Shall We Continue In Sin That Grace May Abound?

 

Sometimes when I write a blog I feel like John the Baptist urging people to, "Repent! Repent!" In all honesty, I don't like it very much. I've even talked to God about how agonizing it is to suggest to people to thoroughly examine themselves and turn from their sin. Even more difficult is pleading with Christian believers to get serious and turn from their habitual sinning. Those blogs get little attention. The CHURCH has a real problem and God is consistently prompting me to send messages in these blogs to warn the Church of their spiritual adultery.  I know people would rather hear happy, positive messages that make them feel good but I cannot deny the "mission" God set out for me. 

Let's first be reminded of these verses in our bible:

1 John 1:8 "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

1 John 1:10 "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and his word is not in us."

1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." I truly fear for people and especially those of faith who were washed and sanctified. There is so much in this world in which we live that is deceiving and deceptive. We see others wander off on their own way of doing things, but it is extremely disturbing to see other Christian seemingly not caring about the way they are living.  Isaiah 53.6 states: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Yes, all are sinners, we acknowledge that. All struggle with sins big or small, and yet, if you are a  Christian who is truly saved, there should be a visible change in your life, a turning away from sin not remaining in it. My message is one of urgency. Jesus is coming soon, but He not coming back for the up and down, in and out, lukewarm Christian. Jesus frequently equates deeds with a person’s true spiritual state: “By their fruit, you will recognize them,” He said, and “Every good tree bears good fruit” (Matthew 7:16–17). Clearly, scripture points out the lukewarm deeds of the Laodiceans were not in keeping with true salvation. The deeds of the true believer will reflect the spiritual passion of a life transformed.

Not everyone on this earth will inherit the Kingdom of God. Who won't? God makes that very clear by identifying several categories of sinners. Those named who commit such sins will sometimes attempt the defense ...“I was born that way.” A few examples would be the drunkard who blames his condition on his parents who were alcoholics. Or a homosexual who perhaps was molested as a child and now seeks love with the same gender, or even a pedophile who was sexually abused by his father so he has tendencies to fulfill his lustful passions with children. But even if that were true, being born that way, is no defense for the non-believer or even the unchanging believer when he or she stands before the holy and righteous Judge, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible is absolutely clear that we are all sinners from birth and by choice. The keyword whether we like hearing it or not is (by) CHOICE. No one forces us to drink excessively, have sex with a partner, or molest children!

Not everyone who believes they are a Christian, may call themselves a Christian, who may regularly go to church, wear a cross around their neck, or who are actually good or charitable will inherit the Kingdom of God. I Cor. 6:9-10 lists a group of 10 sins connected to habitual sinners who will be excluded from God’s kingdom.  Bear with me as I spell out each one. Why am I concerned about listing them?  Because the world seeks to deceive both Christians and the lost into believing that the sinner committing these sins will never face the consequences and judgment for their actions. The Bible is clear, "Be not deceived, fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners.”You will not escape from God’s judgment if you persist in your sin. Notice the word PERSIST (in your sin?) Persisting is a choice. The word persist means to continue and to continue firmly or obstinately despite opposition. What opposition? God's written Word. 

I was thinking, how many people did you know fifty, forty, or thirty years ago that thought homosexuality, fornication, and/or adultery were acceptable conduct? What about effeminate men, crossdressers, or transexuals entering our grade schools and teaching kindergarteners it's okay to change who God created them to be? That is fundamentally saying God made a mistake. How many do you know today that think so? There has been a tremendous propaganda campaign waged to deceive the American culture. It has been and is still being carried out in public schools, on radio and television, in the movies, and the various news sources available today. Sexual perversion is shown in nearly every home in America on television in our living rooms every night. Answer this question, would you send your child or grandchild to a school where the teachers spelled the word WRONG with the letters R-I-G-H-T ? That is taking place in the United States’ public schools when it comes to the teaching of morals, especially when it comes to sexual conduct!

Here is the list of groups and the deeds that God calls “unrighteous.” Please bear with me it took a long time to list these. If nothing applies to you, please know these exist and perhaps you can use them in a conversation if ever faced with someone who thinks they are not listed in the Bible.

