Maranatha - Awaiting Christ's Return

1 Cor. 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

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Peace Through Troubled Times – Lovers of Pleasures More Than Lovers of God

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On November 29, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

2 Timothy 3:1-5  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Lovers of pleasures – is that not the type of person that the mainstream media wishes to capture? They try to attract your various senses in order to achieve the devil’s goals. What they are selling must “look” better, “sound” better, “smell” better, “handle” (touch) better, and “taste” better. The latest iPhone is $1,600! The sad thing is that Americans will stop at nothing in order to have the greatest and best.

A Google search revealed that low-income people spent their money on smartphones despite their lack of money. It is sad to think that the latest smartphone will take precedence over much-needed items for the home.

CellphoneSmartphone
College graduate98%93%
Less than $30,00097%76%
$30,000-$49,99997%83%
$50,000-$74,99997%85%

It isn’t wrong to want a smartphone. But, does it take priority over your love of God? To love things more than God is the issue in today’s Bible verses. It encompasses many areas. Do you love food more than God? Do you love nice clothes more than God? Whatever your heart is set on having, do you desire it more than you desire God? We see this prove out in church attendance.

In 2006, Gallup reported that the lowest rates of church attendance among the 48 contiguous states were in Nevada and the New England states of Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine.

How very sad to see my home State of Maine in this report, although it does not surprise me. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God are quite prevalent in our world today.

Even “religion” is guilty in this area. It almost seems like an oxymoron, but is it? People will cling to their religious upbringing over God’s Word! The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were guilty of this. But before you get too harsh with them, look at the church you attend. Are you obeying teachings from the pulpit only because the preacher said to? Did you compare what he said with what the Bible says on the issue?

Acts 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Popular social platforms, such as abortion, should not even be considered in religious circles! What born-again Christian can support abortion? That’s truly a lover of pleasure over a lover of God. What pleasure, you may ask? It’s the pleasure of convenience. Killing an unborn child is convenient if it is not “a good time” to have a child.

You must ultimately decide your own “platform.” Will your platform be built on the pleasures of this world or on the pleasures of God? If you are born again, your ultimate guide is your Bible. If God speaks against something, you must be against it; and vice versa. It’s the Scriptures that will open your eyes to God’s desires for your life. His Word should be your platform! God’s Word is the measuring stick for everything. (Acts 17:11)

Psalm 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Scoffers

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On November 27, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

2 Peter 3:3-4  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,  (4)  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

Surely you have been in a situation such as pictured above. You have stood alone in something you believe strongly while the rest of the world laughs at your convictions. So what exactly is a scoffer? It is someone who openly mocks God’s Word. Today’s scoffers are people who are walking after their own lusts. Just what does that mean? Strong’s Concordance defines “lust” as:

ἐπιθυμία
epithumia
ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah
From G1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden): – concupiscence, desire, lust (after).

Put the two together and you have someone who makes fun of God’s Word by doing the opposite of what it says and saying it’s OK. We see it in churches that distort the Scriptural marriage between a man and a woman. We see this distortion morph into something sinful and abhorrent. What God called good, the scoffer calls it evil. Is it any wonder Satan has nearly succeeded in destroying marriage between a man and a woman?

Isaiah 5:20  Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Today, we have an agenda that wishes to eliminate the difference between good and evil. We have witnessed men performing wicked acts in front of children and it is glorified by the world. On the flip side, we have seen street preachers condemned for preaching the Gospel!

Satan continues his efforts to make sin less offensive, Heaven less appealing, hell less horrific, and the Gospel less urgent.

