Balancing and knowing what we can’t control vs. what we can control is very difficult at times. It can create an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Can you relate?

Worrying is for the BIRDS! Wait a minute… Jesus said even they do not worry—so why worry? Look, worrying will not make you grow taller. In fact, more than likely, it will send you to a premature grave!

While we cannot control everything, we can control some things. So focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot do. In addition, pray this: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Conclusion: Using wisdom to do what we can—instead of wasting unnecessary energy and time on things we cannot change—enables us, by the GRACE of God, to live in PEACE and harmony with our Lord day by day.

Balancing and knowing what we can’t control vs. what we can control is very difficult at times. It can create an overwhelming sense of anxiety. Can you relate? So what should we do?

During those times, we must totally rely on JESUS, taking those cares and concerns to Him and leaving them there, trusting His peace, presence, and power to see us through the things (people—loved ones) we can’t control. That’s the hard part! This is a major challenge because most of us are fixers! We want to fix others’ problems, and often, we cannot.

Sometimes, they mess up. Then, we need to be there to pick them up, to love them while giving them spiritual guidance. This is God’s will. Our Heavenly Father does the same for us.

So bless His name! His grace is sufficient—no matter what—knowing that His goodness and grace abound brings comfort and confidence to fight against our fears while feeding our faith.

Remember that our Lord is working on us through this calling to be an intercessor. He is teaching us to trust Him more! He is carrying us through experiences that we cannot control. But in the end, He is conforming us into His image. As we decrease and He increases, His life shines through our weaknesses.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

Much like a grain of wheat before being planted is useless. Yet, when planted in the ground, it goes through the process of the hard outer shell (self) being cracked open, and the life of the plant begins to germinate. Jesus Christ spoke of a grain of wheat dying and producing fruit—even though He was referring to His own death. However, the same principle applies to us—death to self (the flesh).

So take some time to let your mind wind down (walking outside, enjoying His creation, etc.). Remember, Jesus told His disciples to “come apart” for a while. He knows because He faced these challenges head-on and overcame them. At times, we need to get refreshed and renewed. Today’s stress and pressure can wear us down. Troubles and cares can weigh us down.

But that is what distinguishes a Christian from a non-believer—being able to take our cares and prayers to Him—CHRIST in us, the HOPE of GLORY!

(Isaiah 26:3-4)

If we focus on all our PROBLEMS and things we cannot CONTROL, then we become OVERWHELMED with CARE. But if we look to JESUS and TRUST in Him then we can have His PEACE and PRESENCE.

Remember, Isaiah prophesied during the reign of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1). These facts reveal that his ministry was recorded from 740–701 B.C. Guess what? That was approximately 150 years before the fulfillment of the prophesied King named Cyrus, who came to the throne! Amazing, isn’t it? Do you know of another document with such consistent pinpoint accuracy?

Did you notice that Isaiah named the Persian King Cyrus, who would show favor to Israel and, more specifically, to Jerusalem? (Isaiah 45:1,13)

“Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him… I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.”

3. Archaeological Evidence of King Cyrus

4. Historical Affirmation by Josephus

Finally, as an interesting highlight, Josephus, the Jewish historian, stated that the Jews in Babylonian captivity showed the Persian King Cyrus the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures, which contained his name and described his role in the biblical plan of God. The historian says that it was this circumstance that motivated the ruler “to fulfill what was written” (Antiquities of the Jews 11.1.2), leading him to issue his proclamation permitting Israel’s return to her homeland.

Conclusion: Prophetic accuracy is another confirmation that the Bible is a supernatural book, all pointing to a supernatural God. Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:6-9, etc.), and others affirmed that He was God. His power over demons, death, and disease demonstrated He was God.

Our Lord’s encouragement through Paul to the Church then and now was to work together, not apart; love each other, not fuss and fight; and serve Him to accomplish His will rather than your own will.

Are you working together? Are you intentionally loving each other with Christian love? Are you serving the Church of Jesus Christ with a spirit of cooperation instead of division?

Please take a moment to reread this verse in the Bible. Do you recall what the word “strife” means? Here it is—it means selfish ambition, rivalry, self-seeking, a feud, or a faction.

So instead of prideful arrogance—a “know-it-all” attitude—or trying to one-up everyone, believers in the Church should remain teachable as well as leadable.

Do you know what? The only way you and I can fulfill this instruction is by taking our place at the cross. Why? Because we are selfish by nature and therefore look out for number one—me, myself, and I!

Conclusion: Don’t forget: UNITY = Maturity + Diversity.

In other words, what makes a great Church is great members. Go back and evaluate to see if you fit this criteria, which is marked by harmony, humility, and honesty.

Did you know the Hebrew word for “gone astray” is תָּעָה (taw-aw’)? It means to err or to wander. Furthermore, it has to do with vacillating or reeling. The truth is that we can GO ASTRAY on a SUNNY DAY (times of prosperity) or on a STORMY DAY (times of apostasy). In other words, whether things are going good or bad, we can GO ASTRAY.

The Hebrew word for “sheep” is שֶׂה, which refers to a lamb, sheep, or goat—a member of a flock. The word “lost” means to wander away.

Sheep need a SHEPHERD. Unintentionally, they can nibble on the grass and get further away from the fold without even realizing it. Meanwhile, danger is lurking in the dark, like a wolf or bear ready to devour the lamb or sheep. Just like lost sheep, we too can go astray from the GREAT SHEPHERD.

The Hebrew word for “seek” is בָּקַשׁ (bah-KASH or baw-kash’), which means to search, to request, or even to desire. Lastly, it can refer to striving after something.

Conclusion: Do you need to go home? Will you recommit to returning to the fold? Have you been going astray?

This particular bird, called a sparrow, can be seen in every McDonald’s parking lot, under the eaves of house roofs, taking dust baths in fields, and just about everywhere you go. Speaking of these little insignificant birds, historical information reveals that there have been numerous attempts to eradicate these winged creatures. Surprising evidence shows that in some countries, people’s taxes were lowered if they could bring in sparrow heads!

Introduction: Why are we here on earth? Are you fulfilling God’s purpose? What is His Purpose? How can we find His plan? Then, how can we follow through in regards to His will?

(4) Reasons:

1. Because we will Stand before Jesus Christ at Bema Judgement! (2Cor 5:10) – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 

2. Finding Purpose in life! (Rom 8:29) – “29For 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.”

4. Talking to others about PEACE & Security! (1Thess 5:2,3) – “2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”

Conclusion: Here are 4 reasons for fulfilling our Lord’s will. How are you doing? Let’s purpose in our hearts to Fulfill God’s will!

Introduction: Why are you WORRIED? What is it that keeps you in a frenzy, uptight, disturbed, uneasy, and troubled? Is it money? Is it family? Is it your spirituality? What is it? Is it fear about the future? Is it not being in control?

Pinpoint your anxiety. Then take it to the Lord.

The word worry in the New Testament is a Greek word, “merimnao” (μεριμνάω), which translates to anxiety. Actually, it is a combination of two words:

• Merizo, which means “to divide.”
• Nous, which means “the mind.”

Conclusion: So, is worry winning?