“A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1
Have you felt like you are in darkness lately? Has confusion plagued your thoughts? If so, have you been thinking that you are not in God’s will? Did you realize that according to God’s revelation to us (His Word), this condition is not necessarily an indication that you are outside the will of God? Think about when JESUS and His 12 were on a small ship heading across the sea and He told His disciples (that’s what you are too) definitively that they were going to the other side:
“Let us pass over unto the other side.” Mark 4:35
If Jesus said they were going “over to the other side”, we know they were going to make it, right? Do you think the Son of God, the Creator of ALL that is, made a mistake here by stating that they would definitely make it to the other side? Obviously not.
Somebody who has read this Gospel story might be saying in their mind; “But wait a minute, there was a storm after they got to the middle of the sea! Why didn’t Jesus warn them? Didn’t this mean that God was not in this direction they were going and that they were out of His will?” NO! First of all, GOD was literally on the boat with them. Also, the storms that raged against them were actually proof that they were in the center of His will. Think about it: We live in a world where there is a fallen foe who has a third of the other rebellious fallen angels with him and these powers resist everything and everyone that represents the Almighty (Eph. 6:12).
Also, the storms that raged against them were actually proof that they were in the center of His will and not proof that they weren’t.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:12-14
Persecution for Christ’s sake is the occasion of great rejoicing! Matthew 5:10-12
WHEN you minister the Word and someone rejects you, they are really rejecting CHRIST in you! Don’t get upset, “REJOICE” !!!!
“In Christ’s kingdom, suffering for His sake is a sign of God’s highest favor (Acts 9:16; 14:22; Matt. 5:11-12; Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12) and the means to a fruitful ministry (Jn 12:24; 2 Cor 1:3-6). It results in abundant reward in Heaven (Matt. 5:12; 2 Tim. 2:12).” Donald Stamps, Life in in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1678
All who serve Christ in real faith and obedience will be met with storms of persecution, trials, tribulations, attacks, false accusations, and testings. In the midst of them all will be the Savior who will in His timing distill those winds and waves with “Peace, be still.” (Mk. 4:39) The Potter who molds His clay (us) as He wills, will roll back the tide of evil surrounding His child when He is ready. Up till that point, He will sustain His child in the midst of the storm. He has a purpose for the things we suffer.
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
Beloved, the purpose of the Master in your sufferings and trials is to “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Did Jesus and his tepid disciples make it across that sea? Are you going to make it through what you are now enduring? Let’s see:
“And they came over unto the other side of the sea.” Mark 5:1
YAY Jesus!
Note the phrase “they came over.” Where God guides He provides (Ps 37:25; 1 Cor. 10:13).
Saint, Your Savior; Light, and Redeemer is strong and mighty and will provide all the grace, protection, and provision you need to make it through whatever you are passing through in your life.
Isaiah 43:1-5 “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not…”
Job continued to discover that God was his Provider and Protector in all things. This is why, after horrific destruction had come to his life, he could say:
Job 5:19-22
19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.
21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.22 At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
As the Lord teaches our hearts to trust in Him, no matter what we endure, we will be able as Job, to so confidently look past seemingly overwhelming odds and go through such testing learning to love and trust Him more and more.
ARE WE willing today to cry out with Job …
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation…” Job 13:15-16
Trash the thin skin! “Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 2:2-3)
“The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” Job 17:9
Remember that when things seem to be dark and it seems that the LORD has forsaken you, because the waves of the sea are beating against your life, that in His perfect timing, He is going to arise in your midst with “Peace, be still” and all the torrential storms in your life will be neutralized. All winds and waves cease when the Master speaks, but until then, He is watching to see how we fare in the test. For now He is working something special in you, deepening your faith. Could He be forging His image in you as you continue to seek His face no matter what you face, no matter things look like or who is coming against you?
All winds and waves cease when the Master speaks, but until then, He is watching to see how we fare in the test. For now He is working something special in you.
In the very same text from Job 5, this truth is lodged:
Job 5:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:”
We all go through dark times. There is the season of the dark hour of the soul seen throughout Scripture in the lives of the patriarchs:
“Who is among you that feareth the LORD (that’s you), that obeyeth the voice of his servant, (yet) that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10
It’s time to look up to the Light of the whole world – the Light of your world. God is not against you, but rather for you. And “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31) Your help comes only from Him. This is a test and you are going to pass and be a much matured, strengthened, and settled person on the other side of the sea! Remember:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1
David said that “The LORD is…my salvation” which means He is your deliverer. Not yourself but He is your Deliverer! In the darkness of these things we may endure in this short life, we should remember that the LORD Himself truly is our Light and Salvation and the Strength of our lives.
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
When the snares of sin come to enslave you, remember that He is your Strength and call upon Him from the depths of your being and He will deliver you. He delights to deliver and preserve His saints. When the enemy’s false accusations and persecutions find there way to your blessed life, remember that the LORD is your Vindicator, Salvation, and Deliverer. When darkness of any kind seems to surround and even engulf you, remember that the LORD is your Light. Call upon Him and He will deliver your soul from troubles. He loves you.
Psalms 34
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
“There is a glow and a spiritual fragrance about the life of a person who is Spirit filled that is unlike anything found in natural man. The beauty of divine holiness ought to be radiated from all Christians. It is always seen in the lives of those who are truly controlled by the Spirit.” G. Christian Weiss, Insights into Bible Times and Customs
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JT with Todd Tomasella of SAFEGUARD YOURSOUL – Evangelism Encouragement [video]