FORNICATORS

America is awash with fornicators. That simply speaks of those who commit sexual acts outside of heterosexual marriage. And heterosexual marriage is the only marriage that God and the Bible recognize. Period. Fornicators will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:4)

IDOLATORS

Idolators speak of those whose god is anything other than the God of the Bible. It can be Allah, Vishnu, Satan, Buddha, nothing, or even yourself! None of these are God and none of them can deliver you from the judgment you will face before the one, true God. Idolators will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched (I Cor. 6:9-10).

ADULTERERS

Adulterers are those that have sexual relations with another while they themselves are married. Adulterers will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” And unfortunately, I know "Christians" habitually commit this sin.

EFFEMINATE

The effeminate is a male who submits himself to be used as a woman, as a male prostitute. Or dresses as a woman in clothing or make-up. The effeminate will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched”  (I Cor. 6:9-10)

ABUSERS OF THEMSELVES WITH MANKIND

Abusers of themselves with mankind are men who have sexual relations with another man rather than a woman. Today the word is homosexual is used in place of “abusers of themselves with mankind.” Homosexuals, or rather “abusers of themselves with mankind” will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched"  (I Cor. 6:9-10, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:27 )

The principals are set forth and whether it is homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, effeminate, they all fall under the same grouping of the unrighteous that will not inherit the kingdom of God. I know people neither like to hear this nor want to hear this but it is a message God continually wants me to remind people. Some mistake the doctrine of God’s grace as the idea that God does not care whether or not a sinner saved by His grace continues on in sin once saved. This is a very dangerous error.  Paul asked the question in Romans 6:1-2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid …” and in Titus 2:11-12 continues along that same line of thought. “For the grace of God that brought  salvation has appeared to all men,  teaching us that, denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.” That's very clear. Continuing the list ...

THIEVES

Thieves here speaks of embezzlers and pilferers and by extension can even speak of teachers who care more for their own gain rather than the truth. Sadly today, there are so many of these behind the pulpit! Thieves will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (I Cor. 6:9-10)

COVETOUS

Covetous persons are those who desire to have something or someone that someone else has, are greedy for gain, and are never content with such as they have. Paul in Colossians 3:5 calls covetousness the same as idolatry. The covetous will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (I Cor. 6:9-10, also the 10th commandment)

DRUNKARDS

Society has softened the vice of alcoholism. Rather than calling a man or woman a drunkard, they are now called alcoholic, or they have a drinking problem. The Bible speaks directly to the point and calls those who get intoxicated Drunkards. Drunkards will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (I Cor. 6:9-10)

REVILERS

Revilers are those that “speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way” according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary. They are those who verbally abuse others. Revilers will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (I Cor. 6:9-10)

EXTORTIONERS

Extortioners here speak of robbers, those who snatch property away from others with no qualms about it. That is happening now (eminent domain) in some states by our government! Extortioners will spend eternity in hell “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (I Cor. 6:9-10)

Christ-like righteousness demands more than surface deeds!  Our hearts, souls, and minds must be completely devoted to righteous living whether anyone is watching us or not!  It is clear that there are many categories of sin by which we offend God. Is what I am sharing “hate speech”? I'm referencing the Bible, not my personal opinion. Surely you would not call it “hate speech” if you had cancer and went to an oncologist, and he told you the truth that you had cancer and that he recommend a course of treatment to cure you of cancer? Or would you rather he tell you that you are just sore from too much exercise, go home, take three aspirin and go to bed and get some rest? The doctor does not hate you when he tells you the truth. Neither do I hate you and neither will I call evil good, nor good evil.  May the Lord speak to your heart as you ponder this blog.

Until He Comes, -Pat-

Angelic Encounters

 

Do you know that you have angels watching over you? Did you know there are 365 references to angels in Scripture? I looked it up. Why mention angels that many times if their existence were not true? The Bible assures us that there are angels so why should we doubt their presence? Psalms give me great comfort to believe that they are always with me, encamped around me and delivering me from different situations I have found myself in (Psalm 34:7) AND THEN THERE IS THIS  “For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11). I love to hear people tell “angel stories” or read about the way angels have intervened in people’s lives. We would all feel a little more secure if we would realize the constant presence of loving heavenly angels. I think it would be really helpful for others reading this blog if they volunteered to share their "angel story or stories" in the comments below. 

