The Real Problem with Anxiety

 

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30)

Jesus says that the root of anxiety is inadequate faith — “little faith” — in our Father’s future grace.

One reaction to this might be: “This is not good news! In fact, it is very discouraging to learn that what I thought was a mere struggle with an anxious disposition is rather a far deeper struggle with whether I trust God.”

My response to this discouragement is to agree, but then to disagree.

Suppose you had been having pain in your stomach and had been struggling with medicines and diets of all kinds, to no avail. And then suppose that your doctor tells you, after a routine visit, that you have cancer in your small intestine. Would that be good news? You say, emphatically not! And I agree.

But let me ask the question another way: Are you glad the doctor discovered the cancer while it is still treatable, and that indeed it can be very successfully treated? You say, yes, I am very glad that the doctor found the real problem. Again I agree.

So, the news that you have cancer is not good news. But, in another sense, it is good news, because knowing what is really wrong is good, especially when your problem can be treated successfully.

That’s what it’s like to learn that the real problem behind anxiety is “little faith” (as Jesus says) in the promises of God’s future grace. And he is able to work in wonderfully healing ways when we cry out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

THE SIN OF EVIL DESIRES!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 04, 2022.

SUBJECT: THE SIN OF EVIL DESIRES!

Memory verse: "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (First Timothy 6 vs 9.)

READ: Matthew 5 vs 27 - 30:

5:27: You have heard that it was said by those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’

5:28: But I say to you that whoever looks on a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

5:29: If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out, and cast it from you; for it is profitable for you that one of thy members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

5:30: And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

INTIMATION:

A desire is a craving or longing for something. Some desires are evil or sinful and is frequently translated as “lust.” Some desires are good. For instance, the apostle Paul had the good desire to be with Christ; “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1 vs 23). Just as the Lord’s desire concerning the last Passover; “Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” (Luke 22 vs 15.)

For evil desires, or inordinate affections, the apostle Paul says, such should not be tolerated by believers because, “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires.” (Galatians 5 vs 24.) When we accept Christ as our Savior, we need to turn from our sinful ways and willingly nail our sinful nature to the cross. This doesn’t mean, however, that we will never see traces of its evil desires again. As Christians we still have the capacity to sin and sometimes sin, but we have been set free from sin’s power over us and no longer have to give in to it. We must daily commit our sinful tendencies to God’s control, daily crucify them, and moment by moment draw on the Spirit’s power to overcome them. 

“Lust” is a devilish desire. Jesus said “lust” is as good as the “deed” itself. For instance, the Old Testament law says that it is wrong for a person to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse (Exodus 20 vs 14). But Jesus said that the desire to have sex with someone other than your spouse is mental adultery and thus sin. Jesus was emphasizing here that if the act is wrong, then so is the intention. In the passage we read today, Jesus is condemning the deliberate and repeated filling of one’s mind with fantasies that would be evil if acted upon. Therefore, desires that will lead you to wrongdoing should not be accommodated. 

Some people may desire to be rich, which in itself, is not wrong or evil, but the desire to be rich at all costs will definitely build up ideas in their minds that will expose them to temptations, snares, and many foolish things that are harmful and destructive. For instance, somebody might desire to make wealth by all means, and will be harboring stealing, money rituals, or obtaining by false pretenses, and if such desires are acted upon, the person may be committing murder, and other heinous crimes that are evil in themselves. Sinful actions are more dangerous than sinful desires, hence desires should not be acted out. Nevertheless, sinful desires are just as damaging to obedience as the actions proper. Left unchecked, wrong desires will result in wrong actions and turn people away from God.

Jesus was speaking figuratively when He said we should get rid of your hand or your eye, He didn’t mean literally to gouge our your eye, because even a blind person can lust. But if that were the only choice, it would be better to go into heaven with one eye or hand than to go to hell with the two. It takes the help of the Holy Spirit to resist any actions on our evil desires. The world is full of enticements. Daily we are confronted with subtle cultural pressures and overt propaganda. The only way to escape these destructive influences is to ask God to help crucify our interest in them.

Evil acts begin with evil desires. It isn’t enough to ask God to keep you away from temptation, make you stronger, or change your circumstances. You must ask Him to change you on the inside—at level of your desires.

