1. The Cure for Care is Prayer!

“6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6, 7)

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.

2. The Cause of Care is Fear!

“32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

3. The Comfort of Care is be Aware!

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1Pet 5:6, 7)

Introduction: Have you ever heard the saying, “We are not fighting FOR Victory, but FROM Victory”? While that is true, we must learn the art of discipling the flesh while FIGHTING the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH! Any battle tested soldier will tell you that. Would you agree, the CHRISTian life is a FIGHT of FAITH?

Paul writes to his son in the Lord, Timothy, urging him to continue to “FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH”!

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” (1Tim 6:12)

1. By discerning FALSE teaching (doctrine)!

“3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith.” (1Tim 1:3-4)

2. By forgetting where we used to be!

“4And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1Tim 1:14, 15)

3. By keeping a good conscience and avoiding Satan’s influences!

“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1Tim 1:19-20)

4. By praying for all!

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1Tim 2:1-3)

5. By Praising the Lord with holy hands!

“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1Tim 2:8)

6. By understanding our roles given by the Lord!

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” (1Tim 2:11-15)

7. By understanding the biblical role of leadership in the Church!

“1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work…..” (1Tim 3:1-16)

8. By understanding the last days consist of demonic activity!

“1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” (1Tim 4:1-2)

9. By honoring widows and elders, and all men and women at their respective ages!

1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” (1Tim 5:1, 2)

10. By being godly with contentment!

“6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1Tim 6:6-10)

11. By fighting, fleeing, and not forgetting Jesus is coming again!

“11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Tim 6:11-14)

1. AMERICA’S HISTORY!

“34Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov 14:34)

Over 4 centuries ago a group of Puritans sailed from England and surrounding countries to establish a nation for the purpose of worshipping Jesus Christ without the interference of the GOVERNMENT! During the time of the Puritans, the GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED the CHURCH! In addition, the early settlers who were CHRISTians had their VISION from the BIBLE to spread the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ in a new FREE land!

2. AMERICA’S LEADERSHIP!

“2When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (Prov 29:2)

Unfortunately, at the present time our Governmental Leadership is liberal and laws are being passed which are contrary to biblical teaching. Fortunately, we have the privilege and responsibility to PRAY for those in authority.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.” (1Tim 2:1-3)

3. AMERICA’S BLESSINGS!

“10The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. 11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. 12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psa 33:10-12)

4. AMERICA can expect to be under God’s JUDGEMENT the more we forget the principles and precepts of Scripture!

“17The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psa 9:17)

“3The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” (Nahum 1:3)

Nahum was foretelling of Nineveh’s judgment. This came to pass even though God send a great revival years earlier, after Jonah preached repentance. 

5. AMERICA’S future is in the hands of Jesus Christ!

“For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will.” (Rev 17:17)

Jesus will come again in the clouds for His Church.

The Antichrist will form a world government, which stands against CHRISTian beliefs. However, their will rise a religious ruler who will help the Antichrist deceive many people into following them.

That will prepare the way for Christ to come again in His second coming. He will set up His Kingdom. His Kingdom and Government will rule and reign throughout all eternity.

Introduction: Take time to “WAIT”! That is hard to do, isn’t it? Yes. Take time to “Wait” upon the Lord! Are you “Waiting” upon the Lord Jesus? What does the word “Wait” mean? According to a secular source, the Merriam dictionary, the word “WAIT” means “to stay in place in expectation of….To delay, To look forward expectantly.”

1. The Hebrew word for “wait”  is קָוָה (kaw-vaw’), which means to wait for.

Is it difficult for you to “WAIT”? Being Impatient is one reason for not “waiting”! Hurry up and “wait”! Aren’t you glad our Lord is not in a hurry? Being self-dependent and self-sufficient is another reason for not “waiting.” It seems like most people (unless retired- & some then) are so busy throughout the day with a frenzy of activities. Some good. Some not so good. But as a follower of Jesus Christ, we must take TIME to “WAIT,” upon the Lord.

