James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 

Anxiety, panic, anger, confusion…all of these emotions can be generated when trouble comes your way. I recall vividly a time when I faced something much bigger than my confidence and it consumed me to the point I was physically sick. And from my view, nothing was within reach to overcome one of the greatest challenges of my career. 

But God. 

You get to a point when the only thing you can do is pray to God, which I did, continually, until the moment I faced the challenge. God came through on my behalf and in the process my faith became stronger and a closeness to God like I've never experienced before. 

It may seem ridiculous to find joy in the trying times of life, but let me assure you, God will fight for you when you earnestly seek Him for help. Whatever you are going thru right now, trust God with your cry for help, and He will bring you through it and experience a joy like no other. 

 Ephesians 2:8-9

[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Forgiveness, it can be one of the most difficult things to do for others, especially when the hurt runs deep. Oh, the offender can apologize, maybe even correct the wrong they did towards you, but sometimes that's just not enough to find it in your heart to forgive. How can you get to the point of offering forgiveness when everything inside you wants to seek revenge, cut them out of your life, block them on social media, and so forth? 

We just witnessed Charlie Kirk's wife state that she forgave the man who took her husband's life. I can't imagine how painful that decision had to be for her, but as a child of God, she knew she had to forgive. Nothing the shooter could do will right his wrong, it was up to Mrs Kirk to take a brave step forward to forgive. 

Today's verse sheds light on God's forgiveness of our sins. Nothing we can do on our own can gain His approval. He willingly forgives those who come to Him in faith by accepting Jesus Christ. Many try to right their wrongs, even live a near perfect life, but none of that truly matters, it's God's love and grace that is powerful enough to call you redeemed. 

It's wise to live in obedience, but just know your efforts to make things right will only exhaust your soul. Live with the peace and assurance in knowing all your wrongs have been righted by Jesus Christ. 

 For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under e those who rose up against me. Psalms 18:39

 For many working people, Sundays can be a dread, thinking about the start of a new workweek on Monday. The battles expected, whether it’s your computer, people, or situations beyond your control; these things can consume your mind and zap any enjoyment you’ve experienced at the start of the weekend. Are you one of those people who dread Monday on Sunday? If so, read on….

 The bible is full of stories about people who faced battles, greater than anything they’ve experienced, and each time, they turned to God for help and He helped them become victorious over their enemies.  David was no different. He faced a giant in battle, he battled with a jealous king who tried to hunt him down, and even battled against his own flesh and blood. But with each battle, God protected him and armed him for the battle’s he faced.

 God has not changed his offer to help those who seek after Him. Simply praying something like this “Dear God, I am facing this battle of _________________ and it’s causing me anxiety and dread today. Please equip me for the battle ahead and prepare a smooth path forward as I look to you for strength, wisdom, and courage to face what’s coming on Monday. Thank you for always watching over me!” When you give it to God with faith, He calms your heart, mind, and soul, which gives you more time to experience the blessings of Sunday, and not stay in turmoil.

 Thus says the Lord to you: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15

 What battle are you facing tomorrow that’s on your mind today? Give it to God, by faith, and watch Him fight the battle on your behalf. God bless!

 

 Psalms 18:28 For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

There was a time in my life when I had several options, with regards to my college degree and an opportunity to take part in a 2 year Coop, which would delay my graduation date, but provide me real life experience in the workforce. I felt totally in the dark, not knowing which path to choose. After much prayer, God responded with open and closed doors. I chose the Coop and it led me to a career that gave me a future, and now I'm enjoying the benefits of retirement.

You might be in the dark about a decision that's facing you. Let God light your path through prayer and faith in how He responds. Sometimes the path may seem overwhelming or difficult, but with a little faith, you can follow in confidence knowing His plan is best for your life's journey. 

 Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

When Jesus shared with His disciples that He would be crucified, Peter tried to hush Jesus because he didn't want or believe it would happen to this man he followed faithfully for 3 years. I'm sure Peter’s heart was pure, but He couldn't see beyond God's plan for Jesus and saving all of mankind from their sins. Jesus could plainly see Satan was whispering in Peter's ear to deny what was about to happen. 

God has a special plan for your life and Satan knows it. He will do everything in his limited power to disrupt, even thwart that plan, so you too will doubt God's future for your life. He often attacks Christians by doubting their salvation. Like, how could God forgive all the crazy stuff you've done in your life. If you believe that lie, Satan has already been working on you. 

So how do you fight back against an evil force that targets your faith? By telling Satan to hush, binding him in the name of Jesus Christ. Friend, there is power in the name of Jesus. Demons flee when the name of Jesus is spoken, because they already know what their future holds! Misery loves company, so why not target as many people, including you. 

You might have to say it daily, even minute by minute, but when you say, “Satan, I bind you in the name of Jesus Christ” you push him away at that moment, giving you room to listen to God's voice. Trust me, it works. Even as I type this blog, I can feel the darkness trying to overcome me, but with Jesus Christ, I have nothing to worry over, His name is above all names. Call out to Him today. 

 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

 Yesterday we lost another vocal Christian who stood up for what he believed. Taking to the college campuses to speak the truth of God’s word, Charlie Kirk was shot dead in the middle of an assembly. His final words before being killed: Jesus loves you and shared the love of Christ with the thousands in attendance.

 Today’s scripture sums up his life. He was not afraid to share the biblical truth. Although he never attended college, he saw the direction our youth were going, being misled by the woke agenda being taught in classrooms, on college campuses and everywhere on social media; the feeding grounds of our next generation. Although many people debated him, he still stood for the truth, and I’m certain opened the eyes of thousands of young adults who Satan had blinded using teachers, professors, and important people in the lives they admired.

 If you are a child of God, you should carry on the work that Charlie and so many others continue to do for the sake of Jesus Christ. We’ve hidden behind church walls long enough, it’s time for the good news of Jesus Christ is shared within our families, communities, across this nation, and around the world. You might not be able to travel to another country, but you can help financially and prayerfully support missions through your local church. Jesus said it well in Matthew 9:37 “the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few”.

 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

 Charlie Kirk, enjoy your reward in Heaven, you’ve earned it!

 

 I John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

Since the beginning of time, people find ways to blame others for their sins or wrong doing. Eve blamed the devil for tempting her to eat the forbidden fruit, Adam blamed Eve, comedian Flip Wilson blamed the devil for his misdeeds. Yesterday's news reported a man stabbed his wife to death because he couldn't take her anymore. It's easy to blame others, but the truth is, each one of us makes a conscious decision to sin. 

Today's verse has some eye opening wisdom, as it says anyone born of God (a Christian) cannot sin. That sounds like a tall order, but God doesn't take sin lightly. He didn't send His Son Jesus Christ to the cross for sins payment just so you can pick and choose your pleasures that are opposite of His moral standards. We can't blame others or our situations for choosing to sin, we bear that responsibility. 

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

As God's children, we must take obedience seriously. Obedience is a choice and when you remove the ease of temptation, living rightly for God becomes easier. Why put yourself in a situation that you know will tempt you? Guard your steps, protect your mind, and seek after Godly wisdom in His word and your life will simply align with Jesus Christ. Sinful living will have no place in your heart, mind, and soul.