The Scripture says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4 vs 23.) We should keep our hearts with all diligence, making sure we concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections push you in the right direction. Put boundaries on your desires: Don’t go after everything you see. And don’t get sidetracked on detours that lead to temptation.

“Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things that are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things that pure, whatever things that lovely, whatever things that are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4 vs 8.)

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to put boundaries on my desires, to concentrate on those desires that will keep me on the right path of obedience to You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen. 

PRAISE  THE LORD!

DESIRING TO BE RICH!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 03, 2022.

SUBJECT : DESIRING TO BE RICH!

Memory verse: "Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!" (Proverbs 23 vs 4.) 

READ: First Timothy 6 vs 6 - 10:

6:6: Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

6:7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

6:8: And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

6:9: But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drawn men in destruction and perdition.

6:10: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

INTIMATION:

Having riches is being wealthy, having abundant resources. Desiring riches is having lust, passion or strong wish for it. The apostle Paul notes that such desire is ungodly and makes many to do all that is possible to obtain riches. In so doing, they fall into various temptations, and snares, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which consequently, draw them into destruction and perdition. Some people are so obsessed with money that they will change their God-given standards and lifestyle to get it. If money is a controlling force in your life, it must be curbed, or it will harm you, others, and destroy your relationship with God. 

To many people money represents their pride of accomplishment and self-effort. Ironically, their attitude made them unable to keep the first commandment, to let nothing be more important than God (Exodus 20 vs 3). We have heard about people involving themselves in all kinds of evil; defrauding other people in various ways, their employers, their government, killing fellow humans, even their parents for rituals, in their desire to get riches. Eventually, when the reality of the temporary nature of their sojourn on earth, as well as their riches, dawn on them, they are sorrowful; “piercing themselves through with many sorrows.” 

The apostle James clearly describes their situation, “But the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; it’s flowers falls, and it’s beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.” (James 1 vs 10 - 11.) Prophet Jeremiah further describes them, “As a partridge that broods but does not hatch, so is he who gets riches, but not by right; it will leave him in the midst of his days, and at his end he will be a fool.” (Jeremiah 17 vs 11.)

Riches mean nothing to God because when He calls us home, we take nothing along with us. The only thing we present to Him as our true wealth is our relationship with Him and our fellow humans, not our financial assets. Hence all the’Ten Commandments’ of God are relationship based. God is only interested in what is lasting (our souls), not in what is temporary (our riches). The Scripture in Ecclesiastes 5 vs 15 says: “As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came; and he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand.” What we have in our hearts, not our bank accounts or possessions, matter to God and endure for eternity. 

Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life. Being godly and contented with what you have is great gain because it is the key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment, that is, honoring God and centering our desires on Him. How then do we honor God and center our desires on Him? Jesus gave the key in Matthew 6 vs 33; “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” 

To “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything. Such persons God will honor and add to him all that the world is running after. The Bible tells us: “By humility and fear of the LORD are riches, and honor and life” (Proverbs 22 vs 4). “Riches and honor are with Me, enduring riches and righteousness” (Proverbs 8 vs 18). The choice is yours.

Prayer: Abba Father, in You I will put my trust. Help me Lord, to lead a life of steadfast pursuit of Your kingdom and its righteousness, trusting You to add to me all other things that are pleasing to You, and being content with the things You have given me than craving after what You have not given me, in Jesus Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

The Meaning of Suffering

 

He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. (Hebrews 11:26)

We do not choose suffering simply because we are told to, but because the One who tells us to describes it as the path to everlasting joy.

He beckons us into the obedience of suffering not to demonstrate the strength of our devotion to duty, or to reveal the vigor of our moral resolve, or to prove the heights of our tolerance for pain, but rather to manifest, in childlike faith, the infinite preciousness of his all-satisfying promises — the all-satisfying greatness and beauty of his own glory as the fulfillment of all of them.

Moses “[chose] to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. . . . For he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:25–26). Therefore, his obedience glorified the reward — all that God is for him in Christ — not the resolve to suffer.

This is the essence of Christian Hedonism. In the pursuit of joy through suffering, we magnify the all-satisfying worth of the Source of our joy. God himself shines as the brightness at the end of our tunnel of pain.

