Learning at Camp

In Minnesota, every weekend during the summer hundreds of people head “up North.”  This grand exodus suggests the desire of people to get away from the routine of everyday life and enjoy some down time.  Some head to a summer cabin and others simply spend the weekend relaxing at the lake.  Included in this exodus are children and youth who head to camp – some who find their way to Bible Camp.  Over the years, Christian camping has been a tradition for many people.  This “get away” time is fun filled, challenging, and a great learning experience.  Though camping experiences individuals learn:

1)    To take responsibility.  Since Mom and Dad are not around to give direction, campers need to make many decisions on their own – like brushing teeth, changing clothes, and putting things away.  In addition, each camper is assigned a cabin and usually dining room responsibilities.

2)   To become independent.  For some, this may be the first time away from home with the opportunity to exercise their freedom of choice.

3)   To cooperate.  With scores of other people around, campers need to work together to experience unity and accomplish goals.

4)  To submit to authority.  Camp rules and regulations must be followed along with the direction that comes from camp directors, counselors, and other camp staff.

5)  To trust the Lord.  For some, the camping experience can be a lonely time.  It is in these settings that campers begin to learn the importance of leaning on the Lord for support and encouragement.

6)  To understand more about God.  Campers learn about:

a)  God’s Love. “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).

b)    God’s Way.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

c)     God’s Worthiness.  Jesus is worthy in whom faith should be placed. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3).

d)    God’s Guidance.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; it all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or other children head to Bible camp this summer, let’s use this time to pray for them.  Ask God to make this a life-changing experience for them.  Pray that they would come to trust in Jesus and come to know Him as their personal Savior and Lord.  As you pray this for your offspring, why not pray for yourself as well?

Trusting Through Troubles

The inscription on U.S. coins which we carry in our pocket or purse contain the words “In God We Trust.”  Question: Do you really put your trust in God?  Trusting God when times are good is easy for anyone.  However, it is a bit more difficult to trust God when things do not turn out the way you thought they would.

The Biblical Christmas story tells of two individuals who trusted God – Mary and Joseph.  They were engaged to be married, had a commitment to each other, and a commitment to God’s Word.  They wholeheartedly believed what God said.  An angel appeared to Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).  Mary was shocked about the situation because she asked the angel, “How will this be … since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34).  The angel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).  Even though Mary was confused, her implicit trust in God was shown when she said to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

Joseph was extremely distressed when he discovered that his fiancé was pregnant.  However, he was a righteous young man and he did not want to expose Mary to public grace.  So his plan, which he felt would cause the least hurt to Mary, was to divorce her in a quiet manner.  However, an angel appeared to him and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).  Like Mary, Joseph’s action to the communication from the angel showed his unconditional trust in God.  Scripture tells us, “he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus” (Matthew 1:24-25).  Obviously, things did not work out the way this young couple had planned.  However, both of them obediently followed God’s direction and allowed God to work in their lives.

When things do not work out for you as you thought they would, do you find yourself trusting God through obedience and courage like Mary and Joseph?  Are you willing to put your life completely in God’s hands?   Remember, God is big enough, strong enough, and powerful enough to meet every need that you have.  The Bible says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). During this Christmas season and in coming New Year, why not step out in faith and make “In God We Trust” a reality no matter what your circumstances?

Joy of Fulfillment

Most people can think about things for which they have had great anticipation.  Maybe that anticipation was a birthday, Christmas time, a new bike, a new game player, a new car, or a new home.  Possibly, you have anticipated the visit of a friend or relative whom you have not seen for some time.  Most likely all of us can think of things for which we have anticipated and most likely there will be further anticipations in the years ahead.  Anticipation is the excitement that a person has about looking forward to something that will bring a smile to their face, provide a note of joy to their heart, and fill them with a sense of great satisfaction. 

Most of the time anticipation is positive because the fulfillment will bring much happiness to the individual.  However, sometimes anticipation can be negative, especially when the individual has anticipated something for a long but it has not yet materialized.  This might result in a feeling of “dreaded expectation” and it may also produce fear or anxiety, rather than hope, and trust. 

