Not the Situation, Rather, How You Respond 3

 Just understand it is temporary.

Have you ever seen pictures like this? This is a picture of a town following a Tornado passing through. This is what was left in its wake. Each one of these piles of rubbish was a home. A place where people lived, dreamed, loved, and lost.

Each one of these people had cherished possessions that they kept in places of honor or locked up to protect them. Never in their wildest dreams did they think that one day, this is what they would be looking at. It is all gone. Everything. In an instant, their lives were forever altered.

In most cases, people in this situation do what they can: they move on, rebuild, and start gathering new possessions. Why? Because everything they used to have is gone, and all that exists in this physical realm is temporary; it will all disappear one day. Just look at what Jesus said to His disciples when they admired the beautiful buildings and synagogues of that time.

"Jesus left the temple and was going away when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Matthew 24:1-2

Why would He say that? Because it is true. We read things like this.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." Revelation 21:1

And this

"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind." Isaiah 65:17

Just like the houses and even the lives of those involved, this world, and all that is in it, is temporal. This is what we will be discussing today. Let us pray.

God, we love you and come before you today with thanksgiving and a willingness to learn from your Word. Please be with us and grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit of understanding, as we enter into your Word and learn what you wish us to learn, in Yeshua’s name, amen!

We know that we cannot predict when it will happen. Yeshua, or Jesus, tells us this.

"Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot, they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all, so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed." Luke 17:26-30

I want you to think about this. Forget the "End Times" for a second. I know, many love to think about, talk about, and even argue about the "End Times." However, I want you to think about that Tornado. The day before, everyone in that town was simply living their lives. They were going to work or school, they were dating, getting married, or going on vacation. Saving up for that next big thing. They were arguing about what was for dinner and what movies to watch. The kids were playing and laughing. Then, with minimal warning, it was all gone out of nowhere.

What will happen tomorrow? What about before we even finish discussing this today? We truthfully do not know. It does not have to be the end of the world to be your last day on earth. All those things that you loved and cherished, displayed or locked up for safety, all gone.

You know what else is gone? Sickness and disease. Death and morning. Sadness and fear. God Himself will wipe the tears from your eyes. Why are you worried about anything?

Jesus tells us that we should

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Mattew 6:33

He says,

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Why?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Ever been through a storm? Think about that tornado again. Or even that hurricane; I lived in Florida for 22 years. I’ve seen my fair share. What happens after the storm? The skies are clear, and the sun comes out. All is calm and starts to get better. It was temporal. It was for a moment in time, and now it is gone.

Things happen. Good, bad, and yes, even the ugly. Bad things do happen to good people. This is not even a question. It is a fact. You have to keep in mind that this is all temporal.

The Good? No matter how good, it is a moment in time.
The Bad? No matter how bad, it is a moment in time.
The ugly? Yup, it is just a moment in time.

Whatever the “thing” is that is happening, it is a moment in time. Think about this. So is your very life. On average, if you are blessed with a long time on earth, we are talking 75 years. 75. Think about that. You go to school more than 75 days a year. You work more than 75 days a year. You get 75 birthdays, summers, winters, springs, and falls. If you are blessed with that long a time here.

But what is 75 years in the span of eternity? 75 years here, with sickness and disease, death and sorrow, storms and pain, loss and gain. Compare that to an eternity. Forever. This is what happens after this.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also, he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”

This is for us and the children of God. If you are not?

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

God had to set aside His divinity and take on flesh to come, teach, and save those of us willing to believe and accept Him. He needed to do this to bridge the gap we created between mortality and immortality. But look here. Daniel wrote this.

"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Daniel 12:2

Jesus put it this way.

"Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." John 5:28-29

You will live on. After this life here in the temporal world, you will continue to live. Where you go next is your choice. Does it make more sense to you? Building up treasures here on earth that you will leave behind? Focusing on the things of this temporary world? No. I tell you, it is much wiser to start seeking first the Kingdom of God. Trust in Him to provide for your needs. Trust in His Word to tell you the difference between sin and what is good and acceptable for the LORD. Make sure you are prepared when the time comes to move on.

