hopeless our situation is. It points us to a better hope – in Jesus.

Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. – Galatians 2:16

Through the Truth of God’s Word, I came to realize that I did not love God as much as I selfishly feared eternity in Hell. Thanks be to God for His grace and love through Jesus!

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. – 1 John 4:18

A Better Covenant
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

God has always loved us – even when we are unlovable, steeped in sin and rebellion. Through faith in Jesus, we are cloaked in His righteousness and our sins are forgiven. Through Jesus we have the free gift of salvation. We cannot work to earn it. It is ours by the grace of God. Jesus is the better covenant.

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. – Hebrews 8:6

A Living Hope
By His death on the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, once and for all. By His resurrection from the dead Jesus became our living hope, our guarantee that through Him we have eternal life. He is alive and our living hope!

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. – Hebrews 7:22

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3

But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them; For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 7:24-25; 4:15

May you be free from a legalistic, performance-based fear relationship with God. May your relationship with Him be based upon grace and love through Jesus, our better, living hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13

Posted in Business as Mission, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Love, Relationship, Salvation | Tagged Eternal Life, faith, forgiveness, salvation, works righteousness | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – He Lingered #1300

Posted on June 9, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1300

“He Lingered”

But he lingered. So, the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. – Genesis 19:16

Abraham and Lot needed to separate their families so that the land could support them both. Abraham’s right was to choose first, but in a generous gesture he allowed Lot to make the first choice.

And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. – Genesis 13:10

Lot lusted after and chose the best land for himself, and he moved near Sodom. This interaction between Abraham and Lot is a picture of selflessness and selfishness. Lot was motivated by the lust of his eyes, and without consideration for Abraham, his elder, he seized the opportunity and took the best land for himself.

Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord. – Genesis 13:12

Lesson Point: When we act on the lust and desires of our flesh, we position ourselves as easy prey for the enemy to draw us into sin.

Lot started out living near the city and eventually was drawn into it. He became unequally yoked with the culture of Sodom and we later see him sitting at the gate as a man of position in the city. Lot was tormented in his spirit, living a compromised life, being caught between two positions.

And if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard) – 2 Peter 2:7-8

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…” – 1 Kings 18:21

Lesson Point: We cannot live with one foot in the world, satisfying the lust of our flesh and the other foot in the Kingdom of God, seeking to follow Jesus.

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 6:24

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. – 2 Corinthians 6:14; James 3:11-13

Do we foolishly think ‘we can handle it’, living the Christian life and a worldly life at the same time?

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. – Mark 14:38; 1 Corinthians 10:12

Lesson Point: God is merciful. Lot lived a compromised life and although he lingered, not wanting to be separated from his worldly lifestyle, God mercifully and forcefully removed him from the danger of destruction about to be unleashed upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

It is easy for us to judge the speck in Lot’s eye. But what about the plank that is in our own eye?

Do we linger with our eyes on a provocatively dressed person?

Do we linger a little too long when encountering a sensual and sexually immoral picture, video etc., that pops up on TV or our computer?

Do we linger, harboring hate, anger, jealousy, or envy?

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

Lesson Point: We must choose: a life serving our flesh or a life serving Jesus. We must not look back, or linger, longing after our former life of sin. We are able to deny our flesh and follow Jesus, not in our strength of will but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. – Galatians 5:24

Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness… 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.” – Joshua 24:14-15

May you live an uncompromised life, in the world but not of it, walking in the Peace, Power, and abiding Presence of Jesus.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Morality, Temptation | Tagged compromised faith, Follow Jesus, God's mercy | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Jesus Speaks #1299

Posted on June 2, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1299

“Jesus Speaks”

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. – Hebrews 1:1-2

We often talk to God, but how good are we at listening?

Ears to Hear – Jesus speaks to us every day if we will only hear Him. The seeds of God’s Word need to take root in prepared hearts – good soil – for us to hear Him.

A Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path…, on rocky ground…, among thorns… Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear. – Matthew 13:3-9

Jesus Speaks Through His Word – How often do we read, meditate, and pray the Word of God? ‘Ears to Hear’ are a result of remaining in the Word of God.

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; So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:11

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Jesus Speaks Through Nature – On a recent camping trip I sat reading the Word out on the patio listening to the birds singing, going about building nests and feeding chicks. I watched ducks on the pond and fish nibling the bugs on the surface of the calm water. There was a turtle sunning himself on a log and I realized that none of God’s creation before my eyes worried about anything. God cares for them and provides for them. The Truth of God’s Word tells us that we are worth much more so why do we worry?

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…; 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. – Romans 1:20; Job 12:7-10

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! – Luke 12:24

Jesus Speaks Through Others: A timely Word – God sends others to speak a word of encouragement to us and yes, at times, a rebuke. Do we have ears to hear?

So, Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 9:17

Then David’s anger was greatly kindled… and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die” …Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” – 2 Samuel 12:5-7

Jesus Speaks Through His Spirit – It can be an audible voice we hear in our mind, a gut feeling or a nudge that we know without a doubt comes from Him.

