Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – Make a Difference #1046

Posted on August 28, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1046

“Make a Difference”

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

An anecdotal story is told about starfish beached by a storm. Although this story has many varied forms, its message remains the same. One person is methodically picking up starfish and gently tossing them back into the ocean before they die from being exposed to the morning sun. When asked by a bystander why he bothers and how he could possibly make a difference because of the vast number of exposed starfish the individual rescues one more, turns to the bystander and says, ‘It made a difference for that one.’

Life can be chaotically busy. Working full-time, household chores, caring for elderly parents – it is hard to find quiet down time. The Lord has convicted me lately that I have been suffering from ‘Martha Syndrome’. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Mary chose to set aside the cares of the world for a season and soak in the presence of Jesus. She was preparing herself to make a difference.

My quiet morning prayer time has been plagued recently with rapid fire random thoughts of projects and plans making it difficult to rest and worship in the presence of Jesus. The tick-tock tyranny of the clock tells me it is time to leave for work and I feel cheated as I leave with less than the full armor of the Lord on. If we are to make a difference in this world, it will be by the power and abiding presence of Jesus in us. You are the light of the world…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)

Make a difference in others’ lives by first making a difference in your own. Learn to quench the distractions of the world and press into worship and the presence of Jesus. Seek a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit every day – throughout the day. Seek to walk in the light of His abiding presence.

Make a difference in others’ lives by voting based upon biblical values and principles. Just as a grain of sand can tip the scales in a balance, your one vote can make a difference.

Make a difference in others’ lives with a smile and cheerful greeting. See them through Jesus’ eyes of love.

Make a difference in others’ lives at work by your example as the light of the world. Let the light of Jesus in you leak out in your work ethic, words and character.

Make a difference in others’ lives by being ready in season and out of season to share the Gospel with those whose hearts have been prepared to receive salvation through faith in Jesus.

May you be equipped with the power and presence of Jesus to make a difference in people’s lives – one person at a time.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Faith, Morality, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Words, Workplace, Worship | Tagged starfish, vote 2018 | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – I See Dead People #1045

Posted on August 20, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1045

“I See Dead People”

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”- (John 8:24)

Our reference Scripture verse is a promise of God that is unpopular with many. As I contemplated the eternal implications and consequences of this promise I was reminded of a famous line from the movie, The Sixth Sense, where the young boy tells Bruce Willis’ character, ‘I see dead people’.

Indeed, we see spiritually dead people in our everyday lives.

We work with dead people;

We shop among dead people;

We travel alongside dead people;

We play sports with dead people;

We live in the same neighborhood with dead people.

We even attend church with dead people.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – (2 Peter 3:9)

Do you feel the patient burden of God’s love for the lost when you are among them? I confess that oftentimes I want to escape the cesspool of the world and retreat to a place far from the company of dead people. This is a normal reaction and Jesus did just that setting an example for us to remain in prayer and fellowship with Our Father in Heaven. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:16)

God has called us to carry His light into the darkness of this world. He asks us to be in it but not of it. He wants us to abide in Him and be equipped with His Holy Spirit and the full armor of God as we bring His Gospel to the masses of ‘dead people’.

“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)

A dear brother recently wrote in his inspired devotional that we are ‘living translations’ of the Word of God. We live side by side, elbow to elbow with dead people. We experience the same context of trials, issues, challenges, and difficulties. How we respond in word, action, and attitude is a translation of the Living Word of God.

The lost were drawn to Jesus – to the Light of the Father that was in Him. Are the dead people in your social and work context drawn to the Light of Christ abiding in you? Will they hear your testimony or will they judge its validity by their remembrance of your actions and attitudes? How true is your ‘Living Translation’?

May you remain in the Word. May you know the power and presence of Christ abiding in you and you in Him. May His light draw dead people to eternal life through Jesus. May you be ready in season and out of season to be Christ in their midst.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Forgiveness, Holiness, Obedience, Prayer, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Workplace | Tagged salvation, Spiritually Dead, The Sixth Sense | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Feeding Fear #1044

Posted on August 13, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1044

“Feeding Fear”

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.”…You will not fear … Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place… (Psalm 91:1-9)

This devotional is a repost from January 2013. I am prompted to update and publish it again due to circumstances of late in my own life as well as those around me. This past week, my wife was stuck in an elevator – alone. This is one of her worst nightmares and her testimony of how the Lord brought her safely through it is amazing. Others I know are undergoing surgery or anxiously awaiting biopsy results. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you… (Isaiah 41:10)

An acrostic for the word ‘FEAR’ has been defined as False Expectations Appearing Real. False expectations in life feed our fears causing us to worry, distrust and to feebly attempt to control our circumstances. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. – Isaiah 26:3-4

