Posted by: missionventureministries | April 9, 2020

PROPHECIES OF THE COMING OF THE KING – Zachariah 9:9-10

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.’ (Zachariah 9:9-10) 

Verse 9 predicts Jesus’ first coming in lowliness to offer Himself as the substitute for sinners. And verse 10 refers to Messiah’s second coming, when He will fulfill the prophecy by ruling over all the nations as Zechariah quotes from Psalm 72:8, “from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth,” which is poetic language for worldwide dominion. 

Jesus Christ predicted His own return to earth in power and glory (Matthew 24:30; 26:64). The Book of Revelation 19:11-16 shows Jesus coming again, this time not on a foal of a donkey, but on a white horse, to slay His enemies, as King of kings and Lord of lords. At that time, every person will see Jesus (Revelation 1:7). If you yield to Him now, you will joyfully receive Him as Savior. If you reject Him now, you will know Him as Judge, when “He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty” (Revelation 19:15). 

Palm Sunday is the day people around the world celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, one week before His resurrection (Matthew 21:1–11). As Jesus entered the holy city, He was nearing the culmination of a long journey toward Golgotha. He had come to save the lost (Luke 19:10), and now was the time to secure that salvation. Palm Sunday marked the start of what is often called “Passion Week,” the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. 

This day began with Jesus and His disciples traveling over the Mount of Olives. The Lord sent two disciples ahead into the village of Bethphage to find an animal to ride. They found the unbroken colt of a donkey, just as Jesus had said they would (Luke 19:29–30). When they untied the colt, the owners began to question them. The disciples responded with the answer Jesus had provided: “The Lord needs it” (Luke 19:31–34). Amazingly, the owners were satisfied with that answer and let the disciples go. “They brought the donkey to Jesus, and put some of their clothes on its back and helped Jesus get on” (Luke 19:35). 

The donkey was an animal, used for peaceable purposes. By riding the foal of a donkey, Jesus was presenting Himself to be the King, in fulfillment of our text, but not as the exalted political king that the people expected. In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering Messiah who offered salvation and peace with God through His death. And this is evident from the fact that He rode into Jerusalem on an unbroken colt. Those who are familiar with horses and donkeys know what to expect when they climb onto an unbroken colt! The colt, however, received Jesus his Creator on its back without bucking and fully obeying. 

There is also a spiritual significance in the fact that the colt was unbroken. In the Old Testament, when an animal was put to sacred use, it had to be one which had not already been used for common purposes as we read in Numbers 19:2. Since this animal was now to be used for the Messiah, it had to be an animal that had never been ridden by man. 

As Jesus ascended toward Jerusalem, a large multitude gathered around Him. This crowd understood that Jesus was the Messiah; what they did not understand was that it wasn’t time to set up the kingdom yet; although Jesus had tried to tell them so (Luke 19:11–12). 

On this day: “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road” (Matthew 21:8), giving it the known name of “Palm Sunday.”  In spreading their cloaks on the road, the people were giving Jesus the royal treatment as the Jews had given similar honor to King Jehu at his coronation (2 Kings 9:13); and John records that the cut branches from trees were from palm trees (John 12:13). 

At this time the people were elated honoring Jesus verbally: “The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). In their praise of Jesus, the Jewish crowds were quoting Psalm 118:25–26, an acknowledged prophecy of the Christ. 

As usual the religious leaders resented the allusion to a Messianic psalm and “some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’” (Luke 19:39). However, Jesus saw no need to rebuke those who told the truth. He replied, “I tell you . . . if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40). 

As the multitudes waved the palm branches and shouted for joy, they did not realize the true reason for Jesus’ presence. It is a tragic thing to see the Savior but not recognize Him for who He is. The crowds who were crying out “hosanna!” on Palm Sunday, were shouting “crucify Him!” later that week (Matthew 27:22–23). 

There is coming a day when “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10–11), and worship will be real on that day. 

Just like Zachariah prophesied some 450 to 500 years prior to Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, so also, the apostle John records a scene in heaven that takes place in the future that features the eternal celebration of the risen Lord: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10). What a joyous day that will be! 

The Bible is filled with prophecies that have already taken place exactly like the Word of God said. If someone shares with you the prophecies written therein that are still to be fulfilled please listen to them. There is still time to repent, but there will come a day when it is too late. 

Jesus started His ministry proclaiming to the people He grew up with in Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). 

And He told Nicodemus and is telling the world: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18). 

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

(2 Corinthians 6:2)

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Posted by: missionventureministries | April 2, 2020

HE WHO HAS AN EAR LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES – Revelation 2 and 3

Hearing and listening are synonyms but have different implications, because, you can hear someone without actually listening to what is being said. 

Listening requires a person to pay attention to the speaker and requires concentration, it means to understand what is being said and providing an adequate response to it, because when we do not listen there really is no communication and no understanding of what was conveyed. 

