Security and Strength from God

 When feeling tension or fear, we must remember that our security and strength comes from God.  He will be our shelter and our shield to keep us safe and secure.  Only God can give us the hope and protection we need.

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

- Psalm 62:5-7 (KJV)

Let your faith in God give you hope now and in the future.  Do not show any fear or be anxious about anything. because He has got you in every circumstance that comes along.  Keep your faith in God and rely on Him to deliver you from any situation.

Repent Now, Stop One World Order, and Gain Freedom

When reading Psalm 2, I was struck by how much it is like today, not just in "olden times" of King David but in all times current and future.  Too often men think of themselves as not only above others but above God.  They say there is no God, so they can do as they want.  They believe they can rebuke God, be unjust toward their fellow mankind, and can steal from other citizens and nations.  They have no problem with entrapping those that will not fall in line with their plans.  Instead of denouncing their evil plans, asking for forgiveness, and turning to God again - they force their way by imprisoning those who point out their mistakes.

"Why do the nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail? 

The kings of the earth form a united front; 

the rulers collaborate against the Lord and His anointed king." - Psalm 2:1-2 (NET)

The global world order is against God and his people.  Those leaders want to control everyone and everything!  They have declared war against Christianity.  Between the first and last verses, God laughs at them for their insolence.  God warns them to turn away from their evil lies and plans or be destroyed. They can not stand against God!  Those leaders are NOT to to be worshiped or followed.  Throughout the scritpures, we are promised that the only one that can give us what we need and prepare us for the joy of true freedom is God.  

"Serve the Lord in fear. Repent in terror. Give sincere homage. 

Otherwise He will be angry, and you will die because of your behavior, 

when His anger quickly ignites.

 How blessed are all who take shelter in Him!" - Psalm 2:11-12 (NET)

It is time for Christians to remind their leaders who God is and what God requires of them and us.  Our freedom and future depend on it. Not just for our current physical needs and the future of our children, but our eternal souls as well.  Otherwise ALL are doomed! Christians must stand up against this evil!  If not we will continue to lose our earthly rights and are helping to send many to hell as well.  That is not want God wants!  Christians, where are your voices?  Where are you arms and legs for God?  Put on God's  armor, pray for your warriors and your own warrior-spirit, and then soldiers get going towards victory!

The Strength of His People

Times are hard.  Unfair or horrible things may be happening all around.  Christians and non-beleviers both feel the pain of uncertainty for today and the future. Although the people of God may feel weak or disheartened, they can find strength and courage through their relationship with God.  God's people know if they ask for His help, He will answer to their benefit as long as they remain faithful and righteous. God will provide leadership to move His people  forward, so they may grow and flourish.

The Lord is the strength of His people; 

He is the saving refuge of His anointed. 

Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! 

Be their shepherd and carry them forever. - Psalm 28:8-9 (ESV) 

Christians will be lifted up from their pain and receive the promises of God; with prayer, supplication, and praise.  Knowing who God is and what He can do should be enough to move forward in faith.  God will save and lead His people.  Pray that God will continually direct leaders in the way that all should go - guide them with the consideration of the people along with God's will in every decision and action.  Recognize who God is for His people and be thankful for His blessings always.

You Are Special!

In a recent sermon, my pastor shared many Bible truths on how God loves us and that each one of us is special to Him.  God created each of us uniquely for a special purpose and that we are perfect for that reason as He created us.  God requires no physical or surgical changes to our body to love us. We only need a willing spirit to receive His love.  Pastor shared a list of things that we should always remember about God and our relationship with him.  Below is a version of that list.

"And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. 

Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; 

and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 

God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, 

though he is not far from any one of us." - Acts 17:25-27

• You are God's unique and purposed creation
• He ransomed you with a great price, his son Jesus Christ
• God never gave up on you
• He looks after you even though you did nothing to deserve it
• God saw you long before you saw Him
• You have been loved by Him since before there was time
• God never asked anything from you to get His love
• You are the apple of God's eye
• God gave everything to you through the gift of His Son

Make the Choice to Choose Life!

