Speaking for Today, because tomorrow things may be different. Struggling most of the day just to accomplish the usual mundane tasks at hand, all the while meditating on the Lord and talking to him about life in general at this time in history. Words and terms like covid, masks, shutdowns, vaccines, school closures, the government, the economy, suicide, depression, hospitalizations, you name it, seem to swirl about in the very atmosphere. The whole world has changed in such a short time. I believe it effects our overall mood without our even being aware.
I must admit I have been waiting to be "inspired" to write amidst the ever changing tide. Today I determined it was time to just dive in. We need to hear from one another. We need to hear what the voice of the Holy Spirit is saying to those of us who are seeking Him. He reminded me for the umpteenth time... He never changes! His Truth is crucial for Life. He IS the Way, the Truth and the Life! Having that in the forefront, we are told in 1 Peter 3:15 to be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in us to anyone who asks.
We do not need to wait for a special, Heaven sent "inspiration" to spread the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. We do not need to wait for someone to come up to us randomly and ask, "Where do you get hope in these days in which we are living?" We should be "shouting it from the rooftops" at any opportunity, any open door, any hint of need. Many, many are hurting and searching for some kind of light in the darkness. We have that light if we have Christ Jesus!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). That is the Truth that will lift one up out of the muck and mire of the things of this world. He not only lifts one out, he stands them up; he cleanses them from the filth; he turns their direction away from the hole into which they fell; he gives them hope and a future as we are told in Jeremiah 29:11. As long as there is something we can do on this earth, he will direct our paths if we acknowledge him in all our ways (Proverbs 3:6). And after that, eternal life.
Let's look at a couple of words from John 3:16. Believe: means to trust in, adhere to, rely on, be fully persuaded. In the case of Jesus, to place your complete spiritual and physical well being in His hands. Just believing He exists doesn't cut it. The demons believe that much. No, the hope that we share with others has eternal, life-filled substance. Solid, immoveable, irreversible as we place our trust in Him alone. The other word is: perish. This verse says if we "believe" as the above teaches, we will not "perish". We will not die the second death. We will not be deprived of eternal life. No one can take it away from us. It is "in the bank" as they say.
Therefore, as the old song encourages: "Rescue the perishing..." Don't allow the things of this present world to stifle you. Don't allow them to sap you of your strength and energy. Wait upon the Lord and renew your strength daily. Rejoice in the Lord at all times. These are the mandates of Scripture. These should be lifted high above any mandate thrown at us by the world's system or even spiritual wickedness in high places as the case may be. Be different, be above it all so that you can be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope. Take someone's hand and show them the way. Pray for discernment to hear the silent voices that are crying out. Seek the Lord for direction as to His leading. Speak, sing, write, pray, make meaningful eye contact, smile. "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you some words of truth that we all need to hear and take hold of. Be strong. If you are feeling weak or discouraged, pray. Call a friend. You may find out you are both experiencing the same struggles. Don't isolate. The enemy of our souls likes to get us alone either physically or in our thinking. "Confess your faults one to another and pray for one another that you may be healed..." James 5:16. I don't mind admitting that it is a fault or shortcoming when I allow the cares of this world to take up more time than they ought of my attention. Let's agree to once again and every day, "FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS THE AUTHOR AND PERFECTOR OF OUR FAITH".
God bless you all as we look forward to His Return!