Jesus talks about “Whoever has ears, let them hear” many times in the Gospels (Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:23; Luke 14:35). “Having ears to hear” was a common expression that referred to those whose hearts were ready to act upon the truth they were given. 

Thousands were impacted by Jesus’ earthly ministry, but only a few people had “ears to hear.” In John 6:66, Jesus had again explained about who He is, but John records that, “After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” These were people who had heard His message, but their hearts had no desire to obey it. Only those with “ears to hear” stayed because they recognized that Jesus had the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68–69). 

Today, the gospel is more widely available than ever before; yet, most people do not listen. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us ears to hear, but it is our responsibility to act upon that gift. Therefore, if today you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts (Hebrews 3:15), because, greater understanding are the rewards for those who listen. 

Whenever Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear,” He is calling for people to pay careful attention. It’s another way of saying, “Listen pay attention!” Speaking in parables was one way in which Jesus sought to gain the attention of the crowds. People love stories, and the parables depicted events and characters with which they could readily relate. But unless they were willing to tune out other distractions and come to Jesus to understand the meaning of His preaching, His words would only be stories that would not be understood. 

When His disciples asked why He was speaking to the crowds in parables, Jesus refers to Isaiah 6, who speaks of people who have eyes and do not see and ears but do not hear or understand, because they have hardened their hearts and chosen to ignore the Word of the Lord (Matthew 13:10–15; Isaiah 6:8–10). Part of the judgment on those who refuse to believe is that they will eventually lose their opportunity to believe. 

A similar phrase is found in Revelation in each of the seven letters to the churches: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). And in Revelation 13:9, immediately following a description of the Antichrist, we read, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The readers of Revelation are called upon to pay close attention and seek God’s wisdom concerning what’s written. 

The Lord is literally saying, “If you understand, then heed the message.” We must hear God’s Word; because the Spirit is speaking to us through it! Are you listening? Are you making an effort to understand what God is saying through His Word and are you heeding the message? Are you asking questions if you do not understand? Are you eager to comprehend what God is trying to convey to you? 

In the revelation of Jesus Christ, each of these letters given to John by the risen Lord Jesus contains admonishments appropriate to God’s people in every age; and is asking us to listen to what He has spoken to the churches throughout centuries. 

In chapters 2 through 3, Jesus speaking to the seven churches says, seven times, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” 

  • To Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) – the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).

Like the church in Ephesus, we can easily fall prey to a redundant observance of religion. Jesus says in John 14:21, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” The truth is that whoever truly listens, pays attention and obeys does not forsake its first love; just as the Lord challenged Ephesus not to forsake its first love. 

  • To Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) – the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).

Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” The Lord encourages us to be faithful in the presence of persecution listening to the Holy Spirit’s direction. 

  • To Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) – the church that needed to repent (2:16).

Our Lord hates religious and moral compromise. He calls His people to live differently. Jesus desires purity among His people; therefore, we have a responsibility to remove false teachers from the church. We need to attentively listen to what He is saying “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” 

  • To Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) – the church that had a false prophetess (2:20).

Jesus has stern words for this church. Apparently, a false prophetess was leading believers into compromise (Revelation 2:20). The church was engaging in sexual immorality and dabbling in idolatry. It is possible that “Jezebel” was her real name, but it is more likely the name was a metaphorical reference to the Jezebel of the Old Testament; who was another idolatrous woman who opposed God’s ways. Rather than rebuke this false teacher and sending her out of the church, the believers in Thyatira were allowing her to continue her deception. They were not hearing or listening to what the Spirit was saying to the church. 

Jesus was challenging Thyatira and is challenging us about our moral standards. This church had forgotten the truth they had heard when they first herd the Gospel, since some that belonged to this church had remained faithful (Revelation 2:24-25). Does this sound familiar in light of what is going on in churches today? 

  • To Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) – the church that had fallen asleep (3:2).

Jesus notes the judgment that would take place if they did not repent: “If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you” (Revelation 3:3). A dead church will be disciplined by Jesus Himself. To “wake up” means to start paying attention to their need of salvation, to stop being careless about their heart’s condition before God. The Lord challenges all of us not to be complacent but to be alert and listen to what He has to say. 

  • To Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) – the church that had endured patiently (3:10).

The church of Philadelphia had remained faithful in the face of trial. Because of this, the Lord promises them an “open door” of blessing as He promises to all who listen, understand and obey. The Lord encourages us like He did the church in Philadelphia to hold fast to the truth that we have been taught in spite of so much error being taught in churches today. 

  • To Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) – the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).

The church at Laodicea had become apathetic in their love for Christ. They were allowing “the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things to come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). Christ called them to repent and live zealously for Him, to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). The Lord Jesus issues the same call to those who say they follow Him today but actually have never heard what He has said or at least not put it into practice. The people of Laodicea where not only prideful but they were ignorant and spiritually bankrupt as many are today. 