I am going to share three of mine with the intention of giving hope to the nonbeliever that God indeed sends help in times of trouble.  I don’t know any way that we could prove an angel has intervened in our lives except to share the following 3 of many I have had. Maybe when God wants us to know His angels have helped us, He makes us aware of it? Paul said, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” That tells me angels can appear as people! Doesn't that verse lead you to wonder if angels appear to us in human form at times? I know they can because of my experiences!  We know that angels appeared to many in human form in the Bible I can certainly remember times when someone would appear in my life just when I needed them and they were gone when my needs were met. Were they “angels unawares”? For lack of space, here are three of my personal encounters.

EXPERIENCE #1.

One day after school and walking toward home,  Karen and I stopped at her house for a quick snack and to discuss some algebra problems I needed help with. After the study, we were in her front room goofing off, dancing to some of our favorite music on the radio, gossiping about other girls, discussing what was expected of us in gym class, etc. All of a sudden, Karen began choking on the Jeno's pizza rolls we heated up after sneaking them out of her freezer. I was frozen. I had no idea what to do! There was no Hymlick manuver then. I watched her face turn a light blue as she frantically grasped at her throat. I shout out, "Oh God. Karen! What can I do??" Karen stood silent gasping for air. In my terror I yelled out, "JESUS!! Help us!!" (I had been raised a Catholic so I knew about God, Jesus, prayer, and frankly angels). No sooner had I shouted out, a tall figure appeared against the wall behind Karen. The odd thing was, the figure was about 9 feet tall and Karen's ceilings were only about 8 feet tall. In other words, this "figure" went about a foot above the ceiling in my vision. The figure was white in color, semi-transparent, but clear enough to see wings folded down to the sides of its body. I could not see a face, but if I had to guess I would say the figure was male by its build. Intuitively, I KNEW it was an angel, not a ghost, nothing evil, not a figment of my imagination.

"Karen! There's an angel behind you!"

As I watched in amazement, this "angel" reached out one of his arms and placed it on top of her head. Suddenly, Karen inhaled deeply and began coughing. She had her breath back! "There's an angel behind you," I repeated. "Don't turn around, he's huge!!"

By now Karen was more frightened by what I was telling her than the fact she had choked and was unable to breathe. 

"STOP IT," she shouted, "you're scaring me."

I'll end this experience here but add, it wasn't until I reached my late 40's that I learned from other people's experience with angels reporting from what they saw, also guessed angels to be about 9 feet tall as well.

EXPERIENCE #2.

My best friend Debbie introduced me to a lady at a Bible study class she conducted in her own home. This lady was as poor as poor gets and living in a run-down rented home although she kept the inside clean and tidy. At the time, she had 4 children living in the home, one was in and out of the home, and the oldest was in the Army. Sadly, her husband was an alcoholic, couldn't keep a job, and physically and verbally abused her. She had a wretched life but loved the Lord and showed it. She was the lady that introduced me to the bible and eventually was the one that led me to the saving grace of Jesus. Often times I would sneak food into her home so she could feed her kids and now and then I would slip her $20 that she would temporarily slip down her bra so her husband would not know and spend on booze. I recall one day I came to visit, bringing bread, eggs, cereal, juice, and other items. One of the kids wanted milk which I was not aware they were out of. I don't know where this came from, I really don't, but I was a new Christian and had not had time to build much faith in God's provision. Nonetheless, I looked with compassion at all those adoring eyes who nicknamed me Aunt Pat, and said, "let's all go to the kitchen." Thinking I had a new game to play 2 of the youngest children happily grabbed my hands as we skipped into the kitchen. "Is there any milk? Any at all?" I asked. There was one glass bottle in the refrigerator with about 1/4 cup in it. It wasn't even enough for a bowl of cereal. I instructed, "Everybody grab a chair and sit down. We are going to pray." Without question, they did what I asked. "Someone bring the bottle of milk over here and each of you get a glass."  In short, with little eyes watching I prayed aloud over the mostly empty bottle of milk. I recall asking the Lord to fill the little children's tummies, that I knew He loved them, etc etc etc. I am not exaggerating when I say I began to pour the 1/4 cup into a glass but it kept pouring until it filled the glass. Then I moved to the next glass and the next until everyone's glass was filled to the top with milk!! When all glasses were filled, guess how much was left in the bottle? The original 1/4 cup! After that happened one of the kids shouted, "I saw an angel." No one paid attention to his words but I knew there had to be an intervention. I'll end this experience here and add the children kept asking, "How did you do that?" Of course, we know it wasn't me.

