Fear is Not of God

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Hello my dear readers, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ! Before I begin this post, I want to say that no matter what you are going through, no matter the struggles you are dealing with, no matter the emotions you are feeling, you are NOT alone! There is our Father in Heaven who loves you, who died for you so that you may live eternally and is with you during these difficult times!! And they are difficult times, indeed!! If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it's not too late and in fact, He is currently waiting on you to call out to Him and He will save you and give you everlasting life! I'm going to share with everyone on a personal level today, on a level that I pray will encourage, give hope and inspire! I'll give a little background leading up to this global "crisis" and share with you my struggles as well. This will be a little bit longer than normal but I feel a backstory is needed especially during these times in our world and for those who are new to my post and don't know of all of my other hardships! Please read til the end as this does address our global "crisis." I pray you find some comfort, peace and love through my words!

A New Journey Begins

So let's begin the journey together! As many of you know, through my writings on this blog ministry, I have had many of struggles and gone through many, many storms. Some severe, some tornadoic and some very much like a hurricane. Some were slowly brewing while some struck like lightning! I've battled many fights, many trials, many unknowns and many hardships. I've been scarred through the process, bruised, battered, cried many tears, worried, fretted, sometimes even became fearful. I've cried out to my Lord and Savior to help me when that was all the words I could muster up to pray. I've had physical battles, financial struggles, career struggles and sometimes even spiritual battles against the enemy as he tried to make me doubt and tried to make me fail and fall. God won. Every. Single. Time. I've looked over the past year or more and I've been amazed at how much God has been ahead of me, ahead of every storm I had to face, all along. He was paving the way, calming the worst of the storms, guiding my steps and the steps of others. I was reminded that walking with Him wasn't ever promised to be easy and it's not about me. It's about HIM. It's about His kingdom and readying us to be in it. Readying us to be warriors. Readying us to be victorious in His name! I've had to weather some pretty scary storms while remaining obedient and faithful. I fell apart at times, because no matter how much I trust Jesus and no matter how much faith I have, I'm only human and have the same emotions as everyone else. However, because I am a child of God, I didn't reside in my anxiety or fear or worry and that makes all the difference! I always knew eyes were upon me, both near and far, and I knew my reaction to all of my turmoil would be a testimony to my faith and to the power of my God that I professed without fail. It was hard. Very, very hard. It's hard NOW. Very, very, VERY hard! But I looked back even further to hardships years ago....I found the same pattern, the same outcome....the same promises by God that He always kept.

In October 2019, I'd finally gotten another opportunity to step out of the position I was in that didn't pay me very much and that was going to close within a few months time. The new position would end up being only where I was led to be for a season. A very short one at that! There were so many obstacles in my previous position and so many of the enemy's workers trying to attack me, that I felt very isolated and all alone. Isolation, I have come to find out through my own journey, is a way that God allows for us to grow closer to Him. God always brought someone in my path for a time though and I responded accordingly. It was good to know there were others being sent my way even if it was for a bit of encouragement or just a shoulder for me to vent on or even if they were brought to me so I could give THEM encouragement. The new opportunity was a "just in time" opportunity as the office was going to be closing and I would not have been prepared. Since I foresaw this to be a very real occurrence, I began looking for new opportunities a little more fervently. I needed more income. I needed a better environment. I needed to be utilized to my fullest potential. I needed to be where I could help others and inspire their success. Then this door opened and I didn't even apply to it. I was elated. I told everyone how bizarre the offer came to me, how the timing was crazy perfect and how I hadn't sought this position out. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, God was leading me to them in order to lead me OUT OF the job I had, not only because He already knew what their plans were, but also to protect me. I didn't understand why this particular job, why this particular time or why this job would ultimately only last 11 weeks, but soon I would find out.