These letters and warning were written to strengthen those who have genuine faith by reminding them of the grand, glorious salvation they already have through Jesus, and which will be theirs for eternity. The letters were to impress upon those who do not have genuine faith the urgent necessity of overcoming the evil one, by believing Jesus Christ and being cleansed by His blood. Only by repentance and faith can the stated promises of salvation and blessedness be applied. 

Even now, when ‘nominal Christians’ or blatant unbelievers read these letters they are given yet another opportunity to repent and believe while it is still the ‘day of grace’ so that they too will enjoy the salvation and blessedness that is the secure possession of all who ‘overcome’. 

Therefore, ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts’ (Hebrews 3:15). 

Remembering what Jesus said: “… whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

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Posted by: missionventureministries | March 26, 2020

HOW TO FIND PEACE AND PROTECTION IN TIMES OF TROUBLE? – Psalm 9:9-10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10 

When we are in the midst of difficult times we need to pray that God will help us to keep our eyes focused on Him and not on the circumstances surrounding us. 

David said, The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1). The Lord also told Isaiah: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Remember that no matter what is happening around us, God promises to be our perfect peace. He assures us that He is constantly with us, strengthening and supporting us. 

If you are fearful ask Him to help you grown in your faith, believing He is faithful to help you through all you needs and anxieties; and when fear begins to overtake you read His promises and thank the Lord for His unfathomable love. 

The enemy will lure us towards panic and worry if we focus on all that is occurring in this world. But God offers us an indescribable peace that can never be found in this life without Him. We need to ask for His help in choosing not to worry, but instead to pray, allowing His Spirit to guard our heart and mind in Him. The Bible tells us: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6). He also tells us that He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him. And to trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself is the Rock eternal (Isaiah 26:3-4). 

We need to keep in mind that the Lord that we worship is the Creator of the universe He is the one who split the sea when the Israelites where in panic and did not know what to do or where to go. He is the one who gave sight to the blind and healed the sick. He is the same yesterday, today and forever and He is the One who hears the faithful prayers of those who love and obey Him. 

Ask Him to help you not to worry about the things that are out of your control, but to be faithful and wise; and to pray for those leaders who are trying to be godly influences in our land. Thank Him that our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15).  Pray for His blessing and mercy over our nation remembering that if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

No matter what we face in this life, we are never in the battle alone. God goes before us, He’s with us every step, and He leads the way ahead. Pray that you would stay alert in a dark world, that God will help you to stand strong in Him, and that you would daily sense His presence protecting you in all that you’re up against (Deuteronomy 3:22). 

Problems, worry, and stress have an incredible way of stealing our joy. We need to pray that God will renew our mind in Him, that His joy would fill our heart and be our strength today and always. We need to thank Him that true joy and peace are never dependent on our external circumstances, but are found in Him alone. We need to think as the psalmist did when he wrote that when anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (Psalm 94:19). 

We need to understand that even the best of us get tired. None of us are immune of being weary; but God is forever strong and fills us afresh with His strength and power to stay focused on Him. Pray and ask Him to help you press on, making the most of every opportunity. Believe that He is able to do more than you could ever imagine because, even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:30–31).   

No matter what we are facing, God is in control. He is steadfast, immovable, and strong and He never changes. He is aware of all things and can change everything to bring glory to Himself. So put aside everything that worries you and allow Him to sustain you, because, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear… (Psalm 46:1–2). 

Psalm 91 talks about the safety of those who take refuge in God. Pray using the verses of this Psalm, ask God for His protection and covering over your family and home. Pray that His Spirit will help you to rest in Him, knowing that in Him, we dwell in safety. Thank God that He is your rock, your shield, and deliverer because, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 

This is a great moment in human history that the Lord has provided for us to take time to draw nearer to Him; and this following verse is very fitting for us to reflect on because what happened a long time ago could be related to what is happening now. Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by. See, the Lord is coming out of His dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer. (Isaiah 26:20-21). 

So, stay close and true to the Lord and let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Remembering that, even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you (Isaiah 46:4).

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Posted by: missionventureministries | March 19, 2020

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WHAT IS COMING? – Luke 21:8-11

“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:8-11)

Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them (v 8). Jesus knew that many would come after Him, claiming to be the political and military messiah for Israel. One remarkable example of this was a man named Bar Kokhba, who many Jews considered to be the messiah. He started a widespread revolution against the Romans and enjoyed early success, but was soon crushed. This happened within 100 years after Jesus resurrected and since that time we have had an uncountable number of false messiahs.

When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom” (v 9-10). Romans were frequently at war with the Jews, the Samaritans, the Syrians, and others during this time. Since then, wars have increased in frequency.

Jesus also told them that there will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven (v 11). 

The Roman Empire experienced notable earthquakes before Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. They also experienced the fearful event of the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD by Mount Vesuvius volcano which covered the area with 4 to 6 meters of ash. There were famines, such as the one mentioned in Acts 11:28. Another example of a natural disaster that happened in the ancient Roman Empire was the earthquake on Crete and the tsunami that followed in 365 AD.  The tsunami destroyed Greece, Libya, Egypt, Cyprus, and Sicily.  The tsunami was so great it killed thousands and hurled ships nearly two miles inland.

