Your Last Day (II Peter 3:9)

II Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1.God's Promise
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;
The word slack means to "hesitate, linger, delay." It carries the idea of loitering or loafing. God is not unfaithful concerning His promises. God keeps all His promises. God will fulfill His promise, it is a guarantee. He is not loafing around with nothing to do. Some of the scoffers apparently were saying the delay in Christ’s return was evidence that God made a promise He can’t keep. Peter rebuts by suggesting that instead of the delay being evidence of God’s unfaithfulness, it’s evidence of His mercy.

2.God's Patience
…but is longsuffering to us-ward,
Longsuffering means to suffer long. In contrast to God’s being slow to keep His promise, Peter asserts that He’s actually “patient with you.” However, God’s patience isn’t without redemptive motive. We see that God has great patience and is longsuffering. He is patient. God loves and cares for us despite our sin and rebellion, and rejection. This is the very reason He sent Christ to save us. He loves and cares for us, He’s “not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”

3.God’s Purpose
…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
To perish means to be utterly lost, to be spiritually destitute, and destroyed; to be in a state of suffering forever and ever apart from God. It means to lose eternal life and to be cut off from life forever and ever. It means to suffer the judgment, condemnation, and punishment of separation from God forever and ever. God's desire is to save all. The text makes it clear that Jesus wants everyone to be saved and that He wants no one to go to hell. Sinners do not deserve time to repent. But God is "not willing that any should perish" so extends patience to the perishing.

Today is the last day of 2020. 2020 is soon to be ousted while 2021 is appointed. There will be celebrations all around the world. Beneath all the hype there is an important lesson that we can learn. Think for a minute. What if this really was your last day. Not of the month. Not of the year. What if this was the last day of your life? Each day for Christ ought to be lived as if it were our last.

Jesus has told us that He will come as a "thief in the night." We might know the season, but we do not know the exact day. It could be tomorrow at the dawn of a brand-new year or it could be years from now. The time that Jesus comes isn't as important though, as the condition of our hearts when He comes.

Many Christians aren't at all ready for the Rapture to take place. They have too many loose ends to tie up. They're waiting to serve God at a later date. Sadly, they will live away from God their whole life. Others, who haven't trusted Christ as their Saviour, are putting off their decision. Sadly, these people will be left behind.

Points to Ponder:

• God is longsuffering, but there is a limit to His patience.
• There will come a time in your life when it’s too late.
• Don’t test God’s patience.

Question to Consider:

• What if this were your last day?
• Would you be ready?
• How would you want to be remembered?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart is stirred today to pray for my unsaved friends, family, and acquaintances. The Bible has long foretold that a day of judgment is coming, but I’ve never thought about it so deeply as I’ve thought about it today. Father, I want to be open and available for You to use me to share the witness of Jesus with those who are unsaved. I pray this in Jesus’ name!

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Dealing with Difficult People (I Samuel 26:17-25)

I Samuel 26:17-25, The saga of David and Saul continues. David is presented with an additional opportunity to slay Saul. However, once again he operates by principle and not revenge. Responding with restraint demonstrates faith that God will handle the injustice without our involvement.

While checking his bags at the airport, a man became indignant with the employee who handled luggage. For several minutes he belittled the young man and criticized his every move. Surprisingly, the curbside porter didn't seem troubled by this man's verbal abuse. After the angry man entered the airport, a woman approached the luggage handler and asked, "How do you put up with such injustice?" The young man said, "It's easy. That guy's going to Indiana, but I'm sending his bags to India."

People react differently to injustice as the story illustrates. While some may retaliate, others only seek peace as is seen in David's life. Yet again, Saul was in pursuit of David and had come close to capturing him several times, yet God always provided escape for David. I Samuel 26 illustrates a second time that David had the opportunity to seek revenge on Saul, but again he refused to harm God's man, and instead,.. sought to reconcile his relationship with Saul.

David could have easily retaliated or become angry. After all, Saul had asked David's forgiveness before and had even sought his blessing on Saul's family after David became king. Yet Saul was controlled by his anger and it led him to pursue David again. Would Saul never learn? David could have ended the battle once and for all, but sought reconciliation rather than retaliation.

People usually deal with injustices in one of three ways.
1. Some people retreat.
Have you ever met someone who was hurt by another person and withdrew from social interaction? Perhaps they sought to do right, or be kind, and were met with an attack. Such actions can easily cause a person to withdraw and refuse to show kindness to others.