John macarthur

Scoffers come in all walks of life. There are Christians who have given up on the “Blessed Hope” of Titus 2:13. They claim that these end-time signs are not signs at all and that they have been going on since the beginning of time. Well, yes, the signs have been happening for thousands of years. However, they have never converged upon our planet all at one time. These are the birth pains that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24. Just as labor starts out light, it not only increases in severity of pain but also in the frequency between pains. This is what is happening today. Don’t let scoffers discourage you, Christian. Christ is coming for His Bride, the Church! He will return in the generation living since the formation of the nation of Israel on May 14, 1948.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Fear

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On November 24, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Luke 12:7  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

What do you fear, Reader? Is it fear of the unknown? Is it fear of a deteriorating relationship? The way I see it, fear is the very opposite of faith. If you are older in your Christian walk today and are still fearful, you are not honoring God in your spiritual life. Why? When you fear, you are not placing your trust in the Lord to take care of whatever your fears are based upon. Faith allows the Christian heart to hope that the Lord will take care of your fears. Look back on situations in your Christian life where God has come through for you. Rest in those answered prayers and know that His will is perfect for you. Whatever the outcome will be perfect!

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Jesus taught us that we are worth more in His eyes than the sparrows! He cares for them and feeds them. Why should the Lord care less for you and your fears? Have you sat down with Him and told Him? Imagine if Jesus were sitting in a chair right next to you! What would you share with him? He knows your every need. Prayer is not for Him, Reader. Prayer is for YOU! It is your opportunity to tell the Lord how you feel, what’s on your heart, your fears, and anything else that is troubling you. He loves you, Christian.

1 Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  (7)  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

If you are not a born-again Christian, God does not hear when you cry out to Him. He hears the desperate pleas of those who are seeking Him with an authentic repentant heart.

John 9:31  Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

There are so many today who have been misled into thinking that their little prayerette asking to be saved was enough. They continue on the same path they were on before the prayer and no change has occurred in their lives. If there is no change in attitude toward sin, then there is no repentance. No repentance means one perishes and is sent for all eternity to the Lake of Fire.

Luke 13:3  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

If you must fear, fear going to Hell and burning for all eternity. Let that fear bring you to repentance and be saved. (John 3:3, John 3:7, John 3:16) If you’re saved, then cast your fears at the feet of our Lord and let Him take care of your fears.

Pro 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Bad Habits

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On November 22, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Psalm 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

You may be wondering what the above verse has to do with bad habits. Every year, people make New Year’s resolutions to break old habits and by the month of March, they discontinue their resolutions; they have given up.

People resolve to read through the Bible every year yet they give up in the middle of Leviticus. Why? If you met the woman or man of your dreams, you would want to know everything there is to know about that new love, wouldn’t you? It is no different with one’s relationship with God. You either love Him with every fiber of your being or you don’t.

Every page of our Bibles is filled with news and information about God and the Son He sent to die for us. If a total stranger saved your life, I would very well imagine that you would be indebted to that stranger forever. Jesus died for our sins and saved us from spending an eternity in the Lake of Fire! How much more indebted to Him should we be? Should we not anxiously look for letters from Him so we can learn everything we can about Him?

Friend, eternity is a long time and you will either spend it with Him or in the Lake of Fire. It is my desire that you will break your bad habit of going through life business as usual. There is no one who will love you more than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour! First, get your relationship with Him settled. You can click on this link to learn how to be born again. Then once you are truly repentant and have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, your desires will change (2 Corinthians 5:17). You will thirst after the Scriptures. THEN, God’s Word will open up and you will behold beautiful and wonderful truths. You will never go hungry; you will never thirst; you will be fed each time you open your Bible! It will be your shield for every bad habit you wish to break!