From a biblical perspective, anticipation is a confident belief that what God has said will take place.  Another word for biblical anticipation is “faith.”  Faith as a general term is quite different than Biblical faith.  When someone has general faith, they have a “hope so” attitude.  They expect that something may happen, but in reality, it may not happen.  When someone has biblical faith, they have a “know so” attitude.  With Biblical faith they can be completely confident that what God has said will come to pass.  Hebrews 11:1 explains it this way, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Here are several important aspects of the statement from Hebrews.

(1) “Faith” – Is the actual anticipation of that which is expected.

(2) “Confidence” – Is Biblical faith because there is certainty in what is hoped for.

(3) “Assurance” – Is the guarantee that what is anticipated will essentially transpire – a “know so” attitude.

To sum up our discussion, anticipation is looking ahead and preparing for what God has already said and promised.  Joy comes when the result of anticipation has been fulfilled or completed. What do you look forward to?  What do you anticipate.  Is your anticipation a “hope so” kind of faith, or a “know so” kind of faith?  If you are looking for something for which you can be completely confident that it will actually happen, then go to the Bible and check out some of God’s promises such as “new birth”, “a living hope”, and “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” Here’s what the Apostle Peter says in his 1st Epistle.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”  I Peter 1:3-5

The Wordless Book

The wordless book is a booklet with colored pages, each representing an aspect of the Christian gospel.  In London in 1866 Rev. Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon entitled, “The Wordless Book.”  He told about an elderly minister who put three colored pages together and often looked at them to remind himself of three things: (1) His sinfulness (black), (2) Christ’s blood poured out for him (red), and (3) The cleansing provided for him (white).  Nine years later, Lay Evangelist, D. L. Moody, added a page to the booklet and shared with 12,000 children “A Book with Four Leaves.”  Since then, Bible verses were added along with a gold page and a green page (added in 1875 and 1939).  The pages explained are:

1)    Gold – represents Heaven.  God loves us and wants us to be with him in his heavenly home.  Jesus said, “My Father’s house (heaven) has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

2)    Black – represents Sin.  Sin prevents us from being with God.  The punishment for our sins is that we cannot be with God in heaven because our hearts are not clean.  The Bible reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

3)    Red – represents the Blood of Jesus.  God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus to provide a way for our hearts to be made clean.  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and make it possible for us to be forgiven.  The Apostle John says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (I John 1:7).

4)    White – represents Clean Hearts.  When we sincerely admit that we have sinned, ask God to forgive us, believe that Jesus died to take the punishment we deserved, and invite Jesus into our lives, God makes our hearts clean.  John says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

5)    Green – represents Growth.  Once we invite Jesus to come into our lives, it is important that we grow in our relationship with Jesus. We can do this by talking to God (praying), reading God’s word (the Bible), and obeying him (doing what he asks us to do).  The Bible says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (II Peter 3:18)

Through the death and resurrection of Christ, and our hope and trust when we by faith personally receive Jesus into our lives, we can enjoy the spiritual freedom that God offers.  Let’s take time to allow the wordless book – gold, black, red, white, green – to speak to us as we respond to the message of the gospel.

Signers of the Declaration

Have you ever wondered what kind of people signed the Declaration of Independence or what happened to them?  This important document was signed by 56 men who were soft-spoken, wealthy, and educated.  However, by signing their names to the document they put their lives and the lives of their families in jeopardy.  Having their names on that manuscript meant that they valued liberty more than their own safety. Some of these men were soldiers in the war and died from the wounds they sustained. Some were captured and tortured, and others had their homes ransacked and burned. A few were driven from their homes and lived in forests and caves and some family members were dispersed and never found again. 

These men agreed to the following statement: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”  Together they had a firm trust that the hand of God would rest on them despite anything that may happen to them.  They were confident that physical and spiritual freedom was of great value – “If the Son [of God] sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).  And they were assured that they needed a firm trust in God – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

These men knew that the document they signed would have a lasting impact on all Americans for years to come.  As a result of their bravery, today you and I have much for which to be thankful to God.  We should be grateful for the forefathers of our country who put their lives on the line when they took quill in hand and signed their name on this document.  And we should give thanks to God for the unlimited blessings he has provided for us in this great country of ours.

The Surpeise of the Ages

Because surprises can be negative or positive, people either dislike them or thoroughly enjoy them. A surprise suggests both the unexpected and the unanticipated.  If a surprise is negative it is disliked, hated, or detested.  When the surprise is positive it usually brings a smile to the face and joy to the heart.

