GOING THROUGH ROUGH TIMES?

GOING THROUGH ROUGH TIMES?

BY KEITH BELLAMY

A while back in my morning Bible reading, I came across Isaiah 43:2.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through thefire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (NLT)

And Psalm 23:1-4:  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

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.” (NKJV)

We are going through rough times. And many others are, too.  And we believe the Bible.  He will see us through the rough times.

We have received news we didn't want to hear.  In fact, it was news we dreaded hearing.  Maybe you've had that happen to you.

What do you do with bad news?

Hopefully, you turn everything over to God.

To be honest, I don't know where else to go.  The song, that says, "Where could I go, but to the Lord," is so true.

If I go to man-made philosophy, I will not find the answer.  If I go to politicians, I will not get the answer.  And I certainly won’t get the right answer from the government.

Only God has the answer.  He has promised us that because of Jesus, we can find the answer to our rough times.  This is the thought we must hold on to!

How to Pray in the Midst of Tragedy

How to Pray in the Midst of Tragedy

BY Preston Hammitt

Anytime there is a mass shooting or tragedy, many people in the media and news will say something like, "Our prayers are with them." For many, it’s a throwaway line- something you’re just supposed to say. But for the Christian, it’s more than that. It has to be if we are seeking to adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives.

So, how exactly are we supposed to pray in moments like these? What do we say to God? What prayers do we need to offer for the victims and the survivors? I realize these are tough questions to unpack, so I won’t attempt to do so. Instead, let me offer some basic prayers that every Christian can pray in times of tragedy. I’m not suggesting this is the full extent of what you should be praying for, simply a starting point.

1. Prayer for Unbelievers- There are always people affected by tragedies who are not followers of Christ. Pray that their eyes may be opened to the evils around us and that they may recognize these evils as indicative of a fallen, sinful world. (Romans 5:12) May they come to hear the gospel message and follow Jesus.

2. Prayer for Evildoers- I’m specifically talking about those who commit these atrocities to harm and kill others. We must recognize that there are many evil people in this world. Pray that they may repent of their sins and turn from their evil ways. (Romans 12:21)

3. Prayer for Christians- When we see people around us hurting, we ought to show compassion as Jesus did. This is especially true in times of deep tragedy. Our prayer is that Christians around the world may be effective in their witnessing to unbelievers. Pray that all Christians seek opportunities for witnessing and that they may be used by God to accomplish his purposes. (Matthew 9:37-38)

DON’T FALL ASLEEP SPIRITUALLY!

DON’T FALL ASLEEP SPIRITUALLY!

by Keith Bellamy

Years ago, there was a lady who fell asleep and never knew it.  She had a medical condition and she wouldn’t tell her doctor about her problem.  Now those who suffer with that condition have an excuse.

However, what about those who want to sleep, all of the time?  Well, that may be an entirely different subject.

Could it be someone could fall asleep spiritually and that person would not know it?  I am very fearful that many in our nation have done that very thing.  So many ask the question, “What is wrong?”

I said recently in our church assembly that the problem with our culture is SIN.  And sadly, so many who claim to be Christians have fallen asleep spiritually and have done likewise and they no longer recognize sin as sin.

Many years ago, the school district that my wife and I were a part of, was ranked as one of the best schools in the State of Texas.  However, because certain leaders decided to lower the standard that school district no longer exists.  Those leaders had basically fallen asleep.

When a people make up its own rules, whether it is our nation, the world or the church, then those people are heading for disaster.

We need that proverbial wake-up call.  We need to wake up!

Two scriptures remind me of what needs to be done.

So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6, ESV).

How long will you lie there, O sluggard?  When will you arise from your sleep (Proverbs 6:9, ESV)?