Do you ever feel overwhelmed? I guess that could be a rhetorical question. Of course, we have all felt overwhelmed! One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Nahum 1:7. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;And he knoweth them that trust in him.“
Here are three truths about our LORD that we can remember when we are feeling it.
Our LORD is endlessly good. There is never a time when He will stop being good. Even the troubles and trials that we face, He is actively working together for good. Can you say out loud, “My God is good to me.”
Our LORD is the most dependable shelter for me. Maybe you have seen the “safe place” signs on a store, police department or firehouse. The sign indicates a place of shelter to those in trouble. Our LORD is our shelter in every trial, storm and season of overwhelm.
Our LORD knows those who are depending on Him. The LORD is personally aware of those that are trusting Him to show up in their situations. When we are facing life’s worst and we turn to God in prayer, our LORD knows that. When we remain faithful in the midst of opposition, our LORD knows that. We can praise Him for being so aware!
May the LORD strengthen you as you consider these simple, powerful truths.
Are there many ways to God or just one way? Does one go to heaven after death because they were religious, sincere and a pretty good person? The death of Pope Francis has seized the attention of the world and brings these timeless questions to the forefront once again.
“Religions are seen as paths trying to reach God. I will use an analogy: They are like different languages that express the divine, but God is for everyone, and therefore, we are all God’s children. There is only one God, and religions are like languages that try to express ways to approach God. Some Sikh, some Muslim, some Hindu, some Christian.” 1
While what Pope Francis said to the gathering of youth is popular and politically correct, it is contrary to the Word of God and heretical.
Separated by Sin
God’s Word teaches us plainly that all men and women are sinners and separated from God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) Sin is anything we do that violates the commandments of God (1 John 3:4). In fact, we are born sinners and therefore we sin (Romans 5:12).
Our sin deserves the penalty of hell according to Revelation 21:8. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Reconciled through Christ
Thankfully, the Bible also teaches that there is one way to be reconciled to God. That way is not through a church, religious traditions, a man or doing good things, but through Jesus Christ.
Jesus declared in John 14:6 “...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Amazingly, God wants all mankind to be reconciled to Himself and that is way He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to us.
John 3:16-18 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Jesus died in our place for our sin and rose again three days later proving His power over sin, death and hell. He offers salvation full and free to all who will believe on Him (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).
One Way
Jesus is the only way to be completely forgiven of all our sin and have eternal life with God in heaven. Pope Francis’ statement well represents a popular opinion around the world today. However, according to Scripture, it will only lead to destruction.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:13–15)
Conclusion
It is wise to heed the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, who conquered death, in John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.“
Have you believed on Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of all of your sin and eternal life? If not, why not today?
I finished listening to SHEPHERDS FOR SALE on Audible. Wow! It captured my attention! Chapter by chapter it revealed the level of compromise within the churches of America for financial gain and worldly acceptance.
Megan Basham did an excellent job on this book and I recommend that every pastor would put this book on their “read this week” list. It opened my eyes to the fierceness and the depth of the battle for truth in which we are engaged.
We live in very uncertain days! The recent news of the unprovoked terrorist attacks of Hamas on the people of Israel is both shocking and unnerving. I stand with Israel and unequivocally condemn the evil actions of Hamas. God promises to bless those that bless Israel, therefore it is vital that we do so in these days. “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)
These times can create much fear in our hearts and fear is a powerful motivator. Whether it is the threats of global terrorism, our own struggles, relationship tension, job security or whatever is dominating your thoughts right now, we can be driven by our fears. Yes, our hearts are prone to fear, but Jesus desires to give us peace. Consider these words from Jesus Christ.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So how should we live in these uncertain days? How should we talk with our co-workers? How should we encourage our families?
Listen to the words of Jesus and believe them. Be sure to read the Word of God each day, assemble in church for the preaching of the Word whenever the doors are open and let the Word of God direct and dominate your thinking. Be expecting His soon appearing to rapture the church. Titus 2:13 say, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
Seek Jesus Christ in prayer and gather with others to do the same. Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.“
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.” We understand that ultimately this is a prayer that they would accept the Prince of Peace as the Messiah — Jesus Christ. This is the need of the whole world!