EXPERIENCE #3.

One of the varying jobs I've had in my lifetime was employment with the Independence, Missouri Police Department as a Desk Officer, badge 1099.  As one officer on the force of 300 the City employed, many privileges were given to us that regular citizens didn't get. Many retailers would give me free items or not charge me at all when checking out with a few items as long as I was wearing my uniform.  I once stopped at a convenience store on the way home from work to put air in a low tire. This was only after being 2-3 days on the job. I entered the store to pay the 25 cents to get the cashier to turn on the air but he said, "No. Air is free." I said, "The sign says 25 cents for air and pay the cashier." He responded, "You're a cop! It's free." I had no idea of all the privileges that would come my way simply because I had a uniform and badge! I honestly thought to myself, "This isn't fair. I'm a person  like anyone else." Some of the privileges I remember besides free air was, no taxes on purchased items, free car washes, excellent and fast service anywhere I went, free Sunday papers, etc. BUT ONLY if I was wearing my uniform which was always to or from work. I could not wear my uniform willy nilly on any given day or just because I wanted to enter a store. 

Here is a third and most memorable angel encounter. I was on my way to work in a terrible snowstorm. Most people stayed home that day because the snow was so deep. I was trotting along in my SS El Camino approximately 1o miles from work. I had taken the back roads to avoid what backup hi-way traffic there was being reported on the news. I was on a stretch of road away from any house lr place of business. In fact, there was a cornfield on either side of me when my vehicle spat and sputtered, and then died right in the middle of the road! OH NO. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? was my first thought. I did not own a cellphone in 1987! I saw no houses I could walk to for help. It was COLD. I felt I was doomed. There was no way to call a friend for help, call my employer to say I would be late, and no way to contact a tow truck. Honestly, I was scared. As the inside of the El Camino grew colder, I bowed my head in despair. Straight away I was startled by a tapping on my driver's side window!! Wiping off the fog that had formed inside, I saw a man in a coat, hat, and scarf around his neck. Raising his voice said, "ARE YOU STUCK?" Shaking my head, "No, not exactly. My car died."

Him: Release the hood. I'll take a look.

Me: Okay. (thinking who is this guy He could be a rapist)

With the hood up I could see him, though not totally, but between the dashboard and where the hood raises.

Him: Try to turn your ignition!

NOTHING.

He walked back to my window ...

Filled with uncertainty and fear of who this guy was, I only rolled my window down about 3". With his warm breath billowing out like a car's exhaust...

Him: "Do you happen to have a screwdriver?"

Me: Sorry, no. I don't have any tools on me.

He went back under the hood. He was there for what seemed like 15 minutes or so. That seems like a really long time when you cannot observe what's going on.

Him: "Try it again."

NOTHING.

Another minute or so passes.

Him: "One more time. Give it some gas this time when you turn the key."

I wrapped my cold fingers around that key and pumped the gas peddle as he instructed praying my car would start.

RRRRRRRuden, MY CAR STARTED!! And with a few more pushes against the gas peddle for good measure. Ruden ruden! Then a nice smooth idle.

Minutes had gone by. What was he doing? My vehicle was running now. Why is the hood still up? I wanted to thank him and be on my way to work. I kept thinking to myself in silent frustration, 'hello? hello? Let's go. I have to get to work!'

I was afraid to open my door to a stranger even though he had helped me. (Women will understand my apprehension.)

Despite my fear, I opened my door to speak and thank him.

