Quotes of the month
Lord, I ask for Your peace to fill my heart today. May Your presence be with me always. Amen.
Prayfaithlovepeace website
I will be walking with Jesus in 2025:
He is with me.
He is for me.
He sees me.
He hears me.
He understands me.
He protects me.
He will take care of me.
If God is with you, Amen.
Alistair Begg website
This is your gentle reminder that one time in the Bible Elijah was like, “God, I’m so mad! I want to die!” So God said, “Here’s some food. Why don’t you have a nap?” So Elijah slept, ate, and decided things weren’t so bad.
Never underestimate the spiritual power of a nap and a snack.
Andrew Wommack website
Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
No matter what your outer appearance may seem to be, You are a shining star in the eyes of God. There be no ordinary people. God loves you as His Children.
Angel Ariel,
Angel Talk, by Ruth Crystal
Two Little Words
by Pastor James Merritt
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him – and he was a Samaritan.
Luke 17:15-16
A part of the body that is always affected in leprosy patients, eventually, is the vocal cords. Over time, your voice becomes squeaky and raspy until your larynx effectively shuts down. In Luke 17:15, we see that this leper knew he had been healed, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. The Bible tells us that he praised God in a loud voice.
The words “loud voice” in the Greek language give us the word, “megaphone.” It had been so long since this sick man could hear himself, much less anyone else hearing his voice, and here he is praising God at the top of his lungs. People might have been able to hear him all over the city. And what did he say to Jesus? “Thank you.”
We should never underestimate the power of those two little words…even to God. We live in a world of ingratitude. Just go to a restaurant and watch how many people get their food, eat it, and never even acknowledge the God that both gives them that food and grants them the ability to eat it and enjoy it. In this recorded miracle we see that Jesus loves to hear us say, “Thank you,” but also that it hurts Him when we don’t thank Him. After the leper thanks Jesus He asks, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?”
Of course, these are rhetorical questions because Jesus already knew the answer. What He was really asking is, “What is wrong with this picture?” The truth about gratitude is this: You are either the one leper or you are the nine. All of us fit into one of these categories. Are you grateful, or ungrateful? Do you take the time to thank God, of just go about your day?
As believers in Christ, we have every reason to be thankful.
Why the Old Testament Matters
by Pastor Alistair Begg
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4
While we may understand the importance of God’s word for our lives, we might also wonder, deep down, why we should study Old Testament stories. What can modern people gain from such a study? Why not focus on the New Testament and the stories of what Jesus and His apostles did and said?
Here is the answer: these ancient segments of history are significant not just for the biblical characters or for Israel, but also for you and me – and, indeed, for the entire world. Such a sweeping claim may sound like hyperbole, but if we approach our study of the Bible with certain convictions in mind, we will begin to understand and be convinced, as the apostle Paul was clearly convinced, that the Old Testament was written for us, that it was written to instruct, and that it gives us hope.
The first conviction is that there is unity to the Bible, from creation in Genesis to the new creation in Revelation. In between is the record of humanity’s fall and the chaos and brokenness of the universe that flowed from it. Through it all, we discover the story of redemption and the plan and purpose of God to put together a people of His very own. We need to read the whole of that story, from start to finish.
The second conviction guiding our study of God’s word is that this biblical unity exists not because it is a collection of religious documents but because it is the word of God, written by men who “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). We need to read all of what God has chosen to tell us.
Thirdly, there is the conviction that we need our Bibles to understand human history, our own little histories, and our place within history. Much of what is happening within us and around us does not make sense apart from an understanding of human nature and God’s sovereignty at work as revealed in Scripture.
Finally, we hold the conviction that the Bible, including the Old Testament, is a book about Jesus. If we take our eyes from Jesus, then we don’t just lose our way around the universe; we also lose our way around the Bible. The Old Testament points us to Christ, prepares us for Christ, and shows us pictures of Christ. One of the questions we ought always to be asking is, “How does this record of things show me good news about Jesus Christ?”
With these convictions in mind, we can have confidence as we study the Old Testament that it is instructive. But not only that: it is full of hope, for it shows us our Savior. The more we read the parts of the Old Testament as books written by God, through His Spirit, about His Son, the more we grow in hope, in understanding, and into the likeness of our Savior.
2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
No Medication Required
by Frank Paul
Even if your belief in the Bible is not literal, or perhaps you are not a Bible person at all, you must admit, the Bible does contain a treasure trove of good ideas that relate to everyday life, even in 2025: Do not lie or steal, good ideas; do not swear or commit adultery, good ideas; rest one day of the week, excellent idea, to list a few. These are issues dealt with by everyone.
Another prevalent bump along the road of our daily lives is worry and anxiety, which creeps up on us all, to varying degrees; or slams us right in the face, depending on your reaction to it. How peaceful would it be if we could move that file in our brain of worries and anxieties elsewhere to offload them. Actually, you can.
When Peter said we should be “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you,”
1 Peter 5:7, he was referring to allowing Jesus to calm your worries and anxieties, which if you haven’t done so because you are a bit skeptical about Jesus and how this all works, hopefully this article will urge you to attempt this avenue of relief: no medication required.
