Sword of the Spirit

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.

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

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

Posted in Business as Mission, Prayer, Priorities, Worship | Tagged church, prayer, worship | Leave a comment

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

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.