As we read historical facts, we see that there have been numerous famines, plagues (pestilences), earthquakes, and fearful events and signs from heaven since that time. Yet Jesus specifically said that none of these things are the specific signs of His immediate coming.

Matthew 24:8 described these things as the beginning of sorrows, more literally the beginning of labor pains. Just as it is true with labor pains, we should expect that the things mentioned (wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences etc.) would become more frequent and more intense before the return of Jesus; without any one of them being the specific sign of the end. But that these things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.

As we see from the few examples mentioned above, the signs that Jesus mentions have always occurred and will continue to happen on a more frequent and greater scale as Bible prophecies are being fulfilled. 

Christians should be prepared for the coming of the Lord. It is vital that we be spiritually ready because we never know when our time on this earth is up. Therefore, we need to make sure that when we die, that we will be forever be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus warned us that the coming of the Son of Man will be at a time that we don’t expect (Matthew 24:44). 

When we read the account of Noah we notice that no one, not even Noah, knew the exact day or hour that the flood would come (Genesis 7:12-17).  Noah had spent many years building the ark. He knew that the season for divine judgment was near, but he did not know the exact day. Then one day God gave orders to board the ark. It was God who closed the door, and then He sent the flood. When judgment came, it came quickly, and there was no opportunity for those under judgment to change their minds and to board the ark, their decision to be disobedient sealed their destiny and they all perished. 

The same will occur in last days (Matthew 24:39). There will be no dramatic indications that “the day” or “the hour” has come. Two men will be in the field, going about their normal daily routine; one will be taken, the other will be left. Two women will be grinding grain, just as they normally would; one will be taken, the other will be left (Matthew 24:40-41).

Before Jesus’ returns, times of trouble, persecution and testing will come to all Christians; some will be very subtle and some will be very obvious. Therefore we need to be prepared and trust in God.

Many people think that if we prepare materially with provisions for our family it shows lack of faith in God, but that is not so; Noah obeyed by building the ark and making provisions for his family as the Lord had directed him to do. “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household” (Hebrews 11:7).

With all that is happening in the world today, it is sad to see Christians who have not and are not making any provision for hard times, they are not preparing themselves spiritually or physically. Noah was warned by God of things to come and Jesus warned us that times like those are going to happen again; and He provided us with a detailed forecast in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. Among the things He says is to “be prepared.” Being prepared means being ready both spiritually and physically for the hardships believers will have to endure. If it wasn’t so, we would not have been warned by Jesus Christ himself.

When God gives us warning about impending disasters, believers are supposed to listen and act responsibly. No, none of us can be prepared for every unforeseen circumstance, but that’s not an excuse for not taking God’s warnings of the escalating judgment seriously.

In Genesis 41 Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream about fat cows and lean cows and healthy wheat and withered wheat. It was a dream God gave to Pharaoh about an impending drought throughout Egypt and much of the Middle East. The solution was to prepare for the famine ahead of time by storing food for seven years. Joseph was not only given the wisdom from God to interpret the dream but was also given the job of implementing the plan as Pharaoh’s chief operating officer. His work and obedience not only saved Egypt but Israel, too.

God is providing all the information we need to prepare.  However, aren’t we being disobedient by ignoring what He has revealed to us as believers? Jesus clearly tells us in His Word that conditions on the Earth are going to deteriorate before His return. He already issued the warnings, so we must obey and prepare; because not preparing ourselves spiritually and physically is unwise and irresponsible.

We need to trust God. He’s warning us of what’s coming. He’s telling us very clearly. He’s commanding us to be prepared.  Remember, all events taking place in this world are unfolding according to His Sovereign plan. Physical preparedness and spiritual preparedness must go hand in hand, because physical preparations should be an outward sign of obedience to our spiritual preparedness.

Please pray and ask the Lord to give you discernment and spiritual strength (Philippians 4:13), to listen, obey and get to get ready to use this time in history to share the Word of God with yours kids and family because an opportunity like this might never happen again.

Isaiah 26:20-21 says: “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by. See, the Lord is coming out of His dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins.”

It is as if God’s is giving each one of us another chance to share His Word with our loved ones before it is too late. Think about it dear friend, and may the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7); remembering that the Lord will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is steadfast, because they trusts in Him (Isaiah 26:3).

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Posted by: missionventureministries | March 12, 2020

WISDOM IS A FREE GIFT FROM GOD – James 1:5

Wisdom is a free gift from God for all those who ask. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” 

Wisdom means having clear understanding and insight. It means knowing how to apply the truth in every situation. Wisdom is discerning what is right and wrong and having good judgment; and knowing how to make the right choice or decision; and only God can give us that kind of wisdom. 

