• The Lord says:
    “I will rescue, protect, and answer those who love Me and trust in My name. I will be with them in trouble, honor them, and give them My salvation.” Psalm 91:14–16
    The Lord says: 🙏❤️ “I will rescue, protect, and answer those who love Me and trust in My name. I will be with them in trouble, honor them, and give them My salvation.” Psalm 91:14–16
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  • **A hard word for Pastor who turned the altar into a business.

    This needs to be said, and it's going to hurt those who need to hear it: a pastor doesn't own the sheep. The people God placed in your care aren't yours — they belong to Him. And the Owner of the flock will demand an account of every single one. Remember the parable of the wicked tenants? The owner of the vineyard sends, demands, and in the end asks for a reckoning of everything done with what was His (Matthew 21:33-41). No one will escape that accounting — not even those who used the name of Jesus to profit off other people's faith.

    Jesus was clear when He sent out the disciples: *"Freely you have received, freely give"* (Matthew 10:8). Healing, delivering, praying for the afflicted — this was never meant to be sold. When someone charges to "deliver," charges to "anoint," charges to "break a curse," they're profiting off the pain of desperate people. And Jesus has harsh words for that: *"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in"* (Matthew 23:13). Blocking the path of those who seek God, using faith as a trap, is one of the most serious things there is.

    And there's another danger, just as serious: preaching only what people want to hear. Pretty prophecies, promises of prosperity, a message that pleases but never confronts anyone's sin. That's not shepherding — that's people-pleasing. Paul warns: *"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee"* (1 Timothy 4:16). Notice: the pastor will also give an account for his own soul, and for the souls of those he led astray.

    And remember: every sheep lost because of your negligence, your greed, or your lies — their blood falls on your head. God already warned the prophet Ezekiel about this: if the watchman sees danger and doesn't warn the people, and someone dies because of it, *"his blood will I require at the watchman's hand"* (Ezekiel 33:6). A pastor who deceives, who charges money, who pretends to care but only exploits — will answer not only for his own soul, but for the soul of every person lost because of him.

    Because in the end, what good is it to gain the whole world — a full church, an imported car, a mansion, fame — and lose your own life? After the curtain of time comes eternity. And there, your works will follow you. If they were good, the reward is already prepared. But if they were evil… remember the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, in torment, begged for a single drop of water, because there the fire is never quenched (Luke 16:19-31). No one leaves there afterward. There is no second chance after eternity.

    If you're a pastor who charges to pray, charges to deliver, and preaches only what pleases — stop now. There's still time to repent and return to serving with integrity, the way Jesus taught. And if you're one of the people, and you've already paid, already felt used, know this: God doesn't charge you anything to set you free. Salvation, healing, deliverance — all of it was already paid for on the cross. Freely.
    **A hard word for Pastor who turned the altar into a business. This needs to be said, and it's going to hurt those who need to hear it: a pastor doesn't own the sheep. The people God placed in your care aren't yours — they belong to Him. And the Owner of the flock will demand an account of every single one. Remember the parable of the wicked tenants? The owner of the vineyard sends, demands, and in the end asks for a reckoning of everything done with what was His (Matthew 21:33-41). No one will escape that accounting — not even those who used the name of Jesus to profit off other people's faith. Jesus was clear when He sent out the disciples: *"Freely you have received, freely give"* (Matthew 10:8). Healing, delivering, praying for the afflicted — this was never meant to be sold. When someone charges to "deliver," charges to "anoint," charges to "break a curse," they're profiting off the pain of desperate people. And Jesus has harsh words for that: *"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in"* (Matthew 23:13). Blocking the path of those who seek God, using faith as a trap, is one of the most serious things there is. And there's another danger, just as serious: preaching only what people want to hear. Pretty prophecies, promises of prosperity, a message that pleases but never confronts anyone's sin. That's not shepherding — that's people-pleasing. Paul warns: *"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee"* (1 Timothy 4:16). Notice: the pastor will also give an account for his own soul, and for the souls of those he led astray. And remember: every sheep lost because of your negligence, your greed, or your lies — their blood falls on your head. God already warned the prophet Ezekiel about this: if the watchman sees danger and doesn't warn the people, and someone dies because of it, *"his blood will I require at the watchman's hand"* (Ezekiel 33:6). A pastor who deceives, who charges money, who pretends to care but only exploits — will answer not only for his own soul, but for the soul of every person lost because of him. Because in the end, what good is it to gain the whole world — a full church, an imported car, a mansion, fame — and lose your own life? After the curtain of time comes eternity. And there, your works will follow you. If they were good, the reward is already prepared. But if they were evil… remember the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, in torment, begged for a single drop of water, because there the fire is never quenched (Luke 16:19-31). No one leaves there afterward. There is no second chance after eternity. If you're a pastor who charges to pray, charges to deliver, and preaches only what pleases — stop now. There's still time to repent and return to serving with integrity, the way Jesus taught. And if you're one of the people, and you've already paid, already felt used, know this: God doesn't charge you anything to set you free. Salvation, healing, deliverance — all of it was already paid for on the cross. Freely.
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  • If Jesus answered only one prayer of yours today, what would you ask Him for?

