Scripture Life

Biblical Encouragement

Love God with all your heart and mind

The whole reason for this website isn't just for you to be encouraged or to learn more about the bible but to also help you draw closer to Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour. Every day it seems things are getting worse in the world but we should have no fear. In John chapter 14 verse 27, Jesus said "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

Whenever we talk about our christain walk we need to realize how important it is that the love of Jesus Christ is unwaivering. In Hebrews chapter 13 it's written that God will never leave you nor forsake you. That's a promise by Him in your christain walk. Remember to always stay on the right path when it comes to your walk by reading and studying your bible daily and staying in prayer with Him. In 2 Timothy chapter 2 verses 14-15 Paul writes, 14. "Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."

Stay Strong

I know, it's very hard to stay strong in the Lord everyday. Paul writes in Ephesians chapter 6 that we need to put on the whole armor of God. Starting in verse 10 he writes "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

Paul writes this because he knows how much of a struggle it will be to live in this life as a christain. In the books of Acts you will read all about the struggles Paul had in his life. He was beaten, kidnapped, threatened, arrested and many more. Paul also speaks about struggling with sin in Romans chapter 7 verse 17 and 18 he says "17. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not." We need to remember what he states in Ephesians, stay strong in the Lord, He will guide you through any trial that you have. Let me conclude with these verses in Psalm chapter 33 verses 20-22, "20. Our soul waits for the Lord, He is our help and our shield. 21. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. 22. Let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in you."

A living hope, and a sure salvation

1 Peter chapter 1 verse 3. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." We have that living hope in Jesus Christ knowing what He did for us on the cross. Our sure salvation comes from Believing and putting your faith in Jesus Christ. 1 Peter chapter 1 verse 7 says "So that the proof of your faith, being more precious then gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Jesus Christ is the only hope we have in this world. Knowing Him and drawing closer to Him by reading His word and praying will always keep that hope alive. Make sure you rejoice in that hope also, like what the bible says in Roman chapter 12 verse 12 "Rejoicing in hope, perserving in tribulation, devoted in prayer." If you put all your hope in Jesus Christ it will bring peace into your life that you thought you would never feel. You can also have hope in the sureness of salvation, as the bible says in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verser 8 "But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation." Realizing what the bible says about having hope in Jesus Christ will make your christain walk much more peaceful through days of unrest.

Godly Living

I want to remind you to live like Christ every day, because as christains that's what we need to do. In Titus chapter 3 Paul writes in verse 4 "4. But when the kindess of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, 5. He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6. whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7. so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

We are called as christains to live like Christ did. In Philippians chater 2 verse 5 the bible says "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." Once you become a follower of Jesus Christ everything in your walk should change. How you act, talk and respond to things should change. It's called the fruits of the spirit, and that's what every true christain should obtain once they have the Holy Spirit living in them. Galatians chapter 5 verses 22-23 explain this by saying "22. But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindess, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." So just remember to keep the faith and live like Christ lived.

Faith Alone

This is a subject I'm adamant about, faith alone. I could give you many verses and chapters on this subject but that would be almost all of Pauls letters, so I'm going to just give a couple. First, we'll start in Galatians chapter 3 where Paul writes "1. You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2. This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3. Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4. Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5. So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 6. Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. 7. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9. So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer."

As you can see, Paul was very adamant too. In Romans chapter 1 verse 16-17 it says "16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We must believe in him with true faith and repent of our sins, we must turn to Jesus.

Faith Alone

I'm going to stay on the subject of faith alone for another post. Let's continue looking at scripture to show what the bible says. Turn to Galatians chapter 2 verse 16, "16. nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified." Paul clearly writes about being justified through faith alone. He makes it very clear multiple times in his letters, that you need faith in Jesus Christ in order to have salvation.