Because as we have all learned from our past worrying sessions, “Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life,” said Jesus in Matthew 6:7. Don’t just skim over that quote by Jesus, it is an absolute fact played out by everyone every day, that worrying does nothing at all, other than drive us nuts and makes us unsettled.
We will try a new drug advertised on a TV commercial to see if that helps; and if it does not, there is another commercial that will suggest adding another drug on top of the previous drug to really calm you down. We will try the latest new bar in town attempting to get our mind off our problems, or a new flavor of bourbon that just came out. None of our external “fixes” work; they simply mask. I wonder if I should be so simplistic to write this, but why don’t you just try it; you have nothing to lose. The “it” is Jesus. No, you do not have to go anywhere or join any group. All you have to do is ask for help, which is what you are doing anyway when you try these external “fixes,” you are hoping it helps you feel better.
There are passages in the Bible 2800 years old, and even older, that address this very issue. God knew you would be stressed and worried in this lifetime, it is difficult to get anything past him, so He gave us helpful hints along the way. Consider Isaiah 41:13, “For I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not: I will help thee.” He will help us, but it would move the situation along quicker if you actually asked Him.
So many people I have known have tried so many different avenues to feel less worried, I could write an article just on that topic; and yet they still chat with me about wanting to slam their heads against a wall. Even doubters of the Bible will agree that this Jesus guy sure was pretty nice and kind and helpful. Never read anything about Him being mean or lying; and that is because He never was. Name one of your friends, acquaintances, or spouses who have never had a bad day and hurt your feelings with words or actions. Jesus is blameless. He truly is a no medication fix to your angst feelings. He even said so.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
I have run across many a stubborn person in my life through my various careers: dogged, determined, driven people; yet they cannot fix their own anxiety. It will take the strongest person down to their knees in frustration, which, by the way, is probably a good place to start asking for help.
There is no formality to the “No Medication Required” approach. There is no sign-up sheet or online subscription. Just simply ask; it will not kill or embarrass or weaken you. Don’t tell anyone. Simply sit quietly for a few minutes, use your own words or thoughts, and express that, “I could use a hand here, it has been a tough few days, weeks, or months. I have heard you will even listen to non believers who really need your assistance,” and just let it go. Let those thoughts pour out of your mind and clear the air. Trust me, Jesus knows them anyway. Then just relax. You have now downloaded that file elsewhere and it will be handled.
This entire process I have been writing about has mainly been geared to non believers or those on the fence about Jesus. For we believers, we are the ones who really need the kick in the behind. We have read these words, we have heard this advice since forever, yet we completely ignore it when the stress and worry hit home. Why that is, is beyond me; and I am as guilty of it probably more than anyone. The words of the Scripture should resonate with us and guide us along the way, yet we continually try to muster through ourselves, or mask it with “stuff.” I am a master of masking, much to my detriment.
Using our common denominator of belief in Jesus as a starting place, when we are figuratively about to jump off a roof, we should remember Him, our Prince of Peace, when he said in Matthew 6:27, “Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.” Common day meaning: worrying is utterly useless. Let Jesus “worry” about it and move on. Or go back in Scripture 3,000 years and read the Proverbs, especially 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” That is a nice one. I would rather trust God to handle my anxiety as opposed to the latest new pharmaceutical they’re trying to shove down your throat on commercials or at the doctor’s office.
Now that I am in my seventh decade I feel comfort in these particular words of God, “I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. And I could go on and on with quoted Scripture.
The point is, give your brain a break. You are literally making yourself emotionally and physically sick. Realize that Jesus knew we would worry and have troubles in this lifetime, which is why He gave Himself to us as The Comforter. For we believers, use this article as a reminder to get back to basics, cast your burdens on the one who loves us the most, who died for us, Jesus, and be free from your worries. And for the non believers or the ones on the fence, if you do not try Jesus as the “cure,” you will never know if He works.
Give Jesus a chance, He is knocking on your door to help, just let Him in. As Pastor James Merritt so aptly said, “As you tether your heart to the Bible, you will gain insights into the wisdom, encouragement, and hope that only the Word of God can provide.”
Thanks for reading. Jesus loves you!!!
Additional Resources:
Here are some, by no means all, Scripture verses that will reinforce the idea that you need not worry yourself to death, and you can be at peace today once and for all.
Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Exodus 14:14, “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Psalms 34:8, “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
Psalm 118:24. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
John 12:46, “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness.”
John 14:1-4, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
Sabbath Day or The Lord’s Day – I always take Saturday to rest and reflect on God’s creation and His kindness towards me and to unwind. Whether you choose Saturday or Sunday, you should definitely use one day a week and unplug from as much as possible to allow yourself to recharge.
A prayer I wrote to give myself a daily boost:
O, God, be with me this day.
O, Jesus, be with me this day.
O, Holy Spirit, be with me this day.
Let God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit do your worrying for you and release that burden to them. You will be astonishingly surprised, because it really works.
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