2. Some people respond with retaliation.
Human nature often urges us to seek revenge when wronged. Retaliating feels good to our flesh. We were wronged, so we rationalize it's only fair that the other people feel our pain as well. There's something almost soothing about inflicting pain on those who wrong us. Yet God directly commands us to reject the urge to retaliate and allow Him to handle wrongdoings.

3 Some respond with restraint.
God's desire for our reaction to injustice is through restraint. As Psalm 3:7 says, "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." If David was looking for an excuse to retaliate against Saul, he had one, yet he chose to leave Saul's punishment in God's hands.

Reacting with restraint shows a level of faith that God will take care of the injustice without our involvement. God sees the injustices in your life, and even though you may not see retaliation immediately, God will have the final say in the matter. Trust Him to make right the wrongs, and choose to respond in restraint.

PRAYER: Lord, there have been times in life that I have been wronged. Through those times You’ve taught me that You will handle it better than I could. Help me to remember that when someone in my life is difficult to deal with, I need to turn them over to You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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This morning’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study. You can view this complete study in its entirety by visiting Bible Study link from this website.

Standing on the Promises of God Without Losing Your Footing (Psalm 123:1-3)

Psalm 121:1-3, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Life is a journey. Along the way we face numerous difficulties. These difficulties can either be stumbling blocks or stepping-stones. Psalm 121 instructs us how we can turn stumbling blocks into stepping-stones. The Bible tells us about a source of help Who is greater than any problem imaginable.

It was not the hills he was focusing on, it was He who was above them. He knew that his help would not come from the hills. He asks himself, “Where does my help come from?” David knew his help came from the LORD.

God knows how easy it is for us to slip into sin and into discouragement. We must remember that He is always with us and has promised to sustain us with His presence and His power. The foundation, God's infinite power and goodness, is the foundation that our faith is built on. It cannot be moved. While we stand firm on it, our foot cannot be moved. God will keep your foot from slipping while traveling the journey of life.

Life does not always offer many easy steps. Sometimes we get to the point when we wonder if we can make it one more step. Often when we slip and fall, we are tempted to just give up. Those who get their help from the Lord will continue on their journey. We need to remember that the Lord has never made a house that fell, nor a foundation that crumbled. There will be times when we feel like giving up and giving in, but we need to realize that He has lifted us out of the miry clay of this world and has established our goings. We are constantly being reinforced and held steady by the mighty hand of God.

God is ever present. He cares about us and will never leave us or forsake us. God would help His people by establishing them in a firm place, allowing them to stand and not allowing their foot to be moved. Because the Lord is with us, we can “walk” through our valleys and look higher than our hills with confidence because of the evidence of His power and promises. We can go through our valleys and look above our mountains knowing that the Lord keeps us and He is with us no matter how high our mountains may be. He is with us always.

Question to Consider:
Does your help come from friends, family, athletic ability, academic skills, popularity, wealth?

Point to Ponder:
The source of all security and help is the Lord who made heaven and earth and controls all things.

PRAYER: LORD, often I get weary on the journey because the path of life looks uncertain. I know that You are always with me and that You will never fail me. Help me to trust in You always. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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The Juggernaut of Jealousy…Keeping Up with the Joneses (Song of Solomon 8:6)

Song of Solomon 8:6, Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

When it is said, “someone is keeping up with the Joneses”, you mean that they are doing something in order to show that they have as much money as other people, rather than because they really want to do it. Many people are holding down three jobs and purchasing items they really can’t afford just to keep up with the Joneses. The day we stop comparing ourselves to others will be the day we start living life to the fullest, the way God intended for us to live.

Two shopkeepers were bitter rivals. Their stores were directly across the street from each other and they would spend each day keeping track of each other's business. If one got a customer, he would smile in triumph at his rival. One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, "I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. Would you be rich? You can be very rich, but he will be twice as wealthy. Do you wish to live a long and healthy life? You can, but his life will be longer and healthier. What is your desire?" The man frowned, thought for a moment, and then said, "Here is my request: Strike me blind in one eye!"