Many verses in Romans let us know about faith alone also. Looking at Romans we could just pick verses such as Romans 3:20,22,28; 4:3,5; 5:1; 11:6; 4:16, and many more. I could keep going with even more scripture that tells us that it is through faith that we're saved. Many people believe you need works along with faith, Theres a verse that they may mention in James 2:17 "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." As you can see, he says "being by itself", he is stating that if you say you have faith in Jesus Christ and have nothing to show for it and you're not producing works through your faith, how can anyone believe you're saved. I truly believe we as believers need to do what Jesus commanded and make deciples of all nations and spread the gospel as much as we can, but by doing this, it requires us to work. Listen, faith alone saves you, but faith produces works after salvation, don't get those confused.

Good Works

Let's talk about good works, for this I'm going to reference the London Baptist Confession of 1689. This book is a confession to what we as believers actually believe when it comes to the bible. This book should NEVER take importance over the Holy Bible. You can use it for a study guide to help you better understand what certain subjects mean in the bible.

In chapter 16 of the London Bapist confession, it talks about the "good works" of believers. It says "these good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively believer." In James 2:18,22 the bible says 18. "But someone may well say, You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." 22. "You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected." What James is saying here is that a true believer will have the fruits to show that they have faith in Jesus Christ. The LBC also says "their ability to do good works is not all of themselves, but wholly from the spirit of Christ." John 15: 4-5 says 4. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." 5. "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." It is clear, as true believers we are changed through the power of Jesus, and it will show through our good works.

The Holy Scriptures

This is from the LBC 1689 and I believe it describes perfectly a short definition of the Holy Scriptures. In chapter 1 is states "The Holy Scriptures is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience, although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and His will which is necessary unto salvation."

In 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Paul writes 14. "You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15. and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17. so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." Paul states that the bible is the "inspired word of God" and it needs to be used not only to teach, but to correct and for training in righteousness. The Holy Bible needs to be used as the guideline for every christains walk. In chapter 1 of the LBC is also states "the authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God."

Praise to the Creator and Perserver

Psalm 33 is one of my favorite chapters in all the bible. As you know the book of Psalm is giving praises to the Lord, and is a book of worship. The 33rd chapter, like almost all of the chapters in the book, start with giving praise to the Lord by saying "1. Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. 2. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings." It should always fill the christian with tremendous joy while reading these verses since you're proclaiming God's glory.

In chapter 33:20-22 the bible says "Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You." Verses 20-22 are probably my favorite verses in the whole bible. Whenever I read these verses it gives me encouragement and joy. Never cease to give God the glory, honor and praise that He deserves. He is the creator of everything, and that includes you and me. when you feel discouraged with life, or feel like you're alone, try reading the book of Psalm. In the LBC chapter 22 paragraph 1 it states "The light of nature shows that there is a God, who has lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and does good to all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might." Praise God without ceasing, pray to Him everday, and become closer to Him.

The Goal of Life

Philippians chapter 3 is a very powerful chapter. In verses 7-11 Paul writes "7. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9. and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10. that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11. in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."

Paul writes that there is nothing in this world that he has gained that is more important then Jesus. If you keep this mindset in life, you'll have a very humble attitude towards who you are as a christian. There's nothing that should take over your devotion to Jesus. Paul goes further in the rest of the chapter, he writes in verses 14-21 "14. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16. however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. 17. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19. whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21. who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." Let's follow the example of Paul and live a life full of Jesus Christ.

Wisdom from Above

The Bible talks a lot about having wisdom, specifically Godly wisdom. As we grow more everyday in our walk with Jesus we will get that wisdom if we study His word and pray. In James chapter 3 he speaks about this wisdom starting in verse 13 "13. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

James writes that being bitter with jealousy and selfishness is not from God but from the world, he even goes as far as to say that its demonic. Looking to God for wisdom is the only way to have true wisdom. In Romans chapter 13 verse 13-14 Paul writes "13. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." Paul encourages us to walk according to Jesus, to follow in His foot steps. It may be hard to continually walk properly living in this world with all the worldy pleasures that may go on. We will fall short, we will fail, but God is faithful and just. 1 john 1:9 says this very clearly "9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." In Proverbs 2:6 the Bible says "6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;" We need to pray for each other daily to have that wisdom the Bible speaks about, and to always study to learn from what God has to say.

