The Higher Road

When dealing with conflict, taking the higher road is always the best way to handle a difficult situation while maintaining your own moral and spiritual integrity. Taking the higher road means learning to respond in a way that does not escalate a bad situation, but instead disarms it by bringing calm where there is conflict. As children of God, we must make every effort to seek God’s perspective in every disagreement we encounter, no matter how difficult that may be. When someone has wronged us and does not see the situation as clearly as we believe we do, sometimes the wisest thing we can do is agree to disagree, extend grace, and move on. Remind yourself that whatever the situation is today may very well be something that will not matter five years from now. So why allow someone or something to rob you of your joy or ruin your day over something that may ultimately be insignificant? Don’t allow someone else’s actions to get the best of you. Instead, squeeze every ounce of compassion you can find within yourself, examine your own heart, admit whatever part may be your responsibility, and then move forward.

We must also remember that everyone views circumstances through the lens of his or her own experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. The very reason there is a disagreement is often because two people are looking at the same situation from two completely different viewpoints. But what is shaping your perspective? Is it your emotions? Your personal code of ethics? Or, more importantly, is it the Word of God? In some conflicts, the other person may not share your moral convictions or believe in the principles of Scripture. They may reason and respond according to the condition of their own heart. But we do not have to judge the condition of their heart because only God truly knows the hearts of men. Our responsibility is to make sure that our own hearts and actions are pleasing to Him. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply shake it off, refuse to retaliate, and apply the Golden Rule found in Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” You may be surprised by the peace that comes from showing kindness to someone you feel may not deserve it. A simple act of grace can change the entire atmosphere of a conflict and put you back on the higher road.

Mark Twain once remarked that to act morally is noble, but talking about acting morally is also noble and a lot less trouble. While his words may have been intended humorously, there is an important truth hidden within the contrast: talking about what is right is much easier than actually doing what is right. Living nobly and godly can be costly, especially when our flesh wants to defend itself, prove its point, or get even. Scripture reminds us that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:21. What is in our hearts will eventually reveal itself through our actions. That is why James tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” James 1:22. It is not enough to know what God’s Word says. We must allow His Word to change the way we respond when we are hurt, offended, misunderstood, or mistreated.

There have been saints and scoundrels throughout history. Saints have understood that God’s Word is not merely something to read or talk about; it is truth by which we are called to live. Others have mocked those truths as though they were nothing more than silly fables. But when we know what God’s Word teaches us, those truths can strengthen us when temptation comes and help us resist the urge to leave the higher road for the easier, lower one. Knowing what is right gives us something to stand on when our emotions are telling us to do something else.

I work in the transportation industry, where codes, regulations, laws, and standards of conduct govern the way we do our jobs. If you believe in those standards and allow them to guide your decisions, they can protect you from a great deal of trouble. But if you begin looking for alternative ways around those regulations or convince yourself that certain shortcuts are acceptable, you can quickly find yourself in a difficult situation. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. God has given us His Word as our standard. When we allow His principles to govern our actions, our lives begin to reflect the character of the One we serve. We do not have to wonder which way to turn every time we face a difficult situation because we already have a standard to guide us.

My brother has built his business over the years on his personal code of ethics and the Golden Rule. In his dealings with people, he has made a deliberate effort to be helpful, honest, and trustworthy. Over time, that integrity became part of his reputation, and his reputation became one of the greatest assets of his business. His success was not built solely on what he did, it was also built on who he was. He has worked hard to live by the principle, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That principle has paid dividends for him in more ways than financial success. It has helped establish trust, respect, and lasting relationships. The Golden Rule should be more than a good business principle; it should be a foundational principle by which every Christian lives.

Knowing and practicing God’s principles helps refocus our minds when our emotions begin pulling us in the wrong direction. When we are tempted to respond in the flesh, the Word reminds us who we are and whose we are. It reminds us that we are called to live differently. Jesus said in John 10:10 that He came so that we might have life “more abundantly.” That abundant life is not found in getting even, winning every argument, or making sure everyone understands our side. Sometimes abundant life looks like forgiveness. Sometimes it looks like silence. Sometimes it means admitting that we were wrong. Sometimes it means walking away from an argument that we could have won but chose not to pursue. And sometimes it means loving someone who has not shown us love in return.

So, decide today what is worth living for and what is worth dying to self for. Choose to do what is right rather than simply what you feel like doing in the flesh. Do not allow another person’s actions to determine your character. Do not let anger write your response. Do not let pride choose your words. Let God’s Word be your standard and let Christ be your example.

“As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; with patience, bearing with one another in love. Diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.” Ephesians 4:1–3

The higher road is by no means the easy road. It may require humility when you want to defend yourself, forgiveness when you want justice, patience when you want answers, and love when you feel someone is undeserving of it. But the higher road is the right road. And when we choose God’s way over our own, we are choosing to live out the very character of Christ.

Let’s love one another...no matter the cost.

Loving on you today!
Hold Fast,
– Bren

What Is Your Battle Cry?

A prison is rarely just a physical structure of concrete and steel. There are many more people in mental prisons of sorts than incarcerated in any building for their wrong actions and have been charged and sentenced by a judge or jury.

Many people are being a prisoners of their minds by their own making. These prisoners are trapped by their feelings, thoughts and fears, limiting beliefs, or past experiences rather than external circumstances.

Their invisible chains often forged through overthinking, self-criticism, and anxiety, limit their potential and prevent them from engaging fully with the world around them. They live in a state of mind that continues to foster anxiety and depression that makes their mind feel completely trapped, powerless, and isolated.

In daily life, our state of mind or frame of mind, you might say, describes our current mood and mental stability. For example, being in a positive state of mind helps us tackle our challenges, while being in a distracted or stressed state might impairs our judgment. Breaking out of this mental prison requires recognizing that we ourselves hold the keys to our own freedom.

In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in the city of Philippi after being severely beaten and placed in chains for casting a demon out of a fortune-telling servant girl. Despite their painful circumstances, they prayed and sang hymns to God at midnight as their battle cries while the other prisoners listened. Their midnight worship triggered a violent earthquake that shook the prison's foundations, miraculously opening all the doors and unfastening the chains of every prisoner. 

This event ultimately led to the salvation and baptism of the prison guard and his entire household. What appeared to be bad, turned out to be good. Under horrible conditions, after being severely beaten, placed in chains deep within a horrific prison, Paul and Silas chose to change their condition as they worshiped and sang in their prison and as they did, their chains fell off. 

There is no doubt that some face medical depression, however, I cant help but to believe that for the child of God, there is nothing to big that He can not fix on our behalf.

I say this from personal experience from having gone through depression. While my medical doctor wanted to medicate me, the Lord wanted to deliever me, and He did. But it had to be His way of deliverance, not mine.

The Bible offers profound comfort and promises of deliverance from the depths of depression. It highlights God as a present refuge who hears the cries of His children, provides rest for the weary, and offers a firm foundation when we feel like we are sinking in the dark.

