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"Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Category: Peace

Remain In Me.

September 28, 2024 / / 0 Comments

MaryEllen Montville

“So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father.” –1 John 2:24.

In his first Epistle, John the Apostle admonishes us four times within four verses to “remain” both faithful and in fellowship with Christ Jesus, and he adds our doing this is a sure sign of our love and obedience to God and His Word. “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.” –1John 2:3-5.

Perhaps, as John was writing this portion of his Epistle, he was reflecting on earlier times.

Those days when he and his brothers spent drinking in every Word that fell from Jesus’ lips as they walked, talked, worked, ministered, debated with, and questioned Him so as to know and learn everything Jesus had to teach them. I pose this question because, upon reflection, the heart of John’s words in his Epistles concerning remaining connected to Christ—obeying Him, abiding in Him, could easily be interchanged with those spoken directly to him by Jesus in his Gospel. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” –John 15:5;8.

At their core, each verse points to how crucial staying connected to Christ truly is.

This cardinal precept of “remaining,” of spiritual intimacy with God, was a point Jesus emphasized the importance of repeatedly with His friends—and through them, to us. This precept of abiding is repeated throughout the Gospels—particularly in John’s.

Yet how? How do we “remain” faithful to what we’ve been taught from the beginning when nearly every day we hear of some new theory, new doctrine, some new “Word from the Lord” splashed across YouTube or social media, from the pulpit or whispered in our ear from a “well-meaning” yet albeit naïve believer. How do we “abide” in Christ when we’re being pulled this way or that by family members who demand, we choose between being with them or following after “this Jesus of yours.” When that addiction we thought was long behind us, the habit that had all but destroyed us, seems to be calling to us. A vague yet familiar siren song emanating up from our memory.

When your marriage is in crisis and, no matter of counseling, prayer, or late-night raging at the pain of disappointment and betrayal seems to heal it. How? When your wayward child is drifting further and further away, duped by a culture filling their heads with lies and confusion. When that stinging church hurt, or the betrayal of a life-long friend threatens to grow roots of bitterness in your heart. When the boss says that you must work on Sunday or participate in some office practice, that goes against your faith and principles, or it’s your job.

Thankfully, as believers, the answer to these questions isn’t complicated.

The process of our overcoming may be muddy and challenging, but the answer itself is straightforward. “…remain in my love.” –John 15:9. Jesus assures us, the solace and strength we need to overcome any trial is not only readily available to us, but found only in Him.

Equally, a prolific seed of Truth is found inside this simple verse: our unequivocal need for absolute Oneness with God. “Without me, you see, you can’t do anything. –John 15:5.

Sounds simplistic, I know. Maybe even trite to some.

However, absolute Oneness with God is what our relationship with Jesus must be built upon for us to flourish—to overcome and thrive spiritually.

We must have a resolute, watertight bond with our God. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” –Matthew 7:24-25.

And yet beloved, when we’re the ones facing the mountain before us, the death, terrifying diagnosis, betrayal, break-up, or loss, this simple Truth of abiding in Jesus, clinging to Him, placing a measure of faith we didn’t even know we possessed in Him, can feel not only daunting, but down-right impossible for some of us to swallow. And yet, swallow we must. Staying connected to Truth—to Jesus, we must.

Our feelings will fail us, so will our hearts, courage, and minds—our friends, too, as well intended as they may be. In times of trials, only Jesus can help us. Save, heal, deliver, strengthen, enable, make a way through or restore us.

Only Jesus.

Actually, this is true every day. For most of us, unfortunately, we only become aware of this when the winds and waves are threatening to take us out.

Each verse in today’s teaching is intended to harken us back to Jesus. To Remind us we can do nothing apart from Him—not even those things we so readily take for granted, like drawing our next breath.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly states that He came not to exercise His own will but to do the will of the Father who sent Him. To say what He’d heard the Father say only. “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does…” –John 5: 19-20.

At the core of all Jesus did was an ever-present determination to obey God and His Word to the utmost, even unto His death on the Cross.