After Jesus died and was buried, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to his tomb. There they were given a wonderful surprise that was explained this way: “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you” (Matthew 28:5-7).  What a wonderful surprise this must have been.  Not only was Jesus not in the tomb but an angel of the Lord told them that he had in fact risen from the dead and they should quickly go and tell the disciples this wonderful news.

We celebrate this great surprise today and commemorate it as Resurrection Sunday.  The Bible tells us that Jesus “Himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (I Peter 2:24).  Jesus’ death satisfied the penalty for our sin which he voluntarily paid for all mankind.  By faith and trust in Him we can enjoy and experience everlasting life – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).  By believing in Jesus and receiving him by faith we become part of God’s forever family. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

No wonder the songwriter (Alfred Henry Ackley, 1933) wrote the music and these words that express that Jesus is a living Savior. “I serve a risen savoir, he’s in the world today.  I know that He is living whatever men may say.  I see his hand of mercy; I hear his voice of cheer. And just the time I need him, he’s always near.  He lives.  He lives.  Christ Jesus lives today.  He walks with me and talks with me, along life’s narrow way.  He lives.  He lives.  Salvation to impart.  You ask me how I know he lives; He lives within my heart.”

Any individual can personally apply this surprise of the ages to their own life by simply believing in Jesus and putting complete trust in Him.  All of this takes place because of God’s grace.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  The part we play is to simply believe and receive this wonderful gift.  “Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I John 5:10-12).  Allow Jesus’ resurrection, the surprise of the ages, to impact your life.

Peace Through Difficulties

None of us need to be reminded that we will have problems in life.  Difficulties may be small, or they may be large, but it goes without saying that we will experience trying times.  Calmness, tranquility, or peace - the opposite of difficulty - are what most people desire.  However, it seems that the harder we try to work through our difficult times the worse they get.  So, where should we turn when problems are heaped upon us?  The Bible says, “You [God] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

• According to this verse the “You” refers to God.  That means that calmness of mind and spirit comes directly from Him.  God is the ultimate, divine source of peace.
• The peace that God gives comes through minds that are “steadfast”.  This means that when our minds are completely committed to God, they are not subject to change and are securely set in place.
• The way we enjoy God's peace is through personal “trust” in his character, strength, truth and reliability - all of which gives us great confidence.

The New Testament says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).  Having God’s peace as we go through difficult times will help us confidently rest in His strength to protect us emotionally (our “hearts”) and mentally (our “minds”).  With God’s peace we will experience a calm assurance because He is in control.  Where does all this come from?  The verse continues to say this happens “in Christ Jesus.”

Obviously, it is always easier to talk about trust than it is to do actually trust.  However, God wants us to move forward in life, and that will happen if we do not stray from putting our trust completely in Him. What difficulty, problem, or concern do you have today, or have you had recently?  Are you trying to figure things out using your own strength?  Why not enjoy the abundant peace that God gives?  Why not rest peacefully in His strong arms of love and care?

The Beginning of Thanksgiving

During the month of November we celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  Have you ever wondered where the tradition of giving thanks began?  Throughout history many groups, including the people of Israel, have celebrated a bountiful harvest with a thanksgiving ceremony.  One of the festivals the Israelites celebrated had three different names.  It was called the Feast of Tabernacles, the Feast of Booths, or the Feast of Ingathering.  This feast marked the completion of the harvest and commemorated the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness.  Along with other feasts, this feast did several things.

• It preserved the religious faith of the nation and the unity among the people.
• It was a constant reminder of the way God had delivered them from difficulties in the past.
• It promoted gratitude to God among the people and acknowledged their trust in Him as their wonderful Provider.
• It gave an opportunity for the Children of Israel to show reverence for God.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let’s be reminded of the opportunity we have in this great country of ours to exercise our faith and worship God.  Let’s thank God for the way He constantly delivers us and preserves us, even through difficulties.  And let’s commit ourselves to exercise our trust in God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.  Calvin Coolidge, the 30^th President of the United States, said the following in one of his Thanksgiving proclamations.  “We have been a favored people; we ought to be a grateful people.  We have been a most blessed people; we ought to be a most thankful people.”

