Category Archives: Life

We Must Always Fight

I believed this just a few days ago, but I grew up.

I felt that I shouldn’t have to fight for what belongs to me, like love from my wife for example. But the Spirit revealed that would be true were it not for the enemy.

Because of our enemy, Satan, who lives to divide, steal, kill and destroy, we must ALWAYS fight for EVERYTHING.

In fact, to have ANYTHING good, EVEN FREE things such as the Love of God, I MUST FIGHT to receive it and fight to keep it because Satan opposes me and raises all kinds of Hell to get between me and good.

That is why it is written, “The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” -Matthew 11:12

Have I then made grace works? Certainly not!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9

Faith is the key but even belief does not come without opposition.

“Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”
Luke 8:12

In short, a reality of this life is that I MUST ALWAYS FIGHT.

That is one of the things that makes the promise of heaven so sweet. There will be no enemy and I will have to war no more.

But until then, I MUST FIGHT for all the good God offers.

And this is the fight, to stand in the light, to keep all that I am and bring all that I have into the light where darkness cannot dwell. Jesus is the Light. (John 8:12)

“Jesus answered, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'”
John 6:28-29

Plot twist:

God allows Satan’s interference.

Why?

There are reasons unknown to me but I believe two are:

1. It makes me stronger and molds me to the image of His Son, Jesus.

2. We’re not as quick to hand over what we’ve fought for unlike what Adam did with a kingdom that was just given.

God uses the fight to perfect us to rule with Him.

Therefore, I will FIGHT with joy!

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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52 Weeks of Gratefulness #20 – John “J” Jefferson

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com 52 Weeks of Gratefulness #20 – John "J" Jefferson
Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com 52 Weeks of Gratefulness #20 – John "J" Jefferson

In Week 20 of 52 Weeks of Gratefulness, I give thanks for John Jefferson aka “J”.

Ok. I’m breaking rules by taking pictures of people in the gym but this is for a good cause and I wanted you to see him in the context where I usually encounter him.

My wife sent me this little quip a couple of weeks ago about how we can either be thermometers or thermostats. We can either take on the temperature of the room (thermometer) or we can change the climate of the room (thermostat). “J” is definitely a thermostat.

Years ago, I’m in the gym and this dude walks up to me out of the blue with one of his fists extended and simply says, “You aight, bro?” We bump fists, exchange greetings and then get on with the next set. That simple exchange changed the entire atmosphere of the gym. He didn’t just do that with me, he does it with everybody. And now, all the guys greet each other. We’ve become more mindful of each other, more courteous about how we use stations and put up equipment. We spot each other and encourage each other. I have made real friends like Daniel Russell all because one guy was intentional and consistent about saying, “Hi” which encouraged me to follow suit.

But, there’s even more about “J” that I’m thankful for beyond this powerful act of leadership. J’s entire attitude is culture shifting. You’ll often find him in the gym early, at 5 AM, fully alive. He’s going all out, often looking like Bane using some apparatus of tortue (elevation training mask, vertical jump training belt, weight vest, etc.), all while singing or dancing or both! He exudes joy.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know him a little and I know he’s faced some serious and difficult challenges in the last couple of years. But, it appears he takes the same approach to that as he does his workouts, even in the midst of adversity he seems determined to enjoy every minute of life and to take others with him.

He’s also a soldier, serving our country at the highest level (to put one’s life on the line). I see him leading in so many ways that I want to follow. He inspires me to step out of my comfort zone and to live with joy for the benefit of others.

I’m grateful. #52WoG

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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Satan’s Sword

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Satan's Sword
Art: Hell Sword by FirebatFX

Satan is a counterfeiter.

I see now that he also has a sword with two edges meant to both draw and drive: the lie. (John 8:44, Hebrews 4:12)

The lie draws, appealing to the desire of the deceived, drawing them away from the Light, causing them to miss God. (John 3:19, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, James 1:14-15)

The lie drives, infuriating its opponents, driving them in anger to focus on the lie, causing them to miss God. (James 1:19-20)

Sin is missing the mark -God. The two edges of Satan’s sword, whether on offense or defense, are designed to cut off its victim from God -killing it. (Genesis 2:17, 3:4, Luke 9:59-60, Romans 6:23)

What a hellishly devious and dangerous device! (2 Corinthians 2:11, 10:4)

It is possible to so rail against the darkness, to focus so intensely on what’s wrong with something, that I give no attention to the Light; to what’s true, just, pure, lovely, praiseworthy and of good report. (Philippians 4:8)

It’s like walking into a dark room, complaining about the perils of walking in the dark but never turning on the light.

