Your Security Is in God

Walls can fall. Kingdoms can change. Circumstances can turn overnight.

But God remains the same.

Psalm 48 reminds us that our ultimate security isn't found in earthly strength—it is found in the presence of God.

He is our God forever and ever.

#Psalm48 #GodIsOurStrength #GodIsFaithful #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy
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There are different levels of friendship . You can have friends 🏾‍🏻‍🏻‍🏽‍who are with you for a season. Then there are friends 🏽‍🏻🏾‍🏼who stick around for a reason. Your true friends however are the ones who stay for life . Those ones will be there no matter what happens to you. In good times and bad times. The problem however is that, sometimes we can't tell the difference between the three. We confuse the seasonal and reason -based friends with the lifelong friends. This creates shock waves that can hinder progress. Until you learn to distinguish the levels of friendship, you will get heartbreak upon heartbreak . In John 6:67, Jesus asked His disciples if they will leave Him too. This was after some people 🏾‍🏻🏽‍🏽‍turned and walked away from Him. You would think that Jesus would try and pamper the rest to stick around... but He asked if they will leave too. This is because He understood that not everyone will go with you to the end (If people walked away from Jesus they will walk away from you too). Therefore He didn't handle them all the same way. Among the 12, there were times He selected only Peter, James and John(the 3) 🏻🏾‍🏾‍to be with Him. Even among the 3, John🏻 was called the beloved apostle who could put his head on Jesus' chest(JN.13:23). Learn to distinguish between the levels and types of friends in your life and save yourself trauma ‍ upon trauma ‍. If you don't do that, you can even lose the ones 🏻‍🏾‍🏻‍who will want to stay with you for a lifetime because you will end up treating them like everyone else. Friendships are supposed to make our lives better but can really be a problem if you don't know how to handle it. Know how to treat people based on these differences and your life will be so much better. Have a lovely day .

The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND "THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE"

“Through All the Changing Scenes of Life” is a hymn of steadfast faith, written for Christians facing the uncertainties, joys and trials of everyday life.

The words were written by Nahum Tate (1652–1715) and Nicholas Brady (1659–1726), who were responsible for the influential 1696 New Version of the Psalms of David. The hymn is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 34, particularly its message that those who trust in God can turn to Him in every circumstance.

The opening lines immediately establish its central theme:

“Through all the changing scenes of life,
In trouble and in joy,
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.”

The hymn does not promise a life without difficulty. Instead, it presents a simple Christian response to changing circumstances: whether life brings trouble or joy, God remains worthy of praise. Later verses speak of seeking God in times of distress, finding Him near to those who call upon Him, and trusting His care.

What makes the hymn particularly enduring is its honesty. Life changes, circumstances change, and human strength can fail, but the hymn points to something that does not change, God's faithfulness.

It has therefore become a much-loved hymn of devotion, especially in Anglican and other Christian traditions, and is often sung at services where themes of trust, perseverance, gratitude and God's unfailing presence are central.

The message of the hymn:
Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, sorrow or happiness, uncertainty or peace , we can continue to praise God and place our confidence in Him.

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Taking Directions.

Why is it that so many people have a problem with taking directions? At some time in our lives, most of us have probably used the phrase, “Don’t tell me what to do!” because no one really enjoys being “bossed around.” But learning to take directions starts as a toddler, and the older we become, the more complicated or challenging those directions can be. Children know that if they don’t obey, there will be a consequence. Students soon learn that if they want to pass on to the next grade, they must listen to their teacher and follow her instructions. Adults understand fully that if they don’t do what their boss is asking, then they’ll lose their jobs. And patients can’t expect to get well or have their health improve if they won’t take the advice of their doctor. So it is with our spiritual life. God’s given us His Holy Word as an instruction manual to help us on our journey here on earth. When we follow what He tells us to do, we not only avoid the pain, heartache, and pitfalls along the way, but we also draw closer to our Lord and Savior! Learning to take directions is absolutely essential if we want to have a joy-filled life and extremely crucial if we want a rich spiritual life and enjoy a close relationship with our best Friend, Jesus. Text: Jeremiah 7:23, Luke 11:28, Deuteronomy 4:2