It was this burning love for the Father, this fixed determination that was such a part of who Jesus is that nothing and no one could lure Him away from oneness with the Father. This absolute oneness caused and enabled Jesus to do what the “fully man” in Him momentarily stumbled over. “Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” –Mark 14:35-36.

We would do well to imatate Jesus by remaining in, trusting in, the love of the Father for His children.

Beloved, you have a Great High Priest who knows how hard it is for you right now. He not only sees you but that all but unbearable weight of pain you’re carrying—He’s been there. It’s why, in part, He sent me to remind you to stay connected to Him—your True and Only Source of Strength. Abide in Him. Trusting that the strength, healing, rescue, answers, or freedom you need—have been praying for— is found only in Jesus—that He has you.

Your trial, the “hour” that has come upon you, is safe in God’s Hands.

No matter what things look like, regardless of how dark it may get, trust God, beloved, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one.” –John 10: 28-30.

Friend, Jesus made connecting with Him simple. Here’s how: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” –Romans 10:9-10. I encourage you to call out to Jesus as your Lord and Savior today, become one with Him—abide in Him.

Walk it Out On The Sea Of Doubt. Part 2.

June 17, 2023 /

Matthew Botelho

As the title implies, doubt can be like a raging sea.

Thoughts can suddenly blow through our minds; waves of fear can crash and swell within them. And like all storms, our thoughts can be dark and foreboding, but God! Oh, hallelujah! Only God can calm those thoughts, those sudden, stormy waves, and winds. Only God can make the sea of our minds like glass, perfectly still. With just a Word from His mouth: “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.” – John 14:27

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”. -Ephesians 3:20-21. 

That, my dear friends, what our God can do and does, it’s straight from the Word.

No man can make up the workings of God. The Spirit testifies in each of us that God is who He says He is. Jesus came to give life and make it more abundant. Jesus came to give us peace, His peace. We need to cling to and pray for His peace daily—this “peace that surpasses all understanding.” The world does not understand this peace because it cannot. The kind of peace the world offers is a failed promise of peace, inconsistent, temporary. Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

In order to be conformed to something, you must be connected to, faithful, to whatever or whomever you are placing your faith in. If we put our faith in the world, we will reap what the world offers, the fruits of the flesh. You’ll draw your nourishment from the world if it is your source, your vine. And you’ll get its byproduct, an exact replica of what you’ve been drawing from. The world can only produce its own kind.

Instead of what this world has to offer, Jesus wants to be the Vine you draw from daily. He wants to be your Source.

His gift of salvation, His Spirit, will produce lasting fruit that will sustain you in times of trouble. When those waves of doubt crash into you, you can find the strength in Jesus, you never thought you had. The Helper, God’s Holy Spirit, can and desires to dwell within you. My pastor always says, “Transformation starts from the inside, then makes its way outward.” A person our Lord saves will be transformed from the inside, and all the world will see the fruit of their salvation. 

Do you believe that today?                                                                       

Do you believe that God can bring peace to your mind, healing to your body, and above all, salvation to those who cry out for the forgiveness of their sins?

Jesus can, and He will! He is coming back, friends, brothers, and sisters! It’s only a matter of time—I cling to this truth by faith, believing. Now there are moments, my dear friends, that I will have doubt wash over me. Does it make me a non-believer? Of course not! I am human, and there will be those moments when I fall short in faith. But God will prove Himself faithful when I am lacking. So, if my lack of faith is my thorn in the flesh, I will remember and cling to these words spoken to the apostle Paul:

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” –2 Corinthians 12:9.

A thorn in our flesh could be several things, whether it be fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, an actual sickness, as Scholars suggest it was with the Apostle Paul or a divorce; whatever it may be, a thorn in your side will make you feel weak, causing you to lose focus and fall. But in those moments especially, remember, hold tight to what Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for May strength is made perfect in weakness.”

 When you posture yourself in surrender to God, He will take over in whatever situation you may be going through. Submission is about our heart of worship and willingness to lay it all down at His feet; when you are tired, worship. When you cannot take another step, worship; when you have lost your job, worship, whatever the enemy is throwing at you, cast your ALL cares and worries on Jesus, and just worship the Lord!