Psalm 91:4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Jealousy

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On November 20, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

2 Timothy 3:1-5  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  (4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  (5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Jealousy is a dangerous emotion in any relationship. Once it is introduced and it is not kept at bay, it is like a fast spreading fire through dry brush. It is not called the green-eyed monster for nothing! What exactly is jealousy? Noah Webster defines it as:

That passion of peculiar uneasiness which arises from the fear that a rival may rob us of the affection of one whom we love, or the suspicion that he has already done it; or it is the uneasiness which arises from the fear that another does or will enjoy some advantage which we desire for ourselves. A man’s jealousy is excited by the attentions of a rival to his favorite lady. A woman’s jealousy is roused by her husband’s attentions to another woman. The candidate for office manifests a jealousy of others who seek the same office. The jealousy of a student is awakened by the apprehension that his fellow will bear away the palm of praise. In short,jealousy is awakened by whatever may exalt others, or give them pleasures and advantages which we desire for ourselves. Jealousy is nearly allied to envy, for jealousy, before a good is lost by ourselves, is converted into envy, after it is obtained by others.

As we approach the Tribulation, we see this emotion more and more. The introduction of social media has exacerbated this emotion. We see people spending more time looking down at their phones than their surroundings. They can’t see who matters most to them. Our spouses, our friends take a back burner and realize that a cell phone has more importance than our relationship. Men have placed their own desires ahead of their families.

Is it any wonder that children act up to get their parents’ attention? Is it any wonder that a man wonders why his wife or girlfriend spends more time looking at her phone than paying attention to him? They are jealous of whatever means more to you than they!

Friend, if you are guilty of this, it is not what the Lord wants for you. Do you realize if you are, you are not only taking time away from your loved ones, you are also taking away from your time with the Lord? He is a jealous God and will not have you replace Him.

Exodus 34:14  For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Check your relationships! What’s important to you? Do you want to be responsible for allowing jealousy to destroy your relationships? Are you the cause? Start with the Lord and that relationship in order. Repent and move forward to those relationships in your life that actually mean something.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Loneliness

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On November 17, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Psa 40:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

In this world filled with mind-boggling technology, people are lonelier than ever before. Science of People conducted a poll in 2019 which showed 58% of Americans found themselves lonely! How can this be? Social media is a platform to connect people, yet people find themselves lonelier!

I believe there are a couple of reasons for this:

  • Social media connects people online but does not connect people in person. I attend a Zoom Bible study and it’s wonderful. But it would be so much nicer to be with those people in person! People need actual people in their lives. No man is an island, so they say.
  • Secondly, people need the Lord. Everyone has a God-sized hole in their heart that can only be filled with a personal relationship with the Lord. I have seen people’s lives transformed once they were born-again and received the indwelling Holy Spirit residing with them every second of every day!

If you had a friend who was always there for you, right at your fingertips; a friend who would answer your plea and come running, you would not be lonely would you? Well, Reader, there IS someone who can be all these things. God wants to be your friend. He desires to have fellowship with you. When God created mankind, his initial intent was to have fellowship. We see this in Genesis when God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Gen 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

However, when they willfully rebelled and disobeyed God’s warning, He broke that fellowship. (Genesis 3:3) But this account didn’t end there. God had a plan and that plan was to restore fellowship with mankind. God took the form of a man, Jesus Christ, come to earth, and die for the sins that separated God and man. One of the names for Jesus is Emmanuel, which is Hebrew for “God with us.” What a beautiful depiction of God! Christ rose from the dead and anyone who believes on the Son is freed from the bondage and punishment of sin. (John 3:16, John 3:3, John 3:7) That original fellowship was restored and now Christ dwells within us through His Holy Spirit. (John 14:17, John 15:26, John 16:13) Praise the Lord!

Anyone who is born again can have the joy of the Lord living inside him. This joy pushes loneliness away. If you’re not in the Word of God, you have no clear direction. But when you are in the Word, you can learn and glean from its blessings! No one could have been more lonely than David. He was chased by King Saul, and then by many more enemies! He found himself alone and discouraged.

Psa 40:2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

We see in the next verse that the results were astonishing! Loneliness and despair were replaced by singing and praise!

Psa 40:3  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

The born-again believer has the power to overcome loneliness if only that believer will spend time in God’s Word and allow it’s healing balm to take root in his heart! David was given a new song to sing! Our praises and songs, in the midst of trials and fears, will lead others to see, fear and trust in the Lord! Wow! Our testimony as believers is what speaks volumes to the unsaved world. Our testimony is a light that points the lost to Christ. (Matthew 5:14) We show others how God comforts us in the midst of turbulent times.