When you're feeling weak and in need of God's strength, read and meditate on the Scriptures, say them out loud to help you fight. Find a battle song to help you declare God's victory over your situation, just as Paul did and I have, and may these Bible verses encourage you to find peace and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances and hard times.

"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

"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

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

Praising God in your hardest moment can shake the foundations. What’s your “prison song” the song that you will sing even when it’s hard?

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Death Is only A Shadow

 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”  Psalm 23:4

For the child of God, death is not the end—it is only a shadow. David did not say, “Though I walk through the valley of death,” but rather, “the valley of the shadow of death.” There is a great difference between facing death itself and facing its shadow. 

A shadow may look frightening, but a shadow has no power to destroy you. It is simply evidence that something greater is nearby. When we belong to Christ, even when we walk through the darkest valley, Jesus is with us. His presence reminds us that the grave does not have the final word.

Think about it this way. Imagine a large truck coming down the road. If Jesus has already taken the full force of that truck for us, then when we come along, all that reaches us is the shadow. The truck represents death, but Jesus took the blow through His death on the cross and conquered the grave through His resurrection. Which would you rather encounter the truck or its shadow? 

Because of Jesus, the Christian does not have to face death as one who has been defeated. Christ has already gone before us and overcome it. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55.

For the believer, dying can be compared to going to sleep in one place and waking up in our own bed. Our earthly body may close its eyes for the final time, but our spirit awakens in the presence of our Lord. 

Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” What a promise! Death may separate us from this earthly life, but it cannot separate us from Jesus. The moment this life ends, eternity with Him begins.

That does not mean we will never grieve or feel sorrow when someone we love dies. We miss their voice, their smile, their hugs, and their presence. But as Christians, our sorrow is accompanied by hope. 

We can grieve while knowing that death is not goodbye forever. Jesus has promised eternal life to those who belong to Him. The grave may hold a body for a time, but it cannot hold a redeemed soul. Our future is not in a cemetery; it is in the presence of our Savior.

So, when you think about death, remember the shadow. A shadow may cross your path, but it cannot take away your life in Christ. Jesus has already defeated the power of the grave. 

One day, each of us who belongs to Him will close our eyes here and open them in His presence. What looks like an ending from earth’s perspective will actually be a glorious beginning in eternity. 

Death is only a shadow, because Jesus is the Light. And when we walk through that valley, we do not walk alone. He is with us, He has gone before us, and He will lead us safely home.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Fan or Follower?

Jesus never wanted or asked for a fan base of people who would cheer Him on when things were going well for them, as a matter of fact He said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” 

Those words make an important distinction between being merely a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus. A fan may admire Jesus, believe He is a good teacher, enjoy hearing about His love, and even attend church regularly. A fan may celebrate what Jesus can do for them, but a true follower asks, “Lord, what can I do for You?” Being a Christian is more than liking Jesus or having a head knowledge by knowing about Him, but a true follower of Jesus is one who is dedicated to Him and has surrendered their lives to Him.

A fan follows Jesus when it is convenient. A follower follows Him even when the road is difficult. A fan wants the blessings but not the sacrifice or the cost of following Him. 

A follower understands that Jesus never promised that following Him would always be easy. When Jesus said, “deny yourself,” He was calling us to lay aside our own desires when they conflict with His will. To “take up your cross daily” means choosing obedience each day, even when it costs us something. Following Jesus is not a onetime decision we make and then forget about, but a daily commitment to live for Him.

The cross is a powerful reminder that Jesus gave everything for us. He didn’t simply say He loved us, but He demonstrated His love by giving His life. In return, He calls us to give Him our lives. That doesn’t mean we earn salvation by our works. It means that when we truly understand what Christ has done for us, our heart's desire becomes to live differently. We begin to ask ourselves questions like, “Does my life point people toward Jesus? Do my choices honor Him? Am I willing to follow Him when nobody is watching? Do I want God's will in all of my life's situations, over my own?"

There will be times when following Jesus means saying no to ourselves. It may mean forgiving someone when we would rather hold a grudge, standing for what is right when others disagree, giving up something that is pulling our hearts away from God, or trusting Him when we cannot understand what He is doing. A fan may walk away when the cost becomes too high. A true follower says, “Jesus, wherever You lead me, I will go.”

So today sweet friend, don’t just ask yourself, “Do I love Jesus?” Ask yourself, “Am I following Jesus?” There is a difference. Fans admire from a distance; followers surrender and walk beside Him. Fans may know about Jesus, root for Him on the sidelines when He is allowing them to win and is working on their behalf. Followers however, desire to jump in and help in the work that He is doing; no matter if things are going their way or not. Fans follow when it is easy; followers remain faithful when it is hard.

Jesus is not looking for a crowd of people who will simply admire Him. He never asked for or wanted fans; but followers. He is calling people who will deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and be willing to follow Him. The question is not whether we believe in our head that Jesus was real and did what He said He would do, but by believing in your heart which God looks at according to 1 Samuel 16:7, "... The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” This verse tells us and reveals a person's true deep, inward trust in God's only Son Jesus, which if real, leads to a commitment to pick up their cross daily and be willing to follow Him.

God looks beyond outward appearances and values the intentions, purity, and sincerity of the heart. Cultivating a heart aligned with His will, filled with love, grace, and humility, which is central to spiritual life and obedience to Him. 

The question for us all is whether we have truly surrendered our lives to Christ. Are you simply a fan of Jesus, or are you a faithful follower?

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Choosing Reconciliation Over Bitterness

There will be times when people fail us, disappoint us, hurt us, or make choices that leave us wondering how someone we trusted could treat us that way. In those moments, bitterness can become an easy place to live. We replay what happened, rehearse what was said, and allow disappointment to slowly harden our hearts. But as children of God, we are called to something greater. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you… And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31–32. God does not ask us to pretend that we were not hurt; He asks us not to allow the hurt to become who we are.

Sometimes the very situation we would gladly remove from our lives is the situation God uses to build something in us that we desperately need. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28. God can use rejection to teach us dependence, disappointment to teach us grace, and conflict to teach us patience. What someone intended to wound us with, God can use as an instrument of our spiritual growth. He is perfecting us, not simply for our own benefit, but so that we can become more useful in His kingdom. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.

That is why we should always leave room for the possibility of reconciliation. Reconciliation does not mean ignoring what happened or allowing someone to continue hurting us. It means keeping our hearts open to what God may want to do in the relationship. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18. Sometimes reconciliation begins with a conversation. Sometimes it begins with forgiveness. Sometimes it means extending grace when we would rather hold onto our right to be angry. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, the other person may not respond. But our responsibility is to make sure that our heart remains surrendered to God rather than controlled by resentment.

Above everything else, Scripture calls us to love first. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35. Love cannot be reserved only for those who treat us well. Jesus commands us to love even those who have hurt us: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Matthew 5:44. That kind of love is not weakness, it is Christlikeness. It takes the power away from bitterness and places the situation back into God’s hands.