    Be honest. Write your answer below.
    If Jesus answered only one prayer of yours today, what would you ask Him for? Be honest. Write your answer below.
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  • WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2.
    Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order.

    Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.

    So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him.

    Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment.

    You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied.

    That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about.

    Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith.

    Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested.

    Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else.

    While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation.

    Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering.

    Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection.

    Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient.

    That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?"

    Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ.
    First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24.

    If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29.

    As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them.

    Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.”

    The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God.

    Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4.

    It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9.
    Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world.

    The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him.

    We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2. Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order. Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him. Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment. You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied. That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about. Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith. Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested. Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else. While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation. Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering. Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection. Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient. That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?" Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ. First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24. If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29. As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them. Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.” The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God. Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4. It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9. Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world. The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him. We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
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  • The Story of Abraham in the Bible

    Introduction

    Abraham is one of the most important people in the Bible. He is remembered as a man of faith, obedience, and trust in God. His story is found mainly in the book of Genesis, chapters 12–25.

    Abraham was originally called Abram. God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. God promised to make him a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him.

    God Calls Abraham

    One day, God spoke to Abram and said:

    «“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”»

    God promised Abram that He would make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing to others.

    Abram obeyed God. He left his homeland with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew Lot, and they traveled toward the land of Canaan.

    When Abram arrived in Canaan, God appeared to him and promised to give that land to his descendants.

    Abraham and Lot

    As Abram and Lot became wealthy, their servants began arguing because there was not enough land for all their animals.

    Abram did not want conflict. He gave Lot the opportunity to choose where he wanted to live.

    Lot chose the fertile area near Sodom, while Abram remained in the land of Canaan.

    After Lot separated from him, God renewed His promise to Abram. God told him that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth.

    God Promises a Son

    Although Abram was growing older, he still had no child. He wondered how God's promise of a great nation could come true.

    God told him that he would have a son of his own and that his descendants would be extremely numerous.

    Abram believed God, and the Bible says that his faith was counted to him as righteousness.

    God also changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude,” and changed Sarai's name to Sarah.

    The Birth of Isaac

    Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the promised child.

    When Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was very old, God fulfilled His promise. Sarah gave birth to a son, and they named him Isaac.

    The birth of Isaac brought great joy to Abraham and Sarah because God had kept His promise despite the long years of waiting.

    Abraham Is Tested

    One of the greatest tests of Abraham's faith came when God commanded him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

    Abraham obeyed and took Isaac to the place God had shown him. Isaac did not understand what was going to happen, but Abraham continued in faith.

    Just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, an angel of the Lord stopped him.

    God provided a ram caught in a thicket as a sacrifice instead.

    Through this test, Abraham demonstrated his willingness to trust and obey God even when he did not understand God's plan.

    God then reaffirmed His promise to bless Abraham and multiply his descendants.

    Abraham's Later Years

    Abraham continued to live as a man of faith. After Sarah died, he made arrangements for her burial.

    Abraham later married Keturah and had more children, but Isaac remained the son through whom God's covenant promise would continue.

    Abraham eventually died at the age of 175. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him beside Sarah.

    The Legacy of Abraham

    Abraham's story is one of faith and obedience. He did not always understand what God was doing, but he continued to trust God's promises.

    His life teaches us several important lessons:

    1. Trust God even when you cannot see the whole plan.
    2. Obey God when He calls you to something difficult.
    3. Be patient while waiting for God's promises.
    4. Faith sometimes requires sacrifice.
    5. God is faithful to His promises.