Praise is one of the greatest weapons we have when we are facing trouble. God’s unmerited favor will get you through life’s storms and trials—God’s favor found in knowing His Son, Jesus, will see you through!

Child of God, you have the favor of the Father living inside you! What can this world do to you? Lift your eyes to heaven and know that God is for you.

He has not left you. The apostle Paul writes, “What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” -Romans 8:31 

I genuinely feel that someone reading this is about to receive their breakthrough.

Doubt is not your portion, dear friend. The keys have been handed to you. Jesus has taken them back from the enemy and now holds all the authority. Move, in the authority you’ve been given, in Jesus’ name!

Friend, if you don’t know Him as Lord, Jesus is waiting for you to take that step and reach out by faith, grab hold of His gift of salvation by repenting your sins and asking Jesus to be Lord of your life. I pray that the Holy Spirit has spoken to you through His inspired teaching and that you will walk out what He’s asking you to do, my friend. Amen

How Do I “Guard My Heart?”

June 11, 2022 /
Kendra Santilli

“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life” — Proverbs 4:23.

There must be a good reason for this idea of guarding the heart to be laced throughout the Bible. We see it from the Old Testament through to Paul’s letters to the Churches in the New Testament. What does it even mean to guard my heart? I cannot see nor touch it; how then is it possible to protect it?

What I love about the Bible is that it doesn’t leave us stranded after giving us seemingly impossible instructions. We can find the key to guarding our hearts within the very pages on which Paul writes this statement. Philippians 4:4-7 reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 4:23 alerts us to the importance of guarding the heart by identifying it as the source of life.

These practical steps outlined in Philippians 4 are stepping stones we have to carry out the instructions in Proverbs 4. While we are instructed to guard our hearts, the Bible also makes it clear that we can’t do it alone; we need God’s help. We see this paradox in contrast between Proverbs 4 and Philippians 4, where it seems that one scripture is telling us to guard our hearts, while the other teaches that it is the peace of God that guards our hearts. I believe this is a sort of a “push and pull ” in our relationship with our Father. We work to live rightly while pushing into God’s resources when we can no longer pull on our strength.

 “Rejoice in the Lord always.” It would be easier if this verse said, “rejoice in the Lord sometimes.”

Instead, it says always. Our rejoicing is so essential that Paul mentions it repeatedly! Why? Rejoicing does something to our minds. It puts us in a different state, inviting peace rather than anxiety. Rejoicing is giving thanks in every circumstance. Sometimes we are so consumed with what’s wrong that we no longer have the energy left to spend on searching for what’s right.

I remember a time in my life when I cried every day. I looked around and was filled with complaints and reminded myself of what was wrong, but slowly I was able to redirect my thoughts to think of what is good, as Philippians 4:8 says. At the time, most days, I had to think hard about what could be good, but as I made it a practice, good thinking became more natural. “…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—think about such things” –Philippians 4:8.

Although challenging, changing our way of thinking is possible.

It is rewarding to learn to quit focusing on what’s wrong in life and REJOICE instead over what’s good. The word “gratitude” comes from the Latin word “gratia,” which translates to “grace, graciousness, or gratefulness.” Research shows that gratitude can result in increased happiness in one’s life! (Harvard Health, 2021). This research supports Philippians 4:7. “Let your graciousness be known to everyone.” By choosing gratitude and joy in all things, your countenance changes. As your gratitude and praise to God increase, God inhabits our praises (Psalm 22:3), and the Lord draws near (Phil 4:6). Over time, as gratitude becomes a lifestyle, your joy and “graciousness” will become known to everyone, including yourself.

2. Do not worry.

I know what you’re thinking: it’s easier said than done, but with the help of the Spirit of God, you can live in peace, despite the uncertainties that life brings. Worry often comes with “what ifs.” Worry is faith in the bad things that can happen rather than having faith in God that He will work it out for our good. I’m not saying that life won’t have moments of uncertainty, but there are several places in the Bible where we are instructed not to worry or be anxious. Instead, to have faith and courage, trusting that God is on our side.