Put on the New Self

Colossians chapter 3 states "1. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." As stated before when the Bible spoke about wisdom, we must seak everything from above. As you go through life you'll have trials that come at you. Paul urges us as christains to walk like Jesus walked, and to be as close to Him as possible. Paul continues writing "5. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." If we don't take these writings seriously we will be hurting ourselves.

Paul keeps digging deeper with all the fleshly desires we have as humans, he writes "8. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices." He makes it a point to always stray away from what we use to be as sinners and to repent of your sins. But, finally, Paul brings some light to his writings "10. and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all." Paul is making it clear in this verse that we're all God's children if we come to Jesus. I just want to encourage christains to look above for all the wisdom and knowledge you need, it will help you grow in your faith.

Teach Sound Doctrine

The book of Titus is a letter that Paul was writing to Titus for encouragement and wisdom. He also laid out the guidelines for elders and teaching sound doctrine. Paul, as always, was very adamant when it came to how the church was to operate, and how elders and deacons were to act. Paul writes in chapter 1 of Titus what the qualifications of elders need to be. He states in verse 6-9 of chapter 1 "6. if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8. but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." Paul states that the elders must give sound doctrine and to rebuke those who contradict it. Every elder must take this position seriously.

Paul continues writing about teaching sound doctrine in chapter 2 "1. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4. and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5. to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8. and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10. not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. 11. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12. training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13. waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14. who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you." We must live as Jesus lived, not just as examples, but because that's what we're called to do.

To Live is Christ

In the first chapter of Philippians Paul writes that to "live is Christ, and to die is gain." What he meant by that is as long as he is living he will live for Christ. That is a beautiful testimony from Paul. We all need to follow along with what he says and live in that manner also. In Philippians chapter 1 starting in verse 19 Paul writes "19. for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20. as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26. so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."

As long as we live, we need to live for Christ. He continues his writing in Philippians "27. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28. and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30. engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have." Paul encourages the christian to stand firm in the Spirit of Christ, and not to stray away from it. Also, don't be afraid of your opponents to the Gospel of Christ, because this is a clear sign of their destruction.

A Life Pleasing to God

Once you become a believer in Jesus Christ you will start seeing changes in your life, one of those changes is turning away from lust. Paul writes about this in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 starting in verse 1 "1. Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4. that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5. not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6. that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you." He also speaks that no one transgress and wrong his brother.

Paul also speaks about brotherly love towards one another. Whenever you become a christian, the love of God will be more acknowledged in your walk. We learn to have this love with others in the next verse "9. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10. for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11. and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12. so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." We must always be reminded to be what we're called to be, lovers of God and not of the world.

Pray for All People

We may go through life forgetting that part of our christian walk is prayer. Prayer is powerful and is very important. In 1 Timothy the bible says "1. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2. for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4. who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6. who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth."

God wants to have a relationship with us every day. In Romans it says "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." We are to be constant in prayer. In Matthew 26:41 Jesus says "41. Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Jesus says that keeping in prayer will keep you from temptation. We must always keep our eyes on Jesus for his help. In Proverbs the bible says that God hears us "The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous." In these times of trials, it is very important to pray. This world seems to be getting worse, so the best thing that we can do as christians is pray.

The Value of Wisdom

Proverbs, the book of wisdom, and one of my favorite books of the Old Testament. If you seek wisdom in any aspect then you should read this book. In chapter 2 the bible speaks of having the value of wisdom. "1. My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2. making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3. yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4. if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5. then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7. he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8. guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. 9. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10. for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11. discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, 12. delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, 13. who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, 14. who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil, 15. men whose paths are crooked, and who are devious in their ways."

We should pray for wisdom every day, God is who gives this wisdom. I know in my prayers, I ask for wisdom almost every time I pray. The book continues saying "16. So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, 17. who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God; 18. for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the departed; 19. none who go to her come back, nor do they regain the paths of life. 20. So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, 22. but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it." As you can see, the bible says that you will walk in the way of the good and keep on the path of the righteous if you seek heavenly wisdom.