We can serve, preach, sing, teach, give, sacrifice, and do many things that appear spiritual, but if love is missing, something essential is missing. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” In other words, service without love may make noise, but it does not carry the heart of Christ. God is not merely interested in what we do for Him; He is concerned with what He is producing in us while we do it. Perhaps the person who failed you has become part of a lesson God is teaching you a lesson in forgiveness, humility, patience, grace, and love. So don’t become embittered by the one who hurt you. Lean into what God can do through the situation. Let Him use the pain to perfect your heart, prepare you for greater service, and make you look more like Jesus. And when you have a choice between being right and loving first, remember Jesus chose love.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Building Spiritual Discipline

Spiritual discipline does not happen by accident. Just as our bodies become stronger when we exercise consistently, our faith becomes stronger when we intentionally spend time with God. 

The apostle Paul said, “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things” 1 Timothy 4:7–8. Spiritual growth requires a willing heart and a daily commitment. 

We cannot expect to be strong Christians if we only seek God when we are in trouble. We build spiritual strength by making prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience, and fellowship with God a regular part of our lives.

Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of making time with the Father a priority. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” Mark 1:35. If Jesus intentionally withdrew to pray, how much more do we need that time with God? 

Our schedules can become crowded with work, family, responsibilities, and distractions, but spiritual discipline means we deliberately make room for what matters most. 

It may mean getting up a little earlier, turning off the television, putting down the phone, or simply finding a quiet place where we can listen to God through His Word and prayer.

Consider someone who decides they want to become physically stronger. They don't go to the gym once and expect to be strong forever. They return again and again, even on days when they do not feel like exercising. Over time, the small acts of consistency produce noticeable strength as their bodies change. 

The same is true spiritually. We may not see immediate results when we pray, read our Bible, or choose obedience, but God is working beneath the surface. “But let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians 6:9. Discipline is continuing to do what is right even when our emotions are telling us to quit.

Spiritual discipline is also about learning to say no to things that weaken our relationship with God. Paul wrote, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection” 1 Corinthians 9:27. This does not mean earning God’s love through our works. God’s grace is freely given; rather, discipline is our response to that grace. 

There will always be distractions competing for our attention. There will be moments when we would rather sleep than pray, scroll than read Scripture, or complain rather than worship. Building discipline means training our hearts to choose God’s will over our momentary desires.

The beautiful thing about spiritual discipline is that we are not expected to do it in our own strength. God is the One who helps us grow. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” 

When we consistently come before Him, He changes our desires, strengthens our faith, and teaches us to recognize His voice. Like a tree that grows stronger through deep roots, our lives become steadier when our roots go deeper into God’s Word. 

Psalm 1:2–3 describes the person who delights in God’s law and meditates on it as being like “a tree planted by the rivers of water”, a life that can remain fruitful even when difficult seasons come.

Today, don’t look at spiritual discipline as another burden on your list of things to accomplish. Look at it as an invitation to draw closer to the One who loves you. 

Start where you are. Set aside time to pray. Open your Bible and read even a few verses. Worship God when you don’t feel like it. Obey Him when obedience is difficult. Keep showing up, day after day, because consistency creates spiritual strength. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” James 4:8. 

The goal isn’t simply to become more disciplined, it is to become more like Christ. And every day we intentionally seek Him, God is shaping us into the person He has called us to be.

Hold Fast,                

-Bren

God's Purpose When Others Disappoint Us

 There are times when people we love, trust, or depend on disappoint us deeply. Sometimes their choices hurt us, their actions fail to meet our expectations, or they simply do not respond the way we hoped they would. 

In those moments, it can be difficult to see anything good coming from the situation. Yet God reminds us that He is still working, even through circumstances and people we would never have chosen. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” 

Notice that Scripture does not say that everything that happens is good, it says God can work all things together for good. For God always has a plan, even in our disappointments.

Throughout Scripture, God used imperfect people and disappointing circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers, yet years later he could tell them, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good” Genesis 50:20. What his brothers intended to destroy, God used to position Joseph exactly where he needed to be. 

Their actions were wrong, but God was greater than their wrong. Sometimes we become so focused on the person who disappointed us that we fail to recognize the God who is working behind the situation.

God can even use someone’s failure toward us to develop something in us that could not have been developed any other way. 

Disappointment can teach us patience, forgiveness, discernment, humility, compassion, and dependence upon God. James 1:2–4 reminds us that the testing of our faith produces patience and that patience helps us become spiritually mature. 

This does not mean we should excuse someone’s wrongdoing or remain in an unhealthy situation. It means we can surrender the hurt to God and trust Him to use even painful experiences to shape our character and draw us closer to Him.

Sometimes the person who disappoints us may actually become part of what God uses to move us into a new season. We may not understand it while we are walking through it, but God sees what we cannot see. 

Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” 

We do not have to understand every person’s actions in order to trust God’s direction. We can release the disappointment, forgive where forgiveness is needed, establish wise boundaries where necessary, and allow God to determine what comes next.

When people disappoint you, remember that their actions do not have the final word, God does. 

What feels like a setback may become a lesson; what feels like rejection may become redirection; and what feels like something meant to hurt you may become something God uses to strengthen your faith and prepare you for greater service. 

Instead of allowing disappointment to fill your heart with bitterness, ask God, “Lord, what are You wanting to teach me through this?” Psalm 138:8 gives us this assurance: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.” We may not be able to control what others do, but we can place the situation in God’s hands and trust Him to use even our disappointments for His purpose.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Godlessness in The Last Days

Paul gives us a sobering warning in 2 Timothy 3:1: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” He then describes a generation marked by selfishness, pride, disobedience, ingratitude, hatred, lack of self-control, and a love for pleasure rather than a love for God. 

These verses should cause every Christian to stop and examine the condition of our own hearts and the world around us. 

We often think of godlessness as people who completely reject God, but Paul describes something even more concerning are people who may look religious on the outside while denying the power of true godliness within. This is not merely a warning about “them.” It is a warning to us.

One of the most frightening statements in this passage is found in verse 5: “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 

A person can attend church, own a Bible, sing worship songs, and even speak like a Christian would, while their heart remains far from God. 

A form of godliness is not the same as a transformed life. Jesus warned about this very thing when He said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” Matthew 15:8. 

God is not looking merely for religious activity; He desires surrendered hearts that are being changed by His presence and His Word.

Imagine a person who owns a Bible and takes it to church every time they go, but never allows it to correct them. 

They attend church faithfully, but during the week they are consumed with anger, bitterness, gossip, pride, dishonesty, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures without caring the least about how it reflects them personally or how others see them. 

When confronted, they say, “But I’m a Christian.” Their outward appearance may or may not convince others, but God sees the heart. That is the danger Paul is exposing. 

We can become so accustomed to the language and appearance of Christianity that we fail to recognize when the power of Christ is missing from our lives. The question is not simply, “Do I profess to know Christ?” The question is, “Is Christ changing me?”

