Counting it all Joy
Are “all things” good? Or, do “all things work together for good” in the life of the person who is truly seeking after the Lord? What does the Bible, God’s Message to us, reveal?
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29
Notice that this Romans 8 text doesn’t say that all things are good, but that “all things work together for good.”
It is more than obvious that all the things that come our way are not coming from the LORD, who “cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). Though there are things Satan, ourselves, and evil men bring into our lives, the LORD allows those things and helps us “escape” (1 Cor. 10:13; Job 1-2). It is clear that the Almighty cannot be tempted with evil (James 1:13) and that “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).
Furthermore, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
In “all things” that come our way the LORD is working to form the Person of Jesus Christ in us as we have been predestined to be conformed to.
At this time you may be entangled with trials and tribulations from seemingly every angle – coming at you relentlessly. Are you experiencing emotional, relational, financial, marital, work-related difficulties?
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4
When we begin to see the blessed change He uses our trial to bring, it will be easier and easier to “count it all joy” when our faith is tried/tested and made stronger as we patiently endure beholding His face more intensely (2 Corinthians 3:18).
His predestined purpose for creating and redeeming us to Himself is to conform our lives to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalms 17:15
As we choose to behold His perfect face in righteousness, we shall be satisfied and made into His likeness – here and now and in eternity with new glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).
His “likeness” or “image” in us is His ultimate goal. That’s right – the purpose for our lives is not to live unto ourselves or be detached from the LORD’s purpose in any of the things that set themselves before us to tempt us to set our affection upon and identify with. Our identity is in the Person and Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ and for His pleasure we were created (Revelation 4:11).
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Saint, remember that your current season will change. This trial you now endure shall come to pass. In all this that you may be suffering, please prayerfully remember that ALL these things are working together for the glory of God in your life. He is using them to cause your heart to be conformed to the image of Christ as you seek His face, totally relying upon Him in these tests.
One of the temptations of the trial is to turn on God and blame Him. Have you ever done such? I have. Remember, the LORD is for you. He loves you more than you could know.
“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job 1:22
GOD’S TESTIMONY OF JOB:
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 2:3
“But he (Job) said unto her (his wife), Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job 2:10
You ARE going to pass your test as you stay upon the LORD in the trial! See Isaiah 50:10. You are going to come out a different person, more like JESUS, the One you have been predestined to be conformed to! You are going to be alright, as Job was alright after untold misery over a several month period. This season is only for a short time. You are going to be “kept” by the power of God, so “rejoice” in this “season” of “trial” and “trying” as you pass your tests and continue to pursue the One “whom having not seen, ye love”:
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:5-9
Remember that all “seasons” come – to pass. Remember that Job was more blessed in the end than before the devastating trials came his way.
Job 42:10 “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
In this theme text (Romans 8:28-29), is our Heavenly Father telling us that all those things that are coming our way are being used to conform our lives to the image of JESUS?
Has anyone out there been attacked lately by people within the Body of Christ? This does happen and will increase as the day of Christ draws closer (Matthew 24:10-13). I’m talking about a clear and blatant attack on your person or character. Can anybody relate?
Take heart in the LORD beloved:
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while (not forever), make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
According to 1 Peter 5:10, in your suffering, the LORD is:
1. perfecting you
2. establishing you
3. strengthening you
4. settling you
God’s Love Is Going To Heal Your Wounds (Psalms 147:3; Luke 4:18). Ask Him and you will receive.
Here are the divinely-given instructions (marching orders) and exhortation:
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.” Jude 20-25
Perhaps nothing flies in Satan’s face as powerfully as the witness of God’s saints when they are in a trial. In light of this, how powerful it is to give the devil a black eye by serving others during our trials and letting His goodness be known! I believe the enemy profusely frowns when we encourage Christians, hand out Gospel tracts, feed the poor, cloth the naked, and build up the Body of Christ – right in the midst of our own personal trial. Why throw a pity party when we can throw a praise party? – “Count it all joy!” (James 1:2-4).
May God Grant Us All Grace to Fight the Good Fight of Faith – We are Overcomers through Jesus Christ!
If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here: Born Again: What Does that Mean?
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Articles
Bowels of Mercies [podcast]
“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
“Now the end (supreme goal) of the commandment (Word of God, Gospel) is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” 1 Timothy 1:5
Recently a dear brother in Christ who got to reading on the ministry site, sent me an email claiming that I was perhaps being too harsh in some of the expose’s on the site. After I responded, this dear man sent back an apology, asking forgiveness for his own unwarranted harshness towards me.
Whew! Saints this is exactly how we should humbly work out things in the body of Christ, whose love never fails!
Here was the response sent to him:
“Blessings in Christ dear brother and thank you for the iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). Please let me know how can be a blessing to you (Ps 133:1; Eph 4:3).”
“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
WHEN we aren’t concerned about how we are affecting others, it’s because we don’t care for them and are full of self (Colossians 4:6).