This storm? Temporal.
This job was lost? Temporal.
This heartache? Temporal.
This sickness? Temporal. Even if it leads to death here.

1- Lay a solid foundation that can not be moved.
2- Seek first God and His kingdom in all things and all ways. He is in charge.
3- Accept things for what they truly are. Not overwhelming. Not scary. Not ever much to worry about. God is now, has always been, and will always be, in charge.

If you are His child and He is your Father, what do you possibly have to worry about? Yes, things will happen. Yes, storms will come. Yes, there will be times of sorrow and discomfort. If you are His child, just know, it is temporary. No matter what it may be.

If you are not His Child? I would seriously consider rethinking that fact. Only through Yeshua, or Jesus as translated, are you able to do that. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9.

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 27

 Chapter 27

The Law Inscribed on Stones

1 Now Moses, with the elders of Israel, commanded the people, saying: “Keep all the commandments which I command you today. 2 And it shall be, on the day when you cross over the Jordan to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, that you shall set up for yourselves large stones, and whitewash them with lime. 3 You shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have crossed over, that you may enter the land which the Lord your God is giving you, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey,’ just as the Lord God of your fathers promised you. 4 Therefore it shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that on Mount Ebal you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, and you shall whitewash them with lime. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones; you shall not use an iron tool on them. 6 You shall build with whole stones the altar of the Lord your God, and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. 7 You shall offer peace offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law.”

9 Then Moses and the priests, the Levites, spoke to all Israel, saying, “Take heed and listen, O Israel: This day you have become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Therefore you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.”

Curses Pronounced from Mount Ebal

11 And Moses commanded the people on the same day, saying, 12 “These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have crossed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin; 13 and these shall stand on Mount Ebal to curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

14 “And the Levites shall speak with a loud voice and say to all the men of Israel: 15 ‘Cursed is the one who makes a carved or molded image, an abomination to the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’

“And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen!’

16 ‘Cursed is the one who treats his father or his mother with contempt.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

17 ‘Cursed is the one who moves his neighbor’s landmark.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

18 ‘Cursed is the one who makes the blind wander off the road.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

19 ‘Cursed is the one who perverts the justice due the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

20 ‘Cursed is the one who lies with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s bed.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

21 ‘Cursed is the one who lies with any kind of animal.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

22 ‘Cursed is the one who lies with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

23 ‘Cursed is the one who lies with his mother-in-law.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

24 ‘Cursed is the one who attacks his neighbor secretly.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

25 ‘Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’

26 ‘Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law by observing them.’

“And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ ”

Not the Situation, Rather, How You Respond 2

 Know that God is in charge.

We are currently discussing different situations. All types of situations will happen in your life. Some are big, some are small. Some will feel overwhelmed. Yes, even some that seem impossible. This is just part of life. There is no question that situations will come; rather, it is how you deal with them.

Last time, we discussed that this is a fact, whether you are a child of God or not. This does not matter either. Remember what the Word says?

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44-45

Jesus spoke about how evil and good coexist and will continue to do so until the harvest, or end times. It doesn't matter if you are a child of God or not; things happen. However, if you ARE a child of God and have a strong foundation in the Word and faith, it's much easier to handle them.

Today, we will be discussing this simple fact. God is in charge. Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and arms. We love You and thank You for all things in our lives, and for giving us the ability to call You Abba Father. As we enter Your Word today, we pray that You are with us and grant us understanding so we can find comfort in any situation, knowing that You are in control. We ask this and pray in Jesus’s mighty name, Amen!

God is in charge of everything, from your existence, life, and death, and everything in between.

“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

He created everything!

"For by him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16

Then He created Mankind, as stated in Genesis 1:26, and at His appointed time, He made you.

"For you formed my inward parts;
You knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
In your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16

For this conversation, I will assume that you are a child of God. He is now your Father. He is now in total charge of you and your life.