Wisdom and knowledge are related but are not the same. The primary difference between the two words is that wisdom involves the ability to make sound judgments about a subject while knowledge refers to knowing about something. Anyone can become knowledgeable about a subject by reading, researching, and memorizing facts. Wisdom, however, requires more understanding and the ability to determine which facts are relevant in certain situations. Wisdom takes knowledge and applies it with discernment based on experience, assessment, and lessons learned. Knowledge can exist without wisdom, but not the other way around. A person can be knowledgeable without being wise. 

Knowledge sees the danger; wisdom walks away from it. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge gains information of God through His Word and wisdom applies it to every day living.

The book of Proverbs is perhaps the best place in the Bible to learn of biblical wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 speaks of both biblical knowledge and wisdom: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To fear the Lord is to start on the path to knowledge, and God can then begin to provide us with wisdom through Christ, who the Bible says is wisdom itself: “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Have you ever observed someone with no wisdom clearly doing the wrong thing or making a foolish decision? The consequences are crystal clear to you but they don’t see it at all. It’s always easier to see a lack of wisdom in others than it is to see it in ourselves. That’s why we must pray daily for wisdom and to take time to get God’s perspective of our life and circumstance, because wisdom comes directly from God and is revealed in His Word. It especially centers in the knowledge of Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

God reveals His wisdom by the Holy Spirit to those who are committed to living a holy life (1 Corinthians 2:6-16). That wisdom has to do with knowing how to apply biblical truth to particular situations in life. Thus if you are not spending consistent time learning God’s Word, you will not have the wisdom that you need when trials suddenly come your way. The time to seek wisdom from God is before the calamity hits (Proverbs 1:20-33). Because, “a prudent and humble person foresees danger and takes precaution, but the fool goes blindly on and suffers severe consequences” (Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 27:12).

As we come to know more about God, the foundation for wisdom becomes firmer in our lives, and we grow in our ability to discern things according to His revealed truth. We come to know the Lord primarily through the prayerful reading and teaching of His Word. Therefore, if we want to be wise, we must be well acquainted with the God of Scripture.

Truly, the wisest and most sane decision you’ll ever make is to put your trust in Christ. To reject Christ is the most foolish thing a person could ever do because Jesus is the only way as He said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). There is absolutely no other way at all as Acts 4:12, states, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

We all should be asking the Lord to give us wisdom and understanding in all things because as God’s Word says, “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed” (Proverbs 3:13-18).

Remember God blesses those who ask and seek for wisdom in order that we may glorify Him and use this precious gift in sharing it with others. Therefore, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

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Posted by: missionventureministries | March 5, 2020

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION – 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20) 

When sin entered the world by Adam and Eve’s disobedience, strife followed which led to conflict between Cain and Abel, and since then has plagued humanity. 

But Jesus came to earth to end the conflict, to restore unity between God and sinners. In Paul’s letters to first-century churches, he used the term reconciliation, which means “to bring back to a former state of harmony.” 

Reconciliation takes place when two parties that had been estranged or separated are brought back together; therefore, the ministry of reconciliation involves the proclamation of the gospel and its assurance that forgiveness of sin is available in Christ. 

Sin prevents us from having a relationship with God, but Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on the cross made atonement for sin (Hebrews 2:17) and brought harmony to mankind’s relationship with Him. Jesus reconciled us to God, therefore, we now can proclaim that people can repent of their sin and be right with God again through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:20–21). 

As we see, once our relationship with God is restored, He uses us to tell the world that everyone can be reconciled to God through His Son. In this way, we become “Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us” (v. 20). And as we do this, we give people the wonderful opportunity to be reconciled with God through Jesus, because “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (verse 21). 

This ministry of reconciliation is a big responsibility (2 Corinthians 5:20); it is urgent and vital and truly a matter of life and death. Jesus paid the price for our reconciliation because God loves us (John 3:16), so we must share this message of reconciliation in love, and our life needs to reflect the calling we have received (Ephesians 4:1). Jesus is the One who saves, and the Holy Spirit is the One who convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8), yet we have been given the privilege of being ambassadors for Christ. 

Every believer plays a part in this ministry of reconciliation. One plants; another waters, and God brings growth (1 Corinthians 3:7). As we proclaim the gospel, we act as peacemakers, and the Lord blesses us by calling us children of God (Matthew 5:9). When we teach and live out His message of reconciliation, lives are changed, and God gets the glory. 

Jesus satisfied God’s requirements for reconciliation, but each person must receive the terms of reconciliation and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Therefore, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10). 

Remember that reconciliation is a divine provision by which God’s wrath against man was appeased; and this is why reconciliation is the fundamental nature of the gospel. 

If you have never repented and trusted in Christ, listen to what Jesus says about your present condition; “whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18). Without repentance and believing in Christ, His shed blood cannot reconcile you to God and then you have only this to look forward to; “if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). 

So please consider making today your day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), and realize that Jesus’ death and resurrection made reconciliation with the Father possible as Paul writes: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!” (Romans 5:8-10).