HE WASN'T THERE!!! What? Where was he? He was just under the hood. Where could he have gone? How did he appear? Looking out, there were no tire tracks on the road in front of me and a single row behind me leading to the tracks made by my own vehicle!

Too, there were no footprints around the front of my car or at my driver's side window except my own right outside the door!

THIS WAS AN ANGEL UNAWARE HELPING ME.

I've had other encounters in my life and I am totally convinced there are angels that help us in this world even without scriptures speaking of them.

In conclusion, we know that every major event recorded in Scripture involved angels, and we are told that angels will play major roles on Earth up until the last days. When Christ returns – the most glorious day of all - angels will herald His return. “…They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:30-31). If we believe what the Bible says, we can have the assurance that they are there. There is most likely an angel looking over your shoulder as you are reading this.

Until He comes, 

-Pat-

Will My Pets Be With Me In Heaven?

 

On numerous occasions I've been asked this question, 'Will My Pet Be With Me In Heaven?"  Honestly, after recently losing Mario,  it is not only my expectation but I truly believe it. How can I say that? Well, speaking from a Christian perspective if you refer to scriptures then combined a little bit of logic, it points to it. However, there are definitely varying opinions because the Bible has not specifically addressed this question. Some people say animals don't go to heaven because animals don't have souls. Others will tell you yes because God is a good God and will not deny us the pets we loved so well here on earth. And yet others are not sure but are open to the possibilities. So what is the answer? 

Let's look at both sides then you determine what scripture speaks to your heart.

THOSE WHO SAY NO:

Their opinion is, for animals, there is no salvation from sin and therefore no eternal life in God’s presence—that is reserved for human beings, who are created in God’s image. People who support this position point to verses like Matthew 18:3, which says, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Because animals cannot be converted (and cannot repent of their sins or accept Christ as their Savior), some people say that they cannot go to Heaven. Ask yourself this logical question, when was the last time your dog, cat, horse, hampster, rabbit, etc. committed a sin? There is, therefore, no need to repent and be "converted."  Jesus was addressing humans not the animal kingdom.

THOSE WHO SAY  YES:

Their opinion seems to indicate that God will save not only people, but every living thing since His creation was perfect and pleased Him before the fall of man. God will restore ALL THINGS in the new earth.

“We know that in the Bible, ultimate redemption will extend to the whole of creation as stated in  Romans 8:21 NIV version, "that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." Can you think of any reason why it would not extend to animals since animals are a part of His creation? Look at Luke 3:6, “and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ALL FLESH. Recall the words from the book of Revelation. Jesus, Himself said,  “Behold, I am making all things new.” ALL THINGS. It only makes sense to me that God meant animals to be part of His world—now and in the age to come. But is there more proof that animals are a resident in heaven? Truthfully, the Bible does confirm that there are animals in Heaven!  Isaiah 11:6 describes several types (predator and prey) living in peace with one another. It reads: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together." If God created animals for the Garden of Eden to give us a picture of His ideal place, He will surely include them in Heaven, God’s perfect new Eden! If these animals live in Heaven, there is hope that our pets could be there too don't you think. Restoration is God's goal. In Revelation 19:11, Jesus is said to be riding a white horse!  So, if a horse is in Heaven—why not my dog Mario or any others I've loved and lost? I believe in the original Paradise, that there was complete harmony between man and animals; one day again that harmony will be restored and ALL CREATION will be made anew. New creations—man and animal—will live together in peace. 

There is a new question that was asked of me. It seems to be not whether animals will be in Heaven at all, but whether they will be the animals we knew during our lives on Earth?

The argument over whether or not specific pets go to Heaven seems to hinge on the idea of a soul expressed by the naysayers. Many people argue that animals do not have souls and cannot be saved, which means they cannot enter Heaven or the new world to come. I would argue,  certain Bible passages indicate that animals do have souls (the same word, nephesh in my concordance, which translates to “soul” is used in reference to both humans and animals) though not of the same kind that people have of course.  1 Corinthians 15:39 KJV, "All FLESH is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beast, another of fishes, another of birds." NOTE: Luke 3:6 KJV "and ALL FLESH shall see the salvation of God" (emphasis mine). We find companionship and joy in animals and pets because of the way God made animals (and us). He intends them to add joy and fulfillment to our lives. Adam's first task given to Him by God was to give a name to every animal! In fact, God created animals (on day 5) before He even formed man. For what purpose? For our pleasure. God is known for giving “good gifts” to His children—animals are one example of this! I really believe, and have told others who have grieved over a lost pet, it would be so simple for God to re-create a pet in Heaven if He wants to. He’s the giver of all good gifts, not the taker of them! If it would please us to have a pet restored to the New Earth, that may be sufficient reason. Consider parents who’ve acquired a pet because of their child’s request.” God is OUR FATHER and upon request, don't you think He would restore our personal pets?