But the unbeliever doesn’t have God to comfort him. It doesn’t have to be that way. One can be born-again if one chooses it. Salvation is a choice. If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Friendship

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On November 15, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Pro 13:20  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Relationships can be so complicated. In this post, I won’t be talking about relationships between a man and a woman. I’ll be covering friendships in general. Today’s verse packs a punch, doesn’t it? If your friends are not wise or even believers, how do you think they respond when you need help? The Apostle Paul gives us insight in this area.

2 Corinthians 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Paul is speaking of close relationships here. Therefore, if your friend is a born-again Christian and solid in his faith, you will be able to turn to that friend for prayer, as well as counsel. However, if you have a long-time friend who is not saved, you will only get worldly advice.

1 Corinthians 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Apostle Paul knew what he was talking about. After all, Paul was a Pharisee before he had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:1-5. Can you imagine how his friends who were Pharisees felt when they learned of his conversion? No where do we see in Scriptures where Paul spoke of continuing his friendships without him correcting their religion.

Another reason to be equally yoked with someone who is saved and growing in the Lord is that you know that you can go to that friend and receive godly counsel, even if it hurts your feelings!

Pro 27:17  Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

This not only applies to your friends, but to you as well! You should be solid enough in your faith to be able to provide biblical proof when you speak with another believer. I once worked with another believer and it was wonderful to be able to share God’s Word together. However, one day she was angry with the bank teller at the drive through and gave her a hand gesture that no believer should do. I began to distance myself after that. She came back to me asking why, and I gave her this verse:

Pro 22:24-25  Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:  (25)  Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

Her pride prevented her from receiving the verse and our relationship was strained after that. There is a reason the Lord put verses in the Bible like this one. You are who you hang around with! Be wise in your selection of friends. Pray about the people that come into your life and let the Lord guide you, and He will reveal His will for you in this area.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Worrying

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On November 13, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

What is worry? By definition, Noah Webster has the best:

To tease; to trouble; to harass with importunity, or with care and anxiety. Persons are often worried with care and solicitude.

When one worries, one allows circumstances, whether present or future, to overpower one’s thinking. Mr. Webster hits the nail on the head when he uses the words “harass with importunity.” Worry presents itself as a pressing or urgent demand on one’s thinking. The Lord does not want His followers to worry. No! He wants us to rest in Him, find peace in Him, and allow Him to lead us.

Matthew 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

If you don’t take care of your frame of mind, your thinking, the devil will most certainly get into your thoughts and cause worry. If there’s any way the enemy can remove your thoughts from centering on the Lord your God, he will do it! The Apostle Peter gave us an encouraging verse in 1 Peter 5:7, but read the next verse!

1 Peter 5:7-8  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  (8)  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

If the devil can sway you into thinking about things that are truly out of your control, he has succeeded in devouring your thoughts! He has succeeded in removing Christ from the center of your heart! Don’t let him succeed!

Joh 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

But how does one do that? Read the Word, listen to godly music, praise Him while you wait on His replies, praise Him in all things – good or bad! Paul’s words to the Philippians are spot on! He gives us clear directions:

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

If your thoughts are consumed with godly things, there will be no room for worry. If you feel worry setting in, think on these things! Praise the Lord in your storm of worry; thank Him for the things that are causing worry because it is through giving Him these worries that you learn to trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Natural Disasters

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On November 10, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

(Psa 57:1-2)  To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (2)  I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

Although David wrote this Psalm while he was hiding from King Saul, the sinking feeling of helplessness is the same as going through a natural disaster where you have no control over the results. Amen? I feel for people who live in tornado alley, in the path of a volcano, or where hurricanes frequent the most. Disastrous occasions seem to bring people to their knees. Sometimes that reaction is short-lived. When I think of 9/11, I remember churches being full because of the fear that entered America’s hearts. But it was indeed short-lived. It wasn’t long before America stopped frequenting the churches and went back to their everyday lives. Are you counted amongst those, Reader?