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Posted by: missionventureministries | February 27, 2020

WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS IN PREPARATION FOR THE MILLENNIUM – Isaiah 40:4-5

“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:4-5)

When God created the earth “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31), there was nothing “uneven” or “rough.” Even the hills were apparently relatively low. 

The mountain ranges and jagged volcanic peaks of today’s world date from the catastrophic event on earth when the great Flood occurred that we read of in Genesis chapters 6, 7 and 8. 

Psalm 104:8-9 also refers to what happened due to the flood: “The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.”  As we see, verse 8 refers to the tectonic movement in the earth’s crust during the receding stage of the flood water that Noah and his family survived.

In the beginning God had instructed men and women to literally “fill” the earth (Genesis 1:28), which would indicate that no part of the lands was uninhabitable. However, that is not the way it is now since we have vast inaccessible mountain ranges, glaciers, swamp lands, and other uninhabitable places on earth. 

In Haggai 2:6-7 we read: “For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.” After this “shaking,” believers will receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. This is a clear reference to the future millennial kingdom that Jesus will establish when He returns at the end of seven years of tribulation. 

Along with the Old Testament prophecies we have the apostle John describing related events in the New Testament of the coming period of God’s judgments on the rebellious world, where extensive changes in the world’s panorama will occur. For example, there will be such “a great earthquake” that “every mountain and island was removed from its place” (Revelation 6:12, 14). Then a few years later will follow an even greater global earthquake, “such as there had never been since man was on the earth… And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found” (Revelation 16:18, 20).

This powerful earthquake will radically alter all the earth’s topography, preparing it for the coming millennial kingdom which will be a time of peace and harmony on the earth when Jesus and the saints will rule in righteousness for one thousand years (Revelation 20:4).

Isaiah 65:20-25 contains a fuller description of the wonder and harmony that will characterize this time, where people will live much longer lives than they do now.

Even the animals will stop killing one another and all of them will return to eating grass and plants as we read in Isaiah 65:25, “The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will do no evil or harm in all My holy mountain,” says the Lord.

However, even though the Millennium will be a time lived in peace and righteousness, it is not God’s final goal for His creation. Satan has been bound, but not yet permanently cast in the Lake of Fire; and despite the harmony on the earth, it still will not be perfect in God’s eyes because it bears the eternal stain of sin.

At the end of the Millennium Satan will be loosed from his chains for a short time, though it is unclear exactly how long this time will be. This is his final chance to deceive all the nations and get people to follow him.  Incredibly, he will gather enough people from all over the earth to create a vast army, and they will surround Jerusalem again, in a last desperate attempt to take over God’s creation.

This will be Satan’s and his followers final revolt because God will send fire down from heaven to devour all who have joined with Satan in this last attempt against the Lord. The devil will finally be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the false prophet and the Antichrist are, and they will be tormented there forever (Revelation 20:7-10).

This marks the end of the Millennium and the last time span before the Final Judgment takes place, time ceases and eternity starts.

At the Final Judgment which is called the Great White Throne Judgment, Jesus Christ will be the Judge, and all unbelievers since the creation of the world will be judged by Him. They will be punished according to the works they have done and be cast into the Lake of Fire to join Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet.

The Bible is very clear that unbelievers are storing up wrath against themselves (Romans 2:5) and that God will “give to each person according to what he has done” (Romans 2:6).

Please understand that Jesus died for you! (John 3:16). He died so that you could have a place with Him in the New Jerusalem and in the new heavens and new earth that are coming.

Will you give yourself to the One who gave Himself for you, and thus have eternity with Him, or will you continue resisting and end up in the Lake of Fire for all eternity?

Remember the choice is yours, we hope that you will choose Jesus.

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Posted by: missionventureministries | February 20, 2020

TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS – Hebrews 3:12-15

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. (Hebrews 3:12-14) 

These verses are a solemn and timely warning. All around us we see men, women, teenagers and children who are being “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Three times in this one chapter God pleads with men, “harden not your hearts.” 

Unbelief is a sin that hardens the heart. When Satan tempted Eve in the garden, he got her to disbelieve the word of God: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1). He was saying, “You do not really believe that, do you?” If people really believed God, they would not practice sin, because they would know that they will face His severe judgment. By not believing in God and His Word, people do as they please and unbelief becomes the root of all sins and hardens hearts against God’s standards of holiness. 

The will is the power by which the mind makes choices and acts to carry them out. At first, a person engages in some forbidden pleasure because they want to, but if they keep it up, they soon find out that they have no strength to resist it. Once a thought or act becomes a habit, if not stopped it becomes a necessity. Bear in mind, you reap what you sow sooner and more abundantly than you think. 

‘See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.’ (v. 12) 

Here we are warned against the sin of unbelief into which the Israelites fell, which resulted in their turning away from the living God, and he warns his readers that this is exactly what they will be doing is reject the truth of salvation and faith in Jesus Christ and turn away from the living God. 