Two weeks into my new position, I had to contact the corporate office of the job I left because of an annual leave pay out discrepancy question I needed answered. In no way had any other employee that left before me had any discrepancies on pay out so I found this suspect. This would have been 3 weeks after I left the job to be exact. Through the discussion, it was "casually" revealed that they were planning on closing the office effective December 1, 2019. I didn't make a big "deal" out of it in case this person wanted to reveal more so I went along. For those who have followed me, know I always say that God will always reveal the truth and the darkness will run! What's done in the dark will ALWAYS be brought to LIGHT! As a short backstory, it was their state government policy to give employees a 30 day notice of intent AND they also HAD to offer that employee another position. The closest position for me would have been 42 miles one way with no pay increase making it impossible for me to make that commute not to mention the high mileage on my car. However, the catch is, if I refused their offer, they would deny my unemployment benefits. I would have to deny the offer as it would be a financial hardship, more than I was already going through. I knew the Lord was in this revelation for a reason, a reason I wouldn't understand until now. As soon as that person revealed they were planning on closing the office December 1, 2019 I realized God's hand of protection was upon me! Part of my dilemma in my career journey can be found here, called, "Walk It Out In Faith." Oh how timely that post became for me! I had no idea I was going to be heeding my own words when I wrote that article! Amazing how God works, isn't it!

Friday, 1/3/2020 we were notified by our only client that we staffed for hat we needed to lay off a significant amount of temps. This particular office was a new location operating solely for this client. It wasn't going to be our only client but that was still in the works. We found out about the layoff late into the day and needless to say, alot of us were concerned about our jobs. There were five of us but two I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt were secure no matter what happened which left 3 of us. Of those three, my position wasn't considered integral to operations. In my spirit, I knew I would be the one to get laid off first but nobody really believed me. But I KNEW. The entire weekend was spent texting, thinking and figuring things out between the three of us. I prayed a very specific prayer about if God was going to have it be me as the sacrifice, let me show grace and I will trust Him implicitly, having faith that He has something better in store for me or would use me for something greater through this. I laid it at the foot of the cross, gave it to Jesus and I had this overwhelming peaceful feeling in my spirit it was going to me. Suddenly I texted the two and told them if anyone was going to be laid off, it was going to be me. I let them know their jobs were secure and not to worry. I said this with authority and conviction. Again, I knew in my spirit. I was sick all weekend over it and in disbelief this was happening after all that I've been through with my last job, after all that I've endured. I lost sleep. I panicked. I cried. I worried. I hadn't even officially been told yet, but while I was praying, I felt it was going to be me, like a calming peaceful KNOWING. Monday, 1/6/2020, it happens. I was called in the office and was told. I felt the rush of my blood and the adrenaline pulsing through my veins. I expected it, but wasn't fully prepared to HEAR it! I also didn't expect it to happen right away! God already went before me and knew. The rest of that week was a blur. I had to file my unemployment. I had to register for work. I had to get together a game plan. But that's all I could remember, and even that was pretty fuzzy. But the verse that reminds me all the time, that I can't figure things out on my own even though I'm very analytical in nature, is my ultimate favorite, Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." You see, it's not up to me, or you, what happens. I can only trust in the Lord with all of my heart!!

When I found out how much my unemployment would be, I couldn't understand why I had to go through another hardship and why I have to financially struggle so much, but I have to trust the Lord with all of my heart that He will provide a way out for me and provide for my needs! After all, He has done it time and time again! When I filed my unemployment, it was at that moment I realized I literally worked the EXACT amount of weeks REQUIRED by my state to qualify for benefits TO THE DAY! Literally. As I'd mentioned in a few previous posts, I'm alone. My small, immediate family live in another state, over 400 miles away. I don't have extra resources to help me through financial hardships or emergencies nor do I have anyone to assist me on a grand financial scale. So I've learned through all of my trials, WHO I get my strength from, WHO loves me, WHO knows me better than I know myself, WHO beautifully created me, WHO I rely on for my provisions and WHO never, EVER, fails me! God the Father, our Creator! I'm ashamed of myself for failing HIM knowing what He has done for me, but He knows my heart, He knows I love Him and knows that I believe in Him and every word He breathed!! He knows I TRY so hard....Now, I'm not going to lie, I'm concerned but that's very different than fear. In the first week or two, I was completely in a panic and fearing the worst. Fear is not of the Lord and I KNOW that! I've lived through it and had to walk through my fear completely in faith! 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." A sound mind was what I was missing! I had to remember this verse! I didn't know how MUCH it was going to be needed in the coming weeks but that's how God works! He reminds us sometimes in the most inopportune times for us to pull from in our immediate future needs. The enemy places fear into our thoughts to make us doubt that what we're going through will turn out for the better. He tries to make us think the worst in all situations. He tries to make us doubt that God isn't going to come through for us and we shouldn't trust Jesus because Jesus allowed our trials to happen in the first place. Well, I got news for the old serpent! I call his bluff! Satan, get thee behind me in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior who has overcome it ALL and you have been defeated! As the weeks ended and new weeks began, I became clearer headed, a bit calmer and a bit more realistic. God WILL provide for me, He WILL comfort me, He WILL give me peace in times of trouble!