When I read these verses, I often thought, “easy for you to say, Bible.” But in my walk with God, I have learned increasingly that this instruction is twofold, more like a cycle of His faithfulness. As we step out in faith, God answers prayers and makes a way, allowing us to experience His faithfulness firsthand. As the cycle continues, we gain the confidence to trust Him for the next hurdle—only to see His goodness repeatedly. The scripture instructs us to pray instead of worry. So, the next time you’re worried, share your problems with God and remind your soul that whatever the outcome may be, God has your best interest in mind.

When we read the following few verses of Philippians, we’ll find a “how-to guide” on having a healthy mindset. And with enough practice, I believe you can discipline your mind to change your thinking patterns. We touched on Philippians 4:8 earlier, but here it is again, including verse 9.

 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” —Philippians 4:8-9.

 Paul is reiterating the possibility of the presence of God’s peace in a very practical way. When you begin to feel panic, remember to pray. Then follow this guide in Philippians 4:8-9 and find something true, right, pure, lovely, or good, and think on that. Train your brain. I am confident that the Spirit of God will help you as He has done for me amid my darkest moments.

The key to God’s peace is trifold: prayer, trusting in Him, and doing our part to discipline our minds to believe God’s Word. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” –2 Corinthians 10:5.

This week, I pray you can find God in every situation. If you don’t yet know Him, He is available to you through Jesus. Jesus wants to give you peace today as you begin your journey with Him.

Citation: “Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health Publishing, 14 Aug. 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier.

The Light of Life.

December 25, 2021 /
Kendra Santilli

Jesus is so powerful—yet kind. Just—yet wildly compassionate. Mighty—yet gentle. He has no beginning and no end; He cannot be measured. He is the Originator of all things: time, space, light, earth, you, and me. He is everywhere yet ever near to us, simultaneously. God left Heaven and came to earth, for us. I have experienced a new sense of expectation surrounding celebrating Jesus’ birth this year. I have spent extra time reflecting on what this joyous day, the whole of advent, really, truly means for humanity—for me.

Losing the wonder of Christmas can happen quickly amid the business of the season. So now that the card writing and gift-buying are finished, and Christmas dinner has been enjoyed, I invite you to pause and breathe in the joy and privilege we have been afforded simply to celebrate the birth of Jesus! I invite you to slow down now, and allow the true meaning of Christmas to take its rightful place in your heart. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:1-5

The Gospel of John speaks about the dawn of creation. It tells us that Jesus was with God—in the beginning—before the earth was formed. That He spoke all things into existence- standing over the dark void. And in this same Gospel, we receive the most beautiful revelation; John identifies Jesus as “The Word.”  The same Word who spoke time and light into existence. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness”. – Genesis 1:2-4.

The Word was God. He was the very Word that brought the light that we see with our physical eyes into existence. “…all things have been created through Him and for Him.” – Colossians 1:16.

However, when sin entered the world, the light of the soul was quenched, leaving humanity in the darkness. In Genesis 3:23-24, we read of the moment that man was banished from the Garden of Eden. “So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” Adam and Eve sinned. They disobeyed God. And their sin of disobedience disqualified them from walking with, being in direct communion with, a holy God. Holiness and the depravity of man cannot coexist.

And so, after the fall of Adam and Eve, God, for the most part, spoke to mankind through His prophets. No longer was man free to walk with God in the cool of the day—Genesis 3:8. But having been made in His image, created to love, worship, fellowship with, and serve Him, God could not let our story end there—in sin and separation. And so, He sent Jesus into the world. Not as a flashy king or powerful ruler but a humble baby. He sent Jesus to us, as one of us, fully God yet fully man. That He might experience life as we do yet live it without sin. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16.

And being God, Jesus loved us enough to leave the majesty of Heaven, His Throne, to come to us. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). —Matthew 1:23.

Jesus alone is worthy—God’s spotless Lamb restores us into right standing with God.

Sin hovers over the darkness of our hearts, but God loves His creation too much to leave us in this state.