‘But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.’ (v. 13) 

Sin’s deceitfulness is that it cannot deliver what it promises. It deludes a person into thinking he can “have it all.” It promises pleasure, contentment, fulfillment, and life, but what it delivers in those areas is fleeting, which leads to its addictive quality. Pleasure is never enough to produce the desired contentment and fulfillment; and sinners are forced into greater perversions until it kills them.

Sin offers rationalizations and justifications to a deceived and sinful mind; however, sin’s drug-like quality always demands more because what formerly satisfied no longer does. The person in its grip gradually becomes its slave, and along the way, their heart becomes hardened as well. 

In this verse hardened is translated from the Greek word for a callus and should be of great warning. A callus forms around the palms of hands and on fingers from constant hard use; and suggests the meaning of impenetrable, insensitive, blind, or un-teachable. A hardened attitude is not a sudden abnormality but a habitual state of mind that shows itself in inflexibility of thinking and insensitivity of conscience; and will eventually make repentance impossible. Thus to avoid this terrible sin of unbelief, we must recognize how evil it really is. 

We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. (v.14) 

Jesus commanded the His true disciples to share the Gospel to the end of the earth. Unfortunately some people, upon hearing the gospel and recognizing their spiritual need, delay in taking action. 

This is the most dangerous type of sin equating to procrastination because life is short, and we do not know what will happen tomorrow (James 4:13-14). The Bible urges us to get right with God today and not to harden our heart, because Jesus could return at any time when we do not expect Him (Luke 12:40). 

Our Lord illustrated the importance of being prepared for His coming. In the parable of the ten virgins who were awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom and the commencement of the wedding feast, five of the virgins were prepared for His arrival. The other five did not attempt to prepare until it was too late, and they were left behind.  And when they finally were ready and asked for the door to be opened Jesus said:  ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you’ (Matthew 25:12). 

One reason they were unprepared may have been that they only halfheartedly believed and therefore procrastinated and missed out on the most important day of their life. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:1-13). 

So in the matter of our spiritual life, we dare not procrastinate because it is a sinful and bad habit that can have eternal consequences as we see by the parable Jesus told of the ten virgins. 

Remember, the Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 145:8); and that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

Therefore, take this opportunity, this very minute, to make things right with God. Don’t risk losing this moment when your heart is open to obey Him; and please don’t assume you’ll have another opportunity to do so. 

Keep this in mind, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:15); because, “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

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Posted by: missionventureministries | February 13, 2020

PAST AND FUTURE CATASTROPHIC EVENTS – 2 Peter 3: 6-14

In the following verses we read about catastrophic events on earth, one that already happened and two still to come.   

6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 

The first devastation came when the Flood covered the earth in the days of Noah, saving only eight righteous people (Genesis 6:8, Genesis 7:23). Afterwards, God promised Noah that He would never again destroy the earth by a flood (Genesis 9:13); nevertheless, two more events in the Bible predict that God will yet again devastate the earth. 

7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 

Peter is telling us that the ancient world was destroyed by water, just as the present world is going to be destroyed by fire. He says that it is “by the same word.” What he means is that the Old Testament tells of the flood in the past and warns of the destruction by fire in the future. 

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 

Peter does not say that one day is a thousand years; he says that one day is like a thousand years. In other words, he is using figurative language to make his point. The point is that the passing of time has no bearing on God’s faithfulness to His promises. Therefore, we need to wait as patiently for the Lord as the persecuted believers of the first century did, and as they, “live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God” (verses 11–12). 

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

Peter explains that one reason for the delay in the Lord’s coming is that He is patiently giving sinners the opportunity to repent. But it would be a huge mistake to conclude that because He delays, He will not come at all. He will come; there is no doubt about it! 

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 

When Peter speaks of the day of the Lord he is not only repeating the words of Jesus in (Matthew 24:42-43), but he is also describing it in terms of the Old Testament doctrine of the Day of the Lord. 

The Day of the Lord is a certainty which runs all through the prophetic books of the Old Testament. It was to come without warning. It was to be a time when the universe was shaken to its foundations. It was to be a time of terror as stated by OT prophets like Isaiah, Joel and Zephaniah. 

  • “Behold the Day of the Lord comes, cruel with wrath and fierce anger, to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. The stars of the heaven and their constellations shall not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising and the moon will not shed its light…. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place, at the wrath of the Lord of hosts in the day of his fierce anger” (Isaiah 13:9-13).
  • “The Day of the Lord is coming; it is near, a day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and of thick darkness” (Joel 2:1-2).
  • “The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes” (Joel 2:30-31).
  • “A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness” (Zephaniah 1:14-18). 

When we fit together other prophecies, such as Isaiah 65 and Revelation 20, we see that when Christ returns after the 7 years of tribulation, He will reign upon earth on the throne of David for 1,000 years after the earth is restored from the devastation of the tribulation period. During that time, there will be unprecedented peace all over the earth. But at the end of that time, Satan will lead a final rebellion and God will destroy His enemies with fire (Revelation 20:9). As we understand, this is the day that will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat, that Peter speaks of in verse 12. 