The root of jealousy is insecurity. When we are insecure with ourselves we will always compare ourselves to others. This only leads to disappointment, because as long as we try to be like someone else, we’ll never find fulfillment in being who God wants us to be. The only escape is to get secure in Christ. As we concentrate on who we are in Him, we can be content with the way God made us. Thank God for the great people in your life, but also thank Him for the way He made you. When you do this, instead of bringing others down to your level, you will rise to theirs. The jealousy in you and me won’t stand a chance.

Human jealousy always leads to destruction not construction. Jealousy is a dividing force strong enough to tear apart the mightiest or the closest of friends. When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune. Before striking out in anger, consider what you could lose: a friend, a job, a spouse. One sign of jealousy is when it's easier to show sympathy and "weep with those who weep" than it is to exhibit joy and "rejoice with those who rejoice." Jealousy is not love because love is self-giving, while jealousy is self-serving. Jealousy is nothing other than frustrated selfishness and ambition. Jealously is what we see in others that we want for ourselves, and in our anger, we direct our bitterness at them. Why should they have the benefits we lack? In our minds we pull them down and find fault.

God deserves our undivided devotion. God's jealousy is justified (Nahum 1:2). God alone has the right to be jealous and to carry out vengeance. His jealousy and vengeance are not tainted with selfishness. Love is the greatest weapon against jealousy. Saul tried to kill David because he was jealous of David's popularity, yet David continued to protect and comfort Saul. Perhaps people have been jealous of you and have even attacked you in some way. They may be intimidated by your strengths, which make them conscious of their own shortcomings. It would be natural to strike back or to avoid them. A better response is to befriend them (Matthew 5:43-44) and to ask God for the strength to continue to love them, as David kept on loving Saul.

PRAYER: Lord, Forgive me for the jealousy I struggle with. Help me to develop an attitude of contentment. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Complete Dependence on God (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding, and in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

Faith isn’t faith as long as it’s holding onto a branch. One day, on a hiking trip, a man fell off the edge of a cliff and began the 800-foot drop to the bottom. He thought it was all over for him until he grabbed a tree branch which stopped his fall. Hanging on for dear life, he cried out for help, “Is anyone up there?” There was no response. The seconds turned into minutes. The branch was sagging beneath the hiker’s weight. The tree’s roots would only take so much more strain before they gave way. When it seemed the poor hiker couldn’t hold on any longer, he heard a voice: “I am God. Do you trust Me?” “Yes, Lord. I trust You. Can You help me, please?” God answered, “Yes, I will help you. But first, You must let go of the branch.” The hiker was silent for a moment. Then he shouted back, “Is anyone else up there?”

There is perhaps nothing more difficult than releasing our grip on a “branch”. The hardest part is not knowing how the landing will turn out. We’re so used to holding onto these manufactured securities in life: Relationships, jobs, families, friends, bank accounts, retirement savings, and even our plans for the future. But God can’t help us until we are willing to let go of these things and completely trust Him.

Each of us is clinging to a branch of one kind or another. Your branch might be your job, a relationship with a friend, the stock market, your health, credit score, or your home. All branches will eventually fail us, but His hand will never let us go. When we walk, we put one foot in front of another, leaning all of our weight on one leg for each step. That is dependency. When we admit our complete need for God, we are on the way to answered prayer. Today, God is asking you to let it go and trust Him. When we are trusting Him, we are in the safest of all places. You might not see how the landing will turn out, but God can. He has promised to keep you safe.

The reality is that everything we have and everything we do is a result of God’s grace, and if we are unwilling to admit that it is all Him and not us, we should not expect His help. All through history God has chosen and used nobodies because their unusual dependence on Him made possible the unique display of His power and grace. He chose and used somebodies only when they renounced dependence on their natural abilities and resources. The pride in each of our hearts delights in self-confidence and boasting and hates to admit our complete need for God.

Points to Ponder:
Put the faith you already have into action.
Determine that you will trust in the Lord, regardless of the circumstances that will come.

Questions to Consider:
Are you making every effort to trust the Lord in every area of your life?
What are some areas in your life your faith is lacking?

PRAYER: Father, Help me to trust You in everything! Help me in those times when I notice just how weak and insignificant my trust is! I welcome You into every facet of my life, Lord, so that no matter where I am and what I am doing, behind it all I am trusting You in everything. For You alone are worthy of my trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Benefits of Trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6)
 
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Worrying is not trusting in the Lord. When we worry, we are more likely to lean on our own understanding. Jesus instructs us to, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (Matthew 6:34). We should live wisely as the Bible instructs us, trusting in the Lord in every area of our lives.
 