With the overturning of Roe vs. Wade and the the decisions about abortion law returning to states, there will be new Pro-life battles closer to home now.  Christians must stand on the right side of this life and death issue and continue to work against the sacrifice of babies to Satan's desires.  For a moment, breath and know that the angels and the unborn children are singing with joy that they have been saved. Then get ready to continue working against wickedness and immorality. 

Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose life or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. - Deuteronomy 30:19 (ERV)

Additional Notes: For more related Bible verses regarding this topic, see 20 Bible Verses About Abortion and What The Bible Says.  For quotes from other people regarding abortion, see 15 Christian Quotes Against Abortion.  For a list of related music see 8 Songs About The Horror Of Abortion From Various Perspectives. For more rhymes, see 28 Sad Poems on Grieving with Abortion Pain.

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God Isn't Into Instant

Everyone is in such a hurry to go somewhere or get something immediately.  We live a fast-food life with drive-thrus and microwaves.  We can look up almost any topic on the internet and quickly find a viewpoint we can instantly agree or argue with.  We do not want to wait for anything, even if waiting may be the best option for us.  We want instant gratification and quick solutions!

"For the revelation pertains to an appointed time— it speaks truthfully about the end. Though it delays, wait for it, because it will surely come about— it will not be late!" 
- Habakkuk 2:3 (ISV)

With that attitude, it is no wonder we expect God to react to our every wish and whim.   We want healing now. We want peace now.  We want justice now.  We want prosperity now.  We want blessings now.  We want ... whatever NOW!  

"Don’t forget this fact, dear friends: With the Lord a single day is like a thousand years, 
and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, 
as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. 
He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to find room for repentance."
- 2 Peter 3:8-9 (ISV)

God's timing is not the same as humans.  God knows what is best for us and when we are ready to receive it.  That is not to say, that He ignores us when we ask for things.  We should continue to pray/ask and if our desire is within His will and the time is right, we can expect to get what we need.  What we need may or may not be the same as what we ask.  We need to recognize when He answers prayers, whether the answer is "instant" or requires we have patience to wait for His perfect timing.  

Got Worries? Give Them to God

As Christians, why do we have worries?  What do we have to feel anxious about?  How can we get past our concerns?  

"If you will humble yourselves 
under the mighty hand of God, 
in his good time he will lift you up. 
Let him have all your worries and cares, 
for he is always thinking about you 
and watching everything that concerns you."
 - 1 Peter 5:6-7 (TLB)

We have to remember that God is in charge of our lives.  He has plans for  each of us.  When we go outside of His plan and try to do things on our own or rely on others instead of God, things can and will go awry. When this happens, we must turn back to God and trust Him for aid and direction.  We do this through prayer to God and gratitude for all He has done for us and will do for us.  We are His children, so He always wants what is best for us.  

Overcoming Negative Emotions

In the world today, there is so much focus on negative emotions we inflict upon ourselves or force onto others (sometime knowingly and often unknowingly).  Modern marketing tells us we will be happy if we can just get a little more of something.  We are bombarded with psychological and societal methods for improving the way we feel.  If a method works,  it is only for a short time.  The emotions return and too often are more intense with time.  There is no better emotion-shifter than having a relationship with God.  

"But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 

'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'  

Submit yourselves therefore to God. 

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. 

Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, 

you double-minded."- James 4:6-8 (ESV)

This does not mean we will no longer experience negative feelings of anger, fear, loneliness, or sadness.  Instead, we will have a power to call on our God to will help us overcome the negativity in our lives.  He can replace: anger with composure, fear with determination, loneliness with His presence, and sadness with contentment.  Deciding to accept a relationship with God (instead of continuing in wordly indecision) is no guarantee that life will always be tranquil. However, we will know and experience the true promise of God's love. 

Trust God When Afraid or Anxious

If you are feeling anxious about things going on around you, then reach out to God.  You may be cautious during critical times, yet you are worried that something may happen to you or your family.  You may be witnessing things that concern you, which you never perceived as possible in the past. Do not fret, instead cry out to God and tell Him your concerns.  Do not fear, but have faith and believe that the all-knowing God will help you.  In a time and a way that is in accordance with His will, God will come to your aid. 

