Sword of the Spirit – From Anger to Thanksgiving #1170

Posted on November 21, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1170

“From Anger to Thanksgiving”

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil. – Ephesians 4:26-27

We seem to be living in a world environment today that is on a rolling boil waiting to erupt in anger and rage. Is your temper on a hair trigger? What are some of the things people do that get ‘under your skin’?

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. – Ephesians 4:31

Our actions triggered by anger can frighten us as well as others when we give full vent to the emotion. Worldly anger usually stems from our self-will being blocked and it almost always leads us down a path we will later regret.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; – James 1:19

Anger, however, is not a sin. Jesus was angry and He never sinned. Anger is merely an emotion albeit a strong one. The sin results from why we are angry and what we do with the anger. The sin results in where we let our anger lead us. Jesus demonstrated how to handle righteous anger.

Again, he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. – Mark 3:1-5

Anger can lead to good. It can lead to thanksgiving. The Pilgrims who first settled in America at Plymouth Colony were angry with the Church of England’s moral corruption and with religious persecution. The Pilgrims’ anger led them to leave their home country and lay the foundation for the world’s greatest free nation.

Jesus’ anger with the Pharisees’ hard hearts led to healing and thanksgiving to God for the healing of the man’s hand. In contrast, the Prodigal Son’s brother’s anger stemmed from his jealousy and led to hurt feelings and alienation from his father and brother.

…for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. – James 1:20

God has ‘wired’ each of us with passions. There are things that passionately motivate us to action. Sometimes that passion is joyous and sometimes it feels like anger. What provokes your passions? What issues exist that motivate you to positive action? What motivates you to make a positive difference, even for just one person?

Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you to discern selfish anger from righteous anger. Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to positive action – to make a difference in this world in the Name of Jesus Christ to His praise and glory. Allow your anger to lead to thanksgiving.

May you have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving Holiday!

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Sword of the Spirit – Remember Lot’s Wife #1169

Posted on November 17, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1169

“Remember Lot’s Wife”

Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. – Luke 17:32-33

Change happens. It is a constant in our lives. Change is sometimes thrust upon us and other times it is a planned event. Regardless of how change comes we all resist it to some degree.

It has been said that people prefer the certainty of misery over the misery of uncertainty and change always has that uncertain aspect to it.

Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, – 2 Corinthians 6:17

God is calling us to follow Him. He is asking us to change – constantly. His call to change begins with our accepting His free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The change process continues as Our Lord wants to sanctify us, cleanse, and purge us of worldliness, and equip us for service in His Kingdom.

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; – Revelation 18:4

Lot and his family underwent a planned change process as they settled their tents in the plains near Sodom and Gomorrah and eventually moved into a house in that wicked city and achieved a place of prominence there since we are told that Lot would take his place in the city gates. Lot was deeply troubled in his spirit by the wickedness of Sodom, yet he remained there. Worldly prosperity, prominence, and prestige had woven itself into the fabric of their lives and so they preferred the certainty of the misery of life in Sodom.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – 1 John 2:15-17

God was about to bring total destruction to Sodom and Gomorrah and sudden change was thrust upon Lot and his family if they were to be saved. They needed to trust God and move fast without regret, reservation, or reluctance.

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, Lot’s wife disobeyed the directive to not look back and perished becoming a pillar of salt. Perhaps she loved the worldliness of life in Sodom more than God. Perhaps she loved her daughters, sons-in-law, or maybe grandchildren that were left behind more than God.

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. – Matthew 10:37-39

Where are you in God’s change process for your life?

Are you at the crossroad of salvation, to accept Christ or deny Him?

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – John 14:6 – Acts 4:12

Are you saved but having difficulty letting go of worldly things that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to turn from and trust God more?

