Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
[9] So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [10] Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.
Good Morning!
Jesus spoke of the signs to come in Matthew 24 as the “beginning of sorrows.” I’m not sure if we are living in the time He spoke about, but during this time of a world pandemic, rioting, hatred, violence, missile testing in North Korea, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes erupting, tornadoes, locusts and on and on, you can come to your own conclusion. Nevertheless, this is a time when all Christians can raise the standard and be a light in this world of darkness by doing good.
Matthew 24:6-14 NKJV
[6] And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. [10] And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. [11] Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. [12] And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. [13] But he who endures to the end shall be saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
So what do we, as Christians, do?
The family of God is called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, asking ourselves in all situations, “what would Jesus do?”
Tempers are hot right now. People are hurting. People are upset. Injustice has been lurking far too long. It is time for new leaders to rise up (if you are reading this, this means you) and lead as Jesus did, with humility and compassion for fellow men and women.
Our world is broken and unfortunately will remain so until Jesus returns and makes all things new. But we have the opportunity right now to be a difference-maker, doing good in every opportunity we have. Let us put that into practice and bear fruit for Our Lord. Hatred and violence can be diffused with love and compassion. The road to sin and death can be changed to a road of peace, joy and life, as we unite with hearts of humility and faithfulness to our fellow men and women, standing side-by-side instead of facing each other in opposition. Together we all face the common enemy of our souls, the devil, who just wants to divide us and cause more strife, hatred and turmoil. The battle in the heavenlies is where the true battle is, and we only win this through prayer.
Prayer for this country and world is needed from all of the saints right now. God moves with compassion when He hears the earnest prayers of the saints. We can move mountains when we have just a little bit of faith.
James 5:16 NKJV
[16] Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
1 John 5:14-15 NKJV
[14] Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. [15] And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Matthew 17:20b NKJV
[20] for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
[12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Iron Sharpens Iron
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
[17] As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Just as iron sharpens iron, doing good for one another yields humility, forgiveness, peace, love, compassion, and letting God’s word be known as the truth in the land. It is then, with prayer and humility, that God will heal our land.
Word and Prayer
The Lord of all of the universe, creator of all things, King of kings and Lord of lords, wants us to pray and fellowship with Him. His Word asks us over and over to pray and seek His face, doing so in humility and free from anger and controversy. When we ask Him anything, according to His will, He hears us and will answer our prayers in His perfect timing.
Be still in His presence and let His Word soak through you as a dry sponge absorbs water, being filled with His Word ready to explain the reason for your hope in a gentle and respectful way. In this way, God will move through the hearts of believers and continue His mission of spreading the love and message of Jesus Christ, bearing good fruit.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV
[14] if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Jude 1:20-21 NLT
[20] But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, [21] and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
1 Timothy 2:8 NLT
[8] In every place of worship, I want men [and women] to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
1 John 5:14 NKJV
[14] Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Psalm 46:10 NIV
[10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
1 Peter 3:15 TLB
[15] Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.
Let us continue and never tire of doing good in His holy name!
I love you and am praying for you today!
Dad