Why? To renew our strength!

Because of their disobedience, Isaiah was writing to Israel, namely Judah, to pronounce God’s chastisement, but at the same time to announce the Lord’s promise of restoration. They, like us (even though the Church does not replace Israel), must learn the art of “waiting”!

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isa 40:31)

The flesh must be disciplined. 

2. The word “renew” is חָלַף : (khaw-laf’), which means to pass on or away, pass through. 

Notice to “renew” means to pass on. Interesting. If we “renew” our strength through “waiting” upon the Lord, we can “pass on,” or “pass through.” Apply that to your present day circumstance.

The bottom line:

No matter what we face, if we “wait” we can pass through, instead of being “STUCK”!

Stuck…

• in fear
• in worry 
• with headaches
• in insecurity
• with no purpose
• with guilt
• angry and bitter
• with no hope

Praise the Lord! We are passing through. Be patient. 

3. The word “strength” means might, ability.

4. The word “weary” means to toil or grow weary.

5. The word “faint” means to be weary. 

Did you notice in the verse preceding our verse (Isa 40:31 [see Isa 40:29]), the Lord reminds us through Isaiah, the prophet, that even young men get tired and weary?

“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.”

Conclusion: Since our God has limitless energy and power, it is wise for us to exchange our finite strength for His. Do you feel tired?

“28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” (Isa 40:28-29)

Will you take some time today to “WAIT” upon the Lord, and renew your strength?

We will be glad we did it!

Introduction: What is Faith? Do you have Faith? Bible FAITH is not believing in yourself. Faith is taking Jesus at His Word.

1. What is FAITH?

“1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1)

• The word “faith” is πίστις, (pis’-tis), which means belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.
• Also notice the word “substance.” What does it mean? The word “Substance” is ὑπόστασις, (hoop-os’-tas-is), which means steadiness, assurance, confidence, reality.
• The words “hoped for” are ἐλπίζω (el-pid’-zo), which means hope for, expect, trust.
• The word “evidence” is ἔλεγχος, (el’-eng-khos), which means test, proof, persuasion. Some translate the word “conviction.”

Please note the words “not seen.” Why is that important? The Holy Spirit wanted us to know that we will not always be able to see things physically all the time….but seeing them with the “eye of faith”- spiritually is what is meant.

This does not mean, “name it, and claim it,” to what ever we want.

But this has to do with taking (trusting – depending) our God at His WORD, not to mention His WILL. Will you take a “Faith” inventory right now and make the necessary changes if needed?

2. How do we get FAITH?

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17)

Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, reminds us of the importance of reading, hearing, studying, meditating, and memorizing the BIBLE. That is where FAITH is born; it grows; and it is experienced. Now you see again why we are encouraged to stay in the Word of God, attend Church, and let the Bible take root.

“16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Col 3:16)

Faith increases as we are tested and proven.

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5)

“2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2-3)

Our Faith in Jesus will be tested, but when approved, it increases.

3. Where can we exercise FAITH?

“28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” (Matt 15:28)

When we need a breakthrough!

“10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Matt 8:10)

4. Who needs FAITH?

“21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. 22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:21-24)

Every CHRISTian needs FAITH! Do you need some mountains to be moved?

5. How much FAITH do you want?

“40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

No FAITH?

“25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (Matt 8:25-26)

Little FAITH?

“50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

Saving FAITH?

1. Be a BLESSING by being a “BURDEN BEARER”!

“2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2)

The word “Bear” is βαστάζω,(bas-tad’-zo), which means to take up: (a) I carry, bear, (b) I carry (take) away.

Today, there are quite a few folks carrying “burdens.” Will you help carry one end of the burden?

The word “burden” is βάρος, (bar’-os), which means a weight, burden.

2. Be a BLESSING by being a RESTORER!

“1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Gal 6:1)

The word “restore” is καταρτίζω: (kat-ar-tid’-zo), which means to complete, prepare. Or it can mean to fit (join) together, compact together, prepare, perfect, for his (its) full destination or use.