Psa 46:1-2  To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  (2)  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

If you are amongst those who abandoned God after the possibility of being spiritually awakened, you may very well be telling God you are no longer interested in His appeals. How awful for anyone who has reached this point.

Isa 66:4  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

For those who listened to God’s call and became born-again believers, God has countless promises in His Word for you! Born-again believers have an advantage over those who are not Christians. God promises peace and comfort when we dive into the Bible. It can be found within its pages, Christian. I especially love Psalms because David poured his heart out to God and penned those words. Those who love God’s Word reap its benefit to this day!

I have been through a natural disaster back in July of 1983 when I lived with my sister’s family in Baton Rouge, LA. A flood occurred when the drainage could not keep up and about three feet of water covered many streets. We were rescued by boat and brought to a safe place. It was three days before we could return to the house we were staying in and what a mess it was. I praise the Lord for strength of body to clean up and for the Red Cross to help with items that were lost. It was quite traumatic for me because my husband was in school several hours away. Although I had my sister and her family with me, it wasn’t the same as having my husband. But God’s peace surrounded me, and I was not afraid because I knew He would take care of the details. This was not of my own doing but totally God-given.

Psa 119:49-50  ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.  (50)  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Dearest Reader, if you find yourself in the midst of a natural disaster, turn to the One who can give you comfort during the darkest hours. Granted, the verse below is referencing to the Apostle Paul’s petitions to God to remove a “thorn in the flesh.” However, God’s grace is sufficient for us during a natural disaster. His strength is revealed in how you handle that storm of life. People are watching you whether you know it or not. When they see your peace instead of fear, they will wonder why! (Philippians 4:7)

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

If you are not truly born-again, you go through your trial alone. You do not have God by your side, helping you every step of the way. Reader, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Anxious

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On November 8, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Good morning, Reader! Today’s topic is the result of personal growth in my life. There was a time that I worried about everything. At salvation, that was the first thing the Lord took away from my life. It helped me to trust in Him early on and to develop dependence on Him and Him alone. But what if a believer has not been rid of this? The Apostle Paul gives us clear instruction in the verse above: prayer and thanksgiving. Is it any wonder why believers struggle with anxiety? Prayer must be a daily (if not more) occurrence, Reader. It teaches us to turn to the Father in everything. It teaches us to share our anxieties with Him and lay them at His feet to take care of for you. Prayer teaches us to submit to the Father’s will for our lives.

What things make you anxious? Do you have a rocky marriage? Do you struggle with the war in the Middle East? Is your income less than your purchases? So many things can lead a person to feel anxious and uncertain about the future. We will be seeing the repercussions of Satan’s efforts to rule this world more and more as the end of days approaches. The Rapture could happen at any time! But until it does, we will see the hearts of men grow colder and more wicked. Jesus teaches us in:

Luke 6:22-23  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.  (23)  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Christian, we are currently seeing God’s chosen people brutalized in Israel. In fact, antisemitism has increased exponentially and is occurring in our own country. How very sad that Christians aren’t creating more of a stink and speaking up against it! Your silence is interpreted as agreement with those who hate the Jewish people. We cannot and should not be silent. As we speak up against the enemy’s hatred of the Jews, we can be sure to fall under persecution ourselves. But according to Jesus, we are to rejoice and leap for joy for our reward is great in Heaven!

If you’re anxious about circumstances in your life, I recommend you do the following:

Pray! Pray! Pray!

If you feel that anxiousness rise up in your spirit, pray again! Keep praying and keep telling the Lord that you can’t take it. He will not abandon you any more than you would abandon your own child if that child came to you for comfort, Christian! Jesus promises us:

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

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