    Abraham became known as a great man of faith, and his story continues to inspire millions of people around the world.

    The story of Abraham reminds us that when God makes a promise, we can trust Him—even when the answer takes longer than we expected.

    #hashtag
    The Story of Abraham in the Bible Introduction Abraham is one of the most important people in the Bible. He is remembered as a man of faith, obedience, and trust in God. His story is found mainly in the book of Genesis, chapters 12–25. Abraham was originally called Abram. God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. God promised to make him a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. God Calls Abraham One day, God spoke to Abram and said: «“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”» God promised Abram that He would make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing to others. Abram obeyed God. He left his homeland with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew Lot, and they traveled toward the land of Canaan. When Abram arrived in Canaan, God appeared to him and promised to give that land to his descendants. Abraham and Lot As Abram and Lot became wealthy, their servants began arguing because there was not enough land for all their animals. Abram did not want conflict. He gave Lot the opportunity to choose where he wanted to live. Lot chose the fertile area near Sodom, while Abram remained in the land of Canaan. After Lot separated from him, God renewed His promise to Abram. God told him that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. God Promises a Son Although Abram was growing older, he still had no child. He wondered how God's promise of a great nation could come true. God told him that he would have a son of his own and that his descendants would be extremely numerous. Abram believed God, and the Bible says that his faith was counted to him as righteousness. God also changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude,” and changed Sarai's name to Sarah. The Birth of Isaac Abraham and Sarah waited many years for the promised child. When Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was very old, God fulfilled His promise. Sarah gave birth to a son, and they named him Isaac. The birth of Isaac brought great joy to Abraham and Sarah because God had kept His promise despite the long years of waiting. Abraham Is Tested One of the greatest tests of Abraham's faith came when God commanded him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham obeyed and took Isaac to the place God had shown him. Isaac did not understand what was going to happen, but Abraham continued in faith. Just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, an angel of the Lord stopped him. God provided a ram caught in a thicket as a sacrifice instead. Through this test, Abraham demonstrated his willingness to trust and obey God even when he did not understand God's plan. God then reaffirmed His promise to bless Abraham and multiply his descendants. Abraham's Later Years Abraham continued to live as a man of faith. After Sarah died, he made arrangements for her burial. Abraham later married Keturah and had more children, but Isaac remained the son through whom God's covenant promise would continue. Abraham eventually died at the age of 175. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him beside Sarah. The Legacy of Abraham Abraham's story is one of faith and obedience. He did not always understand what God was doing, but he continued to trust God's promises. His life teaches us several important lessons: 1. Trust God even when you cannot see the whole plan. 2. Obey God when He calls you to something difficult. 3. Be patient while waiting for God's promises. 4. Faith sometimes requires sacrifice. 5. God is faithful to His promises. Abraham became known as a great man of faith, and his story continues to inspire millions of people around the world. The story of Abraham reminds us that when God makes a promise, we can trust Him—even when the answer takes longer than we expected. #hashtag
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  • Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    How is everyone doing today? It is early and eventful in my house. Eventful for old, sleepy people, that is. I made coffee, fixed my husband’s meds, recorded his evening, walked the dog and spent some quality time in the alternative office.

    Last night I was able to get the middle part of the yard mowed before I lost daylight and today I will finish. Now, normally, my yard is done in one sitting. However, this week, that has not been the case. With borrowing a mower, I had to wait to get it back and because I borrowed it, I did my obligation to his other property first. I could have waited and done mine all in one stint, but I was having fun. Haha.

    So, I have a question for you. How do you decompress? Do you go for a walk/run? Do you dive into a good story? Is it television and snacks? Is there a hobby that you enjoy that helps reset your thoughts? How do you deal with the day’s events as they unfold and/or when you are thinking about them at the end of the day?

    For me, obviously, writing is one avenue that I take. Another is mowing—another is music. Of course, there are my phone games … little addictive boogers.

    Have you considered prayer as a route of decompression?

    A quick research of how many times it is recorded that Jesus prayed is over 25 times. A finer search shows that He withdrew at least seven times to pray. Meaning that he went away alone to pray.

    Now, if the Son of God, who came to earth as a human to demonstrate what He wanted us to do, left his pals, his family, his associates to pray and ‘decompress’ with God … don’t you think it might just work for us?