The Word present at creation, the One who spoke everything created into existence, came as God in the flesh. In His great compassion and mercy, God, no longer able to walk with us in the garden of Eden, came instead as a babe wrapped in milk rags, found by shepherds laying in a manger. He came to restore us—to experience life as we knew it and to change life as we would know it. The Word by which light came forth became the Light of Life –John 1:4. No longer must we wander in spiritual darkness, aimless. Jesus came to restore light to our souls, illuminating the dark places that have somehow become all too comfortable for us. Jesus came to save us. To restore us into right relationship with the Father. To our place in His family. Jesus made a way for us to be in God’s presence, the best place to be. And while we can enjoy being ushered into God’s presence in solemn moments set aside for Him, days such as today, let us never forget Jesus is with us in our day-to-day moments as well. He is with us while we work, clean, drive, in our staying and going. We can spend time with Him and worship Him freely every day.

There is constant worship before the Lord in Heaven, we read about it in Luke’s Gospel. Heaven came to earth, and the angels appeared to usher in His presence with worship. The Angels came to Jesus’ birthplace, rejoicing! Jesus, the King of Heaven, the Lord of Angel Armies, the very Word of God made flesh, now dwelt among mere men. – “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” –Luke 2:13-14.

When looking at this scripture, I imagine that while the angel’s rejoicing was primarily due to their announcing God’s royal presence among us, I had to wonder if the angels also rejoiced because the Light of hope now dwelled amongst God’s creations once again?

I wonder if part of the rejoicing were the angels knowing God’s restoration plan for His children would now be fulfilled? Once again, God’s Light might enter the human soul, exposing every wicked instinct to sin against Him. Now, through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has restored a way for us to live our lives in God’s presence once again. I am so grateful that you and I do not have to wait to get to Heaven to talk to God, to thank Him for sending us His Son; we can do it right now, thanks to Christ’s birth—the first advent. And while we wait for his second advent, or coming, we can worship Jesus in spirit and Truth right now, for it is in His presence we find our purpose and the fullness of joy! “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” –John 4:24.

If you do not know Jesus yet, I invite you to receive His free gift of salvation today, for Christmas. Open your heart to Him and make Him the Lord of your life. There is no pain too deep or sin too great that God cannot forgive. May He fill you with abundant joy this Christmas season. And may this next year be one of new life for you as you walk with Him every day. “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” –John 3:3.

Merry Christmas! What an honor it has been to share my heart with you on this beautiful holiday.

Who of You by Worrying?

January 9, 2021 /
Stephanie Montilla

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” –Luke 12:25

Amid the world’s chaos, with its many “clanging cymbals,” sadly, so many souls live in a state of heightened fear. Anxiety, depression, frustration, and unrest have left them adrift with no sure place of refuge. For many, the holidays’ joyful spirit has been lost, and many loved ones have died, wedding plans have been postponed, physical touch is all but absent for some, and division within men’s hearts has intensified. While these realities experienced in the natural realm have caused disappointment and great anxiety to grow in so many hearts, we have instruction from our heavenly Father to not worry as Christians. In fact, throughout Scripture, this directive to “fear not” has been expressed multiple times. God knows our frame. He knew how we would react to bad or unexpected situations if we allowed ourselves to focus on our flesh—hence perhaps, His many reminders to “fear not.”

Jesus Christ gives us instruction because He is fully aware of the human heart and its temptations. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” –Hebrews 4:15.

Worry can happen quickly if our minds and spirits aren’t unwaveringly fixed on the One who holds our every answer, Jesus Christ.

Have you ever considered that worry is the exact opposite of faith! Worry doesn’t stimulate us because it is a depressant. It doesn’t provide joy; it robs our peace. Because fear causes us to trust and rely on our abilities, it drains us, leaving us feeling heavy. This because we were never meant to carry such things, instead to put them in the hands of the One whose burden is light and whose yoke is easy. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” –Matthew 28:28-30.

Worry robs our rest, and it tears us apart. Do you know what “worry” means? According to Merriam Webster, worry is defined as a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems.. Fear of the unknown, aka worry, steals our ability to live and enjoy the present moment by dragging us back into a past that has expired or forward into a future that remains unknown. Anxiety hinders our intimacy and ability to trust in the Lord. Rather than resting on the sure foundation of God’s Sovereignty and faithfulness, we rely instead upon our skills and limited understanding.

