Yellow African Tulip trees, such as in my photograph above, are not as plentiful in Hawaii as the bright red-orange ones, which are my favorite. But because something is more common or more widely viewed, does not mean it is necessarily better. Take, for instance, religious views - or lack of any religious views. What is popular does not indicate that it is better, or to be preferred. Remember, religion can be dead wrong. Look at all the various religious cults, for instance.
I prefer to think of Christianity as a loving, intimate, strong relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ; and that it is is very true. How do we attain this intimate relationship; what do we need to do to be strong in the love and guardianship of the Father?
We need a strong and vibrant relationship with the good Lord to communicate with Him effectively, and to enable us to grow ever closer to Him and to not be afraid of these horrific world events and lawlessness that is prevalent in our world today. We must pray daily, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and we must study and read the Holy Word - the Bible - daily in order to grow to know the Lord intimately. With Him by your side, you can rest assured that you will be strong to face whatever this old world throws at you; whatever the devil stirs up to try to tear you down.
Charles Spurgeon has said, "I know the devil can blow very hard, but I don't believe he can blow out the candle that God lights, much less that he can blow out the bright sunshine of the Gospel."
We have the threat of another world war looming over us, for one thing. Just yesterday, March 28, 2019, President Trump signed an Executive Order proving an EMP cyber attack could be a serious soon threat. If you are keeping up with current events, I do not have to go over and over what threats and concerns the USA and the world faces today. My intent is to focus on good things, but I need to mention the bad to stress the good which we have to look forward to - that is, if you are a born again believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I had intended to stress fear in this post and the cure for fear, but I have written several articles on fear in the past. Just go to the search box on the right hand side of this page, and type in "fear" and several posts will appear for you to read. There is no need to repeat all that I have written before; however, I will repeat certain Scriptures that are pertinent to our faith and walk with Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon has a different take on fear. He says that many true believers are afraid that they may, perhaps, not be truly saved. He also says that , "He that fears the most, believes the most." Following is a 14 minute sermon audio video of Spurgeon that goes into more detail:
In the sermon above, Spurgeon repeats the fact that all true believers are familiar with: "... it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before Him."
We need strong faith to persevere in this old, evil, and chaotic world we find ourselves living in; this last hour of the last days, according to Bible prophecy. Speaking about prophecy, many things spoken of in the Bible concerning the end times are occuring right now! Or are at least, some of them, are precursors to said prophetic events.
Remember, we need faith to please the heavenly Father.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6
If we have a deep, abiding faith in the good Lord, we will not be consumed by anxiety and fear.
"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." - Isaiah 26:3
True believers need to be like the determined tree in my photograph above. Despite what seems like an insurmountable obstacle (the precarious angle of the land in which it has its roots reaching out every which way), it has the determination to hang in there and grow strong and tall. Things may not be perfect for it, but the tree has adapted and has reached for the sky above where it thrives in the light of the sun. We, as Christians, need to be as determined as that tree, as we look above to the Son for growth and sustenance; as we have a faith that overcomes all obstacles.
I enjoy my time with you as I write to you each week. I pray that if there are any out there who are not born again, not a true believer in Jesus Christ the Savior, that you turn to the Lord now in repentance and faith in Jesus. He loves you. You do not have a guarantee that you will even be alive tomorrow. Turn to the Lord now, before it is too late.
Romans 10: 9,10,13 tells us: (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" - John 11:25-26
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend..... and life !