Paul’s warning should create urgency in every believer. We cannot afford to become comfortable with a culture that celebrates what God calls sinful or to allow the world’s values to slowly reshape our thinking. We must guard our hearts, remain faithful to Scripture, pray, repent quickly, and pursue holiness. 

Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The answer to godlessness is not merely pointing fingers at society, it is allowing God to search our own hearts like David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23–24.

We are living in serious times, and Paul’s words should awaken the church rather than frighten us into silence. The closer we get to the return of Christ, the more determined we should be to live faithfully for Him. 

We cannot afford a powerless Christianity that only looks good on the outside. We need the genuine power of the Holy Spirit working within us, producing lives that reflect Jesus. 

The question is not whether the world is becoming more godless; Paul already warned us that it would. The question is whether the people of God will remain faithful in the midst of it. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” 1 Corinthians 16:13. The time to get serious about God is not tomorrow. It is today.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Recognizing Our Spiritual Blind Spots

As Christians, we all have blind spots in areas of our lives where we fail to see our weaknesses, attitudes, or behaviors as clearly as others may see them. We may sincerely love the Lord, attend church faithfully, and desire to live according to His Word, yet still have areas where pride, impatience, jealousy, or self-righteousness quietly influence our actions. 

Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” David understood that he could not always recognize what was hidden within his own hearts. Imagine driving a car with a blind spot in your mirror. You may believe the road is clear, but another vehicle could be dangerously close without your knowledge. 

Spiritually, we need the Lord to reveal what we cannot see for ourselves. The humble Christian welcomes God's examination, even when the truth is uncomfortable, because recognizing a blind spot is not a sign of spiritual failure, but refusing to acknowledge it can be.

Sometimes God uses the words or actions of another person to reveal something in us that we have overlooked. Perhaps someone tells us that we are too critical, too quick to become defensive, or unwilling to listen to another perspective. Our first reaction may be to justify ourselves by remembering everything the other person has done wrong. But what if God is using that moment to teach us something important? 

Jesus asked in Matthew 7:3, “And why behold thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in thine own eye?” 

Consider a personal example: perhaps we become frustrated when someone interrupts us, yet we frequently interrupt others without realizing it. When someone finally points it out, we can become offended and make excuses, or we can humbly recognize our own inconsistency and ask God to help us change. 

Proverbs 9:8-9 teaches that a wise person responds to correction by growing wiser. We do not have to agree with every criticism we receive, but we should be humble enough to prayerfully consider whether there is truth in it. God can use even an uncomfortable conversation to make us more Christlike.

However, when we repeatedly ignore the warnings God places before us, our blind spots can become the very things He uses to humble us. Consider Peter, who confidently declared that he would never deny Jesus. 

In Matthew 26:33, Peter insisted that even if everyone else fell away, he would remain faithful. Yet, before the night was over, Peter denied knowing the Lord three times. His confidence in his own strength had blinded him to his vulnerability.

Jesus' warning was not given to destroy Peter but to prepare him. Peter's failure brought bitter sorrow, but it also taught him a lesson about dependence upon God rather than confidence in himself Luke 22:61-62.  We may experience something similar when we insist that our temper is justified, our judgment is always right, or our way is the only way.

Eventually, a damaged relationship, a painful consequence, or a humbling moment may reveal what we refused to acknowledge earlier. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that correction can produce “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” in those who are trained by it. God's discipline is an opportunity for restoration, not a reason to remain defeated.

The question, then, is not whether we have blind spots, but how we will respond when God reveals them. Will we humble ourselves, receive His instruction, and allow Him to change us, or will we defend ourselves until our circumstances expose what our hearts refused to admit? James 4:6 declares, “God resist the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Do not waste the lesson by becoming offended at the messenger or bitter about the circumstances. A blind spot discovered through humility can become a doorway to spiritual maturity; a blind spot ignored through pride may become a stumbling block that brings us to our knees. 

The wisest Christian is not the one who believes he has nothing left to learn, but the one who remains teachable in the hands of God. May we always be humble enough to learn from His warnings before painful consequences force us to learn the hard way.

Hold Fast,                                                                                                                                      -Bren

 

The Desire of the Sluggard

Proverbs has much to say about the lazy person, whom Scripture calls a sluggard. Proverbs 13:4 declares, “The soul of the sluggard desires, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat”. 

The sluggard wants the rewards of hard work without putting forth the effort required to obtain them. He desires success but avoids the discipline, sacrifice, and responsibility that lead to it. 

Sadly, we see this attitude becoming increasingly common in our world today, especially among some young people who want the comforts of life without the commitment of working for them. Instead of learning responsibility, developing skills, and pursuing worthwhile goals, some become content to waste hours on their phones, playing games, or waiting for someone else to provide what they need. 

There is nothing wrong with enjoying rest, but there is a difference between resting after a day’s work and making laziness a way of life. Proverbs 6:9-11 asks the sluggard a sobering question: “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?” The verses warn that poverty can come upon a person who continually neglects his responsibilities. 

Notice that the sluggard’s problem is not necessarily a lack of ability or opportunity, but a lack of willingness to act. Consider a young man who dreams of having a good career, a home, and a family someday, yet refuses to finish his education, learn a trade, or keep a job because he does not want to put in the work to achieve it. His desires may be great, but his unwillingness to act keeps him from moving forward. 

Proverbs 10:4 reminds us, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” God honors diligence, faithfulness, and personal responsibility.  Whether we are working a job, caring for our families, serving in the church, or pursuing a God-given calling, we should give our best rather than continually making excuses.

The danger of laziness reaches beyond our finances and daily responsibilities; it can also affect our spiritual lives. A person can become spiritually lazy by neglecting prayer, avoiding Bible study, refusing to serve, or continually putting off obedience to God. 

They may desire a stronger faith, a closer walk with the Lord, and greater usefulness in His kingdom, but those desires will not become reality without intentional effort and obedience. First Corinthians 15:58 encourages believers to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”  We must teach our young people that responsibility is not a punishment but an opportunity to develop character, discipline, and faithfulness and then, hold them to it. 

We should also examine our own hearts, because laziness can take root at any age. The question is not merely what we desire in life, but what we are willing to do to fulfill our responsibilities before God. The sluggard dreams of what might be, but the diligent gets up and does what needs to be done. May we be people who put our hands to the work God has given us, remembering that our faith should be seen not only in what we profess, but also in how faithfully we are living it out!

Hold Fast,                                                                                                                                      -Bren

Putting things In Order

There comes a time in life when we realize the importance of putting things in order, not only for ourselves but also for the loved ones we will one day leave behind. We want to make sure our affairs are in order, our wishes are understood, and our family will not be left struggling with unanswered questions or unnecessary burdens. Putting things in order is one way we can demonstrate our love and concern for those who will continue on without us. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” While this verse speaks specifically about order in the church, the principle reminds us that order brings clarity and peace. Just as we want to prepare our loved ones for the day when we are no longer here to help them, Jesus lovingly prepared His disciples for the day when He would no longer be physically present with them.

