Words Of Comfort

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The past few years have been extremely devastating for many around the world, who have lost loved ones from the covid virus. I’ve personally felt the pain of losing someone close from covid, and it’s not an easy feeling to harness. People die daily, whether from sickness and disease, or other unexpected causes, but God is more concerned with a person’s spiritual wellbeing, than the actual way they leave this life. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Heb. 9:27). We will all exit from this life someday, and there are only two destinations every soul will be appointed to. Although there are many who disbelieve in heaven and hell, they will soon experience for themselves, the truth of the afterlife.

How are you living today, to ensure your future will be spent in eternity with God? Do you prepare yourself, as if your last day could be tomorrow? Or, do you attempt to live your “best life” now, while neglecting to solidify a future with God? I urge all who read this to take comfort in knowing, Jesus made it possible for all who come to Him, to avoid eternal damnation, and live in peace with the Father. While many have, and will continue to reject the message of salvation, those who endure until the end, will be rewarded, and their labor will not be in vain. Worry not about where you’ll spend eternity, if you’re walking in obedience to God, but woe unto all who turn a blind eye to truth, and follow after the pleasures of the world.

God vs. gods

Deuteronomy 13:1-4

Since the beginning of time, this world has been littered with countless idols that men have worshipped, and joined allegiance to. What’s interesting to note is, at the root of every idol or god, is the hand of satan. The devil’s primary motive is to block, or turn as many people away from God as possible, before this present world ends. Sadly, our adversary has proven very effective at leading men and woman on the path that veers away from the direction of righteousness. Fortunately, the Bible is filled with passages, warning believers to avoid false teachings, doctrines, and prophets. There were many in the past, who spoke things that actually came to pass, and were accompanied by supernatural signs and wonders, but those were only tricks and ruses by the enemy, whose sole purpose was to draw men away from God. Today, the church must be vigilant and remain alert, because there are many who claim the name of the Lord, but secretly have deceptive and evil intentions. The God who created the Heaven and earth, has left more than enough information in His word, that will keep His people prepared to stand against all false and wicked idolatry. But, we must read and meditate on God’s word, in order to grow in the knowledge and grace of all He created us to be.

Scattered Minds

1 Peter 3:8-19

The men and women who make up the body of Christ in these last days, aren’t all on the same page. We are living in a time, when many false doctrines have infiltrated congregations around the globe, causing some to hold fast to the traditions of men, rather than the commandments of God the Father. The apostle Peter teaches in our text, we are all to be of one mind, as we fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Unity is essential in keeping the body of Christ together, and allowing each member to effectively use their gifts for edification, but where division is present, confusion has the ability to keep many from being their best for God. Not only are the members of Christ’s body commanded to be of one mind, but being meet for the Master’s use also demands that we walk in humility, show compassion toward others, and be willing to extend encouragement to all who need it. When a person’s foundation is built on godly principles and standards, they’ll easily render good for evil, or blessing for persecution. The church today loses its influence on the lost, the more they give in to false doctrine, which causes division. But, when the Lord is once again sanctified in the hearts of men, only then can they truly submit themselves to the truth of God’s word, and easily recognize anything that is contrary to what the Father commanded them to do.

Money Ain’t Everything

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Knowing that there’s nothing in this life that will carry over into the next, why do we cling so tightly to frivolous things? Money is good, cars are convenient, phones allow for worldwide communication, but such things should only be attained in a spirit of contentment, and to bring glory to the name of the Lord. People all over the world seek to be rich, and make as much money as possible, but the text tells us, “For the love of money is the root of all evil:..” Desiring the world’s goods for any reason other than godliness, is unwise and will only lead to destruction. Many have sought to accumulate wealth, with selfish intentions, and have “pierced themselves with many sorrows” There are countless rich people who are unhappy everyday. Although they may have attained the wealth they desired, they possibly hurt many people, and did all manner of evil to get it. Money should be seen as a tool to keep balance in homes, help the poor and needy, and continue to build the kingdom of God in the earth. Unfortunately, the world has developed a system that teaches even the youth to “get all you can, and can all you get”. We came into the world with nothing, and we’ll leave the same way, so rather than place our desires on carnal and temporary things, let’s shift our focus to a more eternal perspective, where God’s purpose is at the forefront of our lives.

A Good Leader

Romans 10:1-4

A good leader cares for his people. A good leader desires only that those he leads, receives proper guidance, wisdom, and knowledge necessary to traverse life’s journey better. A good leader listens to his people. A good leader prays for his people. A good leader recognizes the good and bad character traits of his people, and tries to promote the former, while chiseling away the latter. A good leader exposes the unmasked truth to his people, to avoid the risk of them falling into the snares of temptation. A good leader promotes God’s righteousness, over self-righteousness. A good leader is not puffed up, haughty, or high-minded. A good leader walks in humility, and respects the opinions of others. A good leader cares for his people so much, until he’ll risk his own life, to keep them safe.

Nigh Unto Thee

Deuteronomy 30:6-14

As the children of God continue to live through the days of end-time prophecy, it’s disheartening to witness how many are falling away from the faith. While it’s no surprise, the world is in such a chaotic state, those who professed to be children of God, seem to have gravitated more towards the things of the world, rather than obeying the commandments of Scripture, during these perilous times. I could understand if the word of God was taken away from believers, as it is in other countries, but those with the liberty to study the bible, and have access to it, seem to ignore it for other things.