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – Colossians 3:5

I exhort you as Jesus did to remember Lot’s wife. Hold the things of this world with a light touch and grasp with all your strength the eternal life you have through Jesus Christ. Embrace the sanctifying change that the Holy Spirit prompts you to make and do not look back, keeping your eyes fixed of Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. – Philippians 3:13-15

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Sword of the Spirit – Pleasing God #1168

Posted on November 10, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1168

“Pleasing God”

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. And without faith it is impossible to please him…. – Romans 8:8 – Hebrews 11:6

I recall as a child doing things to please my father. I dreaded the occasional ‘Archie Bunker’ type of rebukes being called a ‘meathead’ and I relished the ‘good job’ praises from my Dad.

I am reminded of this relationship aspect with my father when I read about God the Father stating how pleased He is with Jesus.

…and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17

The questions we need to ask ourselves are: Do we desire to please God in every aspect of our lives and if so, how do we please Him? Our reference Scriptures teach us that to please God we must have faith in Jesus and be born-again by the Spirit of God (i.e.: not in the flesh).

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…. – John 3:3 – Galatians 5:16-18

The faith we need to please God and His Holy Spirit are both His gifts to us so that no one can boast of their ‘righteousness’.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever – Romans 10:17 – Ephesians 2:8 – John 14:16

Jesus is our perfect example of how to live a life pleasing to God. He walked continually in the power and presence of the Father.

And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” – John 8:29

This power for living a life pleasing to God is available to each of us who are born-again and have the abiding presence of Christ in us.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Galatians 2:20 – Philippians 2:13

A life pleasing to God is a Spirit filled life characterized by the indwelling, abiding presence of Jesus Christ in your heart. God works in you and through you for His pleasure and for your good.

…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; – Colossians 1:10

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Sword of the Spirit – Who Touched Me? #1167

Posted on November 3, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1167

“Who Touched Me”

For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” – Mark 5:28

This woman from our reference Scripture had suffered for twelve years with a discharge of blood that none of the physicians of the day could help her with. Then she pressed through the crowd in faith just to touch the hem of Jesus’ garments.

How long have you sought the Lord in prayer for healing for yourself, a loved one or others that you know are in need of God’s healing touch? Do you find yourself getting weary in praying and waiting for God’s answer? Do you start to feel like you are bothering God with the same prayers?

He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. – Luke 18:1

Recognize that weariness in prayer is an attack from the enemy seeking to weaken your faith. Resist him in the Name of Jesus and he will flee from you. We can overcome our weariness and bolster our faith by the following:

  • Read, study, and meditate on the Word of God. Be encouraged by reading about God’s love for us and how Jesus had compassion and healed those who came to Him.

And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. – Mark 6:56

  • Immerse yourself in worship. Surround yourself with songs of praise. I was severely injured in an industrial accident and was in a wheelchair for six months. I recall spending hours listening to praise and worship music. The scriptural lyrics fed my mind and soul and dispelled the thoughts of worry and despair that the enemy sought to weaken my faith with. The Lord healed me miraculously.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. – Philippians 4:4

  • Persevere in prayer even when you don’t know how to pray. Even your sighing and groaning directed to God is a prayer by the Holy Spirit.

Pray without ceasing. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Colossians 4:2-4

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. – Romans 8:26

  • Pray in agreement with others.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20

  • Press in and reach out to touch Jesus in faith. He is as real today as He has been for eternity.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8

We can touch Jesus through religion and religiosity and receive nothing or we can touch Him through relationship and faith and receive grace and power and yes, even healing. Contrast the crowd that pressed in and around Jesus with the totally abandoned and vulnerable woman who, with singularity of purpose, pressed forward in faith toward Jesus expecting to be healed.

If you hunger and thirst spiritually, let go of all that hinders – repent of any sin issues and be vulnerable before God and with total abandonment reach out and touch Him. Be the one in the crowd of whom Jesus asks, ‘Who touched me?’

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Sword of the Spirit – Consider Your Ways #1166

Posted on October 27, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1166

“Consider Your Ways”

Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. – Haggai 1:5-7

The Hebrew word for ‘way’ in our reference Scripture is used in a variety of contexts. It can mean a road, distance, journey, or manner. The Lord’s Word to us through the prophet Haggai is to carefully consider our manner of life.