Joe Telford and Todd Tomasella – Evangelism Encouragement
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Abiding
7 Ways to Forgive [podcast]
PRAY
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44
LOVE AND DO GOOD TO THE OFFENDER
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Romans 12:9
REFUSE TO SPEAK EVIL OF THE OFFENDER
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14
RELEASE THEM FROM YOUR PUNISHMENT
“Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19
DON’T CELEBRATE THEIR FAILURES
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:17-18
TREAT THEM THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31
STOP DWELLING ON THE PAST
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” Isaiah 43:18
The blessedness of being merciful to others:
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
The only way to prevent holding a grudge, is to simply forgive them – as God freely forgave you through the infinite price Christ paid for your sins on the cross, of which you don’t deserve (Psalms 103:10).
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” James 5:7-9
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:30-32
Being kind and forgiving towards others becomes simple as we look in the mirror and declare with Paul the apostle: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing.” (Romans 7:18)
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Psalms 103:10
Forgiveness becomes easy when we look in the mirror to see the person (us, me) who needs God’s mercy more than any other person alive on the earth! Memorize Ephesians 4:32 now. KJB
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Colossians 3:12-14
Forgiveness Quotes
Forgiveness is ultra important to God. If you don’t forgive all others, you are not forgiven of your own sin and are as sure for hell as if you were already there. If you refuse to forgive you damn your own soul, non-negotiably. irrevocably.
“Forgiveness does not mean what happened is okay. It means not letting what happened take any more of your happiness.” Michelle Maros
“There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.” Bryant McGill
“Love is an act of endless forgiveness. Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me. Forgiveness is the final act of love.” Reinhold Niebuhr
“Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong; it makes you bitter. Forgiving doesn’t make you weak; it sets you free.” unknown
Forgiveness | Fresh Start with God | Making Peace with God


Abiding
Christ’s Non-Negotiable Original Gospel Imperative [podcast]

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
It’s one thing to claim we are with Christ and He with us, and it’s another thing to prove we are with the Savior by adhering to His words. Jesus told us that those who are “of God” hear and obey His words (John 8:47).
If one chooses not to love Jesus enough to obey His stated terms, such a man has rejected the Son of God for the love of sinful self and will perish in his own corruption (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33; 17:33; John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6, etc.).
“Repentance is to TAKE SIDES with God against yourself. It is a CHANGE of attitude toward SELF, toward SIN, toward GOD, toward CHRIST that is so REAL that it RESULTS in a changed life. It is raising the WHITE FLAG in SURRENDER to God and turning to Christ as your only LORD and Savior. Repentance is NOT a work … works are the fruit of repentance (Ephesians 2:8-10).” Trent Austin
Only the counterfeit will get upset at this Gospel message because such a rebel wants nothing to do with taking personal responsibility for his sin, the denial of self, the crucified life to be set apart, holy, and having the Savior reign!
Notice how Jesus knits the denial of self, the daily cross, the putting off the deeds of the body, of keeping under the body (the iniquitous fallen nature) with the destiny of the eternal soul.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25
Jesus made it clear here that the cross is an original Gospel essential, an absolute imperative to eternal glory with Him!
Each of us proves exactly who we love the most by the way we are living! – God or self!
Everything that is happening in your life now is being allowed by God in order to get you down low into the death and burial with Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 4.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-12
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