We feed our fears by what we feed our minds. We feed our minds by what we listen to, speak out, and visualize. A steady diet of the nightly news broadcasts will feed our fears. When we speak out negative prognostications we feed the fears of others and reinforce our own. When we visualize the worst case scenarios we begin to expect and believe them giving rise to worry and fretting. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things … and the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:8-9

We cannot escape being bombarded and affected by all that is negative in this fallen world. We can however vaccinate ourselves from fear and worry by keeping our mind stayed on the Lord and to think and speak about the things that bring the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds.…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:6

What is it that you fear? Is it sickness, dying, growing old, or losing independence? Do you fear financial loss and failure? Do you fear for your children’s or grandchildren’s future? We become open to fear when we allow ourselves to become distant from God. We become vulnerable to fear when we neglect to daily put on the whole armor of God.

May your mind be protected by the helmet of salvation from whatever it is that you fear. May you be protected by the shield of faith from all that Satan throws at you to feed your fears. May you wield the sword of the spirit by speaking out the Truth of the Word of God to encourage your heart and the hearts of others thereby destroying strongholds of fear through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid…of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence …- Proverbs 3:23-26

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Peace, Prayer, Trials, Trust | Tagged afraid, faith | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The Armed Church #1043

Posted on August 6, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1043

“The Armed Church”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; (Psalm 46:1)

A man came into my workplace this past week seeking assistance with security cameras. He introduced himself as the Pastor of a local Pentecostal church which has been receiving threats of violence. The threats stem from the fact that, as the Pastor worded it, ‘I preach that sin is still sin and hell is hot and that the Truth of the Word of God will not be compromised.’ As a Viet Nam Vet, a warrior, this Pentecostal Pastor shared the angst he was feeling as he wrestled with how to deal with the threat against the people of his church in balance with the Word of God.

We discussed the measures that some churches are taking to hire armed security guards or even to arm themselves. A church in Tampa Bay has posted a warning sign stating that they are heavily armed and that any attempt to harm them will be met with deadly force. Jerry Falwell, Jr. has encouraged the students of Liberty University to arm themselves and the movement continues in churches across our country.

This issue becomes muddied and clouded with arguments about second amendment rights to bear arms and the commandment not to kill. Some cite the fact that the early church passively accepted persecution, torture and death and that this same testimony of faith is necessary for the church today. At the risk of oversimplification, it appears to me that the root issue to understand is two-fold. First is the difference between vengeance and defense and the second is to be clear about where our faith and trust is placed: in God or in our weapon.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”(Romans 12:19)

Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; (Psalm 144:1)

…Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built… (Nehemiah 4:17-18)

…For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-35)

The Word clearly admonishes us to leave vengeance to the Lord while allowing for us to defend ourselves through faith and trust in Him. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

This is not an easy issue for churches to resolve. May you prayerfully study the Scriptures and step out in faith and trust in God whichever path you decide.

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Faith, Prayer, Trials, Trust | Tagged christian persecution, church security, Second Amendment | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Today #1042

Posted on July 30, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1042

“Today”

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Sometimes we need a reminder – a gentle nudge in the spirit to correct our thinking or course of action. This devotional is the Lord’s nudge for me. I first wrote on this topic seven years ago and I am prompted to reissue the exhortation again today. …exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,”… (Hebrews 3:13)

I was given pause the other day as I clicked on the ‘TODAY’ button on my online calendar planning tool. If your planner is similar to mine you have appointments and schedules ‘penciled’ in for weeks and months in advance. But it is the imperative nature of ‘today’ that needs to be addressed since today is what we have and we are not promised tomorrow. Just ask the people victimized by the fires currently burning in the western United States how quickly their tomorrow schedules can be re-written. Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. – James 4:13

Did your today begin in prayer and fellowship with God? Are you seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness each day – or are you preoccupied with your worldly events scheduled for the day and beyond? Every ‘Today’ that the Lord gives us is a gift from Him. Every ‘Today’ should begin with worship, prayer, thanksgiving, and rejoicing in His presence. This equips you with the full armor of God to defeat the enemy’s attack that is sure to come. It fills you with the peace and joy of His abiding presence. Time with God at the start of each today takes the dread of the day away.