Jesus knew His disciples would face uncertainty, sorrow, persecution, and difficult decisions after His departure. He did not want them to feel abandoned or unprepared, so He gave them the instructions they would need to carry on. In John 14:16–18, He promised to ask the Father to give them another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and declared, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” He was putting things in order for their future, assuring them that although He would leave them physically, they would never be alone spiritually. He also taught them how to approach the Heavenly Father through prayer. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus began His model prayer with these words: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” He showed them that they could come to the Father with their needs, seek His will, ask for forgiveness, and trust Him for daily provision. Jesus was preparing them to live faithfully, even when they could no longer walk beside Him as they once had.

Jesus also instructed His followers on how they were to live and continue His work after He returned to the Father. In John 14:15, He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” In Matthew 28:19–20, He commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe His commandments. He did not leave them without direction; He gave them His Word, His promises, and the assurance of His presence. Most importantly, Jesus explained how they could have eternal life with Him. In John 14:2–3, He promised that He was going to prepare a place for them and would come again to receive them unto Himself. In John 14:6, He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus was not merely preparing His disciples to live without His physical presence; He was pointing them toward the day when they would be with Him forever. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way of salvation possible for all who repent and place their faith in Him.

As we consider the importance of putting things in order for our loved ones, we should ask ourselves whether we are also preparing them spiritually. We may leave behind organized affairs, written instructions, and cherished possessions, but the greatest legacy we can leave is the example of a life that loved Jesus, trusted His Word, and followed His ways. We cannot make the decision of faith for our family members, but we can pray for them, teach them the truth, encourage them to seek the Lord, and show them by our example how to walk with Him. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 reminds us of Paul’s confidence as he approached the end of his life: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” What a blessing it would be for our loved ones to remember not only what we left behind for them, but also the faith we lived before them. Let us put our earthly affairs in order, but above all, let us make sure our hearts are right with God and that we have pointed those we love toward Jesus, the only One who can prepare them for eternity and welcome them home to Heaven.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Trust Him and Endure

Hebrews 12:2 "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

God is watching your life sweet friend and at some point in your trial, He will say enough. That moment may be crystal clear to you or you may realize it one day as you are looking back over it and realize that it was gone and that you were unaware of its passing. You now can only see it in the rear-view mirror of your mind, a passing memory of it.

Whether for weeks or months or years, every trial lasts for its appointed time. When you are undergoing a trial sweet friend, it may seem unending, but remember this, there is a limit, an expiration date already stamped on it. 

You have only to find its purpose and make the changes that need to be made in order to bring it to its end as quickly as possible.

Your trials can even be, in the nature of "being be caught up" in someone else’s storm and you may need simply to endure it, by riding it out. 

Trials come for various reasons. Not always out of discipline, because of some sin. Sometimes they serve us as testing.

Often times trials may and do come from a wrong choice that is made. But we must pray over and determine for ourselves the purpose of them.

Psalm 30:5 reminds us, “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” And know this, that Hebrews 12:11 tell us that “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant…”

Job’s assurance can be ours today. So, do as he did, get under it and don’t waste any of it. The sooner we learn what we need to learn from it, the sooner the Lord will bring us out of it. 

Your painful season is going to come to an end, but until it does, endure, endure, till you get there and remember this sweet friend, God’s timing is always perfect.

When we are in the middle of a trial we must realize that we have to accept God’s time frames by our faith and trust in Him, because our human tendency is to bail out at the first opportunity of it coming on. 

Stay there friend and don’t move, until His purpose is accomplished in it and may we pray, “continue to teach us Lord, and help us to stay still under the weight of this thing...and Yes Lord, slap dab in the middle, until You have accomplished your purpose in us, through them”.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Don't wait for death to seek God

Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The scene ends in the afterlife, with the rich man and Lazarus finding themselves in very different circumstances both before and after their deaths. 

The verses read: “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores."

In these few words, we find the essence of human suffering and the profound truths that God unveils to us through the life of the poor and diseased Lazarus and the unconcerned, wealthy man that was concerned more for himself, than the needs of others.

This poor man's desires encapsulate the reality many face today. The longing for something as seemingly insignificant as crumbs. In the grander scheme of life, crumbs may appear trivial, and no substantial worth, yet for Lazarus, these crumbs were a lifeline, a hope for sustenance in his dire situation and relentless affliction. This was the reason that he was placed at the rich man's gate, in order that he may be able to eat the crumbs that fell to the ground. In the eyes of the rich man, Lazarus was no better than the dogs that feasted on the crumbs that fell from his table.

The phrases used in the passage, such as “who feasted sumptuously every day” and “desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table,” serve to underscore the extreme divide between the rich man’s abundance and Lazarus’s destitution.

Even the detail of dogs licking Lazarus’s sores emphasizes the lack of human compassion shown to him. These images challenge us to consider how we view and treat those in need around us.

It is easy to overlook the verse that describes the dogs licking Lazarus's sores in Luke 16:21; yet there is great importance in this compassionate verse, as it highlights the contrast between the human's indifference and the animal's compassion on man.

The dogs, considered unclean in Jewish culture, show more mercy than the rich human who ignored the poor man Lazarus' suffering. This detail serves as a reminder of the depth of Lazarus's suffering and the hardness of the rich man's heart.

The fact that scripture illustrates the poor man's diseased condition by using what may seem to us as a grotess thing, serves only to heighten the picture of the poor man's misery. The texture of the dog’s tongue and its saliva impart relief to a body that is diseased and exasperated with the pain of a body covered over with ulcers.

The dogs' actions symbolize the unexpected instruments of God's comfort, showing that even creation can show compassion when humans fail to do so. This parable serves as a warning to us to be more compassionate and responsive to the suffering around us, for even the least of these are seen as the greatest by God.

More than likely, many sins could be attributed to the rich man, but his main sin was being inwardly satisfied without God. His life lacked need, centered only on his own pleasure and comfort. Sadly, as he died and entered eternity, he only then realized what had really been important. However, at that point, it was too late for him.

The rich man in hell, after experiencing torment, sought to warn his family about the fate of the dead. He believed that a miraculous sign, such as the resurrection of Lazarus or sending another prophet would convince his brothers to change their ways. But he was told by Abraham in verse 31 that, if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

In conclusion, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of empathy and care for others as well as the importance of living life apart from the One that was chosen to give eternal life. We all must make that same choice before we depart from this life to the next. It also urges us to embody Christ-like compassion in our interactions with the world, fostering a more just and compassionate heart.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

The Danger of Ignoring Warnings

Ignoring warnings can lead to serious physical, psychological, social, and spiritual consequences, often resulting in harm that could have been prevented.

People often ignore danger warnings due to unrealistic optimism, where they believe negative events are less likely to happen to them because they perceive the risk as low and do not factor in wisdom in a given situation.

Ignoring warnings in everyday life can have tangible, sometimes fatal outcomes. From a spiritual perspective, ignoring warnings can have long-term moral consequences. Biblical examples illustrate that neglecting divine warnings can lead to destruction, loss, or hardened consciences. 