Psalm 100 was written as a psalm for giving thanks.  As you participate in Thanksgiving activities this season, let this psalm be the expression of your heart to God: “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.  Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the LORD is God.   It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Ps 100:1-5)

Where are you Going?

Where are you going?” was the question the traffic officer asked the motorist who, because he was late for an important meeting, had rushed the light making a quick left turn in front of oncoming traffic.  The motorist was a seminary student who told the officer, “I’m studying for the ministry, and I was hurrying to get to a special meeting.”  To which the officer replied, “You better slow down, or you are going to get to heaven before you want to.”  He gave the student a warning ticket and let him go.

The question the officer asked is a good question for all of us to consider about life.  “Where are you going?”  Isn’t it logical to think that life consists of more than simply living a few short years and then dying?  I’m afraid that many people are rushing through life trying to enjoy every minute, but they forget to answer the all-important question, “Where are you going?”

Listen to what the Bible tells us about heaven:

1)    Heaven is God’s gift to us.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

2)    Heaven can be ours through Christ.  And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I John 5:11-12).

3)    Jesus is preparing heaven for those who have put their trust in Him.  “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

4)    Our good works cannot attain heaven.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

5)    Heaven is assured to those who personally receive Christ. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

So, “Where are you going?”  Are you ready to meet God?  Are you confident that if you should die tonight you would go to heaven?  You can be ready to meet God and be assured of heaven.  How?  All you need to do is to put your faith in God and trust Him alone.  Pray to God.  Ask Him to forgive your sins, come into your life, and be your Savior.  He will.  And then with complete confidence your answer to the “Where are you going?” question will be “heaven”. The Apostle John confirms this when he says,  “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (I John 5:13).

Contentment

Question #1: Are you a child of God?  According to Scripture, you are if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12).  Question #2: How do you live as a child of God?  The Bible says we are to live wisely (Ephesians 5:15).  Some people become anxious and fearful about things that happen to them.  Sometimes, even people who are children of God tend to forget that they are a member of God’s family and that they should entrust their lives to God.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Here are several life situations.  Think about what a child of God might do in these circumstances.

1)      A Strained Relationship.  Suppose a relationship with a family member has gone bad.  A child of God could think of persons who may have never known what it is like to love and be loved and pray for that family member.

2)      Purpose in Life.  Everyone wants their life to count for something.  A child of God can be thankful to God because God has gifted every child of His with abilities to do things well.  There are many people who struggle to find purpose in life.

3)      Unkind People.  Perhaps you might encounter someone who is unkind, bitter, or harsh as they interact with others.  If you are a child of God, you can pray for that individual asking God to help you be courteous and kind to them and to others.

4)      Physical Difficulties.  Some people do not have vocal cords with which to speak and sing or hands to use to help others.  You can thank God for what you can do and pray for contentment for these people.

5)      Failing Health.  You may find yourself with failing health or maybe you are unable to get around like you used to.  If you are a child of God, you can be thankful for the portion of health that God has given you and that He meets all your needs.  You can also pray asking God to help those who have difficulty in these areas.

The child of God should have a contented life.  However, notice that the Apostle Paul said that contentment is something that needs to be “learned” – it does not just happen naturally.  It does not matter what the situation is - even if you are challenged by your circumstances.  You can always give thanks to God and ask Him to give you an attitude of contentment.  What is the secret of contentment?  It is to trust God completely and trust Him in everything. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I challenge you to live a contented life.

New Beginnings

Once January 1^st rolls around, we experience the beginning of a new year and a new month.  Have you ever thought about things that have new beginnings?  In addition to the year and the month, every week has a new beginning; every day has two new beginnings – one in the morning and one in the afternoon; and every hour and minute has a new beginning.  There is the beginning of a new job, the beginning of school, the beginning of a relationship, the beginning of a meal, the beginning of a fast, the beginning of losing weight, the beginning of new resolutions, and on and on the new beginnings go.  Even the Bible speaks about a new beginning – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  With the click of a computer key in an electronic Bible you will discover 90 New International Version verses containing the word “beginning”. The following five verses suggest some things that could be a new beginning for you.

1)    New Birth.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Peter 1:3).  We can experience new birth by being born into God’s family when we put our trust in Christ as our savior from sin.

2)    New Life.  “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).  Once we experience new birth we are able to live the new life that God intended.