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; 

I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." -  Psalm 56:3-4 (KJV)

What seems like insurmountable adversity to you, is nothing compared to the power and might of God.  As His child, there is nothing that mankind can do to you without God's permission.  He is your shelter, your fortress, your deliverer.  Keep your faith in God strong and remember to give Him the glory for all He does for you.  Praise God for His deliverance ,even before you see the results.  Keep thanking Him and reminding Him that you are trusting in His promises and for His best resolution to your concern or issue.

How to Find Refreshing

Do you believe persecution of thoughts and distortions of laws are becoming a concern in this world?  Are you feeling that the things are caving in on you?  Does the world around you seem angry, upside-down, or encompassed in chaos?  Are you in fear of what may happen to those you love? Do you feel like something is bound to break? Are you afraid that something will be you?  

"Repent, then, and turn to God, 

so that your sins may be wiped out,

that times of refreshing may come from the Lord," 

- Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Maybe it is time to turn from the world, repent of following the wrong things, and move more towards Christ.  Knowing you are forgiven of your sins through God's grace and Jesus's sacrifice is very liberating.  Following the teachings of Jesus Christ can also be liberating as it keeps you on the righteous and direct path rather than one that leads to personal destruction.  You can enjoy your spiritual freedom as God gives you emotional comfort that also leads to future physical well-being.

Once a Nation Under God

 Whoever says Holy Bible scripture is not relevant today might want to try reading the God's Word again. Scriptures give guidance on individual lives, instruct leaders on how to behave towards the people they serve, provides laws and tells judges how to act, advises countries on what is acceptable, and shows how God disciplines those He loves as well as His destroying evil.   

"In his name the nations will 

put their hope." - Matthew 12:21 (NIV) 

Is America forgetting or ignoring its Christian heritage?  In God We Trust is the American motto on currency (paper money for decades and on USA coins for centuries).  The United States of America has used the line one nation under God in the Pledge of Allegiance for decades.  This was done to reinforce the Christian religion of most of the country.  It was a way of honoring American history and the right to religious freedom.  What does the Bible say about a nation that turns from God?  An Old Testament example that may be applied to current events is the prophet Amos warning his nation to turn back to their God. 

"I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: 

your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; 

and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils:

 yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord." - Amos 4:10 (KJV)

If the scripture was looked at as the USA now, the first line of scripture above would point to COVID and the fear spread about it.  The second line could be a reference to the Afghanistan crisis that aided enemies. The the third line should point to the evil being promoted in by current politicians in DC. Finally, the fourth line is very clear - the country needs to turn from sin and return to God.  

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, 

and he delivered them from their distress." - Psalms 107:6 (NIV) 

Just as God blessed Israel when they served Him, He has blessed America.  When most of Israel turned from God, He mercifully waited for them to return.  However, when the sins got too great, then God would have to turn away from them until they realized their need for Him.  Scripture can be applied to modern life.  With that in mind, what will happen to America if too many of its people continue to: drift from God, break His commandments, and support evil actions?  Once a nation under God, America needs to restore their faith and return to their Christian roots.  Pray for the USA to follow Christ again and restore the nation  it was originally designed to be.

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God Has a Plan to Save You From the Evil Enemy

Are you afraid of what is going on in the world today?  Do you tremble in fear thinking about what is bad now or may be worse in the future?  Can you see the evil that is all around?  D0 you wonder if God will ever intervene?  God assures the believer that you can be strong and face your fears because He is there for you.  If you have faith, you need not be afraid because He promises that He is your deliverer.

"Say to them that are of a fearful heart, 

Be strong, fear not: 

behold, your God will come with vengeance, 

even God with a recompense; 

he will come and save you." - Isaiah 35:4 (KJV) 

God will fight for and provide retribution on the enemies of His chosen people and His good works.  God always delivers on His promises.  He is your salvation, your strength, and your only hope. Pray for your needs, pray for His help, pray for increased faith, and rely on God to provide the way.  He will bring about your deliverance from the evil enemies of good in His time and in His way.   God knows what is best and He will lead you in the best plan to respond or guide you to wait for Him to do His plan.

Tell Satan Where To Go!

Sometimes it is hard to know what is the right or wrong thing to do, especially if someone is trying to influence what you are thinking.  If could be Satan whispering in your ear.  It could be a person you know, like, or respect telling you everything will work out.  Maybe Satan is whispering in their ear instead.  There is no way to tell, is there?  