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:” 1 Peter 1:22
“Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.” 2 Corinthians 6:12
“For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:8
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,” Philippians 2:1
“For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon 1:7
“Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:” Philemon 1:12
“Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.” Philemon 1:20
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17
Saints, may our LORD help us to HELP other disciples who are in the same fight as we are in and help them in the LORD’s process of sanctification. Galatians 6:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:24-26
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Abiding
Kiss Jesus Or be Crushed as His Enemy! [podcast]
Satan’s Pitiful Petty Perverted Pawns have an Expiration Date!
“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” Isaiah 13:9
Psalm 2 is Prophetic of Christ and of His Return to Take back Possession of His Planet, Earth
The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
GOD told us He’s laughing at these luciferians and all their “elaborate plans” to control humanity. Read Psalms 2. Jesus is coming. His enemies will be crushed under His holy, Almighty feet (Romans 16:20).
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:20
The future belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ and His followers. Read the book of Revelation!
“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:44
Jesus is coming back “In flaming fire taking vengeance.”
“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
The Coming of the Son of Man
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28
Just as Aaron’s rod swallowed up the rods of the sorcerers of Egypt (the world), so shall Christ’s kingdom swallow up the kingdoms of this world! (Exodus 7:12; Daniel 2:44; 7:14) Will you be a part of Christ’s eternal kingdom?
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
Bow now or burn forever.
All who refuse to repent, bowing down to “kiss the Son” of God will perish in their own corruption and be violently vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the prison of fire, which will then be “cast into the lake of fire.”
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14-15
“EVERY Knee”
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
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Articles
Mission Mexico Part 31
Jesus is coming saints. Let us pour our lives, prayers, and resources into accomplishing the Great Commission Jesus sent us to accomplish – to teach and to teach His Word, to see people saved and become His disciples (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20, etc.).
If anyone wishes to step up and contribute to the next printing of the JESUS tracts in Spanish that are being distributed daily, please do. At this point, the ministry cannot afford to print this next batch. Sad but true.
HINT: There is plenty of opportunity to contribute to Mission Mexico. We are going to continue to feed the poor and minister Christ’s Gospel – regardless of the fumes we are presently operating on. Thank God for those who are praying and supporting. This opportunity to obey God lies in front of each of us. What shall we do?
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
To say that this ministry is under-funded is an understatement.
Mission Mexico – See more here.
Reminder: The people we take pictures of are specifically asked if they’d like Christians in the USA to lift them in prayer. They all agree and are blessed to know you are lifting them in prayer.
“‘Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.’ Jeremiah 1:5
This verse is a powerful reminder that every life has value and purpose to the LORD, given by GOD even before birth. GOD does not work by accident. He plans, calls, and appoints people for His work long before the world ever notices them. Just as Jeremiah was set apart, the hungry, the poor, and the forgotten we serve are known and loved by GOD.
When you give, you are stepping into GOD’s plan to reach lives He already knows by name. Your generosity helps feed bodies and opens hearts to hear the gospel. As Scripture says:
“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” Your support allows us to be those laborers, bringing both daily bread and the Bread of Life to those GOD has already called.” Bill Wegener
You are invited to sign up to give a monthly gift for Mission Mexico 2026. It is much needed. Lots of opportunity. Takes seconds to help. Support here.
Your prayer this day is appreciated for the beloved people of Mexico.
Would you like to pause and lift in prayer David and Jorge, both who have been ministered to and are in need of salvation. God is good.
“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalm 2:8
Jorge wept as he received ministry. He made it clear during this conversation that he fully knows Jesus is coming him to Himself. Several times he said he knows this is God, that we were ordained to meet. He told me he just feels like dying. God is able. Thank you for lifting this young man in prayer.
Thank you for pausing to lift a prayer to our Father in Jesus’ name for the people of Mexico.
“I met Todd and had an encounter with God (got saved); everything happens for a reason. In my case, it was understanding the strength in God’s Word through the Reina Valera Bible.” Daniel, Mexico
“Thank you for sending God’s Word to me. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that!!! This year was very difficult for me.” Arely, Mexico
Because you care, you prayed, you gave….. Cenovio, a homeless man, was treated to the hearing of our LORD’s bless-ed Gospel message, a delicious hot meal, hot coffee, fresh water, and a JESUS tract. It was a super blessed time with this man. Thank God and you!
Would you like to pause and pray for Cenovio?
Sister Teresita in FL has led 3 people to Jesus today …. So far.
Thank you for praying for great fruitfulness with the saints in Florida.
“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Cor 3:9
Thanks for declaring with your prayer and support that the beloved souls of the Mexican people matter!!!! – because they do! Jesus is King and He’s coming saints!
Your giving and prayers makes these things possible: This beloved woman (above) received a nice warm meal and cold water last evening. Oh and food for several members of her family.
Mission Mexico is made possible by the prayers and support of God’s people.
Lots of opportunity. Takes seconds to help. Support here.
***To date the ministry outreach is receiving an average of $1000 total per month to function on. Thank God for those who are supplying prayers and financial support. It is much needed. SGYS supports other ministries in the USA and the Philippines.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
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Mission Mexico Part 31
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