Although Christ has not yet returned in judgment, that frightening day will come, with disastrous consequences for all who have not repented of their sins. The day of the Lord will come; there isn’t any doubt about it and it will certainly happen for each one of us the day we die, because: “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). 

There is no reincarnation, where you get another chance to improve yourself. There is no purgatory, where if enough of your relatives pray and light candles and give money to the church, you eventually get into heaven. Rather, you have an appointment to die and face God in judgment. 

Are you ready for that appointment?

Peter continues: 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

Peter urges the need to get right with God before this awful, inescapable day comes on the whole world by asking what kind of people we ought to be! He wants Christians to reflect on their behavior and to obey God, in light of the reality of the coming judgment and eternity. And by doing so he encourages Christians to eagerly hope for the day of God which refers to the eternal state. 

Therefore, our life should be marked by holy and godly living as a testimony to those who do not know the Savior, and we should be telling others about Him so they can escape the terrible fate that awaits those who reject Him; as we wait in eager anticipation of God’s  Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10). 

The whole natural earth in its present form, with its entire universe will be consumed (Isaiah 24:19-20; 34:4) at the very end; and then the wicked will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment, cast into the Lake of Fire, while His redeemed will enter the eternal state to be with the Lord forever. 

Knowing that heaven and earth will pass away should give us a great desire to obey and please God; realizing that this world is not our home and that “we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). 

Jesus tells us to have the right priorities: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth. . . . But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). 

And Peter, after reminding us of the temporary nature of this world, says, “Dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him” (2 Peter 3:14).

Remember, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.”  (Hebrews 10:31) 

Christ is coming back suddenly and unexpectedly, so make sure that your life is clean and ready for His coming!

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Posted by: missionventureministries | February 6, 2020

HOW TO CONQUER ANXIETY – Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) 

Although this was written to the Philippian church, the principle of Philippians 4:6 applies to all believers. 

Sadly, when we have problems and worries, we often forget to pray about them. If, however, we have a close relationship with our Heavenly Father, there is no need to worry about the way things are. The solution is to give our problems over to the Only One who can actually do something about them. 

Philippians 4:6 gives us a model for the kind of prayer we need to pray when we are anxious or worried. 

First, we need to reject worry, do not be anxious about anything. Then, we simply ask God for what we need, in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And we thank Him with thanksgiving for all that He is about to do. Finally, we rest, knowing that He loves us and will work things out for our good and His glory. 

Jesus Christ offers peace if we come to Him with our worries and concerns. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). 

Stress of all kinds is a natural part of life; but how we deal with it is up to us. If we choose to try to do it on our own, we will not find lasting relief. The only way we can consistently and successfully deal with stress is through trusting in the finish work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

First, we must believe in Him. Second, we need to trust Him and obey Him because disobedience and sin produce stress and cut us off from the only means of peace and joy. And finally, we need to seek His peace daily by filling our mind with His Word, lifting all things to Him in prayer, and sitting at His feet in reverence like Mary did (Luke 10:38-42). It is only by His grace, mercy, and love that the stress in our life can be controlled. 

Lifting our burdens and concerns to a Holy and righteous God daily will lessen or eliminate the stress in our life. Psalm 55:22 tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He will sustain us and never fail us. 

Since being anxious should not be a part of a believer’s life, how does one overcome anxiety? In 1 Peter 5:7, we are instructed to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 

In this verse, God is telling us to give Him all of our worries and concerns. Why does God want to take on our problems? The Bible says it is because He cares for us. God is concerned about everything that happens to us. No anxious thought or worry is too big or too small for His attention. When we give God our problems, He promises to give us that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7). 

When we sincerely talk to God, He listens; when we praise Him, He is by our side; when we worship Him, He acts on our behalf.

We need to understand that the way we handle our circumstance determines the outcome of the situation.
Meaning that our reaction has in impact to what the outcome will be, good or bad. Therefore, we should do whatever we can to keep our mind focused on Him, because God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). 

Keeping our mind fixed on the negative thoughts not only drains physical energy, it also directs toward the negative which is what we need to stay away from.

It is the grateful heart and worship of the Father that brings wisdom and answers to prayer. Lack of faith foments fear, insecurity, criticism, and pride. However when love, optimism, and thankfulness are present and are priority, our life takes a different turn to the better.

When you feel completely hopeless, the best antidote is to praise, thank, listen to uplifting worship music, take a walk and concentrate on the beauties God created for us.

Grateful hearts that search for the best in every situation create a positive atmosphere, causing God’s love and grace to shine through us.

Psalm 37 is a great antidote against worrying about evil people in our life and in the world. 

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. (Vs. 1-2) 

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Vs. 3-4) 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (Vs. 5-6) 

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (Vs. 7-8)

And always remember that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23).

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