Ellen G. White
Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.
Commentary:
Christ’s words in regard to our duty to the poor show the spirit in which all work for God is to be done, and open a field where all may find something to do. “The poor always ye have with you” (John 12:8), said Jesus, and none need complain that there is no place where they can labor for Christ. As long as there are hungry ones in God’s world to be fed, naked ones to be clothed, perishing souls that need the bread of life, there is work for us to do. Every comfort we have, every gracious gift of God to us, every piece of money needlessly expended, pleads for the poor and the naked. 11LtMs, Ms 58, 1896, par. 22

Need to know.
The Bible says that death itself will be destroyed.

“The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”
1 Corinthians 15:26

Revelation shows us when this happens:

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14

Death is cast into the lake of fire because the lake of fire is where death reaches its final end. The wicked are judged, they suffer the penalty of sin, and they die the second death. Once the last sinner has perished, there is no one left to die.

That is why the next chapter can say:

“There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain.”
Revelation 21:4

This is the sequence Scripture gives:

the wicked are cast into the lake of fire → they die the second death → death itself is abolished → there is no more death.

Eternal conscious torment reverses that logic. It requires the lost to continue forever in a condition Scripture calls “the second death.” But if death continues forever, how has the last enemy ever been destroyed?

Romans 6:23 gives the same contrast plainly:

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life…”

The lost are not given eternal life in suffering. Eternal life is the gift of the saved. The wages of sin is death.

The lake of fire does not preserve death forever. It is where death comes to an end.

Did you know?
Praying to the dead is not a harmless tradition. It is communication with the dead — and God plainly forbids it.

The Bible does not say, “Seek the saints.” It says, “Should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19).

That is the issue.
You can call it veneration, intercession, or honour — but if a living person is directing requests to the dead, it is still seeking the dead on behalf of the living.

God explicitly condemned this practice:
“There shall not be found among you anyone… who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.” (Deuteronomy 18:10–12)

And Scripture gives us no reason to pray to the dead in the first place:

The dead do not know anything (Ecclesiastes 9:5)
Their thoughts perish (Psalm 146:4)
There is one Mediator between God and men — Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5)

So the biblical pattern is simple:
Seek God, not the dead.
Pray to the Father, through Jesus Christ.

If the dead cannot hear you, your prayers are wasted. And if something does answer, it is not holy.

A Nugget of Truth.
There comes a point when we realize that nothing in this world can truly give lasting peace. Money can disappear, circumstances can change overnight, and even the strongest people eventually reach the end of their own strength. The only place where the soul finds real security is in Jesus Christ. His blood was shed so that we could be forgiven, restored, and brought back to God.

When we place our trust in Him, we are not trusting in our own ability to survive life's storms, but in the Savior who has already overcome sin and death. That does not mean life will always be easy, but it means we never have to face it alone. No matter how uncertain the future seems, those who belong to Christ can rest in His promises because He never abandons His own.

As the psalmist wrote, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). The Bible also reminds us, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14). So instead of placing our confidence in temporary things, let us draw near to the Lord each day, knowing that the safest place we can ever be is in the hands of Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Daily Bible Lesson.
CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE?

THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16

We usually think a lie must be spoken.

But can deception also be displayed?

A complexion made to appear different.
Artificial lashes presented as natural.
Artificial nails.
Artificial hair.
Filters that create another face.
An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real.

Here is the searching question:

IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES?

God is not against beauty.

HE CREATED BEAUTY.

But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture:

THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER.
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① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE

“Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25

Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence.

We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression.

So before the mirror, ask:

“AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?”

Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.”

The biblical principle is broader and deeper:

WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE.

And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest.

God wants truth not merely upon our lips—

“Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6
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② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER

Peter redirects our attention:

“Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4

Paul adds:

“In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10

God moves beauty:

FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER.
FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY.
FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL.
FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST.