3)    New Command.  “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).  With new life we walk to the beat of a different drum and not only experience God’s love for us, but are able to share His love with others.

4)    New Song.  “And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain and with your blood youpurchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).  Everything that is new about our life ends up with a joyful song coming forth from our lips – even praise and adoration to our God.

5)    New Creation.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (II Corinthians 5:17).  The Apostle Paul is quick to note that when we personally receive Christ everything that is old about our life has been done away with and we become completely new through and through.

As you enter the New Year, rejoice in the fact that God has brought you to another year.  But also evaluate your life to make sure you have experienced all the new things that God would have you enjoy.  By His Spirit, when you put your trust in Christ for your salvation from sin, you will become a new creation and then have opportunity to “Tell the people the full message of this new life” (Acts 5:20).

Time to Turn to God

Because of the pandemic situation in which we find ourselves, people often wonder, “What is most significant for me and my family?”  In what or in whom should I trust?  Should I trust in the national health authorities?  Governmental officials?  Human knowledge?  Should I wait until a vaccine is developed to take care of the pandemic?  What about trusting in a mask to keep me safe?  What about maintaining a social distance of 6-feet from other people? We could turn to all of these things but even so, there is still a certain amount of risk in each of these.

People would probably feel more comfortable if the amount of risk they face was reduced substantially or eradicated all together.  So, here is a good question for us to ask.  Is there anything or anyone that I can turn to in which I can have complete certainty?  What will give me the assurance for which I am searching?

I suggest that we take a look at the Old Testament in the Bible which tells about a king in the land of Israel whose name was Jehoshaphat.  The Israelites discovered that enemy forces were coming together against them.  In fact, these enemy forces turned out to be a huge army.  We are told that Jehoshaphat's first response to the imminent invasion was that of being alarmed.  He was afraid for himself and his people.  However, what he chose to do was to pray to God and then ask the people of Israel to fast and join him in prayer.  In Jehoshaphat’s prayer he said, “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (II Chronicles 20:12).

In this prayer Jehoshaphat identified three things that were extremely important for the Israelites and and for him.  He suggested that (1) Human power was inadequate.  As a result it would be useless for anyone to turn to this kind of power.  (2) Knowledge would be insufficient.  As much as knowledge helps in other situations, by itself it would not be enough to defeat a huge army.  (3) The correct person to turn to was God.  To turn to God - the One who has divine authority and is omnipotent (all-powerful) - was the right choice.  Jehoshaphat turned to God because God had helped Israel with His great power in the past and He surely would do so again.

One of the priests of Israel encouraged Jehoshaphat not to be afraid or discouraged because of the great difficulty the nation was facing.  The reason, he reminded him, was simply because the battle was not theirs but it was God’s.  This did not mean that the Israelites were to stay in their tents, cover their heads and avoid the battle altogether.  He told Israel that they were to take up their positions and stand.  In other words, they were to get ready for battle.  Even with battle-readiness the Lord would be the one to deliver them – and He did.

Keeping our eyes on God and placing our trust in Him is the only action that will give you and me complete assurance and confidence during troubled times. Maybe it is about time for us as individuals, and as a country, to turn to God.

In Times of Trouble

Years ago, I was visiting a hospitalized elderly lady from a church I served.  We had a nice conversation and before I left, she asked me to open her Bible and read an article she had placed in it.  As I looked at her Bible I saw that the cover bulged. Opening it I discovered scores of articles which she had cut from various publications and kept for future reading.  I asked her which article she wanted me to read and she said, “The first one just under the cover.”

The article, written by Andrew Murray, was entitled “In Times of Trouble.” When I finished reading she said, “That really encourages me.”  While reading the article I was also greatly encouraged and thought how I could use it to encourage many other people in future visits. After praying with the lady she said that I could borrow the article, make a copy of it, and return it to her the next time I came to visit.

Later, as I served another church, I shared this story and the article with a man who was hospitalized.  He enjoyed the article and when he heard that I planned to share it with others who were going through difficult times he said he would like to print it for me. Having copies of it would allow me to leave a copy with those I visited. The article was based on Psalms 50:15 which says, “I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me glory.” The article says, “In times of trouble God’s trusting children can say:

First, the Lord brought me here.  It is by His will that I Am in this place.

