We Should Pray, We Should Sing Praises...

 I think we can all agree, 2020 has seemed like a year from the twilight zone.  None of us could even imagine going through a global pandemic.  And here in the United States we are seeing our voices shut down in our election for President.  We voted thinking our vote counts. But instead fraud and greed has taken hold.  

Even though it’s been a year most of us would care to forget, there is something the enemy cannot steal from us.  That is our faith, hope, and the love of our Lord Jesus. This is how we can persevere.  One day at    a time.  One foot in front of the other.  One step at a time.  

I believe we all would agree, in any given day we are apt to hit obstacles in our way. It could be financial, spiritual, physical, emotional, or any other reason that could get in our way.  It is how we face those obstacles that count.  Will we turn around and run the other way? Will we cower down in fear? Will we stand tall and face it boldly? Will we rely on the strength we have from our Lord Jesus? 

The Scriptures tell us not to give up.  To press on, dig in deep, and run right past that obstacle. Also we have a couple of tools to help us. Prayer, and singing praises to our Lord. 

James‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.”

Prayer during those times of suffering .  And singing praises with thanksgiving when we are victorious. 

“Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will restore him to health; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

‭‭James‬ ‭5:14-15

It is easy to be cheerful and sing when we are victorious.  But how about other times?  Let’s think again about this year, 2020. Many have been through devastating times.  Shortage of food, and other products. People hoarding selfishly. There are thousands who have lost their lives because of this deadly virus.  Those families certainly don’t feel like rejoicing. But we still need to. Not just when things are going our way, but in those dark times also.  

We cannot afford to sit and sulk in our own self pity.  But we must stand tall, and fight for truth. Remember, you are not alone in the fire.  There is someone much greater, much stronger, much taller than we are, our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is always with us.  

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

I encourage you faithful readers, stand tall and fight, like never before. Our world is being attacked, but Jesus reigns and rules.  He is with us all.  He gives us strength.  

I pray you find that strength, and persevere through your trials, having faith your victory awaits you.  May the Lord bless you all. 

#sing #praise #pray #wearenotalone  #Jesuslovesus 

What the Lord Hates!

 Right now my country is in turmoil.  We had a presidential election that was filled with malicious hatred, lies, cheating, and the list goes on.  No matter what side you are on, you could make your claim.  Do you notice love is missing from that list? 

This is not going to be a blog about politics.  There are many on that subject, this is not one of them.  But this blog is about the love of Jesus.  All through the Scriptures we read about God’s love. His love for us, His love for the sinner, the lost, the deceived, and even the liars.  

Proverbs 6:16-19 HSCB  “The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.”

‭‭‬‬It is clear in the above Scriptures the things God hates. He spells it out for us.  When examining ourselves we often see areas we’ve slipped.  Thankfully we have a loving God, who loves us unconditionally and forgives us.  Knowing God’s forgiving power, should we be forgiving to those who have wronged us? I’d boldly say yes.  However, just because we forgive someone doesn’t mean they do not have to “pay up”. The person may have repented, but they are still responsible of their wrong. 

That goes for our leaders of our country. The leaders of the world. Kings, Queens, Presidents, Senators, Congressmen and women. This list is unending. This election was full of cheating and stealing, liars, even murderers. They are responsible for their words and their actions. 

Let me clarify murder. My opinion is anyone who does an abortion is a murderer.  You may be thinking WOW, a bold statement.  Yes it is.  Because I consider it murder and sin.  The intentional killing of a tiny baby is sickening and murder. 

You see, I hold the leaders of this country accountable. Whatever side you are on, you have that same obligation, hold them accountable.  Whatever country you live in, I am sure you have your own battles within. But what we all have in common is the resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ, His forgiving power, and His amazing love for us.  Even if we stumble or fall, Jesus is right there to pick us up.