In Isaiah 22:13, the people of Judah ignored God’s warnings of impending invasion, choosing self-indulgence over repentance, which ultimately led to judgment. 

Similarly, deliberate disregard for moral warnings, as seen in the stories of Cain, Joseph’s brothers, and David, demonstrates how ignoring guidance can lead to premeditated wrongdoing and spiritual darkness.

In Jeremiah 40-41, Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, was appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as governor over the remnant of Judah after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. His administration was centered in Mizpah, where he sought to establish an outward appearance of order and peace among the remaining inhabitants of the land. Gedaliah was known for his fair and peacebuilding approach, encouraging the people to serve the Babylonians and settle in the land to prosper under their rule.

In the midst of this fragile peace, he received a warning from Johanan, son of Kareah, and other military leaders. They informed him of a plot against his life orchestrated by Ishmael, son of Nethaniah, who was of royal blood and had been sent by Baalis, the king of the Ammonites. Johanan and his companions urged Gedaliah to allow them to preemptively strike against Ishmael to prevent the assassination and the potential chaos that would follow.

Unaware of Ishmael's personal agenda against him, Gedaliah dismissed the warning, refusing to believe that Ishmael would commit such treachery. His response is recorded in Jeremiah 40:16 : "But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, 'Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie.'" 

Gedaliah's decision to disregard the warning was rooted in his trusting nature and his desire to maintain peace and unity among the people. He believed in giving Ishmael the benefit of the doubt, perhaps underestimating the political tensions and personal ambitions that simmered beneath the surface.

Tragically, the consequences were dire. Gedaliah's dismissal of the warning led to his assassination. Ishmael, along with ten men, came to Mizpah and killed him, as well as the Jews and Babylonian soldiers who were with him as noted in Jeremiah 41:2-3. 

This act of treachery plunged the region into further turmoil, causing fear and uncertainty among the people. The assassination of Gedaliah marked a significant turning point, leading many to flee to Egypt for safety, fearing retribution from the Babylonians. The assassination also marked a turning point in the collapse of Judean authority.

Gedaliah’s story is a sad reminder to us that illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust, the importance of vigilance, and the need for wisdom in discerning our actions. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Warnings exist to prevent harm, and ignoring them can have serious, sometimes irreversible consequences. Recognizing the risks, understanding the message, and taking appropriate action are essential to avoid both immediate and long-term dangers and consequences to us as well as others.

Before your next decision, be sure to follow Proverbs 2:6 that states, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding”.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

Trusting God's Plan

Trusting God's plans means placing your confidence in His wisdom, timing, and purpose, even when life is uncertain or challenging. It involves surrendering personal control and relying on His knowing about all things that touch your life and His kind love and benevolence toward you. 

It is a central precept of the Christian faith, emphasizing that God’s purposes are ultimately for our good and His glory. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs believers to, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight," highlighting the importance of submitting human understanding to divine guidance. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures that God’s plans for His children are intentional and benevolent, "For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future".

Men and women throughout scripture exemplify for us, how they trusted in God’s plan. Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland without knowing his destination in Genesis 12:1-4 and demonstrated unwavering faith when he was asked to sacrifice the most precious thing in his life, his beloved Isaac in Genesis 22.

Without understanding how God would bring it all about, Mary the virgin mother of Jesus in Luke 1:38, trusted God to do what He told her He would do even though she could not understand all the details. 

These stories illustrate that trusting God often requires faith in His promises, despite uncertainty, personal risk or being able to see how God will bring about the things that he promises.

Prayer and meditation are practical ways to trust God and a regular means of communication with Him and it will most assuredly help to cultivate reliance on His guidance and peace during those times of uncertainty.

Obedience and surrender to God involves aligning our actions with His will, even when the outcomes are unclear. Remembering His past faithfulness and reflecting on God’s past guidance strengthens our faith during our current challenges.

Trusting God’s plan has many benefits that will bring us peace, resilience, and hope. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers not to be anxious, but to present requests to God, promising that His peace will guard their hearts and minds.

By embracing God’s plan, believers can navigate life’s uncertainties with courage, knowing that every circumstance contributes to His greater purpose for us. Trusting God’s plan is both a conscious choice and a spiritual practice, involving faith, surrender, and obedience. Through prayer, scripture, and reflection on God’s faithfulness, believers can cultivate confidence that His plan is perfect, purposeful, and loving, even when life’s path is unclear. 

Sweet friend, God is able, and worthy of our trust!

Hold fast,

-Bren

DONT LOOSE HEART

All throughout the scriptures God's word tells us that He works for our good, and on our behalf. Sometimes, we simply cannot fathom how a bad thing can turn out to be a good thing, at the time. However, God knows that our suffering produces character in us, teaching us endurance, and perseverance for future situations that will come, and that is the only reason that He allows them to come near us. To teach us to trust Him in all situations, even in those bad and hard times.

Maybe you are going through a tough time right now and have no idea how things will turn out. May I encourage you today sweet friend, don’t allow your current circumstances to dictate your future or your joy. View them as a means of bringing you to a place of trusting God in them and by doing so, your joy will be made complete in them. The enemy's plan is and purpose is meant to try and discourage and destroy you. God’s understanding in them is that everything works for the good, of those who love Him according to Romans 8:28, and that what Satan intends for harm in our lives, God intends for good, according to Genesis 50:20. God's plans are for good; to prosper us and not to harm us as told to us in Jeremiah 29:11.

God’s loving and tender hand can smooth the turbulence that threatens our peace if we will see them from His perspective and the scars that are created by those turbulent times are only road maps of where we have been; and the cross roads that we have chosen to take, as reminders of the right and wrong choices we made.

While our understanding of our situations may be limited and small and mostly focused on the moment, remember that God is focused on our eternity. In realizing that, you may very well encounter the mighty hand of God and understand His purpose better. You may not be able to change your situation, but you can absolutely change your spiritual environment while going through them.

Be sure to choose wisely the directions that you will take in how you look at everything that touches your life. Don’t lose heart, work to see them as God sees them and fuel your faith with hope and only then will peace slip into those bare and lonely places to provide you peace as you walk through them!  

Hold Fast,

-Bren

JESUS STANDS AT THE CROSSROAD

From a spiritual perspective in relation to Jesus, a crossroad refers to pivotal moments of decision making and turning points in the life of an individual Christian's faith as a whole. It signifies the need in choosing a path that is   influenced by faith and that can oftentimes have far-reaching consequences.

Jesus himself faced numerous crossroads throughout his life, including his temptations by satan, His not going to Lazareth right away upon hearing about his impending health, knowing the heartbreak of Mary and Martha because Jesus did not come when they ask Him to and the moment in the garden when He anguished over what he was about to face, and then feeling the overwhelming grief of His Father turning His face away from Him on the cross because God was unable to look upon sin, as His Son became sin for all mankind. 