“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, 

and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

Does this say there will be no evil in your life if you are a Christian? A follower of Christ? No. It says we should and will have no “fear of evil.” We are told that as children of God, the world will hate us, persecute us, and do all kinds of wicked things to us, simply because of Him. No. We will not have a comfy, fluffy life, where it's all sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows.

We do not know what this day will bring when we wake up—God does. We do not even really know what will happen in the next hour. Take me as an example. I went to work at the church. When I got done, I remembered all the kids and my wife were home, so I decided to take them to lunch. I left the church. What happened? A head-on car crash.

Some of you know the story. I am now disabled. I had to learn to walk again. All that. Did I know that was going to happen? Nope. Would I have maybe gone a different way? Yup. Would I call that a good thing? Nope. However? I am a child of God. I have claimed Romans 8:28 as my own.

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

How can I see the accident as a good thing? More time with the family. More time to serve in the kingdom. The ability to simply slow down and enjoy life, whether I like it or not. Why? Because I AM a child of God. God IS in charge.

You just need to let go. Let go of fear. Let go of doubt. Release your need for control and understanding. Embrace God and allow Him to take charge of your day. One of the most important ways to do this is by renewing your mind.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

We have talked about this before. God is your Father. Come what may. Lose my Job? God is my Father. Lose my home? God is my Father. Get sick? God is my Father. People attacking me and lying about me? God is my Father. I am told in the Bible that God is my Abba Father. Translation? God is my Daddy. If you are a child of God, He is your Daddy, also.

Is it disrespectful to call the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator of the universe and the omnipotent God, “Daddy?” Ideas of simplicity, intimacy, security, and affection also refer to childlike trust and obedience. So, to convey a sense of warm and trusting intimacy, I say NO! It’s ok. If you want to have that relationship with God, then have it. If you call Him Daddy, make sure He is. I would recommend doing so in private and in your personal prayer life, but YES. That is the relationship He wants with all of us. Never forget who He is along the way.

Things happen. Yes, bad things do happen to good people. Yes, you will have trials and tribulations. Some examples in the Word? Look what happened to Saul when he became Paul? Paul was Saul before he was converted. His sole purpose in life was to hunt down, abuse, imprison, and even slaughter God's chosen people. He received great power and a position in his religion for doing such a good job. Then Jesus appeared before him and asked him to follow Him. He said yes and became Paul. So great a saint that he wrote a lot of the New Testament that we read today.

After his conversion? Put in prison over and over. Faced death over and over. Received 39 lashes from the Jews 5 times. Beaten with rods 3 times. Stoned one time. Shipwrecked 3 times. Spent a day and night at sea. And was in continual danger from robbers, as well as his own people.

He was always in danger in the city, in the country, at sea, from those he thought to be brothers. Often hungry and thirsty, cold and naked. I suppose you could say he had his share of trials and tribulations.

Another? Look at Job. 

"There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil." 

He was rich. He had a large family. But he was a child of God. The devil himself walked into the throne room of God and asked God to tempt him. First, Satan takes away all that Job has. Then he infected Job with sores all over from head to toe.

Look at Peter. You know the story. He told Peter that Peter would deny any knowledge or association with Him three times before the rooster crowed three times. The third time, He looked at Peter, and Peter ran away.

What these examples, and many others, have in common is this: during their trials and tribulations, they never lost sight of their goals. They maintained their faith. They understood that if they chose to remember that God is in charge and is always with them, then God would never leave or abandon them. They faced their challenges not in the flesh, but in the spirit.

Paul wrote a lot of the New Testament. Job received much more than he lost. Peter became such a strong Saint that his shadow healed the sick and became known as a pillar of the faith.

However, none of these things is worthy to be compared to that which awaits us in Heaven. I’m going to ask you a question. Are you a child of God? If you have not already done so, and you are ready to be forgiven and adopted into His family, say this prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be, say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. Let us pray.