This round of hardships and trials also produced much more financial issues. I had a daunting, roughly 80 ft plus dead tree that had three arms of heavy, large limbs hanging precariously over my roof that needed tended to before the winds or weight of snow/ice caused damage to my roof or crashed through my home. My sink had been draining SLOW for months and HAD to be fixed soon before it was rendered unusable or becoming unsafe/unsanitary. My cat, my little fur baby, got a severe urinary tract infection which can prove to be deadly in cats, within days of my layoff that required a few trips to the vet. The flashing around my chimney was leaking causing my soffit under the eave to warp which caused a damp spot on the wall every time it rained which seemed to be an excessive amount. I'd soon come to find out, the damage was bigger than what I thought. My living room ceiling fan and light stopped working and I re-broke my toe! So when I got laid off, I immediately thought about my financial well being and wasn't sure of ANYTHING at that moment. I cried. In fact, I cried alot in the beginning because I just couldn't see how all of this was going to be taken care of or how I would be able to pay for any of it, much less all of it on what I was getting in unemployment!  Philippians 4:19, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." and Luke 12:7, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." and Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;" That's HOW!! His promises! His love! His provisions! His Grace! His Mercy! I had to slow my thoughts and TRUST! I already have oodles of FAITH! I had to walk this whole trial out in Faith more than ever, not even knowing what was getting ready to come down the pike! The faith of a mustard seed produces MUCH!!

Fear is Not of God

It was very hard for me to SEE how things COULD work out on what I was getting but I had no doubt that God would provide and come through. I stepped out in faith, prayed, and took my first steps. I know God knew ALL of this was going to be happening in my life. He knew the storms that I would face, just as He knew the ones I'd already weathered through strength and guidance from Him! He knew my needs before I did. He knew my heart's cry in my desperate hours of sadness, worry and loneliness. He knew my trials and hardships before I knew what was about to hit me! But you see, He sent me people to help me who wouldn't take advantage of me, who would trust me to make payments and work with me, who could encourage me. He sent my pleas to the hearts of those around me to offer help where they felt led. He gave me a job that I was able to work JUST long enough to get unemployment benefits so I am able to pay most of my bills. He already knew my struggles, my pain, my hardships and He knew what was coming down the pike because He was already THERE. That's the KEY. He had already went before me! He prepared me, He prepared the hearts of those who would be sent to help me in my hours of need and He prepared the way for my peace. He already had weathered the storms that I was about to rush head on in to. He sent some financial help, a little here and a little there but always, ALWAYS, enough, just when I needed it the most. He sent food to fill my refrigerator which freed up some money from my unemployment. He kept reminding me through the little things, through scriptures, little gestures, through kindness of others, just how much He loves me and how He promises to take care of me and my needs. Is it easy? NO!! But my needs have been met, and each day I see them being met in many other ways as well. He has made some grand gestures in my life, no doubt! Some I have shared with you all throughout this blog. One of them was a very impactful part of my life and my walk, and can be found here, "When God Moves - Testimony of Faith."  Another post for those who are new to my blog can be found here, called, "God's Favor and Divine Protection." There are many things I can't explain about my journey or the answers to some of my questions of why I have continued hardships, but there is one thing I AM sure of and that is Jesus Christ! My Hope remains in Him and Him alone! He is my rock, my shelter from the storms, my strength, my provider! So through all of the trials I've had, all of the hardships and struggles I've braved through, sacrificing along the way, helped prepare me for yet another one. I laid it all down at the foot of the cross and I prayed for peace. Even though my situation felt daunting and I felt alone, I didn't focus on that. I focused even more on Him! I put my trust in Him implicitly and knew my needs would be met and I'd be ok. And then......