Four vital ways for us to seek God’s guidance is to plead with Him in prayer:
1.       Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face (Psalm 5:8).
2.       Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day (Psalm 25:5).
3.       Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies (Psalm 27:11).
4.       Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness (Psalm 143:10).
 
When you lean on the Lord through prayer and you trust Him to answer, you can rest in His assurances that He will do the following:
 
1.   He will guide you into pleasant paths. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters (Psalm 23:1-2).

2. He will guide you in your decision making. Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way (Psalm 25:8-9).  

3. He will guide you with His own eye. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye (Psalm 32:8).
 
4. He will guide you through the rest of your life. For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death (Psalm 48:14).
 
5. He will guide you by wise counsel. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory (Psalm 73:24).
 
6. He will guide you into an understanding of truth. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13).
 
Points to Ponder:

• Don’t worry about the future (Matthew 6:34).
• Acknowledge God in all your ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• As we seek God’s will, we learn to walk by faith and not sight (II Corinthians 5:7).

 
Questions to Consider:

• How do you need to grow in your acknowledging of the Lord in all your ways?

• Would you describe yourself as self-reliant or God-dependent?
• When a crisis hits, do you lean on yourself or on God?

 
PRAYER: Lord, Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect. In Jesus name, AMEN.
 
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The Greatest Gift Ever Wrapped (Luke 2:1-20)

Have you ever had problems with finding the right gift for someone? Is there someone on your Christmas shopping list who is hard to shop for? Maybe they are really picky, or they seem to have everything! Many may still be wondering if they found the right gift for their family, friends, and loved ones.

Sometimes we try to deceive by the way (size, weight, shape) we wrap a Christmas present! The presentation of Christ to this world was not the way we would have planned it. At first glance, the look of the manger scene may have been deceiving. Why a manger and not a mansion? Christ was content with a manger when He was born, so that we could have a mansion when we die. When you meet the Saviour, it changes you forever. If you really believe in something strong enough, you would really be able to convince others about it.

I read recently about a woman who had waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She rushed into a store and bought a package of 50 cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed 49 of the 50 and signed them without reading the message inside. On Christmas Day, when things had quieted down somewhat, she chanced to read the leftover card and finally read the message she had sent to 49 of her friends. Much to her discouragement, it this: "This card is just to say, A little gift is on the way." Suddenly she realized that 49 of her friends were expecting a gift from her-a gift that would never come. Nothing is so important this Christmas season that you cannot make time to worship the Lord.

Perhaps you can sympathize with this lady! There is so much to be done this time of year. Presents to be bought, vacation plans to be made, work to finalize, decorations to hang, parties to attend, parties to host, and so many details to oversee. Sometimes the festivities of the season can wear you out.

How important is worshiping Christ this season to you? Yes, you have plans and your schedule doesn't allow much downtime, but like the shepherds, God wants you to make time to worship Him for the birth of His Son.

Today as we take time to celebrate Christmas with friends and family don't forget to celebrate Christ. What will you give Jesus this Christmas? I want the whole world to know that He died for us. Don’t you?

Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for giving the greatest gift in Your Son Jesus. May I make time today to share Him with my family, friends, and all who have never heard of Him. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Celebrating and Sharing Christmas? (Matthew 2:10-11)

Matthew 2:10-11, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

A little boy came home from Sunday School. He was so excited about learning the Christmas story. Especially about the Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. He was so excited that he had to tell his mother. He said, "I learned today in Sunday School all about the first Christmas. In fact, there was no need of Santa Claus. There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these wise men had to deliver the toys”.

I learned comparing Santa Claus and the Lord Jesus.
· Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus lives everywhere.
· Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
· Santa comes once a year. Jesus is an ever-present help.
· Santa comes down your chimney. Jesus stands at your door of your heart and knocks.
· Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs.
· You have to wait in line to see Santa. Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
· Santa lets you sit in his lap. Jesus holds you in His hands.
· Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly. Jesus has a heart of love.
· Santa’s little helpers makes new toys. Jesus makes new lives.
· Santa puts gifts under your tree. Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.

The night heaven visited the earth, it wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and the world has never been the same.