    Over the years, in order to make prayer sound OVER important, it has been made out that you need to have a large vocabulary of fancy words and beautiful songs of words that float through the air like a cloud. However, if you read about Jesus’ account in Gethsemane … that was not flowery words … that was “Hey Dad, is there another way we can take care of this plan of Yours? If there is, can we do that instead? Hey, but if there isn’t … I understand.” Jesus was on his face, sweating and pouring out his soul to the Father, pleading for a different solution to this problem. He had become very close to His disciples and the weight of what was going to happen fell on him like a ton of bricks. He felt the burden of His assignment in full force. If the Son of man cried out to God on multiple occasions, would it not seem relevant that we would too?

    The enemy would have us believe that if we cannot ‘fix’ or ‘accomplish’ something on our own, that we are weak and worthless. On the contrary, knowing that we have an avenue to strength and power, and then exercising that invitation to sit with Him, settles us and empowers us to persevere. I have confessed many times on here that my prayer life has not been the best. It is improving, however, and I can physically feel His presence as I calm from the day’s events or as I enter the day’s events. Coming from someone who routinely falls down, prayer has given me such strength to continue to take one step at a time each day.

    As today unfolds, as the events begin to swallow you whole, as the world tries to dictate your mood, remember that there is One who is always there and willing to listen. Go to Him. Pour out your soul to Him. Cry to Him. Plead with Him. And know that if the answer is not what YOU wanted, that there must be a higher cause. Jesus was not released from his commitment to die on the cross; he accepted it and used it as the way to unlock the doors of death and defeat Satan. What powerful use of your turmoil lies beyond your vision that will help someone in the long run? Release your anguish to the Father and embrace your chosen status, knowing that you were picked to set the tone for someone else in a similar situation.

    Be blessed.