Have No Fear

Jesus tells us in Luke to not have any fear, and He gives examples as to why we shouldn't. In Luke 12:4-7 Jesus said "4. I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Jesus encourages us to not fear the things of this world and that God is the only thing that we should fear.

Paul the apostle also gives some encouragement when it comes to not having fear as christians. In Philippians 1:21 He writes "21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He also says in 2 Timothy 1:7 "7. for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." I understand that we will have our own specific fears in life, but there should be an inner peace knowing you're a child of God's. In Isaiah 41:10 the Bible says "10. fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Continually looking to God for your strength will keep you away from fear as it says in Psalms 34:4 "4. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." In these times, it is very easy to look at whats going on in the world and to be afraid of the future. God says not to be, He is in unltimate control, There is nothing that has happened or will happen that He doesn't know about. Remember to pray, seek what God wants by coming closer to Him and everything will be ok.

God is our Fortress

God is our fortress in times of trouble as is says in Psalms 46 "1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3. though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah." We must look to God for our strength. I know that when I get anxiety or when things get tough in this world I look to the Bible and pray to God for comfort. We know that he is the creator of all things, so why do we not seek Him in our struggles. I want to encourage each of you reading this, please seek God.

I would like to continue in Psalms 46 "4. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8. Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah." Let's examine where we stand with God. Let's place our trust in Him. Let's acknowledge Gods glory and mercy in our lives with lifted hands and in praise.

Do Not Grow Weary

The Lord tells us not to grow weary here on earth. The bible tells us about this in Hebrews 12 "3. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."

The bible encourages us to think about what Jesus went through for us here on this earth. There was pain and suffering, blood shed and anguish. He did all of this because He loves us and wants us to come to Him. Whenever you're in any type of anguish just remember Jesus loves you. Sin will always be an issue, but we need to fight the good fight. I know when I study my bible all I think about is Jesus and it keeps me away from any temptations. Remember, He is our help in times of trouble. The bible also speaks about the discipline from the Lord and that it's a good thing because He disciplines the ones He loves. I'm encouraged when I see this, just like a parent, they discipline not out of hatred, but out of love. The bible speaks about this continuing in Hebrews 12 "7. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8. If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?"

God is Love

1 John 4:7-12 "7. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." God's love has time and time again been poured out on us. He showed ultimate love by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins.

Whenever you read about God and His love, you realize it's a type of love that's not of this world. It can be hard to realize how loving of a God he truly is because we like to compare Him to our earthly father. You need to realize nobody is perfect in this world, we all have sin to deal with everything day and the love we express can never match God's love. 1 John 4:13-17 "13. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world." As christians, we have that love in us because of the Holy Spirit. We have come to realize and feel that love of God and it should give us joy knowing this.

Praying for Guidance

How many times do I have to pray for guidance before I can see it clearly. I know you give wisdom (James 1:5) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." I know you give strength (Philippians 4:13) "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." I know you give Grace (2 Corinthians 9:8) "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." But, in my flesh I become blinded to you, the shroud over my eyes.

I’m remindeed that in my weakness your strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9) "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." You are here in my troubles (Psalm 46:1-3)"1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah." You know we will suffer for you (1 Peter 5:10) "10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." Lord, please continue to open my eyes to you. Help me become better in times of trial. Give me great wisdom so that I’m able to help others for your glory. Amen.

Keep us from sin, O Lord

(Psalm 51:1-15) "1 ¶ To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 ¶ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 ¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 ¶ Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise."

David speaks of his sins, and he proclaims them to God. You can feel the pain in his soul as he writes this. This can help us know we have a God that will restore you no matter your sins. I was born a sinner, but you have saved me. You have opened my eyes to the evil in this world. I’m blessed to have a savior such as you. No matter my sins, you have saved me from them. O Lord, keep me on the path towards righteousness and keep me upright. I pray that I don’t fall into the temptations of this world. I pray that you continually guard me from sin. I have a sorrow seeing the way this world is, but I have joy and hope in you. Amen.