Oh, heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent of my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

If you are His child, if you are doing God's Will, God is on your side. If you are led by the Spirit, the Spirit is with you. If you are following Yeshua or Jesus, as translated, Jesus is with you. If God is for you, who can be against you? Who can succeed in stopping you from doing what God has ordained you to do? The truth is, no one can. Nothing can. There is nothing greater than God. While you are living for Him and doing His Will, there is no longer anything or anyone greater than you as His child.

Things happen. Situations of all kinds will come. Jesus himself told us this. Rejoice and be glad when they do, for in these times, is when God is closest to you. Trust in Him. Rely on Him. Never lose faith. Never respond to these things in the flesh. But remain in the Spirit. Allow God to show you the way through. He is now, and always will be, in charge.

Join us next time as we conclude this series with the important reminder that, regardless of the situation, never forget this simple truth: it is temporary.

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 26

 Chapter 26

Offerings of Firstfruits and Tithes

1 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it, 2 you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make his name to dwell there. 3 And you shall go to the priest who is in office at that time and say to him, ‘I declare today to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our fathers to give us.’ 4 Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the Lord your God.

5 “And you shall make response before the Lord your God, ‘A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. 6 And the Egyptians treated us harshly and humiliated us and laid on us hard labor. 7 Then we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders. 9 And he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

12 “When you have finished paying all the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled, 13 then you shall say before the Lord your God, ‘I have removed the sacred portion out of my house, and moreover, I have given it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all your commandment that you have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. 14 I have not eaten of the tithe while I was mourning, or removed any of it while I was unclean, or offered any of it to the dead. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord my God. I have done according to all that you have commanded me. 15 Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel and the ground that you have given us, as you swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.’

16 “This day the Lord your God commands you to do these statutes and rules. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared today that the Lord is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice. 18 And the Lord has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, 19 and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honor high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.”

Not the Situation, It's How You Respond

Lay a foundation

Say, “Things happen.” Lose a loved one? Say, “Things happen.” Lose your house—foreclosure, hurricane, tornado, or fire? Say, “Things happen.” Lose your job, whether by your actions, circumstances beyond your control, or your fault? Say, “Things happen.” Things happen. A storm is coming or may have just passed. It's not about the situation, but how you respond to it. That is what we will discuss today. Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, LORD God, we come before you with all the praise and thanksgiving we can. We know that you are the Alpha and the Omega. The great I Am. We know that you are the God of all. The Creator of all. We thank you for creating us in your image and for allowing us to be forgiven of our sins, and for the ability to be adopted into your family. As we enter Your Word, we pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive and understand what You want us to know. In Yeshua’s name we ask and pray, Amen!

Things happen. Situations will come. It matters not if you are a child of God or an unsaved person. Things happen. Situations will come. Look at the recent floods in Texas. 81 dead and 27 children, all young Girl Scouts, are missing. Horrible. A loving Father died trying to save his daughter and others. Were all these people unsaved? No, of course not. Some were children of God. Things happen. Situations will come. Most are not nice. Not pleasant. Not what you would call good. How do you respond?

Well, if you ARE a child of God, dare I say you have a major advantage? However, as a child of God, you must absolutely lay a solid foundation. After all, how can you have the right mind if you know nothing of God, Jesus, The Word, etc? You truly can't. First, you must have a solid foundation. What is Spirit? Who is God? Who is Jesus? Is this stuff real? Did Jesus rise from the dead? Without a foundation, you will never grow in faith. Sadly, you will also believe the lies.

False churches are rising daily. Churches of "itchy ears.” Churches that twist the Word, denounce the Word, or simply accept and glorify sin. They truly worship and serve the creature, instead of the Creator. However, they are very good at being convincing and persuasive. If you do not have a solid Bible and a faithful foundation, you will fall for the lies.

How do we do this? This, laying a foundation in God?

The Cornerstone: Yeshua, or Jesus Christ, of course.
The Bricks: God's Word
The Mortar: Prayer

Jesus simply has to be the cornerstone. Jesus even called Himself this.

“Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures:

'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;

This was the Lord's doing,

And it is marvelous in our eyes?'” Matthew 21:42

If whatever you are told to believe, including what church you may try to attend, if they do not have Jesus as the cornerstone, RUN! Do not walk. Run! Do not waste a second longer than you need to get out of there. It is a false church. It is a lie. It has no truth in it.

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Pick this up. [Holding up the Bible] Read it. Read where our LORD tells us directly to have no fear. No worries. How can our needs be met if we do what?

“Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Even unsaved people seek food, water, and stuff. God is your Father now. He knows you require these things, and He promises you these things, as long as you do what? “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” He also warned us of this fact. Things happen. Look at what He says about tomorrow.

"Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:31-34

When you read the Bible, you are building a solid foundation. Believe it or not, there are truly absolutes and genuinely sins. Sin remains sin, and good remains good. Morals do not evolve when it comes to God. He does not change with the times. While reading the Bible, pray and ask God to show you how to walk in the Spirit. Why?

"I say then: Walk in the+ Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." Galatians 5:16-17

Read all of Romans chapter 8. An example?

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:5-8

When you read these passages, along with this one.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

God wants us to have new perspectives—a fresh way of seeing and addressing the challenges in our lives. This new outlook can bring a sense of peace, even in the midst of a storm, without fear or anxiety. However, to achieve this, we need a solid foundation of wisdom and knowledge about God and ourselves as His children.

You have to know this truth.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Do you know that you really can overcome anything? Did you know that not only do we have the love of the Father, but we actually have true power?

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“Self-control.” We do not HAVE to do anything. No one, including the devil himself, can MAKE you do anything. God tells us that things happen and situations arise. Yet we are encouraged by His Word to be joyful.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Be joyful in the storm. Be thankful that your Daddy is God. He has your back. He is with you always. There is nothing out there that can surprise or become too difficult for our Father to handle.

Lose a loved one? Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down,
and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.”

Death is nothing to fear. Death is as natural as life itself. Besides that, if they were a child of God, you know what happens. When you went to sleep here, you woke up there.

Lose your house—foreclosure, hurricane, tornado, or fire? God is more than capable of getting you another. Do you think this is a thing so huge that the God who spoke the universe into existence cannot handle it?

Lose your job? Whether by your actions or circumstances beyond your control? That may not be the job your Father wanted you to be doing. Ask Him? Pray about it. Besides this, how can you get a better job until you lose the one you have?

Yes. A storm is coming or may have just passed. It's not about the situation, but how you respond to it. First, lay a solid Biblical Foundation. See with new eyes. Pray to your Father constantly. Have the one-on-one relationship God wants to have with you.

Then and only then, will you learn and fully understand that God has always been, is now, and will always be, in charge of, well, everything! Everything. Nothing catches God off guard. Nothing is too big for God. Ultimately, it is God you will answer to. Not a man. Not anything in creation. Not the devil. God alone. Join us next time as we discuss this important truth.

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving 2025

 Happy Thanksgiving 2025

Can I be honest? Every year, we should be thankful daily, not just on one special day. We read things like this.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

And also here in the Psalms

“Praise the Lord!
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever! “ Psalm 106:1

We should know and understand this.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17

Yes, I get it. I’m sure some of you get it. But have you really gotten it? I’m not talking about making a list, which I have done, of things I’m thankful for.

My life to life everlasting.
My family. Wife and children.
The ability to serve in the kingdom.
My Freedom.
My home.

You get the point. I really am thankful for all these things. But have I actually been? Here is what I mean. This may be difficult for you to understand because it is difficult for me to explain. I’m talking about being overtaken by thankfulness. I’m talking about thankfulness so profound it moves beyond a simple acknowledgment and becomes an all-consuming force. One that literally brought me to my knees. Is it just a reaction to good things, or is it a deeper, more spiritual feeling? I found it to be a deeper, more spiritual feeling.