Did the Lord speak to your heart at the start of today about something you need to correct? Perhaps you have acted out in anger and the Lord has prompted you to seek forgiveness and repair a relationship with your spouse, friend, family member or neighbor. Today is the time to obey His prompting. Do not allow the root of bitterness to take hold. You may not have a tomorrow to reconcile a relationship in obedience to God. You only have today. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts; …do not let the sun go down on your anger. (Hebrews 3:7; Ephesians 4:26)

Have you withheld or delayed payment due to someone or denied someone help when the Lord prompted you to give of yourself or out of your need? The Lord will speak to your heart about these things that hinder your close walk with Him. Today is the time to act in obedience. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. (Proverbs 3:28)

Are you worried about the future? Do current global events keep your anxiety level high? We grow in faith and trust by spending time with God. Don’t relegate your relationship with God to nothing more than an occasional weekend religious event. Trust dispels worry and brings peace in the midst of the storm. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:34)

May you make the most of every ‘Today’ rejoicing in the power and presence of our Lord, Jesus.

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Forgiveness, Hope, Obedience, Peace, Prayer, Priorities, Relationship, Stewardship, Trials, Trust, Worship | Tagged Priorities, Reconciliation, time management | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Identity #1041

Posted on July 23, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1041

“Identity”

…for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (Galatians 3:26)

One of my favorite job interview questions with all prospective new hire candidates was “Who are you?” The responses were as varied as the candidates themselves and told a lot about how they viewed themselves and their purpose in life. Many people answer the question as to who they are with what they do – they identify themselves with their profession. This is dangerous ground. If you lose your job, you stand to lose your identity.

Identity has to do with distinguishing characteristics and character. Facial recognition technology and fingerprint matching work on distinguishing characteristics. These can all be altered and distorted and are an incomplete definition of who we really are.

Our world system uses a horizontal identification system and it is easily confounded, convoluted and corrupted by the enemy who seeks to steal our foundational identity as God’s creation in His image. Today’s societal confusion concerning gender identity, gender neutrality, and transgenderism are a result of Satan’s influence on a godless society. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them…when they were created. (Genesis 5:1-2)

As Christians we should use a vertical identification system. We should initially see ourselves and others as God’s creation who He loves and for whom Jesus died. This is our identity under Adam’s lineage. It is the foundation from which we become born-again through Jesus. …Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:3-7)

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:22 &47)

We are who we are by our identity in Christ Jesus. This is the core of our being from which the character of Christ manifests itself in our life by the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come; …put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness; For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 2:9-10)

In Paul’s ‘job interview’ before the apostles he defined who he was as: 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. (Galatians 2:20)

Imagine answering my job interview question thus, ‘I am a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ.’

This is your true identity and it cannot be stolen from you.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Faith, Holiness, Purpose, Workplace | Tagged gender identity, Identity theft, job interview | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Worth Your Salt #1040

Posted on July 15, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1040

“Worth Your Salt”

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (Matthew 5:13)

Salt is a miracle of God’s creation. Two lethal chemical elements, when combined in a compound, become something, that in proper proportion, our bodies need to remain healthy. During the years of Jesus’ ministry salt was a highly valued commodity to not only season bland food but also to preserve it. Today we use the phrase ‘Worth your salt’ to mean that someone’s work is worth their salary or pay. In a sense Jesus is asking us if we are worth our salt when He tells us that we are the salt of the earth.

Are we as Christians in this world a seasoning, preserving influence? Are we worth our salt?

Dr. Henry Blackaby stated at a Billy Graham Training Center conference a few years ago that the problem with America is the people of God. He cited statistics that show that there is virtually no difference between the Christian community and the unchurched world with respect to divorce rates, abortions and gambling to name a few of the 152 items surveyed. The message of the Gospel of Christ is being cancelled by the way the people of Christ live their lives, he said.

Jesus goes on in His Sermon on the Mount to expand the metaphor from salt to light. “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)

How many of us who claim to be Christian live our faith openly? How many of us are content to blend in with the rest of society and exist incognito with respect to our faith in Christ? When we are ashamed of Jesus or afraid of being persecuted for our faith in Him then the light of the Christian church has dimmed in its effectiveness at dispelling the darkness in America. For many people your life example is the first Gospel they will ‘read’. Is your life worth reading? Is there enough light to read by?

We are about to enter a season of Senate Confirmation hearings for SCOTUS nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh. His life and his life’s work is about to be laid open to the world’s scrutiny. Sadly, the world does not value salty salt and bright light. The world prefers compromised and shadowy truth. Judge Kavanaugh is about to run the gauntlet of hate toward the Truth of Jesus Christ.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)

Not many of us could withstand the scrutiny of such confirmation hearings. Let us pray for Judge Kavanaugh and his family to withstand this trial in the power and strength of Jesus.