No foundation can produce purity.

No lipstick can create kindness.

No artificial lashes can produce humility.

No wig can manufacture contentment.

No filter can create holiness.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
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③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH”

Cover this.

Lengthen that.

Darken this.

Lighten that.

Change the hair.

Reshape the face.

Hide every imperfection.

And tomorrow—

BUY SOMETHING ELSE.

Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics.

The mirror begins preaching:

“GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.”

But Scripture answers:

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

Your deepest question is not:

“Am I attractive enough for people?”

It is:

“AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?”
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④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS

Science requires honesty.

Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people.

But cosmetic does not mean risk-free.

Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients.

Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people.

Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection.

False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens.

So the Christian principle of health asks:

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE?

BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH.

And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally.

THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON.
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⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE

The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers:

“DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.”

When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement…

when compliments determine our worth…

when comparison controls our happiness…

when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws…

when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy—

THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON.

Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress.

The gospel offers another identity:

YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR.

It was demonstrated at CALVARY.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19

YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH.
THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM.
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⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY

Ask what artificial beauty may consume:

MONEY that could bless others.

TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service.

THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things.

CONTENTMENT through constant comparison.

SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion.

HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions.

And potentially—

SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?”

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

That makes this deeply personal:

HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME?
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⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY?

Not because neglect is holy.

Not because attractiveness is sinful.

Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain.

And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face.

Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better:

TRUTH instead of artificial impression.
CONTENTMENT instead of comparison.
HEALTH instead of needless exposure.
MODESTY instead of display.
STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense.
FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance.
CHRIST instead of self at the center.

Ellen White wrote:

“God is the author of all beauty.”

Christian simplicity therefore does not mean:

“MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.”

It means:

STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL.

Be clean.
Be neat.
Be healthy.
Be modest.
Be appropriately dressed.
Be beautifully Christlike.

BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY.
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⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL

We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees—

and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES.

Correct the complexion—
while leaving anger untouched.

Arrange the hair—
while neglecting prayer.

Perfect the outward appearance—
while tolerating pride.

Cover blemishes—
while hiding cherished sin.

Then Jesus takes us past the mirror:

“Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26

CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK.
HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

**HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY.

HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.**
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⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS

Is it truthful?
Is it modest?
Is it necessary?
Is it healthful?
Is it good stewardship?

Am I content with how God made me?

Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self?

Christianity does not merely ask:

“WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?”

Love asks:

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
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CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN

Makeup can change a complexion.

Artificial hair can change an appearance.

A filter can change a photograph.

BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

He replaces—

vanity with humility,
comparison with contentment,
insecurity with identity in Him,
self-display with modesty,
falsehood with truth.

This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance.

REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION.
REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION.

Bring Him the insecurity.
Bring Him the vanity.
Bring Him the craving for approval.
BRING HIM THE MIRROR.

“Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

Every cosmetic eventually washes away.
Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside.

Youthful beauty fades.

BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER.

LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE.
LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL.
LET THE HEART BE TRUE.
LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST.
AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.

THE FOUNDATION PROMISE OF GOD ACTED ON FIRST BEFORE ALL OTHER PROMISES OF GOD!!!
REPENT AND ACT ON THIS PROMISE OF GOD, BUT THE WORLD CANNOT UNLESS GOD GIVES YOU THE ABILITY!!!
PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD DO NOT BELIEVE ALL THAT THEY WILL EVER DO OF THEMSELVES IS FILTHY RAGS BEFORE GOD.
ONLY GOD IS PERFECTLY HOLY AND GOD DIED FOR YOUR FILTHY RAGS ON THE CROSS, NOW TRUST IN THAT IF YOU CAN.
ONLY GOD GIVES THE ABILITY TO DO THAT!!!!!
THIS WILL HELP, BUT YOU WILL NOT ACT, www.whythewhitemanrules.com