The result being that those that were in darkness are still in darkness, now plus me.

I repent!

The way we parry this devilish device is by not being moved by it! It is designed to get me to break rank, to peel me away from the battalion and away from the Commander In Chief, who the enemy knows he has no hope of defeating, while by myself I have no hope of defeating the enemy! (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Therefore, I must not focus on the lie but I must focus on the Light. Proclaim Truth. When the enemy comes against it, proclaim more Truth as our Lord demonstrated in the wilderness of temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). Light by its very nature will drive back darkness. (John 1:5, 8:12)

I must not focus on the lie but on the Truth and stand firm in the Light! (Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 6:13-14)

To do that I must have my feet shod in the preparation of the “Gospel of peace”. (Ephesians 6:15)

I must eat, drink and breathe every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4), as revealed by the Holy Spirit in Scripture (1 John 4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:32) and expressed in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, Hebrews 1:1-4).

And, then I must stand! Stand in the Light so that the Light shines through me. Then and only then can I be a vessel for those who sitt in darkness to see a great Light. (Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:12-17, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6)

The solution is to ALWAYS stand in the Light! (John 12:35-36, Philippians 4:8, 1 John 1:5-7)

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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I Am The Word Of God

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com I Am The Word Of God
Art: “God’s Fingerprint”
KJV Illuminated Fingerprint – Gold on Black (Limited Edition)

You are the things you accept as true.

When God allows you to see Jesus and you believe Him, you receive the Seed and are born again.

Jesus is the Seed and Jesus is the Word of God.

If I am born of the Seed, I am the Word of God.

Unsettling? Good. Maybe there is a heavenly confrontation with our earthly conventions. May the Kingdom of God prevail.

Heretical? Only if it’s not true –only if the fruit of the Word are not being produced in my life (Matthew 12:33). May we all desire to walk worthy of such a humanly impossible standard and live as boldly as our Lord.

I am the Word of God.

There are seminal verses such as Romans 5:8 that gave rise to my rebirth and are at the heart of who I am and my outlook on the world.

When you are born again you become a new person whose genetic code is the Word of God.

We mature by eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking His blood –that is receiving by faith the Word of God which is Jesus Christ.

You are what you eat. To be like Christ, we must consume the Word of God.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand it initially.

Read the Word.
Pray about it.
Everyday.

Ask, seek, knock and the Holy Spirit will grant you understanding.

The world is suffering because of weak and feeble, malnourished Christians.

Take. Eat. We must consume the Word of God.

A verse a day is a start but you’re not going to build any muscle that way.

A devotional can be better than nothing (depending on the devotional) but it would be best to start purely with Scripture (no filter).

Jesus said to come to Him and drink. (John 7:37)

I’d strongly recommend a Bible-only reading plan like the Discipleship Journal (aka the Navigators Reading Plan) found here:

http://bit.ly/discipleshipjournal

If you’d like a study buddy, I’d be happy to start the reading plan with you. Let’s get it!

“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby”
1 Peter 2:2

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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Only Animals

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Only Animals

We are basically primates competing for food, territory and resources to reproduce.

Our sophistication is only an illusion. Without any higher view, we are no more than base animals.

As base animals, all that we do, such as organize into groups, and all that we create, such as systems of government, are in service to the aforementioned.

So, if your group didn’t create the system you find yourself confronted with, you’re in the group being competed against.

There are ultimately only two logical outcomes: recognize how our interests are better served by becoming a larger group or seek to eliminate the other group.

I am concerned that our thinking has devolved too low to achieve the former, ironic given that we are in an age where information has never been more accessible but we lack knowledge, and I wonder if we are too far removed from the reality and horrors of war to avoid the latter.

If only there were leaders that could lead us to avert disaster and guide us to avoid the path of destruction.

If only there was a Person with a higher view who provided us an Example and taught His children to govern with knowledge, wisdom and equity so that the whole world; not only all peoples but all of creation was cared for and well.

If only God were real and there were such a thing as sons of God.

“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
Romans 8:19‭-‬21

We have fallen well short of our calling.

Repent. With me.

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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Live Like Jesus Is King

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Live Like Jesus Is King

We’re very religious.

But, things in our world would look drastically different if Jesus were actually on the throne of our lives. “He does all things well.” -Mark 7:37

Does my thoughts look like they’re under His control?

Does my conversation reflect His perfect counsel and life giving power?

Does the order of my affairs look like He put them in order?

Does where I take residence reflect that a righteous, just, loving King resides there through me?