These are only a few of the events that highlight Jesus' role as a decision maker who was faced with similar crossroads that you and I are faced with on a daily basis. However, we have someone who is greater than we are to stand in the middle of our crossroads to help us choose the right direction not only because He is the Son of God, but because He Himself has been in our situation and understands our need for wisdom and discernment.  Jesus said that He would never leave nor forsake us. He stands at the center of our crossroads with the answers that we need to make the right choice if we will have the faith to follow His direction and believe Him for them.

Following Jesus as we come to our own crossroads is presented as a deliberate choice, a commitment that may require self-sacrifice and going against the grain of popular opinion. This involves not only believing in Him but also choosing to live a life that reflects His teachings and values, and while some may not always understand, we must be willing to take the road less traveled as we choose to walk our own road to Emmaus with Him.

Jeremiah 6:16a says this, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

The cross is not only a symbol of sacrifice but decision-making as well. It represents not just physical suffering but also the willingness to renounce one's own desires and embrace those things that God may ask of us; to follow Him. God's word emphasizes the importance of standing at the crossroads, considering one's ways, and asking God for direction. This involves seeking wisdom and guidance from God, rather than relying solely on one's own judgment.

In the days of Jeremiah, God was directing His people to stop and think about where they were and what they were doing, but they would not listen. He is saying the same thing to His people today, sweet friend.

The Bible places Jesus at the crossroads for every person, presenting the unavoidable decision of whether to follow Him or not.  Are you on the right path? Are you daily pursuing the life God has for you? Are you walking in faith or are you walking in fear? Are you obeying the Word of God, or have you allowed compromise in your life? Are you listening to the voice of the good Shepherd or consumed with other voices?

Only one path leads to life; this truth is woven throughout the entire Bible. It’s up to us to find that path and walk in it. Today is the day to stand at that crossroad and look to Him, listen for His voice, and get on the right path. 

Hold Fast,

-Bren

HOW GOD USES OUR FRUSTRATIONS

How often do you find yourself getting frustrated? I know for me, the older I get the more often it seems to attack my attitude and response with others as well as in situations that arise out of nowhere. It happens so easily. I can be driving along and come across bumper-to-bumper traffic, which makes me late for a doctor's appointment or my cell phone's battery runs down because I failed to charge it, or someone simply says the wrong thing at the wrong time. I feel sure that you can relate and can probably think of your own experiences like these for yourself.

There’s just no escaping them. All of us, one way or another, must deal with the problem of frustration. No matter what kind of life you lead, plans will go wrong and opportunities will be lost. It’s just the way life is, yet instead of dealing with them properly, sometimes we may choose other options. I read a statement by a social worker that stated that, one of the reasons there is such an increase in drug use today is that people are finding it increasingly difficult to deal with frustration; and this may be very true, because everyone is looking for a way to deal with them.

Frustrations stem from the feelings of being hindered in how we feel about things or what we want to accomplish by some head-on barrier. They can lead us to think we’re victims of our circumstances, but that attitude doesn’t help us overcome them. I am learning that frustrations that exhausts me are the aggravations that wear me down, and they are merely the ordinary annoyances of daily life. 

But the root of frustration is not always caused by external circumstances. They are just the triggers. The root of frustration actually comes from inside us. While it seems easier to simply deny, bury, or ignore the true issues, if we don’t face them, they’ll keep hanging around, hindering us, holding our attitudes hostage.

If we are reluctant to deal with past issues or refuse to deal with present impatience, ungodly attitudes or habits we will not be able to escape frustration. Bitterness, resentment, and an unforgiving spirit always result in dissatisfaction and aggravation. The only way out is to admit and repent of these feelings, instead of trying to justify an ungodly response.

In Isaiah 14:27, Isaiah spoke the words concerning when the Assyrians had surrounded Jerusalem, and the people had no hope of survival. But God frustrated the Assyrians’ plans overnight. In the morning the Israelites woke up to discover that the Assyrian soldiers were completely defeated. God has a way of using frustration to help His children out. When the Lord plans something, no one can hinder Him from accomplishing it. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Sometimes God may frustrate our plans in order to redirect our lives as He desires. Sometimes He puts up barriers to hinder us or deflect something that is not good for us and we can’t get past it. At other times He allows us a feeling of frustration that has no explanation. We can’t find the source; it’s simply a sense of uneasiness and those are times that we need simply to wait on God, and Trust that He has a plan in our situation, even if we are running late for a doctor's appointment.

But you can always be assured that God’s teaching purpose in all our frustration is to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. We’re often so busy that having uninterrupted time alone with the Lord is rare. God uses an obstacle or sense of restlessness to get our attention, so that we can focus on an area of our life that He wants us to address. When this happens, we need to read His Word and seek Him, to understand what He wants to do in our lives. His purpose in all of our weaknesses and shortcomings is to develop us into the fullness of who He created us to be. It’s a purifying process that by degrees and in time conforms us into Christ’s likeness.

Most of us seek to find comfortable places in life and park there and are often reluctant to make a change. But when the Lord wants to move or redirect us, He may use a sense of frustration to start the process. What began as frustration can quickly change to excitement as we anticipate what He will do next and how he will use these as lessons in our lives.

Whether the source of your frustration is God or the exasperating events in your life, the path to peace is the same. First, acknowledge His love for you. Then determine to trust Him, which means depending on and surrendering yourself to Him to do whatever He chooses in your life. He’s a sovereign God with all power who knows you perfectly. He will always guide you on the right path. 

Hold Fast,

-Bren

FAILURE TO RESTRAIN

Being hasty in our conversations with others, failure to restrain from assumptions and words that we want to say, anger that flairs up when we get our feelings hurt and not being on our guard spiritually can do more damage in relationships than any other thing. When our moments become moments that are all about us moments and we fail to see the real issues, we are missing out on opportunities to be Christ to others. But, when we model the Lord’s behaviors, we become more loving, more willing to sacrifice our rights, seeing a little more of how God may be looking at the situation; and we can be a great blessing to others, instead of what they may perceive as being a thorn. Letting go of those moments of control, judgement, haste, and pride brings us closer to God, and it is then, like Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:22 that we become all things, in order to win others. 

I know that the Lord is committed to me, so I need to commit to Him. I want to have a teachable spirit and be willing to accept His correction, or discipline. Yes, God disciplines me! He disciplines you too if you belong to Him. His discipline may hurt, but it is not harsh, nor does it tear down. His discipline corrects, reveals and builds us up and moves us into the direction of better actions if we choose to summit to it.

Learning how we speak to one another is not a one time process. It is continual. We all possess the opportunities of producing a harvest with our words. But in order to produce a transforming harvest with our words we need to be ever cautious to bless, lift up, show love and build positive and loving relationships.

The scriptures tell us, the things that cause friction, conflicts, even fights and quarrels between ourselves and someone else is found in James 4:1-3, it says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it”. God’s Word teaches us those conflicts in us, come from the wrong desires that battle within our hearts and are the result of our sinful nature. 

Sin in us is always lurking to threaten our happiness and our fellowship with one another. The enemy uses everything and every opportunity he can to cause our focus to be misplaced, because he knows when that happens, even the smallest of things can escalate. Once we give in to our sinful nature, God is ignored and we take matters into our own hands. 