The global "crisis" hit! For the obvious reasons, I will refrain from using the "name" of the "crisis" but every eye that will be led to this post will KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt, what that "crisis" refers to! It blindsided the entire world, like nothing I've ever seen in my lifetime. The entire world came to a stop. An eerie, screeching halt! It brought countries to their knees within hours. It's a frightening time for many people and I understand wholeheartedly! Psalm 34:4, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears." These are very trying times, financially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically! This "crisis" doesn't leave a stone unturned. It touches every part of life as we know it and it is hard to experience these changing times! But we are all experiencing it in some fashion. It's hard to understand how an entire globe of countries, nations and people can be experiencing the same exact thing, but here we all are, experiencing the same thing. Our President of the USA called this the "Invisible War." At first I wasn't so sure I liked that terminology because it felt so haunting to my spirit, but as the days began to pass and more lives were being touched by this, I began to see what that meant and began to believe this really is a fight, a battle, against an "invisible war." WE can't SEE it. WE can't TOUCH it. WE can't SMELL it. WE can't TASTE it. WE can't HEAR it. But the whole world can FEEL it. Strange isn't it? This pathogen, as they are referring to it, has completed changed the lives of everyone in the world in one way or the other. Some more than others! This pathogen, unseen, has been responsible for a viral "fear" that is seemingly more contagious than anyone ever knew! Fear. Panic. This pathogen just changed life as we all know it and that's an uneasy feeling for many. As a human race in general, we like to "know" things by our senses but this can't be known to us by any of them. People in general like to be in control. This pathogen seems to be in "control." The operative word in that sentence is "SEEMS" because in actuality, "IT" is NOT in control. We'll get to that later.

When word first came out about this outbreak and where it originated from, the rest of the world had pretty much the same common thoughts...business as usual. Nobody could ever imagine that could happen to them or effect their country or their lives. And so the world kept moving. Then it hit and it hit hard! Fast! In a blink of an eye, the news began to fill the minds, ears, and eyes with things of the unimaginable. This felt so ominous. So dark. So troubling. I have a very sensitive spirit to these types of spiritual battles, and I saw this as such. Satan was getting his chess pieces set up. Everywhere we all looked, every channel we all turned to, every website we all visited had something to say about this "crisis." It began flooding us with images, words, darkness, more words, then stronger words, more ominous numbers/statistics, almost to the point of, for a lack of a better, more appropriate word, "brainwashing." I say that because every platform is using the SAME words. The SAME tactics. The SAME "darkness." The SAME WORDS! REPEATEDLY! I heard, with my own ears, a news reporter, a governor, and a few other "government officials" say, "If you repeat something enough, you will begin to believe it." This was in response to "warning" of the severity of the spread and how important it was to practice "social distancing." I'm unemployed. No real viable jobs to look for since we're "sheltering in place." I've got time and I've been watching the news, the press conferences the world over, with a keen eye and a discerning spirit. I'm the type of person that takes words at face value. Why? Because in that arena, the media circle, words are chosen carefully. Deliberately. Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." I'm a literal person. This began to concern me a little more than the "pathogen crisis" itself. I began to see several online communities, YouTuber's, bloggers and comments using this as a catalyst for propagating more fear, injecting more panic into an already fragile world. I am NOT saying this is not worthy of concern or worry nor am I suggesting not to take this serious, because the "effect" OF this, IS serious. What comes AFTER this, IS serious. But nobody seems to be looking beyond the "immediate" fear. However, what I AM saying is there's more to this "pathogen crisis" and even more truth that needs to be told and definitely more comfort and HOPE that needs to be shared. I'm not immune to the worry from time to time, but I know, I KNOW, there's HOPE in Jesus Christ and His return! Why? Because HE IS IN CONTROL! Not man. Not machine. Not the news. Not the government leaders all over the world. Not the "pathogen" itself. Not the media. You see, God is MUCH bigger than any THING or ANYONE. HE created this whole world that we are living in and He has already went before us and is IN this whole situation! Here are just some scriptures to encourage you that God has went before US!

1) Deuteronomy 31:8, "And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." 
2) Exodus 13:21, "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night."
3) Isaiah 52:12, "For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard."
4) Psalm 136:16, "To Him who led His people through the wilderness, For His mercy endures forever;"
5) Isaiah 45:2, "‘I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron."