"Get thee behind me, Satan:
thou art an offence unto me: 

for thou savourest not the things that be of God,
but those that be of men." 

- Matthew 16:23 (KJV) 

If you have time, you pray over the situation to get an answer.  God gives you direction and you do what is right.  However, what if it is a spur of the moment situation?  You can still pray!  God hears short and silent prayers just as He does long or loud prayers.  He will let you will know the right thing to do.

"Go away, Satan! Because it is written, 

You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him." 

- Matthew 4:10 (ISV)

But what if that little voice saying "it will be ok of you do this"  keeps nagging at you?  If God already gave you an answer to do the right thing, then perhaps it really is Satan whispering telling you the wrong thing.  Jesus gave you scriptures that you can quote at Satan to make him leave you alone.  Learn them. Use them!  And then Satan will flee. 

Be Strong and Courageous, God Is with You

Christ called his followers to be meek, which is humble - not weak nor afraid. When things look bad and Christians feel they are losing ground.  God assures them that He is still there and always will be. He will not leave any Christian alone when they need Him.  He is still in control and always will be, even when it looks like the enemy has the upper hand. He is greater than any evil and He will always be the victor in any battle.  Persecution of Christians may come, however God provides the way out. 

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:
for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee;
he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." - Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

All God requires of you, as a Christian, is to trust Him and not to be weak in your faith.   Be brave and bold instead! Do not hide from what is happening in the world or retreat when things seem desperately unfair.  Do not be afraid to speak out and stand up against evil - for God is with you.  Pray about your plans and your future.  God will always be there to help and support you through difficult times.  God will not fail, He will keep His promises to you.  For you, God will be victorious!

Nothing Can Stop An Unstoppable God!

Our help in difficult times comes directly from God - the Unstoppable God!  The God who makes all things possible and is never deterred by what seems like impossible odds to mankind.  Amazingly true song lyrics are sung by Sanctus Real in their song Unstoppable God (CD or MP3 available on Amazon #ad) in official "groovy graphics" video with lyrics below.  Miracles do still happen! Victory is still His!  God always conquers, yes, God wins!

"Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power

 and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:"  -  Jeremiah 32:17 (KJV)

Sorrow Into Joy, Trouble Into Peace

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, 

That ye shall weep and lament, 

but the world shall rejoice: 
and ye shall be sorrowful, 

but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." 

- John 16:20 (KJV)

Jesus Christ tells His followers they will not be appreciated in this world. and therefore may experience some sadness  They may even be ridiculed and persecuted, but it is because they are His children whom He loves.  Knowing that He loves them should fill them with joy and determination.  So the true Christian, who wants to share Jesus' love with the rest of the world, will find some trouble on earth because of their work for Christ.   Jesus  assures His followers that they will be rewarded for their trouble, not in this world but in the next.  The next being a home in heaven they will share with Jesus.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. 

In this world you will have trouble. 

But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

As a Christian, you realize Jesus loves you and His Father God protects you from harm.  However, you must be aware that sometimes blessings come and other times trouble comes because of who you are in Christ. When trouble comes: look to God, pray His will in Jesus name, seek your spiritual gift(s) through the Holy Spirit, and ask for guidance to remain on the path set for you.

Knowing the Good Shepherd Above the Thief

The Bible refers to Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep.   Who besides Jesus is interested in His sheep?  There are both human and animal thieves who want to catch and destroy sheep in the Bible.  Having a problem with understanding the sheep analogy?  

In the old west, the analogy might be cattle rustlers because they want to take the cows to increase their own herd.  Or it could be a lion or wolf coming in the night to capture the young and weak calf.  On the farm, the analogy could be the fox in the hen house waiting to devour the innocent chickens.  However you tell it, there is someone or something that does not have a legitimate claim to the flock or herd waiting to take what is not theirs.  In the spiritual realm, this thief is the devil (aka satan, lucifer).  This devil is an evil  spiritual criminal who steals through lying, cheating, bargaining, and attempting to lure the sheep astray from the Shepherd. This evil has no legitimate claim to the sheep!  The devil may make promises of power, money, or popularity to get the sheep to leave the Shepherd and abandon the righteous path.   This deceiving thief may temporarily keep an occasional promise, but it will be fleeting and quickly followed by the torture evil enjoys inflicting on others.  The devil only cares for destroying lives and increasing the number of people taken into hell.  