If we do not communicate that he is the goal and the ground of our joy in suffering, then the very meaning of our suffering will be lost.

The meaning is this: God is gain. God is gain. God himself is gain. That’s the meaning of our suffering.

The chief end of man is to glorify God. And it is truer in suffering than anywhere else that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

Rejoicing in Pain

 

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11–12)

Christian Hedonism says that there are different ways to rejoice in suffering as a Christian. All of them are to be pursued as an expression of the all-sufficient, all-satisfying grace of God.

One way of rejoicing in suffering comes from fixing our minds firmly on the greatness of the reward that will come to us in the resurrection. The effect of this kind of focus is to make our present pain seem small in comparison to what is coming: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18). In making the suffering tolerable, rejoicing over our reward will also make love possible.

“Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35). Be generous with the poor “and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14). Confidence in this promised reward cuts the cord of worldliness and frees us for the costs of love.

Another way of rejoicing in suffering comes from the effects of suffering on our assurance of hope. Joy in affliction is rooted not only in the hope of resurrection and reward, but also in the way suffering itself works to deepens that hope.

For example, Paul says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3–4).

In other words, Paul’s joy is not merely rooted in his great reward, but in the effect of suffering which solidifies the hope of that reward. Affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces a sense that our faith is real and genuine, and that strengthens our hope that we will indeed gain Christ.

So whether we focus on the riches of the reward or the refining effects of suffering, God’s purpose is that our joy in suffering be sustained.

YOU CAN BE PERFECT!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 02, 2022.

SUBJECT : YOU CAN BE PERFECT!

Memory verse: "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5 vs 48.)

READ: First John 3 vs 2 - 3: 

3:2: Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.

3:3: And Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

INTIMATION:

Being perfect signifies wholeness and completeness; the highest level of maturity or morality. In the Scriptures, the word perfect means “mature or complete,” not “flawless.” The Apostle Paul wanted to see each believer mature spiritually. Like Paul, we must work wholeheartedly like an athlete, but we should not strive in our own strength alone. We have the power of God’s Spirit working in us. We can learn and grow daily, motivated by love and not fear or pride, knowing that God gives the energy to become mature. We can be perfect if our behavior is appropriate for our maturity level, yet with much room to grow. 

The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ (see Romans 8 vs 29). This process will not be complete until we see Christ face-to-face (First Corinthians 13 vs 12; Philippians 3 vs 21), but knowing that it is our ultimate destiny should motivate us to purify ourselves. To purify means to keep morally straight, free from the corruption of sin. God also purifies us, but there is the action we must take to remain morally fit (see First Timothy 5 vs 22; James 4 vs 8; First Peter 1 vs 22).

Our tendency to sin must never deter us from striving to be more like Christ. Christ calls all of His disciples to excel, to rise above mediocrity, and to mature in every area, becoming like Him. Those who strive to become perfect will one day be perfect, even as Christ is perfect. All phrases in perfection is grounded in our faith in Christ and what He has done, not what we can do for Him. We cannot perfect ourselves, only God can work in and through us. “He who has begun a good work in You will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1 vs 6.)

How can we be perfect? (1) In character: In this life we cannot be flawless, but we aspire to be as much like Christ as possible. (2) In holiness: Like the Pharisees, we are to separate ourselves from the world’s sinful values. But unlike the Pharisees we are to be devoted to God’s desires rather than our own and carry His love and mercy into the world. (3) In maturity: We can’t achieve Christlike character and holy living all at once, but we must grow toward maturity and wholeness. Just as we expect different behavior from a baby, a child, a teenager, and an adult, so God expects different behavior from us, depending on our stages of spiritual development. (4) In Love: We can seek to love others as completely as God loves us. 

Jesus is portrayed as haven lived a perfect life according to God’s plan. As a child, He was obedient to His parents and amazed the religious leaders in the temple. As an adult, He served God and others through preaching and healing, and finally as a condemned man, He suffered without complaint to save the whole world.

