The Gift of Joy

~~~~~~~~~~Day 20~~~~~~~~~~

KEEP AMERICA AND ITS PEOPLE IN PRAYER

September 11, 2001 was a real tragedy for America and for its people. I  sincerely believe that most Americans thought terrorist attacks like this would never happen, with an awful loss of life. Evil spirits are all over this world and do exist. We must accept that. Ephesians 6:12 tells us "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Ephesians 6:13-18 admonishes us, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

With this tragedy I ask,  "How many of the ones that died knew Jesus as their Savior? How many knew that they had eternal life with God?"  Man can think and believe anyway he wants but God has one plan of salvation and He will not change His mind. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no one can come to the Heavenly Father but through Him. I Corinthians 8:6 says, "Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live."

So many people in this world are full of the world's philosophies, traditions, as well as what a church denomination might teach, but only confessing ones sins and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ will get a person into heaven. There is no time to waste for anyone not saved, for end times are right around the corner. So many have not taken the time to search God and His fullest power to save. So many are lost and will not make it through the gate into heaven.

~~~~~~~~~~Day 22~~~~~~~~~~

LIVING IN THE WORLD BUT NOT BEING OF IT

I believe that living in the present world and not being a part of it is one the most difficult goals a Christian is asked by God to perform. I have found that the only way that I can understand it is by reading God's Word. The Scripture verses below have helped me very much.  As you read them, dear Reader, I pray that they will be of help to you.

1 John 2:15 compels believers to "be not of the world." It reads, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Then 1 John 2:16 speaks of "worldly desires."  It says, "For everything in the world -- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does -- comes not from the Father, but from the world."

Romans 12:1-3 exhorts the believer to be a "living sacrifice." It reads, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will.  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: 'Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.'"

We need to look toward the Lord for strength and knowledge to accomplish this goal. We cannot handle this by ourselves.

Psalm 34:5 tells the believer to "look unto God." It says, "Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."

Micah 7:7 instructs us to "look to the Lord."  It tells us, "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."

Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to "run the race as with a purpose." It says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Praise God for His Word.