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: 

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." 

- John 10:10-11 (KJV)

However, the faithful sheep only follow the Good Shepherd and they only listen to His voice.  They do not follow the evil deceiver and they do not seek after his false treats.  Instead they keep their eyes on Jesus and listen intently for His voice.  Christians are the sheep who follow Jesus.  The mature Christian recognizes the voice of Jesus and closes his ears to evil.  The new Christian needs to study and learn so that they too know which voice to listen to.  Christians know Jesus Christ died for their salvation.  These sheep know their Shepherd and they know only He really cares for them and gives to them the best blessings.  Are you listening to the Good Shepherd?  Do you thank Him daily for His sacrifice,  your salvation, and your eternal heavenly home?  Listen well for the the true voice of your Good Shepherd.

In Times of Trouble

When you look for worldly things and then find that you are going through bad times, do you turn to God for help?  God is willing to save you from troubling times if you are willing to ask in the right way.  He wants you to love and worship Him first.  Then he will honor you with His love, His help, and His blessings.  As you read the scriptures below, you will notice how God talks about his feelings and attitude toward repentant and faithful Christians.  

"Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: 

I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.

he shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; 

I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, 

and shew him my salvation." - Psalm 91:14-16 (KJV)

If you want to make it more personal, as if God is talking directly to you, replace the underlined he/his/him with your own name.  

Restore Strength, Eagle Wings

Every Christian will at some time grows weary.  This weariness may be physical tiredness or emotional strain.  When this happens, it is important to take time to replenish the soul before continuing the effort to do God's work.  The Bible often refers to this time as "waiting upon the Lord" as a way to restore one's purpose and dedication.  Taking time for a daily devotional of Bible reading and prayer increases the ability to hear God's direction, grow faith, obtain enlightenment, and build strength to continue the spiritual battle in God's service.  This spirit-building time keeps the Christian from getting discouraged, worn down, or burnt out.  

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; 

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; 

they shall run, and not be weary; 

and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) 

Time spent with the Lord motivates continuing His work and provides protection through it.  It builds spiritual excitement and emotional encouragement for accomplishing the mission as God leads. If a Christian tries to do the righteous work on his/her own, they will quickly grow weary.  Submitting oneself to time with God builds strength and character to accomplish physical tasks, overcome mental challenges, and win spiritual battles.  If Christians take the time to rest in God and trust His power, He will provide the strength and perseverance necessary to carry on.

All Things Are Possible with God

With all that is happening on the earth, you may be asking "Who can save us?"   You see people who are afraid, some are concerned, and others who are haughty over a particular situation.  Jesus Christ assures His followers, when things seem impossible for man to change - God is still in control!  God is on your side, if you are a Christian living a righteous life.

"For humans this is impossible, but for God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26 (ISV) 

As you wonder, given the circumstances, can people still be saved?  You must remember that Jesus can save anyone, although they must want His salvation for Him to act.  Prayer and repentance has to proceed salvation.  Pray for His guidance and direction in your life.  Stand strong in your faith.

So the correct question should be: do you/they want to be saved?  Are you/they willing to give-up the life you/they now have to follow Jesus?  Are you/they willing to abandon selfish desires for whatever is God's will?  If the answers are YES, then God can do anything and will control events for His faithful followers.

"There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything." - Mark 10:27 (CEV)

When things seem impossible turn to God for empowerment and miracles.  He can turn your: fear into strength, pain into health, defeat into triumph, poverty into blessings, sorrow into joy. God is the real source of everything relevant to this life and eternity that you could ever need.  Live for Jesus, love others like Jesus, and He will love you for it.  His love saves you,  His love saves others too.  

"What is humanly impossible is possible for God." - Luke 18:27 (GNT)

When God provides His protection and comes through for you, be sure to give Him the glory.  For it is with God and through Him that all are saved.  The power to accomplish the perceived impossibility can only a come from God.  So give Him all the praise.  Do not risk your salvation by being prideful and claiming victory through yourself or another human.  

Bottom line, be humble, submit to God's will, and trust that He will provide the best way for you.