    **My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. – Matthew 26:38-39
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. How is everyone doing today? It is early and eventful in my house. Eventful for old, sleepy people, that is. I made coffee, fixed my husband’s meds, recorded his evening, walked the dog and spent some quality time in the alternative office. Last night I was able to get the middle part of the yard mowed before I lost daylight and today I will finish. Now, normally, my yard is done in one sitting. However, this week, that has not been the case. With borrowing a mower, I had to wait to get it back and because I borrowed it, I did my obligation to his other property first. I could have waited and done mine all in one stint, but I was having fun. Haha. So, I have a question for you. How do you decompress? Do you go for a walk/run? Do you dive into a good story? Is it television and snacks? Is there a hobby that you enjoy that helps reset your thoughts? How do you deal with the day’s events as they unfold and/or when you are thinking about them at the end of the day? For me, obviously, writing is one avenue that I take. Another is mowing—another is music. Of course, there are my phone games … little addictive boogers. Have you considered prayer as a route of decompression? A quick research of how many times it is recorded that Jesus prayed is over 25 times. A finer search shows that He withdrew at least seven times to pray. Meaning that he went away alone to pray. Now, if the Son of God, who came to earth as a human to demonstrate what He wanted us to do, left his pals, his family, his associates to pray and ‘decompress’ with God … don’t you think it might just work for us? Over the years, in order to make prayer sound OVER important, it has been made out that you need to have a large vocabulary of fancy words and beautiful songs of words that float through the air like a cloud. However, if you read about Jesus’ account in Gethsemane … that was not flowery words … that was “Hey Dad, is there another way we can take care of this plan of Yours? If there is, can we do that instead? Hey, but if there isn’t … I understand.” Jesus was on his face, sweating and pouring out his soul to the Father, pleading for a different solution to this problem. He had become very close to His disciples and the weight of what was going to happen fell on him like a ton of bricks. He felt the burden of His assignment in full force. If the Son of man cried out to God on multiple occasions, would it not seem relevant that we would too? The enemy would have us believe that if we cannot ‘fix’ or ‘accomplish’ something on our own, that we are weak and worthless. On the contrary, knowing that we have an avenue to strength and power, and then exercising that invitation to sit with Him, settles us and empowers us to persevere. I have confessed many times on here that my prayer life has not been the best. It is improving, however, and I can physically feel His presence as I calm from the day’s events or as I enter the day’s events. Coming from someone who routinely falls down, prayer has given me such strength to continue to take one step at a time each day. As today unfolds, as the events begin to swallow you whole, as the world tries to dictate your mood, remember that there is One who is always there and willing to listen. Go to Him. Pour out your soul to Him. Cry to Him. Plead with Him. And know that if the answer is not what YOU wanted, that there must be a higher cause. Jesus was not released from his commitment to die on the cross; he accepted it and used it as the way to unlock the doors of death and defeat Satan. What powerful use of your turmoil lies beyond your vision that will help someone in the long run? Release your anguish to the Father and embrace your chosen status, knowing that you were picked to set the tone for someone else in a similar situation. Be blessed. **My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. – Matthew 26:38-39
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  • Morning friends. I was the recipient of a “Small Act of Kindness” yesterday. It made me realize that kindness is really just paying attention out loud. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) Kindness begins when we notice. Notice the person sitting alone. Notice the tired eyes behind the smile. Notice the friend who stopped reaching out. Notice the waitress who looks exhausted. Notice the stranger carrying a burden nobody can see. Then, do something. Make the call. Give the hug. Speak the encouragement. Offer the prayer. Say, “I see you. You matter to me.” Kindness truly is just paying attention out loud. God has placed people in our path who need more than our good intentions. They need us to see them, hear them, and love them in a way they can feel. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the tree. He noticed Bartimaeus crying out. He noticed the lonely, the hurting, and the forgotten. Today, slow down long enough to notice somebody. You may be the answer to a prayer they haven’t found the courage to pray. And when we notice people, we give them a glimpse of Jesus. How bout we go love on some folks today? Y’all have a blessed day. Love ya. Pappy Flynn
    Morning friends. I was the recipient of a “Small Act of Kindness” yesterday. It made me realize that kindness is really just paying attention out loud. Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) Kindness begins when we notice. Notice the person sitting alone. Notice the tired eyes behind the smile. Notice the friend who stopped reaching out. Notice the waitress who looks exhausted. Notice the stranger carrying a burden nobody can see. Then, do something. Make the call. Give the hug. Speak the encouragement. Offer the prayer. Say, “I see you. You matter to me.” Kindness truly is just paying attention out loud. God has placed people in our path who need more than our good intentions. They need us to see them, hear them, and love them in a way they can feel. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the tree. He noticed Bartimaeus crying out. He noticed the lonely, the hurting, and the forgotten. Today, slow down long enough to notice somebody. You may be the answer to a prayer they haven’t found the courage to pray. And when we notice people, we give them a glimpse of Jesus. How bout we go love on some folks today? Y’all have a blessed day. Love ya. Pappy Flynn ❤️🙏
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  • Three Angels’ Messages?
    The Three Angels’ Messages are God’s special messages for last-day Christians. This message is to be shared with the world and will reach its climax with the second coming of Jesus. This threefold message appears in Revelation 14:6-16.

    The First Angel’s Message

    The first angel proclaims the everlasting gospel and calls for the restoration of the true worship of God as Creator, because the judgment hour has arrived.

    Read more about the first angel’s message

    “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’” (Revelation 14:6, 7).

    The Second Angel’s Message

    The second angel warns against all humanly-originated forms of worship and beliefs that are not based completely on God’s Word.

    Read more about the second angel’s message

    “Another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’” (Revelation 14:8).

    The Third Angel’s Message

    Finally, the third angel proclaims God’s solemn warning against worshiping the beast and his image.

    Read more about the third angel’s message

    “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation....they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’ Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:9-12).

    Note: though Scripture symbolically portrays these messages as being proclaimed by three angels, it is actually God’s people—His last-day church—who deliver them to the world. Additionally, two groups emerge—those who choose to follow God’s Word completely and those who choose to mix biblical teachings with human traditions.

    Accept Jesus Christ as your savior, while there is still time.

    For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

    Keep all of God's commandments including the fourth Commandment (the Seventh day Sabbath).

    If you love Me keep My Commandments John 14:15.

    If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10

    His answer: (Jesus) "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" Matthew 19:17
    (Emphasis added).