If “Christmas” is some material thing that you are dying for, then you will probably be disappointed, even if you get it. If, however, you are seeking the Christ of Christmas, you will never be disappointed. The true spirit of Christmas gives Christ His rightful place.

Prayer, Father thank You for sending us Your only begotten Son. Your gift was an eternal gift to the entire world. Help me to share the gift of Your Son Jesus with others. Amen.

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This morning’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study. You can view this current study in its entirety by visiting Bible Study link from this website.
​
What Do We Do with a Gift Like Christmas? (Matthew 2:10-11; Luke 2)

The night heaven visited the earth, it wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and the world has never been the same. Don’t make the mistake of enjoying the wrapping of Christmas—activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions—without enjoying what is behind the wrapping—the gift. Quite simply, Jesus is the gift of Christmas. Emmanuel—God with us! But if Christmas is a gift, how do we celebrate the gift, not just enjoy the wrapping?

What do we do with a gift like Christmas?
1. Receive the Gift
Romans 6:23 tells us that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
A gift, however, must be received. If you haven’t made the choice to receive Christ, I’d encourage you to discover how you can.

2. Relish the Gift
Salvation is just the beginning. But sometimes Christians—including we who are in ministry—become so consumed with the functioning aspects of the Christian life or ministry that we fail to personally revel in who Jesus is to us. Hebrews 4:15 encourages, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Make sure you take time this Christmas to get to know Him more. Delight to be in His presence.

3. Reverence the Gift
The wise men displayed their wisdom in several respects, but not the least of these was that they worshipped Jesus: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).” It’s easy to get so caught up in the rush of Christmas that we miss the wonder of worship. Don’t make the mistake of enjoying the wrapping of Christmas—activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions—without enjoying what is behind the wrapping—the gift. Jesus is the gift of Christmas.

Questions to Consider:

• What are you looking for this Christmas?
• What about You? As an innkeeper-who will you let into your heart this week?
• Can you think of one way you can reach out to the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the needy, the sick, or the imprisoned this Christmas?

Points to Ponder:
· It's easy to get distracted with the decorations, the baking, the shopping, and the parties. But at the end of the day, what matters is if we make room in the Inn (our hearts) for Jesus.

• He is still found of all who seek Him, and He still changes all who meet Him.
• He is still here, looking for all who have room for Him in their lives. (Like the inn keeper, and you can have my room!)

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Peace Rather Than Panic (Proverbs 3:25-26)

Proverbs 3:25-26, Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
​
Many people panic when they're faced with severe problems. We can't escape many of the problems in our lives, but we have been given the ability to control our reaction to the problems we face. Our reaction to problems is much more important than the problems themselves. Two people can face the same problem—one person can react calmly with faith in God while the other person panics.

The range of our emotions is a clear indication of maturity. Our Father wants us to learn to yield our emotions to Him. Our Father wants us to learn to react calmly to the problems we face because we trust Him to solve the problems, we can't solve ourselves. Safety is not found in avoiding danger but in obeying God.

People whose lives revolve around themselves believe they have to solve every problem with human ability. Our Father says we shouldn't panic when we're in the midst of the storms of life. He wants us to remain calm because we trust completely in Him (Proverbs 3:25-26). Crises and trouble do arise in life. However, for the people of God possessing godly wisdom, the command is to fear not. When we dwell in the secret place of the most High and possess godly wisdom and discretion of life, God will be our confidence and guard. He will not suffer the righteous to be moved.

The wise person, the one who has embraced wisdom, which includes embracing Christ as Saviour, Who is our wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:3), does not and should not fear what the unsaved fear. Wisdom is not to fear when folly is judged. Wisdom has hope ("the Lord shall be thy confidence") that folly does not have. This hope enables wisdom not to fear.

When we lack peace, we should view that as a reminder to focus on God rather than on our circumstances. Panic also stops us from hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants us to keep the focus to Him open. He doesn't want us to block this channel with negative emotions such as fear, worry, doubt and unbelief. We should never allow ourselves to be discouraged by the problems we face. Nothing good ever comes from discouragement. This word means lack of courage. Romans 15:5, Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. God’s Word instructs us how to live our lives and gives us the encouragement we must have to hold fast to God's promises, refusing to give up hope.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to respond to your problems with calm, quiet confidence in the Lord instead of panicking. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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