THE CONSOLATION FOR TROUBLING THOUGHTS

Every Christian knows what it is to face “the battle of their thought life” There are many Scriptures which admonish us concerning our thoughts, whether they be good or evil. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” “You are what you think” upon has a great deal of truth to it because thoughts lead to actions. James 1:14 makes this clear” every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finishes, bringeth forth death.’ This is certainly true as it applies to sinful thoughts, but our thoughts can affect our physical health, even when they are not overtly sinful. Especially when our minds are receiving a steady stream of bad news. Maybe you find yourself doing that today, as our country, and much of the world are facing something new and threatening to us, a global pandemic. We need to remind ourselves that God has not lost a grip on His plan for this world, and He always bids us to come to Him for comfort and rest. “In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul” (Psalm 94:19). The ESV translation puts it this way, ”When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul”. While many hearts are troubled these days, the solution is the consolation God’s Word brings. Now more than ever, is the time to hide that Word in your hearts.

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). These words that Jesus spoke to his disciples in anticipation of the time he would no longer be with them are his words to us today. At a time when life is not normal and people are anxious about many things, the Christian has an inner peace that translates into hope. Don’t let circumstances trouble and overwhelm your mind. Be at peace by trusting in the Prince of Peace and walking in fellowship with him. Trust and obey, for there is no other way to overcome your fears.

God bless, Pastor Tom

CALM IN THE STORM

The Sea of Galilee lies 680 feet below sea level, the lowest freshwater lake on earth. It is susceptible to sudden storms resulting from differences in temperatures between the seacoast and the mountains beyond. The storms are accompanied by strong winds dropping to the sea, funneling through the hills. One such storm is mentioned in Matthew 8 and verses 23-27. Another we find in Matthew 14:24-27 which reads: “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." Everyone has unexpected storms. Our nation and many other nations are going through the COVID -19 storm. I pray that during this trying time we all remember that there is no storm that Jesus cannot calm! He is our peace and He never ceases to amaze those who put their faith in Him. Be of good cheer friends, Jesus is with us always.

God bless, Pastor Tom.

OUR GOD REIGNS!

What are you thinking upon in this difficult time? The daily Coronavirus Task Force briefings from the White House are not very comforting. A vaccine may not be available until the next winter flu season, if then. Nobody really knows when this will end and how it will end. But may I remind you that COVID-19 did not take God by surprise. Psalm 47:8 reminds us, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. In spite of the bad news we hear these days, the Christian can confidently say: “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?” (Psalm 27:1). Never forget that Jesus is the light of the world, the Savior of the world, and the Almighty God who created the world. Don’t let your heart be troubled. The Good Shepherd will always look after His sheep.

Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

A SPIRITUAL COMPASS

When I lived in Pennsylvania many years ago,I was out in the woods as snow began to fall and quickly covered the ground, It was getting dark and I was about one mile from where my car was parked on a dirt road. Although I was young and in good health I began to fear that I might have to spend the night in temperatures belo mal as I became disoriented and nothing looked familiar. I could hardly see anything and didn't know how to proceed Eastward which was the way to safety. If only I had a compass, but I didn't! In uncertain times people need a spiritual compass. We look around us and see trouble everywhere. Presently there is a threat from COVID-19. One can easily get weighed down by some of the more dire predictions. Or, one can look up to God.  Psalm 127:1 says, "I will look up unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth." Consider the words of Psalm 43 where we read: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God “ (verse 5). Sometimes the best therapy when you are downcast is to “talk your way up” by praising the Lord. 

Stay safe and keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

THE RAINLESS WEEK

“Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him” (Genesis 7:1,4-5.). For seven days Noah and his family were in the ark waiting for the rain to come. Perhaps you have had a rainless week in your life, or a much longer waiting period praying and waiting upon the Lord for Him to act in your behalf. Keep your heart fixed on the Lord’s love for you during your rainless week. God always keeps His words Keep pressing on, Pastor Tom.

WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING IN?

During the uncertainty of the time in which we live it is all too easy to takes our eyes off the Lord and look to men for help. While God has provided people to watch out for us, let us always remember that our only real security is in God. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). Jesus is the Almighty Savior. 

Keep trusting in Him and press on, Pastor Tom.