As believers, my brothers, and sisters in Christ, though challenging at times undoubtedly, worry has no place in the kingdom of God; if we truly have faith, what then is the use of our worrying?

Listen to the surety given us by God: “Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?'” –Luke 12:22-26; Matthew 6:25-34 NIV. Jesus is both profound and all-encompassing. Knowing us as only He can, He gives us clear examples of those things He knows we as humans are prone to worry about: “what we would eat or what we would wear.” Yet, in His lovingkindness, Jesus prompts us to look beyond these simple daily cares. He reminds us that our life is far more important than those concerns of the body; if He can provide for the ravens, who have no storeroom, why should you and I not trust Him? After all, who better to know what we need than He who fashioned us! If He has provided the birds a place to lay their head, why would the creator of the universe not supply your needs? He assures us, after all, that we are more valuable to Him than birds!

Knowing all of this, why would we allow worries to steal our breath or rob our peace? Have we forgotten that we serve the same faithful, powerful God that oceans, seasons, and life itself both yield and respond to, at His command? Worry is synonymous with unbelief. The Lord knows what we need before we ask. So, for Christians, worry ought to be a spiritual wake-up call, alerting us to the fact that we have lost sight of God’s power and ability, His faithfulness, and His Sovereignty.

I hope I do not sound as though I am above the fray of human emotions or the need to beat back the fears that chase after me? I, too, wrestle with that seemingly ever-present foe known as worry. Recently, I was struggling with fear regarding my future. I bought into the enemy’s lie that the Lord had passed me over, forgotten about me. But God, in His lovingkindness, directed me to the above passages in Luke and Matthew, assuring me not to worry, instead to place my full hope in Him, now and forever. This same assurance was given to me when, again, recently, I also struggled with worry over whether we would ever see unity in the United States? Would order ever be restored from out of this current dis-order? Again, the Lord faithfully assured me through His Word. He redirected my anxiety back to His peace and Sovereignty by leading me to Psalm 20:7. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord.”

Some trust in political parties, some in offices, but our faith must rest squarely in the Lord as Christians.

As I was preparing to write this, I had an epiphany. The Holy Spirit reminded me that this same type of evil, these wicked, unpredictable, volatile, antichrist spirits we see in operation today, were present when Jesus entered our world as a Godman. And they will continue to exist until the day God Himself puts an end to them, once-for-all. Only God can restore the wicked heart of man, washing away his sin. As Christians, we have something the world so desperately needs friends – and they’ll continue to need it until the very day of His Coming; His Living, glowing, peaceful, loving, the infallible, inerrant, Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Sadly, while the world may feel as though it’s catching the brunt of some never-ending hurricane, those who put their faith in Jesus will always find shelter in our Strong Tower, in the shelter of the Most High God. “The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.” –2Peter 3:9.

In closing, friends, when worry tries to enter through your front door, remind it where you keep your hope. Remind it that you “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” –Proverbs 3:5-6. Tell worry that God’s Holy Spirit helps you in your time of weakness and that, “…in all things God works for the good for those who love Him” –Romans 8:26-28. Our worry reveals that we have not yet fully cast all our cares, sudden fear, and anxiety into God’s capable hands. We must pray, present our requests with Thanksgiving unto God, and ultimately surrender every care to Him – It’s not surrendering if we continue to pick it up!

Pray, “Lord Jesus, I transfer _____ to you. Your word says come to me those who are weary and burdened, and you shall provide rest for our souls. I yield ____ to you and trust that you will take care of it as you will. Have your way, Father God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Friends, take heart. Be at ease. Find rest. Jesus has overcome the world! Seek His guidance, then step out of the way that the Lord may work on your behalf. And if you haven’t yet decided to follow Jesus yet sincerely want Him in your life—ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to enter your heart. And if worries burden you, call out to the name of Jesus to grant you peace of mind. He is so faithful to answer.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” –Philippians 4:6-7.

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