Think truth. In a world full of evil and corruption, it is very easy dwell on matters that cause us to be be despondent and depressed. Philippians 4:8-9 helps us know specifically how to think. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.“
Communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ with the lost. 1 Peter 3:15 urges us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: andbe ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Finally, in our recent trip to Israel, the Lord allowed us to meet and be blessed by the ministry of Joel Rosenberg. He is a born again Jew and currently lives in Israel. He is an author and host of the Rosenberg Report on TBN. He also is the founder of All Israel News. I have found their reporting at AllIsrael.com and on Joel Rosenburg’s social media updates on X to be helpful.
May the God of peace give you peace as your trust in Him.
What happens in your heart when you hear of being persecuted for following Christ? Fear? Avoidance? Resolve? As Americans, we have not been accustom to facing persecution for believing in Jesus Christ, worshiping Him in our assemblies or sharing Christ in our communities. However, just because we do not have as much experience with it, does not mean that the persecution of believers is not happening around the world and even within our own country. Jesus finished the beatitudes by helping his followers understand how to handle persecution. If believers live according to the truths Jesus preached in the sermon on the mount, persecution in some form must be expected.
Recently, research conducted by Family Research Council (FRC) indicates that criminal acts against churches have been steadily on the rise for the past several years, and the first quarter of 2023 has continued the upward trend. The first three months of 2023 saw approximately three times the number of acts of hostility perpetrated against churches in the same timeframe last year. The fourth quarter of 2022 saw an additional 54 incidents, for a total of 191 in 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, 69 incidents have already occurred.
Jesus promises a blessing for the persecuted. He gives divine grace and internal peace to endure through persecution. Jesus reassured His disciples before He went to the cross in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” We should remember that all the grace that we need to stand for Jesus will be ours in the moment. The greatest blessing we could receive is hearing “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy lord.“
Those that give their lives for Jesus Christ will receive the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 tells us, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.“
Believers are commanded to pray for those in bonds for their faith. If we are to pray for them, we must know about them. There are many organizations that exist to raise awareness of Christian persecution around the world. Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.“
I have read many books detailing the brave faith of Christians for Jesus Christ. There are two that I would recommend for your consideration. Forward in the Face of Fear by Edgar Feghaly will challenge your heart about the power of God and the Gospel in difficult, hostile regions. The Insanity of Obedience by Nik Ripkins will open your eyes to the plight of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world.
I pray that our Savior will strengthen you to stand for His sake wherever you are and whatever you may face.
“May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Pastors from across the country join in singing How Great Thou Art in the Rotunda of the United States Capital on March 28, 2023.
Recently, my wife and I had the great privilege of gathering with pastors from across the country for the Faith Wins national pastors’ summit. Beyond the amazing, talented speakers that presented and the enthusiastic leadership of Chad Connelly, the night tour of the United States Capital building was the highlight! We were led by historian David Barton, United States Representative Mike Johnson (Louisiana), Former Congressman Bob McEwen (Ohio) and Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina). It was a truly inspiring evening. After being reminded of our rich history as a nation, being prayed over by Senator Tim Scott on the floor of the House of Representatives, and realizing God’s rich and undeniable blessings upon our country, we sang Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art in the Rotunda. What a moment of worship!
While we have strayed so far from God as a nation, I am thankful for God allowing me to be a citizen of this great nation. I firmly believe that the answer to our present situation as a nation is returning to God. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD…” We cannot persist in our denial of God’s Truth and our national accountability to Him and expect to experience the blessings that were once so abundant.
The words of Senator Tim Scott on the floor of the House of Representatives continue to ring in my ears. “Pastors, you are the last line of defense for our nation. You hold the highest office in our land.” He exhorted us to stand for truth and then prayed over us. That was a surreal moment for me as a pastor. Many pastors have become so isolated from what is going on all around them that they have little to no influence on the leaders of society. I pray for a spiritual revival of the watchmen across our land.
“Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.”
Throughout Scripture, you will find that the kings had prophets that God assigned to them to be ambassadors of His truth. David had Nathan. Ahab had Elijah. Herod had John. The list goes on! Today should be no different. How can we expect elected officials to make good and godly decisions if the only voices they hear are that of the ungodly. I implore pastors to reach out and build relationships with your city, state and national elected officials. Do this with humility and compassion. They are people with much weight on their shoulders. They have struggles, fears and burdens just like everyone else. Pray for them. Lead your congregation to pray for them. Let them know you are praying for them and also seek opportunities to pray with them. Don’t forget, they need your witness of Jesus Christ like everyone else in your community.
Let’s be salt and light in every arena of our lives including in our government for the glory of God.
Josiah Kagin 