Turn to Hebrews 12, starting at verse 27

“This phrase, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of things that are shaken--that is, things that have been made--in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:27-29

Does that seem like just saying thank you? I got a new job. Thank God. I got a new car. Thank God. Yes, of course, you should say thanks to God when something good comes your way. This is true because we do know that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” However, we should feel “in awe” with just the fact that we are His child.

Someone asked, “How can I receive that ‘Indescribable Peace' that the Bible talks about?” Think about, meditate on, and fully understand who you are. Instead, focus on who your Father is. Turn to Colossians 3, starting at verse 12.

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,”

Stop. Who is that describing? You. Me. God’s adopted children. As such, we need to put on, or have,

“compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

No holding grudges. I understand that it is a hard one. Hard for me as well.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

Stop. Why should we do this? For no other reason than this. We exist. God created us. Then, on top of that, even though we were evil, doing evil things, He came and died for us, giving us access to life everlasting with Him.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

I propose that this refers to a genuine and all-encompassing force.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3

There is nothing to compare to our very lives. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36. There is nothing that can compare to our next step following our time on earth. “ But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Yes. Of course. Of course, you should be thankful for all the things you receive in this life. Yes. Of course, you should be thankful for your spouse, children, home, job, stuff, and the like. However, in the long run, whose stuff will all that stuff be? Rather, in the end, whose will you be?

If you are a child of God, then you know you are His.

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

Can I encourage you to explore what truly makes you thankful? Is it just a reaction to good things, or is it a deeper, more spiritual feeling? Is it a simple acknowledgment or has it become an all-consuming force? When we're overwhelmed by it, we begin to see not only the blessings but also the challenges and hardships as part of a bigger, divinely guided story. It's about recognizing grace in all situations. Understanding, fully, Romans 8:26-28.

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Say it with me.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

If you truly want to have this type of thankfulness, try one or more of these ideas.

Journaling: Writing down specific things we're thankful for each day.

Mindful Prayer: Focusing our prayers on gratitude rather than just requests.

Communal Acknowledgment: Share your thanksgiving. Encourage others to be thankful.

What happens when a person or a community is truly overtaken by thankfulness? The feeling becomes an action. It can lead to generosity, forgiveness, and a deep sense of peace that others might find confusing. Thankfulness doesn't just change our inner world; it changes how we interact with the world around us. It's a transformative force that can break down walls and heal old wounds.

As we gather with friends and family for this Thanksgiving meal, let’s take a moment to reflect more deeply than just saying, “Thank you, God, for our food. Amen!” Consider expressing gratitude for every breath you take, the memories you create, and, most importantly, for the peace of mind that comes from knowing what lies ahead after our time on earth.

Have a happy and safe Holiday, and I will see you Sunday.

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 25

 Chapter 25

1 “If there is a dispute between men and they come into court and the judges decide between them, acquitting the innocent and condemning the guilty, 2 then if the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence with a number of stripes in proportion to his offense. 3 Forty stripes may be given him, but not more, lest, if one should go on to beat him with more stripes than these, your brother be degraded in your sight.

4 “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.

Laws Concerning Levirate Marriage

5 “If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. 6 And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel. 7 And if the man does not wish to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, ‘My husband's brother refuses to perpetuate his brother's name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me.’ 8 Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he persists, saying, ‘I do not wish to take her,’ 9 then his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, ‘So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house.’ 10 And the name of his house shall be called in Israel, ‘The house of him who had his sandal pulled off.’

Miscellaneous Laws

11 “When men fight with one another and the wife of the one draws near to rescue her husband from the hand of him who is beating him and puts out her hand and seizes him by the private parts, 12 then you shall cut off her hand. Your eye shall have no pity.

13 “You shall not have in your bag two kinds of weights, a large and a small. 14 You shall not have in your house two kinds of measures, a large and a small. 15 A full and fair weight you shall have, a full and fair measure you shall have, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. 16 For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the Lord your God.

17 “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, 18 how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. 19 Therefore when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.