So you see? This may have surprised all of the world, but it didn't surprise our Loving, Heavenly Father! The spreading of "fear and doom" is understandable in times such because things like this are hard to understand something that hit us like a massive lightning bolt. In our lifetime, we've never been in a situation such as this before so maybe it just boils down to that nobody knows HOW to respond right now. Some people are well meaning and the entire world is trying to figure out the "why's" and how to "fix" this "crisis." It's human nature as I mentioned above. Is it realistic though? Well, how do you "fight" or "fix" something you can't see? How do you "fight" or "fix" something "invisible?" Food for thought.....Before I go on, I want to address the elephant in the room. The actual "effects" this is having on the human condition, both positively and negatively. Of course, not all encompassing, but I'm starting with the negative then ending with the positive. The "lock-down" or "shelter in place" or "quarantine," whatever term you want to use, has had, and will continue to have, a major impact on the psyche of the human race. As the "crisis" his the USA, people began to quickly panic like I'd personally never seen. They were hoarding up all the toilet paper, gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, baby food/diapers/wipes. That later turned into hoarding up all the food all across the land. Some places worse than others. Not everyone, in fact most everyone, can't afford to "hoard" anything so I began to see a different side to this. It was mass hysteria. People are being isolated from friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, and well, each other! I had a friend and previous co-worker text me to check up on me as we both live alone. She said she couldn't wait for this to subside because she is in "desperate" need of a hug! I understand that completely! This will most likely have the greatest impact on the older generation, the elderly and the ones who live alone more than the families or married couples who live in the same dwelling. We were not created to be isolated and are not solitary people. We are a human race that needs interaction with others. We are inherently social beings. Isolation is devoid of human contact, hugs, touch, comfort, and all of the other important and very necessary actions for our emotional survival. We thrive on human interaction. So isolation is causing some major issues, or increasing spikes in already existing illnesses, like more anxiety, depression, anger, outbursts, domestic violence, child abuse, alcoholism and more mental health issues. This will continue the longer this "crisis" continues. It's causing way more than just a "flu on steroids." There's such a negative emotional, mental and spiritual impact on our humanity as a whole right now and I pray that we can all remember to be kind to the hurting, to pray for the needy and to shine light into the darkness!

Time is running out! Jesus is close and is right at the door! Remember that the people who lived during Biblical times were definitely not strangers to atrocity, calamities or hardships. However, even though they weren't strangers to the troubling days of their times, many were also very well acquainted with the true character of God, a loving, protecting Father quick to console His people! He comforted them then and He will comfort us NOW! Our times are no different than Biblical times because He is the same yesterday, today and ALWAYS! Here's some scriptures to comfort you!

1) Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."
2) Lamentations 3:22-23, "Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23) They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."
3) John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
4) 2 Corinthians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,"
5) John 16:33, " These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The positive side of things is how there seems to be a "reset" of sorts to our land, to our families, relationships and hopefully to eachother. Several places are reporting cleaner air, significantly less smog and pollution, clearer skies, clearer waters to the point fish can be seen for the first time in decades. All over the world, pictures are emerging of the empty streets and buildings which are quite haunting but on the flip side, those same streets are clean, no litter, no discarded items. People have been showing their skies and how they've been able to see the stars for the first time in ages. Also, this social reset also has impacted families. While schools have been shut down and the majority have lost their jobs, or laid off, they are spending more time with their children as a result. Life slowed down long enough to spend this time together as a family as God intended. The good part is family time, the bad part is the kids are not in school and the parents/guardians are not working. There is more silence at night and less noise is drowning out nature. It's a beautiful time to stop and pay attention to the birds singing, the squirrels scampering around, the wind blowing through the trees and just listening for a change. I've seen some beautiful pictures and it warms my heart. The world was so full of "busyness" that families suffered, relationships suffered, priorities suffered. Things are beginning to be put into perspective for many people and they are now seeing what is truly important! People are getting creative but we have still lost sight of the most important of all....our CREATOR GOD and His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ! One of the first places that were part of the "social distancing" orders and closures to "gatherings" were churches. Why do you suppose that is? The very one behind the "crisis" of fear is Satan himself and we know that he hates anything of God. The last place he would want people to go is to church to worship together, to hear and study the truth, to be witnesses into the fallen world, to sing unto the Lord, to pray together! Satan doesn't want the believers IN this world because we ARE the Light shining into the world. We ARE the praying warriors for the lost! He has been trying to disband churches by injecting poison into the pulpits by placing wolves in sheep's clothing, injecting abominable practices and by simply bringing into the church his own vile "doctrinal agendas." Well, God's real churches got creative too, at least those churches that had the capabilities of being creative. But there's nothing like sharing space with another Christ believing brother and/or sister! Satan knows that! There's such power in numbers! Satan knows that too! This is a time to get closer to the one who Created you! This is a time to draw near to Jesus Christ, to turn to His face and run into the safety of His arms! As I said, time is running out! I pray the veil is lifted off of the eyes of the blind so they can see!