Will you be a “restorer” for someone today?

The word “fault” or trespass is παράπτωμα, (par-ap’-to-mah), which means a false step, a trespass. It can mean a falling away, lapse, slip, false step, trespass, sin.

This word does not seem to indicate a habitual lifestyle of blatant sin, but rather a slip or a fall.

3. Be a BLESSING by being a HELPER to those that help teach the word!

“6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” (Gal 6:6)

Introduction: Did you know as CHRISTians there are “REASONS to REJOICE” in the Lord? Paul writes in a prison, while chained to a guard, these words:

“4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4)

But someone could argue, what about all the BAD things that are happening? Why would a GOOD God allow BAD things to happen to His people? Have you ever been asked this question? This writer has been drilled on this numerous times. In fact, the minor prophet, Habakkuk was asking the same question. Why would the Lord allow a heathen – ungodly – nation like the Babylonians conquer Judah? We will come back to that in a moment.

1. REJOICE because your name is written in the LAMBS BOOK of LIFE!

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17- 20)

2. REJOICE because the devil and his demons are subject to JESUS!

“17 ……Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:17-19)

Paul writes,
“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Rom 16:20)

James writes,
“7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (Jas 4:7)

3. REJOICE when things are BAD, because as Habakkuk discovered, the Lord is the God of our SALVATION!

“17Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Hab 3:17-19)

4. REJOICE because Jesus gives us life and gives it more ABUNDANTLY!

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The word “abundantly” is περισσός, (per-is-sos’), which means more, greater, excessive, abundant, exceedingly, vehemently; noun: preeminence, advantage.

Introduction: Are you saved? Are you serving? Not SELF. But the Savior!! One of life’s highest privileges is SERVANTHOOD. In this devotion, we will take a look at HOW we can SERVE our Lord Jesus Christ. Please notice that Jesus came to SERVE!

“5But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matt 20:25-28)

1. SERVE JESUS with GLADNESS!

“Serve the LORD with gladness.” (Psa 100:2)

The word “serve” is : עָבַד, (aw-bad’), which means to work, serve.

The “gladness” is d: שִׂמְחָה (sim-khaw’), which means joy, gladness, mirth.

2. SERVE JESUS because that is WHY He saved us!

“4For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” (2Cor 5:14,15)

Reread that 15th verse.

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

3. SERVE JESUS with the Right MOTIVES!

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1Cor 3:11-16)

The “Judgment Seat of CHRIST” is coming!

All of our works for our Lord will be tested by His fiery eyes. Either they will be burned up like wood, hay, and stubble, or they will remain as gold, silver, and precious stones.

1. FREEDOM with a NEW BODY!

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1Cor 15:42-49)

2. FREEDOM by being Prepared now for what is to Come!

“16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2Cor 4:16-18)

We are preparing right now in God’s School of hard knocks! Compare the two: “Light afflictions”? “Weight of Glory”?

The word “affliction” is θλῖψις,: (thlip’-sis), which means persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation.

4. FREEDOM from PAIN and SICKNESS! 

“4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev 21:4)

5. FREEDOM to SERVE JESUS Uninterrupted!

“1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” (Rev 22:1-4)

Introduction: Do you “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem”? Our God has a special plan, purpose, and people for Jerusalem. Listen to Psalm 132:11-14:

“The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. 12If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. 13For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. 14This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.”

1. For the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, to come!

“5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev 1:5-7)

2. For the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, to come and build His Temple! (Ezekiel 40-48)

“And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. 5So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.” (Ezek 43:4, 5)

3. For the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, to come set up His Kingdom!

4. For the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, to come set up His Kingdom and rule and reign!

“4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Rev 20:4-6)

5. For the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, to come set up His Kingdom and then create the New Jerusalem, in which we will live forever!

“22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev 21:22-27)

Conclusion: No wonder the Psalmist instructs us to…. “6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”

In light of what is transpiring today in Jerusalem, let’s pray.