There are three stages of perfection for a child of God: (1) Perfect Relationship; We are perfect because of our eternal union with the infinitely perfect Christ. When we become His children, we are declared “not guilty” and thus righteous because of what Christ, God’s beloved Son, has done for us. The perfection is absolute and unchangeable, and it is this perfect relationship that guarantees that we will one day be “completely perfect” 

(2) Perfect Progress: We can grow and mature spiritually as we continue to trust Christ, learn more about Him, draw closer to Him, and obey Him. Our progress is changeable (in contrast to our relationships, above) because it depends on our daily walk. At times in life we mature more than at other times because we are growing toward perfection if we “press on.” Our good deeds do not perfect us; rather, as God perfects us, we do good deeds for Him (See Philippians 3 vs 1 - 15.)

(3) Completely Perfect: When Christ returns to take us into His eternal kingdom, we will be glorified and made completely perfect (See Philippians 3 vs 20 - 21).

Prayer: Abba Father, my trust is in You for I know that without You I can do nothing, and by my strength I cannot prevail. I am persuaded that You who has started the good work in me will perfect it, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

HELPING THE NEEDY!

 

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 01, 2022..

SUBJECT : HELPING THE NEEDY! 

Memory verse: "He who gives to the poor will not lack, but He who hides his eyes will have many curses.” (Proverbs 28 vs 27.)

READ: Isaiah 58 vs 7 - 12: 

58:7: Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

58:8: Then your light break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

58:9: Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shalt cry, and He will say, “Here I am.” “If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

58:10: If you extend your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then your light shall dawn in darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.

58:11: The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

58:12: Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shalt be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

INTIMATION:

God wants us to identify with the needy, not ignore them. The Scripture makes it clear that those who open their eyes to human need shall be blessed. The Scripture says, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” (Proverbs 11 vs 24 - 25). These two verses present a paradox: We become richer by being generous. The world says to hold on to as much as possible, but these verses say God blesses those who give freely their possessions, time, and energy. Remember, “He who gives to the poor will not lack.”

When we give, God supplies us with more so that we can give more. In addition, giving helps us gain a right perspective on our possessions. We realize they were never really ours to begin with, but were given to us by God to be used to help others. What then do we gain by giving? Freedom from enslavement to our possessions, the joy of helping others, and God’s approval. Paul promises that God will supply all our needs (Philippians 4 vs 19); He usually does this through other people. What can you do today to help God supply someone’s need? 

In the passage we read today, God demands our personal involvement in caring for others’ needs. Anyone who does not help God’s people is God’s enemy. If you have withheld your help from someone in a time of need, this is sin. The Scripture says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to Him it is sin“ (James 4 vs 17). Sin includes not only what we do, but also what we refuse to do. Don’t ignore or refuse to help those in need. When a Christian brother or sister suffers, we all suffer (First Corinthians 12 vs 26). We should help needy believers, not exploit them. Make it a practice to help those in need around you. 

God promises that those who care for the needy will be restored and the power of a new life shall break forth from them speedily, their rightness or right relationship with God shall go before them and conducting them to peace and prosperity, and the glory of the Lord shall be their rear guard. God will hear and answer them when they call on Him, and when they cry to Him, He will say, “Here I am.” Their light shall rise in darkness, and their obscurity and gloom become like the noonday. They are assured of God’s guidance continually, and His satisfying their needs in drought, and they shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water that will never fail. Any ruins around them, no matter how old, will be rebuild, and they raise up foundation for new buildings. 

It is everyone’s responsibility to care for those less fortunate, and helping the poor is also an active part of religious life. God counts on believers to provide for the needy, and we should use what God has given us to aid those less fortunate. Look beyond your regular giving and think of ways to help the needy. This will help you show your regard for God as Creator of all people, share God’s goodness with others, and draw them to Him. It is a practical and essential way to make faith work in everyday life.

Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don’t know where to begin. God doesn’t expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does he expect you to neglect you family while providing for others. He does, however, expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality. Some people are prejudiced against needy people or they cause them inconvenience. Instead of being annoyed, be aware of the opportunities that surround you, and make an effort to look for ways to minister to others. If your convictions don’t allow to help certain people, your convictions may not be in tune with God’s Word. It easy to ignore the poor or forget about those who have less than we do. But God desires generosity. 

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to extend helping hands to the needy according to the resources You have entrusted in my care, bearing another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!