In an upcoming post, and as/when I'm led, I'll be explaining a little more about how I believe, and why, through God's inerrant word, that this "pathogen crisis" is being used to set up, and usher in, the new world order, one world government and one world "religion." That is a truth that many don't want to speak freely of but is nevertheless, extremely important to the days that we are living in right this very moment in time! I can't stress that enough! Things that are happening all around us, have to happen for prophecy to be fulfilled. In a blink of an eye! If everyone is paying close attention to what ISN'T being said, and what's happening at lightning fast speed, and if everyone pays a little more attention to "headlines" that come out in somewhat of a preparational type manner, you will see there are already some global leaders in some countries calling for a "global effort on a global scale" to come together to fight the "pathogen crisis." I often thought how this new world order could be accomplished to get every single person in place and possibly ready. God is giving His children clues every single day through these days if they only pay attention. Sometimes, drastic measures must be taken to get our attention, to quiet our lives long enough to HEAR, to SEE. I know this is the perfect opportunity to find your peace and joy and eternal salvation by calling out to Jesus, to repent of your sins, to turn from your ways, to believe on Jesus Christ, that He was born of a virgin, is God in the flesh, who died on the Cross to pay your sin debt in FULL, buried and rose three days later and IS ALIVE! He is sitting at His Father's right hand side! Mark 16:19, "So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God." HE is the only one we need to put our trust in because HE is the ONLY one that will save us! His free gift of Salvation is waiting for you to receive!!! I, just like my Father in Heaven, do not wish to see anyone perish and everyone has a choice to believe and receive or to deny and turn away from His gift. He will not force anything upon you which is why He gives us a choice. I pray that you choose ETERNAL LIFE that can only be found in Him! Read the Holy Bible. Pray. Cry out to Him and He will hear you and draw you close! He will save you! For those who are new to my site, I've written another post on Salvation called, "Simple Salvation" and it can be found here.

He is ALL You Need!

The purpose and urgency of this post is to give you some encouragement through these dark times that we have just entered into. I'm afraid this is only going to get a little worse, and is likely just the beginning of more to come. But it will never return life, or the world, back to "normal" or the "normal" that we all once knew so well! That, too, has been shown through some "words" of leaders all over the world. Satan likes to hide things in plain sight while God REVEALS ALL THAT IS HIDDEN! They're all appearing to use the same phrase, "the new normal" or "our new normal." Well, this life is temporal for the born again, Christ believers! Nothing in this world, nothing man can "promise" is held dear to me because I know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and I know HIS riches, HIS promises, HIS words are what I cling to because they are much more than this world can, or will, ever offer me! HIS words and promises are TRUE and HE NEVER LEAVES US OR FORSAKES US!! HIS riches are much greater than anything the snake tempts you with! I know these times are worrisome, with no jobs, no income, isolated, no socializing, not knowing how bills are going to be paid, how roofs will be kept over our heads and our families heads, not being able to go anywhere for relief, no churches open to fellowship with other believers.....I understand! I'm going through the same thing. I know there are many who kept their jobs or were blessed enough to work from home. But many, many more don't have that right now! So, please take this time away from all of the busyness of the life you once knew, and try to listen for the voice of God! There IS Hope!

In closing I am going to post the most beautiful Psalm for hope and encouragement! May you find peace and comfort through this time and through the promises of our Lord and Savior!

Psalm 23 reads as follows:

1)The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 Remember, you are not alone! Lift up your eyes and surrender your heart! God Loves you! 



best religion blogs