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction… 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 30:20-21

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. – John 16:13

Jesus Speaks Through Sudden Circumstances – These can be both opportunities and challenges. He will close doors and block paths He does not want us to use. We can stubbornly listen to our flesh and kick these doors down and go around obstacles, but we do so at our own peril. God will always provide the open door and clearly light the path He desires for our best. We know it is His way because of the ministry for His Praise and Glory that results in that direction along with the peace and joy of His presence that we experience.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing… – James 1:2-5

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith… may be found to result in praise and glory and honor… of Jesus Christ; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- 1 Peter 1:6-7; Philippians 4:7

Jesus Speaks Through Prayer – We can hear His voice through active prayer and quiet waiting.

The enemy seeks to disrupt our prayer time. Errant thoughts assault us to break communion with God. There is a spiritual battle that we enter every time we step into our prayer closet. Worship and Praise creates a Holy atmosphere of prayer allowing us to press through the world and into the very presence of God. Reading and praying the Word aloud engages and aligns our entire mind, spirit, and soul. Now we quiet our soul and wait in silence for His Word of Truth.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. – Psalm 62:5

Be still and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10

May you have ears to hear what Jesus speaks to you every day.

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Peace, Prayer, Trials | Tagged bible, Hearing God, prayer | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – For Love or Gain? #1298

Posted on May 27, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1298

“For Love or Gain”

Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” – Matthew 8:18-20

The Scribe in our reference Scripture most likely saw an opportunity to join a movement that someone of his education could benefit from. He saw an opportunity to advance into a position of power, and respect from others. Jesus explained to him the cost of following Him.

One of my favorite movies is Fiddler on the Roof. As I meditated on this devotional topic, one song from that movie came to mind, ‘Do You Love Me?’

Tevye asks his wife, Golde ‘Do You Love Me?’ After some hesitation and confusion about the question, Golde responds that after 25 years she has washed clothes, cooked meals, cleaned, borne children etc. Tevye is not satisfied with the answer and again asks, ‘Do you love me?’ to which Golde replies, ‘I am your wife!’ Gently, Tevye persists and asks, ‘Do you love me?’ to which Golde eventually replies ‘I suppose I do.’

We are the Christian church – followers of Jesus. We are The Bride of Christ. Jesus is the Groom and He asks us, individually and collectively, ‘Do You Love Me?’

Why do you follow Jesus? Is it for Love or Gain?

Gain – Some follow Jesus for what they can get in this world: money, power, position.

Judas Iscariot followed Jesus for the money bag and for the promise of power and position since he believed that Jesus would overthrow Roman rule and set up a kingdom here on earth.

“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. – John 12:5-6

We see this motive played out in some churches and ministries where individuals seek prominent positions of authority, not to serve, but rather to self-serve.

And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. – 2 Peter 2:2-3

Others want to follow, but on their own terms. There is much to gain from the world, and they put following Jesus somewhere on their ‘to-do’ list. They follow a Christian tradition rather than Jesus. They may say: ‘Lord, Lord, look at what we did for you.’ (Matthew 7:21-22) but Jesus will say, ‘I never knew you.’

Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” – Matthew 8:21-22

Still others follow a Christian tradition solely out of fear of going to hell. Jesus is a ‘fire escape’ and their relationship with Him is not based on love.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. – 1 John 4:18

Many people follow Christian traditions that espouse a prosperity doctrine. Their relationship with Jesus is transactional, like a heavenly ATM.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. – John 6:26

Jesus asks us, ‘Do you love Me?’

Love – We need to be honest with ourselves. Is our Christianity based upon Love or Gain?

Is our relationship with Jesus characterized by religious tradition and works or genuine love for Him?

Is Jesus merely our therapist, fire escape, or ATM or is Jesus our Lord, who died in our place so that our sins could be forgiven and that through Him and He alone, we have eternal life?

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us; We love because he first loved us. – Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19

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

May the Holy Spirit open the eyes of your heart to truly appreciate and embrace the spiritual gift of forgiveness and salvation that you have through Jesus. May your heart overflow with love for Him and may your heart’s desire be to follow Him in a deep, personal, and intimate love relationship.

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. – Psalm 91:14

Posted in Business as Mission, Forgiveness, Love, Priorities, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Worship | Tagged christian, Disciple, Eternal Life, salvation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Access #1297

Posted on May 20, 2024 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1297

“Access”

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved… – John 10:9

Having worked in business management most of my career, I experienced requests for access to my time from a myriad of individuals, most with a hidden agenda. To remain productive, I employed an administrative assistant, a gatekeeper of sorts, that screened calls and managed appointment requests. No one got to me except through her.

It is an accepted practice in many cultures to bring a gift when meeting others to secure favor and acceptance. We see this played out between Jacob and Esau among others.

And you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” – Genesis 32:20

The world has corrupted this practice of gift-giving into a form of bribery to gain access to important and powerful people, always with an agenda. We see this in the world of politics where lobbyists have made a career of the practice of gaining access to influence key decision-makers.

Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! – Proverbs 18:16

All the worldly manipulation for access is temporary and for naught when compared to the only meaningful, eternal access which is to our Father in Heaven. Access to God is not obtained by any worldly means, and turning the world view upside down, God has not shielded Himself from us and provided free access by giving us the gift of His Son.

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 by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9

Unlike my ‘gatekeeper’ who worked to restrict access, Jesus is the gatekeeper who welcomes all who will enter in faith.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; Enter by the narrow gate… – John 14:6; Matthew 7:13

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father; Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. – Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18

Come as you are. There is no need to try to make yourself ‘good enough’.

Come empty handed. There is no need for a gift to secure favor. God has provided the gift through Jesus.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. – Revelation 22:17

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