Next, in that I will rest.  He will keep me here in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.

Then, God will make the trial a blessing, teach me the lessons He intends me to learn and work in me the grace that He means to give.

Last, in His good time, He can bring me out again; How and when, He knows.

Then I can say: I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His teaching and for His time.”

It is interesting that the verse on which the article is based describes several things. (1) First, God wants us to trust Him and stay away from things that do not satisfy.  (2)  Second, God wants us to trust Him all the time including during difficulties.  (3)  Third, God knows we will go through difficult times, but He wants to show His power by rescuing us. (4)  And finally, God wants us to give Him the glory because He is the One who is worthy of being lifted high.

Are you going through a troubling time?  My suggestion to you is to follow the instruction from this verse and be encouraged by the article.  Invite God into your life.  Completely relax in Him.  Enjoy the fellowship that He provides for you.  And, rejoice with assurance as you rest securely in His hands.

God is at Work

Many people who claim to be Christians are aware of a familiar verse in the Bible which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).  This verse suggests three things: (1) God is at work, He does not stand in the background and leave us on our own.  He doesn’t fold his arms, smile and say, it’s your problem, not mine.  (2) God is at work in all things. When good things happen to us we feel blessed of God and encouraged.  But we forget that when bad things happen to us, God is still at work through them.  (3) God’s work is specifically related to those who love Him.  What a joy it is to know that as God’s children, His love for us is so great that He continues to work.

Could it be possible that God is at work in the Covid-19 pandemic? Does God even know what is going on? Is He aware of what we are going through? How could God allow a pandemic happen where people are getting sick and some are dying? We should be aware that this pandemic has not taken God by surprise.  He is sovereign.  That means that He is the ruler of the Universe and as such He is free and has the right to do whatever he wants to do. Psalm 115:3 reminds us that, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” If God allows a pandemic such as Covid-19, does that mean His desire is to bring harm to us? The answer to that question is found in Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God wants us to succeed, grow and flourish. He doesn't want to hurt, damage or injure us.

So, what exactly is the purpose of Covid-19? To be honest I cannot fully answer that question.  However, I do know that God allows things such as major disasters to get our attention and help us focus on eternal things.  The most important eternal thing for us should be to have a personal relationship (a life-sharing union) with God. It is no secret that as a society we have strayed far from God. A good thing that can come from this pandemic is for us to return to Him.  Maybe God wants us to stop trusting in ourselves, or quit trusting in things, more than we trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 makes it clear, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse reminds us that we need to trust God and whole-heartedly submit to Him.  It also means that we ought to be wary of trusting in ourselves or trusting in what man can do.

What about you?  Are you resting in the fact that God is at work?  Do you trust that God is in control?  Are you aware that God knows what is going on?  Let me remind you again that God is at work.  He is in control and He knows what is going on.  Let’s put our trust in Him and rely on Him to give us strength during this trying time.

Handling Fear

Those of you lived through the horrible, tragic events of September 11, 2001 remember the fear that spread through the minds of the people in America.  Most likely fear has been present in your mind during the current COVID-19 virus pandemic.  Many are fearful asking: What will happen to me?  What about my family?  Am I properly sanitizing my home?  Am I staying home?  Am I following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control?  What about the recommendations of social distancing?  Am I properly washing my hands?  Am I doing all that I can do?

How do people handle fear?  Some people are afraid to do anything.  Others withdraw as if in a cocoon.  Some turn to busyness.  Others turn to habits—be they bad or good.  So, how should we handle fear?  In the Bible, the psalmist offers an alternate solution, which is a far better solution.  He simply said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).  Notice three things from this verse.  (1) There were times when the psalmist was afraid.  (2) The psalmist knew he had to turn somewhere to alleviate his fear. (3) The psalmist identified not just something in which to trust but Someone to trust.  Who is the “you” he mentioned in that Bible verse?  Of course, it is God.  When we are fearful we need to handle our fear the same way the psalmist did.

It is tragic when we turn to something other than the Lord to avoid the pains of reality or cover up a feeling of fear that we are experiencing.  When we turn to God, our Heavenly Father stands ready to help us through our trials, provide the protection we need, and encourages us with His presence and peace.  During these troubling and fearful times, let’s take the advice of the psalmist and trust God.