 Sadly, when humankind sinned in the Garden of Eden, that blessed relationship between man and God suffered along with everything else. I firmly believe the animal kingdom (including pets you cared for here on earth) will be restored to the glory they once enjoyed before the Fall of Man.

In a new Heaven and earth, all will be perfect. This will almost certainly include a perfect and wonderful animal realm. Will I see Mario again? Will you see Gracey, Maximus,  Bono, Chiko, Annie, Brutus, Hazel Rose, Picasso, Lola, or Patches? Can you expect Drea to run to meet you in Heaven? Well, that all depends on how you interpret the Scripture. But there will be an opportunity to make new pets of all the animals that will be included. As for me, again, I believe that God will restore our beloved pets for us in Heaven, not because they have souls, but for our pleasure! If we believe God is their Creator as spoken of in Genesis, or that He loves us and them, that He intends to restore His creatures from the bondage they experienced because of our sin, then we have biblical grounds for not only wanting but expecting that we may be with them again on the New Earth.” 

Still can't get yourself to believe?

Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes!” If you believe that, then get ready for one big ole animal reunion in Heaven.

-Pat-

When Things Look Bleak

 Like many other Christians, I am deeply concerned about the direction in which our country has been moving and the speed at which it continues to move. The murder of the unborn, the celebration of every form of sexual immorality, the increase in public acts of violence, perpetual discrimination, sex trafficking, and a rise in religious intolerance certainly tops the list of moral evils over which we should grieve. If the outrage and anger we've witnessed is any indicator of things to come, the future looks bleak. Along with the decay of the moral fabric of our society is the inevitability of opposition to Christ and His church. This rightly leaves believers unsettled in heart and mind. However, so many people scramble to get behind a political leader in order to alleviate fears. Conspiracy theories abound to justify in the minds and hearts of the fearful why they should be fighting for a political solution. However, when fears or concerns rise up in our minds and hearts, what does God call us to do? Thankfully, He has given us all that we need in His word. The Psalms alone provide us with enough encouragement to trust in the God who made the heavens and the earth when everything around us seems bleak. Consider reading the book of Psalms when you feel down, defeated, or overcome by things you cannot control. Look at these words from Psalm 146:3–7:

“Do not put your trust in princes,

Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;

In that very day his plans perish.

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

Whose hope is in the Lord his God,

Who made heaven and earth,

The sea, and all that is in them;

Who keeps truth forever,

Who executes justice for the oppressed,

Who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.” 

When we are tempted to trust in some particular person, government, or political party to provide deliverance and security, we have a vain hope. The God who made heaven, and earth, the sea and all that is in them, is the One who provides deliverance and security for His people. This God has secured a city that has foundations–a lasting city–for His people (Hebrews 11:10, 16; 13:14). He has, through His own death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, secured victory over our enemies–the world, the flesh, and the devil. He alone provides salvation. He alone atones for our sins. He alone sets the prisoner free. He alone raises us from death to life. He alone is the One in whom we should find our help. 

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ...

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Psalm 9:9-10. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. ...

Philippians 4:19. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 

It’s hard to make it through life whenever you’re dealing with a difficult situation. You know God is there and you know He is listening, but sometimes you just need a reminder."Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

In conclusion, getting through a difficult time isn’t always easy, but God has given us His word to make sure we understand His promises. Why walk this journey alone when you can have the one who spoke everything into existence by your side ready and willing to provide for you?

 Whether your difficult time lasts a few hours, a few days, or even years due to the current pandemic, I hope you find comfort in the verses I posted today.