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Luke 12:15 – Hebrews 13:5

Americanism advertising appeals to our innate sense of covetousness. It tempts us to buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t know or like. Our covetous nature keeps us in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:6-9

Our manner or way of life goes beyond how we manage our finances and material appetites. It encompasses our life stewardship of our health of spirit, mind, and body. It deals with our stewardship of life relationships with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and strangers. We are exhorted to carefully consider our way of speaking, thinking, and acting.

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. – 1 Corinthians 4:2 – 1 Peter 4:10

Do you find yourself surrounded by numerous material possessions yet remain dissatisfied? Are your relationships with others a mere formality without depth? Does your character and manner of life testify to the presence of the Living Word of God in your heart?

Carefully consider your ways and be transformed and renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. In all your ways acknowledge Him… that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. – Romans 12:2 – Proverbs 3:6 – Colossians 1:9-10

May your ways, your manner of life and the meditations of your heart and mind be pleasing to the Lord.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. – Ephesians 5:15-16 – Matthew 24:46

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Sword of the Spirit – Rebellion # 1165

Posted on October 20, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1165

“Rebellion”

For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; – Isaiah 30:9

Rebellion is an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. Rebellion started in the Garden of Eden and our nation and world society remain in active rebellion against the authority of God today.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. – Matthew 28:18

The same rebellious spirit that cried out ‘Crucify Him’ 2000 years ago continues to seek to remove Jesus from authority today. We have passed laws, rules, and regulations that have torn down and destroyed Biblical references to the Word of God such as the Ten Commandments. We ban and prohibit prayer in schools as well as references to God in public speeches.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. – John 14:15

Around the world, Bibles are prohibited, and church services are banned or closely regulated.  Christians who openly profess their faith in Jesus Christ are persecuted, imprisoned, or killed.

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. – Acts 5:29

Private businesses founded on Biblical Judeo-Christian values are being targeted, persecuted and brought before a corrupt judicial system that is equally rebellious to God’s authority.

There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths. For they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. – Job 24:13 – Psalm 107:11

Sadly, many mainstream church denominations have also rebelled against the sound teaching of the Truth of the Word of God and are embracing homosexuality and same sex marriage as normal rather than the abomination that God’s Word declares it to be.

For the time is coming when people will not endure soundteaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Ah, stubborn children, declares the Lord, who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; – Isaiah 30:1

In spite of the world’s rebellion, God remains ready to forgive. Jesus, the One whom the world seeks to remove from authority, died for all sinners who will turn from their rebellious ways and accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. – Isaiah 65:2 – Jeremiah 33:8

Pray church. Pray for a revival in our land. Pray for God’s refining fire to cleanse us of our rebellion and sin. Pray for the Holy Spirit to equip us with the full armor of God to stand our ground in the day of evil.

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Sword of the Spirit – According to Your Word #1164

Posted on October 13, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1164

“According to Your Word”

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

I especially like reading Psalm 119 and I find myself lingering there meditating on the Word. Recently, I was struck by the repeat occurrence of the phrase ‘according to your Word’ and sought to delve deeper into those verses.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. – Psalm 119:9

We guard our way to avoid willful sin by guarding our hearts. We guard our hearts through prayer and seeking the presence of the Lord continually – abiding in Him. It is simple: Go nowhere, say and do nothing without first acknowledging the presence of the Lord with you.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! – Psalm 119:25 – Psalm 119:28

Sometimes life in this fallen world repeatedly beats you down into the dust. You feel like there is no strength left in your body, mind or soul to get back up. Your soul melts away. Like water to a parched land, the Living Water of the Word of God will revive your heart and strengthen you to persevere in the power and might of the Holy Spirit.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – 1 Samuel 30:6 – Zechariah 4:6

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. – Psalm 138:7

Life circumstances and difficulties notwithstanding, sometimes our health is afflicted, and we despair of life itself. As always, the Word of God is a light to our path and a comfort in our affliction.