It is with great effort that we must train our minds to be set on God, for those moments and what He has instructed us to do in those situations. Sometimes, what we think are good desires, can be escalated to reach a sinful retaliation, if our thoughts and ways are not His and we do not deal with our emotions and feelings by making the choice to put them to death in us. When something is dead, it has no voice, no feeling, no emotion, and no response. Truth becomes concealed as if we did not know it or worse, it becomes twisted. Our listening shuts down and we are not understood, nor do we understand the other person, thus the conflict.

When my daughters were little, I found myself constantly picking up and cleaning up messes that they made. As they got older and became more aware and thoughtful about making messes, the less they made. This is how God deals with His own children. As His children grow in His grace and knowledge from the point of their new birth, they struggle trying to do the right thing. 

Like small children, they make messes in their lives. Those messes often-times may even affect others as well. Yet, as they grow in truth, desiring to do better, they begin to make less messes and they learn how to clean up the messes that they make, by responding in the right way. Sometimes that may mean to seek forgiveness or forgive others. Forgiveness is a direct command and mandate from God to His Children. 

It is something extremely special which we are given, and something precious we are to replicate to others. It is not easy. It requires the practice of maturity, the patience to allow the process to unfold, and the tact to endure it, and remember this; obedience is worth the sacrifice. Whether we realize it or not, being hurt is the place where bitterness takes root in a fertile heart, that is fallow for planting. So, be sure to sow the right seeds for a godly harvest and not bitter ones.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHARD

When a child of God finds themselves in trouble, and when problems become overwhelming, there is one section of scripture in Psalm 23 that always provides them comfort. This section of scripture refers to God's child as a sheep. This Psalm is about the unique relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. However, most of us have never been around shepherds or their sheep, much less experienced what it is like to work with them.

The relationship between the shepherd and his sheep is a profound and a recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing guidance, care, and the intimate bond between God and His people. Knowing and understanding both the sheep and their shepherd can help us to understand the relationship between God and his people. 

It is the love that the sheep has for his shepherd that keeps him safe and out of harm's way. Sheep are easily alarmed and can run over each other at the slightest noise. Shepherds will catch a panicked sheep and gently but firmly force them to lie down and feed quietly on the grass that the Shepherd has chosen for them to feed on. Sheep are instinctively afraid of running water so much so, that a group of thirsty sheep will stand and stare at a running stream and not take a drink until the shepherd moves a few stones around to create a still pool. In the middle of the rushing stream the shepherd provides needed water.

His rod and staff that Psalm 23 refers to are symbols of power and protection. The rod is a wooden club used to protect the sheep from wild animals, and His staff is for the wandering sheep to pull it back to safety when it strays away from the fold.

Psalm 23:5 talks about how God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies and anoints our head with oil. Tables in Israel also describe flat, grassy areas within mountainous terrain. They are perfect for grazing sheep, but these same tables or meadows often contain holes which hide poisonous brown snakes called Adder or sheep snakes.

These snakes can pop up suddenly and strike the sheep. Knowing this, the shepherd prepares the field that he chooses for the sheep to graze in by looking for those holes and pouring a thick oil in each one to prevent the snake from climbing out! Because of the slimy skin of the snake, he simply can't climb out but slides back into the hole. As extra protection, the shepherd will also anoint the sheep’s head with oil to prevent the snake’s bite from penetrating as well as using the oil as a healing ointment for the sheep. 

In the same way, when a child of God remains under the Good Shepherd's care and stays close to His side by walking with Him, He prevents the serpent (the devil) from sliding out of the unseen holes that are all around them in order that he may bite and destroy them. But as God promises, as His children draw near to Him, satan cannot get to them to defeat them.

Sheep are stubborn and hardheaded and are really good at just a few things. They are good at drowning, being defenseless, and being utterly dependent upon the shepherd. While they do provide wool and meat, they can’t even take credit for that since their God made them that way. Isaiah the Prophet nailed it when he wrote, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” in Isaiah 53:6. Jesus knew the nature of people without a shepherd. Matthew wrote that when Jesus “saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” in Matt 9:36, and we’re helpless as well without Jesus the true, Good Shepherd.

Hold Fast,

-Bren

REKINDLE A LOSS OF SPIRITUAL MOTIVATION

Spiritual slumps can often be dry places that are temporary periods where a believer feels distant from God or some aspect of their faith, experiencing a lack of spiritual engagement and motivation. These periods can be caused by various reasons and factors, including life stressors, feelings of discouragement, or even a sense of spiritual burnout. Overcoming these slumps or dry places involves recognizing the signs, seeking guidance if needed, and pulling away from things that may be distractions from what or where you once were actively engaging and being a part of. For instance, returning to those practices that can rekindle your faith and connection with God. 

The signs of spiritual slumps or dry places can easily be recognized by that lack of commitment in our living for, being obedient to, and serving the Lord as we once have done.  If we know that we are neglecting feeding our spiritual body by skipping prayer, Bible reading, attending church, or even engaging in Christian fellowship, then we may be on the road to returning to the place where we once experienced spiritual freedom, peace and sweet fellowship with the Lord.

A loss of spiritual motivation and desire to participate in spiritual activities and fellowship can cause us to have internal struggles that bring on apathy, cynicism, and a sense of spiritual dryness. These feelings will replace our joy with a sense of distance from God as well as other believers and a sense of emptiness or disconnection from what and how we once may have felt. If we do not turn back to God, these feelings will increase heaping thoughts of negativity and our feelings will become more negative and critical instead of positive and joyful.

In order to overcome these feelings, simply acknowledge to God the slump or place that you are in, recognizing that you are struggling and need His help. Possibly seek guidance and wisdom by talking to someone you trust. 

Engage your faith by focusing on activities that nurture your spiritual life and walk, such as prayer, reading your Bible, obeying those things God may be instructing you to do, but you have been running the opposite direction from what He has been saying. And be sure to get connected with other believers. Trust in God's love and forgiveness. He is always present, even when you feel lost or discouraged. Remember that slumps are temporary and they will pass. Your job is to surrender and do what you know you must do. God will do the rest! 

Recognize that these periods are a normal part of the spiritual journey and can be a time of growth and renewal and don't give up! Continue to seek God and engage in godly spiritual practices, even when you don't feel like it. God will guide you through this season that you are going through if you seek Him on His terms. Evaluate your priorities and identify any areas where you may be neglecting God or your spiritual life. Focus on God's promises and remind yourself of God's love, grace, and faithfulness.

Pray for strength and guidance. Ask God for the wisdom and courage to overcome this slump. Surround yourself with godly positive influences and get rid of those things that may be encouraging you to act in a way that you know in your heart would not please Him. I Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Connect with people who encourage and support your faith and avoid those who are influencing you to be disobedient to your heavenly Father. Be patient and persistent. Don't get discouraged and never ever give up!

Hold Fast,

-Bren