Do I allow His power to flow through me to make my home, workplace and community look like the Kingdom of God is coming?

Hypocrites!

We tote our bibles, go to church, do empty deeds and speak great swelling, superfluous words while people languish in the shadow of the great buildings and giant crosses we’ve erected to ourselves.

We come to religion looking for the good life, to justify ourselves, to take our ease and kick our feet up, often on the very backs of those we’re supposed to be serving.

This is not The Way.

Repent! Come from among these unbelieving apostates because their destruction is coming. (Matthew 24:45-51)

Seek the Kingdom of God beginning with it’s King.

See Jesus. Be transformed by who He is. Then, be Him in the world.

And, do not cease to make war until His Kingdom has come to every inch of our lives.

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. ” -1 John 4:17

#notwhatwho

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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Not What, Who

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Not What Who

The are many paths.

Only Christ leads to God.

I do not say this to assert the superiority of a religion, namely Christianity. Most who identify as Christians don’t have a clue about who Christ is. -Matthew 7:14, 21-23

The only ones who see Christ are those to whom God chooses to reveal Him. -Matthew 16:17

We can not see Him on our own. That’s humbling and it’s meant to be.

Because, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” -James 4:6

Our chief problem is we’ve been deceived to believe that we don’t need God. The enemy has blinded us through seeming material sufficiency, fake cultural harmony and outward civility while inwardly hating one another. We have a façade of peace and prosperity while our families are being ravished with war and destruction at every hand.

We appear well but are dying on the inside –whitewashed tombs.

However, if like me, you have been granted to see your brokenness, you know you are destitute and your spirit yearns for something you don’t know what to ask for (Matthew 5) and you are drawn to Jesus –not His followers, not institutions in His name, but you are drawn to the person of Jesus revealed through Holy Scripture by His Holy Spirit, you are being saved!

Therefore, cry out as the blind who desperately wants to receive sight. -Matthew 20:31
Search for Him as those who know they are dying and want to live! -Mark 5:25

Come to Christ believing He alone is the Way to God where every good and perfect thing is. -John 6:68

Revival is in three words: not what, Who.

It’s not about all the things we could or should do to improve our lives.

It’s about knowing Who life is. -John 14:6

Believe Christ and live.

#notwhatwho

The Meaning Of Life

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com The Meaning Of Life

The meaning of life is life: to gain it, to grow it, to give it future generations. -John 1:1-4, Malachi 2:15
What gives life? Love. -1 John 4:7-11
Who is Love? God, the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, revealed By The Holy Spirit. -John 10:10, John 6:68-69

We are created to be caretakers, not consumers who destroy and devours. -Genesis 2:15, Matthew 20:26-28

Creation should rejoice under our dominion, not groan. -Isaiah 11:1-9, Romans 8:19-21

It is more blessed (nearer to, more like God) to give than to receive. -Acts 20:35

The children of darkness think in terms of what they can get. Everything is a means of gain to them, even faith.

Beware.

Children of Light think in terms of what they can give.

Our orientation is an indication of whether we have any life in Christ at all. -Philippians 2:3-13

If I’m more concerned about what I’m going to buy rather than what I’m going to bestow, I may be one of the walking dead, infecting everything I touch. -1 Timothy 6:3-10

The good news is that there is life in Christ. If you believe Him, He will give you a new heart, His heart to be a caretaker rather than a consuming devourer, His heart to rule well rather than destroy. -John 1:9-13, John 6:47, Ezekiel 36:26-27

Believe Christ and be saved from the slavery of Death. -John 8:34-36, Romans 8:2

Choose life. -Deuteronomy 30:19

I Am Still Here

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com I Am Still Here

“You’re trusting God but still having problems.”

That’s not the point.

The point is,

after the enemy’s onslaught,
after a hail of fiery darts,

by the power of God
and the protection of His armor,

I AM STILL HERE!

And, what does “I am still here” even mean?

It means I am still His.
I am still an asset on the battlefield.
I am still an available vessel of His Love, Light and Life to advance the kingdom of God in the lives of those around me.
I am still here means that God can still use me!

Unsatisfied With Daily Bread

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Unsatisfied With Daily Bread

It’s been hard recently.

All summer, God has been feeding me with bread and meat brought by filthy ravens.

I hated it.

I wanted the king’s delicacies served at a grand banquet table.

I thought I deserved more than daily bread.

He used my difficulty to show me what was in my heart: that He was not enough.

Oh dear God, I’m sorry!

Lord, I repent. Give me a heart that is satisfied with You, alone.