I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word! This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. – Psalm 119:107 – Psalm 119:50

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. – Jeremiah 17:14

Sometimes we can’t help but ask ‘Why, Lord?’ Through prayer and meditation on God’s Word the Holy Spirit who inspired these Words will also speak understanding, knowledge, and direction to light your path.

Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. – Psalm 119:169-170 – Psalm 119:65

May the Word of God light your way, and bring you comfort, peace, and wholeness of spirit, mind and body.

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Sword of the Spirit – Shining Lights #1163

Posted on October 7, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1163

“Shining Lights”

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world – Philippians 2:14-15

Have you ever been around people that were a constant downer? They constantly complain and grumble. They are always contrary to what is being said seeking to provoke disputes. For them, the glass is always half empty and the skies cloudy. Such people repel others.

We, as born-again Christians are not to be like that. The light of Jesus in us should attract people to Him – to seek to know Him.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. – John 8:12 – Daniel 12:3

If we are always grumbling and complaining we dim if not completely hide the light of Christ.

Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) – Ephesians 5:7-9

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16

The light of Christ must shine through us in our homes, communities, and workplaces. His light must shine through our exercise of civic duties – how we vote and in our service in the community and to every stranger we meet.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ – Matthew 25:34-36

There is much to complain and grumble about in our crooked, perverse, and twisted world society today. But the greater the darkness that surrounds us the greater the need for the light of Christ to shine through us to comfort and guide the lost and fearful into a place of hope and trust in the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Sword of the Spirit – Abundant Life #1162

Posted on September 29, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1162

“Abundant Life”

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10

Reuben Klamer passed away September 20, 2021. He was 99 years old. Mr. Klamer was the creator of the Game of Life, a popular board game from the 1960’s where the winner was the one who amassed the most money. The accumulation of abundant wealth was a reflection of the values of our society at that time and even to the present day.

Jesus was tempted when He started His ministry to satisfy the desires of His flesh and His response was that our life does not consist of or subsist by the things of the flesh alone but by the spiritual Living Word of God.

…But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:2-4

This is in sharp contrast to the world’s perception and definition of what constitutes abundant life.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. – John 6:63

Abundant life is found in a personal, intimate relationship with Father God through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. –  John 14:6 – John 17:3

Being born again through Christ, we are transformed into a new creation – a new way of thinking, being and living an abundant life.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Colossians 3:2-3

Beware of the false prophets and teachers that proclaim that the abundant life of God is found in amassing material prosperity of this world through donations to them, incantations, miracle water and so forth.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. – Matthew 7:15

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Matthew 6:33 – Philippians 4:19

The abundant life in this world and for eternity is found by growing in the grace and knowledge of God through the abiding presence of His Living Word, Jesus our Lord and Savior.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:11

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Sword of the Spirit – In the Midst of Trouble #1161

Posted on September 22, 2021 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1161

“In The Midst of Trouble”

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. – Psalm 138:7

America is on the brink. Our society founded as One Nation Under God has turned its back on God. Life in America is akin to being tossed about in a dinghy in a hurricane. We are surrounded by trouble and turmoil from the highest offices of our government all the way to Main Street, USA. As a people we are being systematically fractured and pitted against each other based upon race, religion, vaccination status and so on.  The ‘united’ states are no longer a united people. Even our ‘christian’ churches have compromised the Truth of the Gospel and embraced the ‘truth du jour’ of corrupt societal norms.

Where does one turn for help in these troubled times? In whom do we place our trust? Thanks be to God, for His Truth – His Word remains solid and steadfast and He is faithful to protect, preserve, and provide for His children through these days. Seek to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and hold fast to Him in love and the Lord, Jesus will be with you every step of the way.

God’s Word has much to say about the troubled times we are in. Read, meditate, and pray these Scriptural Truths and let the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding take root in your heart.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. – Psalm 9:9 – Psalm 34:4-6

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – Nahum 1:7 – John 14:1 – John 16:33

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – Psalm 50:15 – Philippians 4:6 – 1 Peter 5:7

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

…Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent…“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” – Psalm 91

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Psalm 46:1 – Isaiah 41:10

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