Many are striving diligently to pursue personal goals, and obtain things they’ve longed for, but when God is pushed aside, all goals and plans become futile. The freedom to read and obey God’s word is a privilege that countless individuals take for granted. Many people place their hope in therapists, counselors, and life coaches, rather than first seeking God’s word on all matters. In the word of God, is everything we need to live and maintain a holy lifestyle, during these difficult times. The world will only grow worse, and men will become more heartless, so it’s wise to keep God’s word in our hearts, so that we may walk consistently in the Spirit, and avoid the dangers of sin.

Learn to appreciate the goodness of God, and His unadulterated word, because without it, all hope of an eternal security would be lost.

Eternal Inheritance

Romans 8:14-25

An heir is someone who is legally entitled to the property, or title of another, upon that person’s death. An heir also inherits and continues the legacy of one who preceded him or her. Typically, gaining an inheritance requires no work, and the beneficiary receives all claims after the death of the predecessor. As children of God, believers are heirs to the Father, and joint-heirs with Christ. The Greek word ‘heirs’, klēronomeō, means a receiver of an inheritance, or beneficiary. If we are children of God, then we are receivers of His inheritance as well. In the same way the child of a wealthy parent does nothing to receive what’s left for them except live to accept it, the inheritance we possess in Christ, is not based on works either. Although the children of God must endure suffering, as Christ did (to some capacity), their groans and toils will soon be rewarded with the adoption, and redemption of their bodies. All who are in Christ Jesus will someday be changed from mortality, to immortality, then all God’s people will spend eternity enjoying the wonderful inheritance of God their Father.

Peacemakers 2

Matthew 5:9-12

In a world of continual chaos and uproar, those who are united with God, through Christ Jesus, must uphold the standard of peace, so that others can hold fast to the hope of a secure eternity with the Father. The church of today, has a mandate to represent holiness, despite the cost. It’s unfortunate that we are living during the end-times, when many have fallen away from the faith, but there is a remnant of believers who have not bowed to the standards of the world, yet strive to maintain a holy, righteous, and peaceful lifestyle, on a consistent basis.

People around the globe are suffering in some capacity, and are desperately searching for peace. Some are dealing with sickness or the loss of loved ones, while others find it hard to keep money in their pockets or food in their homes. With all that’s going on in life, it seems impossible to find a mere ounce of peace. God sees the struggle of man, and desires that none perish, but all come to repentance. God does care about His prized creation, but He wants us to shift our focus off our problems for a moment, and back to what’s important; eternal security. God will take care of His people, but He’s more concerned with the state of their souls.

While the world entertains fear and uncertainty, the children of God should be known for maintaining hope and peace. There should be a noticeable difference in the behavior between those who are of God, and those who are lost. For example, when facing a season of trial and suffering, rather than act as if all is lost and hopeless, we should show men that our God is still in control, despite our possible setbacks. There were many in Scripture who suffered greatly, yet maintained a righteous standard through their suffering. A few examples include Joseph, Hannah, Jeremiah, and the apostle Paul.

God’s grace is sufficient for His people, and His strength is made perfect in their weakness. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). This truth should encourage believers to change their perspective on their view of life, and shift God’s agenda to top priority. Only through the power of God’s Spirit, can we find the peace that helps us endure all manner of hard times and difficult situations.

Wings Of Faith

Give us Lord, a special faith, unlimited and free, A faith that isn’t bound by what we know or what we see…A faith that trusts the sunshine even when there is no light, a faith that hears the morning song’s soft echo in the night…A faith that somehow rises past unhappiness or pain, Knowing that in every loss Your goodness will remain…A faith that finds Your steadfast love sufficient for all things, A faith that lifts the heart above and gives the spirit wings.

-B.J.Hoff

Fully Persuaded

Romans 4:19-21

If your faith and confidence level in godliness was based on percentages, could you boldly say that yours would be an easy 100?! Do you literally trust God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Or, are there moments, when you doubt whether or not God will step in to help resolve some of your issues? In order for anyone to please God, they must have faith, because without it, it’s impossible to please Him. Having faith is one thing, but developing your faith to greater levels, is necessary in order to benefit from all the things God has for those who trust Him.

Oftentimes, men and women stagger at the words God spoke in Scripture, and as the children of God, we sometimes fall short of His glory, by taking our focus off God, and doing things our own way. An example of this took place in the Bible, when Abraham and Sarah decided to help God and bring forth the promise He had made to them, that they would have a child. Rather than continue to wait patiently for God’s plan to play out, Sarah presented her handmaid to her husband, in hopes she would bring for the child of promise. Contrary to their unwise plan, Abraham and Sarah were told, the child would come from their union, and not another. In due time, Abraham’s faith was rewarded, when His 90 year old wife was blessed to conceive. Although Abraham took unwise counsel from His wife, his faith in God’s promise was not weak, but strong. Abraham was fully persuaded, that what God had promised, He was also able to perform.

During times when our faith grows weary, take a moment to consider all who came before us, and the trials and tribulations they endured until their end. Learn from our pioneers of the faith, and strive to grow daily in wisdom, understanding, and faith. The more your faith grows, the more confident you’ll become in the words of Scripture.