Let us pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden us to live salty lives. May we boldly let the light of Christ shine in this dark world. May we be worth our salt.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Holiness, Morality, Purpose, Trials, Workplace | Tagged Brett Kavanaugh, Salt and Light, SCOTUS | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Well Hydrated #1039

Posted on July 9, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1039

“Well Hydrated”

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1)

The heat index in the summer in Florida can be dangerous. Heat stroke is a very real possibility when working outdoors and one must be careful to remain well hydrated. If you feel parched and faint you have let it go too far and you must take immediate measures to rest and refresh yourself.

I experienced such thirst recently and a few sips of water are not what I desired. I was reminded of an iced tea commercial where people are so refreshed by the beverage that it was like plunging into and being immersed in cool clean refreshing water. Then the Lord spoke to my heart: ‘Do you thirst for Me as much as you thirst for water?’

…Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 7:37; John 4:14)

Let’s unpack Psalm 63:1.

O God, you are my God; This indicates a personal relationship. God is not a distant deity who is not to be bothered except in times of dire need. He is my Father. He is my Savior. He is my closest friend. “I am the Lord your God…You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3)

earnestly I seek you; We need to seek Him with sincere and intense conviction. From our waking moment, throughout the day and into the evening we should know and experience His abiding presence. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Psalm 84:10)

my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you… This is not a sipping thirst. This cannot be satisfied by sipping in a Sunday church service and maybe another sip during the week. This spiritual thirst requires a continual immersion in the abiding presence of God. As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2)

as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. We live in a spiritually dry and weary society. False teaching abounds which is like brackish spiritual water that will make your soul ill.

Our lust for the things of this world – The chasing after the good life – becomes a priority and interferes with our personal relationship with God. We become temporarily satisfied with material things that leave us thirstier than we were before.

May you be well hydrated with the Living Water of our Lord Jesus.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17)

Posted in Business as Mission, Priorities, Relationship, Salvation | Tagged Heat Stroke, living water, Nestea Plunge, Thirst | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Stolen Joy #1038

Posted on July 2, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1038

“Stolen Joy”

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Are you afraid to be too happy?

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when things were going right? All was well with the world and yet you felt anxiousness and worry because you were waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under you. You were waiting for the other shoe to drop as they say. This is an attack of the enemy attempting to steal your joy.

Know this: God is not in the rug pulling, shoe dropping business. As a child of God, born-again believer in Jesus Christ, we have experienced the unfathomable depth of the love that God has for us in that Christ died for us while we were yet steeped in sin. …but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Given such a demonstration of His love for us how can we doubt that He will provide all that we need in this life? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

…No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)

… Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:25-33)

The blessing of the Lord enriches and He adds no trouble to it (Proverbs 10:22)

The hook in our flesh that the enemy tugs on to steal our joy is provided by us when we turn our hearts away from God and begin to covet the material possessions of this world. …If riches increase set not your hearts on them. (Psalm 62:10)

Trials and difficult times will come in this life. The child of God weathers these storms by trusting in His Word and in His love. Speak the Truth of His Word and the enemy will flee and you will know the joy of the Lord in all circumstances and situations. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (James 1:2)

Don’t be afraid to be too happy. Immerse yourself in the Word of God and remain in His abiding presence and you will know the fullness of His Joy. 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)

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Forgiveness, Hope, Love, Salvation, Trials, Trust | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Despair #1037

Posted on June 25, 2018 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1037

“Despair”

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 43:5)

Have you ever had one of those ‘wet blanket’ days where you just feel emotionally blah? Sometimes this oppressed feeling can persist, steadily draining your vitality and hope, bringing you to the point of despair.

Repeatedly, in Psalms 42 and 43 the Sons of Korah do a self examination seeking to know the root cause of their feeling of despair. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?

Since despair is defined as the total loss of hope, perhaps these emotionally blah feelings we have are due to the fact that we are placing our hope in people or things of this world instead of God. The suicide rate in America has risen 25% since 1999 according to the CDC. We see big name celebrities in the news lately – people who seemingly ‘have it all’ commit suicide. Then there are the forgotten veterans with PTSD who are committing suicide at a rate of one every hour.

Our Psalmist repeatedly asks the question and repeatedly provides the solution: Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Perhaps you are living a comfortable life in this world and that is a blessing from God. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)

The danger here is that we begin to place our hope in the things of this world and when financial setbacks etc. occur we begin to feel despair. …if riches increase, set not your heart on them. (Psalm 62:10b) Paul also cautions us in his letter to Timothy: As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)

If you are in despair, come to Jesus and place your hope in God and in His love for you. Dark times will come but the light of the living Word of God will see you through it

…When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:18-19)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit… (Psalm 34:17-20)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13).

Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Salvation, Trials, Trust | Tagged Hope in God, PTSD, Suicide | 1 Comment