    Salvation is all of grace and not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow human beings.
    Three Angels’ Messages? The Three Angels’ Messages are God’s special messages for last-day Christians. This message is to be shared with the world and will reach its climax with the second coming of Jesus. This threefold message appears in Revelation 14:6-16. The First Angel’s Message The first angel proclaims the everlasting gospel and calls for the restoration of the true worship of God as Creator, because the judgment hour has arrived. Read more about the first angel’s message “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’” (Revelation 14:6, 7). The Second Angel’s Message The second angel warns against all humanly-originated forms of worship and beliefs that are not based completely on God’s Word. Read more about the second angel’s message “Another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication’” (Revelation 14:8). The Third Angel’s Message Finally, the third angel proclaims God’s solemn warning against worshiping the beast and his image. Read more about the third angel’s message “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation....they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.’ Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:9-12). Note: though Scripture symbolically portrays these messages as being proclaimed by three angels, it is actually God’s people—His last-day church—who deliver them to the world. Additionally, two groups emerge—those who choose to follow God’s Word completely and those who choose to mix biblical teachings with human traditions. Accept Jesus Christ as your savior, while there is still time. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Keep all of God's commandments including the fourth Commandment (the Seventh day Sabbath). If you love Me keep My Commandments John 14:15. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10 His answer: (Jesus) "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" Matthew 19:17 (Emphasis added). Salvation is all of grace and not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow human beings.
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  • Brenda Walsh Ministries
    Everlasting Arms of Jesus.

    No one “likes” to go through hard times, nor do they wish for a “bad day,” but it is through life’s toughest battles that you’ll receive some of your biggest blessings. Without the hard times, you would never know your need for a Savior. When everything’s going smoothly, you’re focused on the great time you’re having, celebrating with friends, and living “the good life.” But when trouble knocks on your door, it sends you crying for help to the only One who has the power to help you! It is while on your knees that you are humbled and you realize just how much you need God in your life. Through all the heartache and pain, you’ll draw closer to God - listening for His voice, sharing your sorrow, and learning to trust Him fully, knowing He will help you and will do what’s best for you. The Bible says in Psalm 91:14-15, “ ‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.’ And in Psalm 34:19, it says, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Learning “real-life character-changing” lessons doesn’t come from having a boatload of money, lots of friends, or fame. It is when the rent is due, the baby is sick, you lost your job, or your friend betrayed you that you’ll lean on God the most! Leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus is a great place to be! Text: Psalm 18:2, Psalm 40:1-3, Psalm 9:9, 2 Peter 2:9
    Brenda Walsh Ministries Everlasting Arms of Jesus. No one “likes” to go through hard times, nor do they wish for a “bad day,” but it is through life’s toughest battles that you’ll receive some of your biggest blessings. Without the hard times, you would never know your need for a Savior. When everything’s going smoothly, you’re focused on the great time you’re having, celebrating with friends, and living “the good life.” But when trouble knocks on your door, it sends you crying for help to the only One who has the power to help you! It is while on your knees that you are humbled and you realize just how much you need God in your life. Through all the heartache and pain, you’ll draw closer to God - listening for His voice, sharing your sorrow, and learning to trust Him fully, knowing He will help you and will do what’s best for you. The Bible says in Psalm 91:14-15, “ ‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.’ And in Psalm 34:19, it says, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Learning “real-life character-changing” lessons doesn’t come from having a boatload of money, lots of friends, or fame. It is when the rent is due, the baby is sick, you lost your job, or your friend betrayed you that you’ll lean on God the most! Leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus is a great place to be! Text: Psalm 18:2, Psalm 40:1-3, Psalm 9:9, 2 Peter 2:9
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  • August 27th, 2026
    Read; Proverbs 51:1

    It is hard to take criticism, especially when it feels unfair. We often want to defend ourselves, even if the charge is unfounded. Yet, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Our problems with others often worsen because we do not choose a gentle response. Instead of forgiving and letting them move on in the Lord, we prolong conflict. A soft answer, given in grace, can calm anger and help bring about peace.

    Prayer

    Dear Holy God, guide me to answer gently when I face anger or criticism, so that my words may calm conflict and honor You. I'm grateful. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
    August 27th, 2026 Read; Proverbs 51:1 It is hard to take criticism, especially when it feels unfair. We often want to defend ourselves, even if the charge is unfounded. Yet, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Our problems with others often worsen because we do not choose a gentle response. Instead of forgiving and letting them move on in the Lord, we prolong conflict. A soft answer, given in grace, can calm anger and help bring about peace. Prayer Dear Holy God, guide me to answer gently when I face anger or criticism, so that my words may calm conflict and honor You. I'm grateful. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
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