In a time of Trouble
Colossians 3:1-4
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
We are in a time of trouble.
We are witness to a world that has changed overnight.
There have been bone chilling, heart crushing and mind numbing reports of the evil of man’s heart.
It is so easy to be distracted.
There is something that the Lord has done throughout all of History. He continues to do it today.
The Lord gives us the ability to withstand and endure the troubles of this world. Those that profess His Holy name, repent, believe and follow, He gives us a Promise.
He seals us with the Promise of the Holy Spirit!
The Advocate.
The Comforter.
The One that gives us wisdom.
The Holy Spirit always ready to help in our need. To console us, to reassure us.
He will guide us in times of distress.
He will always show us back to the Savior in our times of need.
Galatians 5:16-17
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:16-17
We all do things that we do not wish to do.
It is in our human nature to stray.
The Apostle Paul makes it clear, walk in the Spirit!
Why?
So the lust of the flesh doesn’t overtake us and derail our Walk with Jesus Christ our Lord!
We always look at the big things like fornication and such.
There is one that he mentions, idolatry.
Can fear be an idol?
The definition of idolatry is the worship of idols or excessive devotion to, or reverence for some person or THING according to Webster’s Dictionary.
An idol is anything that replaces the one, true God.
So can fear be that one thing that has taken its place on the Thrones of our hearts?
David encourages us all in one of his Psalms
Psalms 23:4 NKJV
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Evil is being troubled, being in danger, facing destruction and anything that may cause us harm.
But God in His mercy and kindness gives us reassurance.
He so confidently tells us to fear not!
Oh! If it was so easy Lord!
We see and hear of the things that are happening. We see the world unravel. We see death and destruction and wonder when it will come here! What about our loved ones?
We can feel that there is a push of evil but also there is a greater move of God!
Let me say this.
Fear and God do not mix!
They do not cohabitate.
You cannot have all confidence in your Savior if there’s a small amount of fear in your heart!
The fear will cripple your faith.
But your faith in the Promises of Jesus Christ will push out anything from your heart, mind and soul if you allow Him to do so!
Your Spirit and the flesh are at constant war with each other.
It will be until the Lord calls us to be with Him and in our Glorified, beautiful bodies!
But until then we battle.
One of the things we must battle on a day to day basis is the fear that invades our mind.
So how do we not allow these things to overwhelm us and take us captive?
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth
This is not an invitation to think about Heaven. This is a call to look to the One that is the Creator, the Ruler, the Everlasting Savior, the One that resides in Heaven at the Right Hand of the Father. The One that is to come, Jesus Christ of Nazareth!
We should have no more association to the fear the world produces. We should not allow the distraction Satan puts in front of us to dictate who is the ruler of your heart!
Look up for your Salvation is near!
How can we see how near He is unless we look up and wait in joyful hope?
How can we expect Him to receive His Bride if the Bride is hiding in the Bridal chambers.
When her Groom finally comes there will be nothing that will stop her from running to Him. And there will be nothing that will keep Him from coming for her!
Don’t allow the fear in our heart keep us from coming out of the darkness of the bridal chamber to the Light of the coming of our Groom!
Think about this today.
You were raised with Christ!
When Jesus was raised, He walked out of the tomb in victory. He spent the rest of His short time on earth ministering to those around Him.
He looked forward to being back in Heaven to prepare for our coming!
Do the same as Your master.
There is no time to fear, doubt or worry.
All these things that are happening in the world are scary. There is life that is being tortured and lost.
There is death and destruction.
But for me this gives me assurance that what the Word of God says is true. And if these things that are written in the Bible are coming into fruition, then so are His promises to return! That brings me comfort, peace and hope!
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
A Follower of Jesus Christ will long for Heaven. We are drawn towards Eternity with our Maker.
Why?
That is where our Lord is!
That is where our true home is. This is where our real riches are housed.
Our hope is there, our life is there. Every Promise that He has given us is there!
You know what is not there?
Fear.
Live today like you are waiting to go home, in total and complete anticipation! Free from the distraction of the World walking on the promises of Heaven!
Pastor Ed
