What Does God Say?

What Does God Say?

There are people who think being a Christian means you never sin, make mistakes, or get afraid; that life will be smooth sailing. But What Does God Say?

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 KJV

“For all of us make many mistakes. If someone does not make any mistakes when he speaks, he is perfect and able to control his whole body.” James 3:2

“So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life-that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.” Romans 7:14-25 NLT

“You must realize, however, that in the last days difficult times will come.” 2 Timothy 3:1 ISV

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NLT

“When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.” Acts 27:13-20 NIV

“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.” 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 NLT

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

ENCOURAGEMENT

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24 NIV

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 KJV

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 KJV

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39 NIV

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God Said The Sun And Moon Serve As Signs

God Said The Sun And Moon Serve As Signs

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; AND LET THEM BE FOR SIGNS, and for seasons, and for days, and years.” Genesis 1:14 KJV

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. AND THEN shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28 KJV

Do we not see these signs going on today? Including the signs in the sky with the sun and moon? It means Jesus is about to reveal Himself to the whole world. And our (believers) redemption is so near! Jesus also said when these things begin to happen, “then look up,” which means to lift one’s body and soul up; to be elated, and exalted, to confidently rise up! 😀😁😂

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You Lost Your Job, Not Your God

You Lost Your Job, Not Your God

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:36 NIV

A lot of folks are losing their jobs today. Some folks have lost or are losing their jobs because they are Christians. That’s what this article is about. The first thing I’d like to say is congratulations! That’s right. Because you lost your job, not your faith, not your God. You didn’t lose your soul. You can get another job. But who can get another soul if they lose it?

YOU STILL HAVE WHAT MATTERS MOST

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:1-16 NIV

WOW! Wasn’t it comforting as you read the awesome protection we have in our Father? The first step to overcoming unemployment is to trust God. Not just getting another job. The same God who gave you your last job will safely bring you to your next occupation as you trust in Him. But if we panic and don’t seek His will in this, we’re asking for trouble.

DON’T PANIC

To illustrate: I recently became unemployed due to my faith. As I began looking for work I got a job offer from a company that was new at doing something I had done for 20 years. I was excited at first. But the job just didn’t come near enough to make a living so I had to turn it down and keep looking. A week later the CEO called me with what seemed like a better offer. I accepted, and requested this new offer in writing (an offer letter). When I got the email I received what he called, “A Compensation Package.” In it there was some very tricky language stating bonuses or commissions paid on a previous check can be deducted on a future check, “For any reason,” he deemed necessary. Basically, I could think I’m getting paid one thing and wind up with a lot less. Of course I was done with these guys after that. But what if I was desperate thinking, “I can’t get another job?” What if I decided not to trust the Lord and instead trust this evil CEO who’s clearly a crook? That would be panicking. And I would pay for it probably sooner than later.

“A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 22:3 NET

Merriam Webster’s Definition of the word, “Panic,” is:

“A state or feeling of extreme fear that makes someone unable to act or think normally”

“A situation that causes many people to become afraid and to rush to do something”

Panicking is from Satan. How do we know this? Because God’s word says:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV

So when you feel panicky know who’s trying to influence you, and shake him off! Our Father doesn’t make us panic. He gives us the spirit of Power, of Love, and of a Sound Mind.

A TIP THAT WORKS

It’s interesting how all sorts of crazy thoughts come into our minds when we lose a job. Everything from feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, depression, etcetera. I’m sure you know who puts these thoughts into our heads? That’s right, Satan. Hence we must fight back.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV

I would like to share with you a tip that works for me and helps keep the negativity out. I recently started doing this while job searching and it works. Before I send out a single resume I first pray to God and watch an encouraging short video or two. I go on YouTube and do a search like, “Christians out of work,” or “God still loves me though I lost my job,” etcetera. Just type in the search bar whatever you’re feeling. After watching an encouraging video or two I then start sifting through jobs and send out my resume. Starting the day with some positive Biblical encouragement makes the process so much easier. Whether you watch a video first or just read your Bible this will give you a positive outlook as you start your day and job search. Remember, God is in control of everything. He knows what we need even before we ask Him. He knows where our next job will be. So lets trust Him, that’s the key. Do not panic.

In conclusion I wonna leave you with the words of our Master Jesus:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

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Bullies

Bullies

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

There are more bullies now than ever: unholy people, without natural affection. It’s like they’re not even human some of them, hmmmm? But we know God can change any heart He chooses to. He changed us, didn’t He? And He forgave us too. That’s my consolation when I think of bullies. Some of these coldhearted folks really belong to God. They just don’t know it yet.

God desires that we work with Him in saving souls, not work against Him by returning evil for evil.

“On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21 NIV

Who knows if a bully we know will become like the apostle Paul? Paul (who’s name was Saul) went around persecuting the church of God in the first century? He went from House to house snatching believers out of their homes and throwing them in jail. He also approved of their murders. This same guy who so zealously persecuted the church later became a bold Christian himself! You can read about him in the Bible book of Acts.

Stories like Saul’s (who​ later became the Christian known as Paul) give me comfort when I think of the bullies I encounter. No wonder Jesus says to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:43-48) Some​ of them are us, they just don’t know it yet. They too will one day know what it’s like to be bullied or persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ:

“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:10-16 NIV

Of course every bully will not repent and come to Jesus like Saul did. Most bullies are who they are: children of the Devil. They have all of their father’s evil traits. They always lie, love to harass people, and use fear tactics to control others. Fire and sulfur, eternal torment in the lake of fire will be their reward:

“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 NLT

Yes, the Devil has children too. We are not all God’s children like some say. That’s a lie:

“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” 1 John 3:10 NIV

Jesus told a group of religious folks this:

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 NIV

So you see the scriptures testify that there are children of God and children of the Devil.

Do not be surprised at how evil people are today. It is written that it would be this way. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) We are very much in the last days. And remember, some of those same bullies are us, they just don’t know it yet. But who will tell them about Jesus’ love and forgiveness? That’s where you and I come in. We have the awesome privilege of being fellow workers with almighty God! Be very careful not to let their conduct cause us to grow hateful. If our love grows cold Satan has gotten the victory over us.

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13 NIV

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