“My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.”
James 1:2‭-‬4 ERV

I know it’s hard at times to wrap our minds around the fact that we must go through trials, rejoice in them, and rejoice because of them. (Matthew 5:11-12 1 Peter 4:12-13 Colossians 1:24) Believing what God says; that our trials are a road that leads to a good final outcome, gives us hope to endure. (Matthew 7:14 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAYS

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 ERV

When Paul said, “We have all these great people around us as examples,” he was talking about servants of God he had just mentioned in his letter (in Hebrews chapter 11). People like Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Enoch, Moses, and others. All these are proof that people can live for God regardless of what they suffer in this life. Studying their lives build up our faith.

Then Paul talks about the best example of enduring trials: Jesus. Jesus endured a gruesome death on the cross. He also took the shame that came along with that kind of death as if it were nothing because of the joy he saw waiting for him. He was more focused on the end result than on his pain. And he was in excruciating pain. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the throne of God in eternal glory.

Jesus also endured many trials before his death on the cross. And he still endures persecution to this day. Read Acts 9:1-5, there you will see that when people persecute us they are really persecuting Jesus.

Learning to endure trials like Jesus and our faithful brothers and sisters did teaches us patience. (James 5:10-11) This patience must complete it’s work in our lives. Then we will be mature and all that God wants us to be. The end result will be very good. (Ecclesiastes 7:8) The person who wants more than anything else to please God will submit to God during trials. And he/she will be changed into the image of God’s son. (Romans 8:28-29) These folks will be all that God wants them to be. God is well pleased with such persons. (1 Peter 2:19)

SITTING ON THRONES

“I will let everyone who wins the victory sit with me on my throne. It was the same with me. I won the victory and sat down with my Father on his throne. Everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:21‭-‬22 ERV

Do we see what joy is waiting for us? Are our eyes fixed on the prize ahead? Or has the evil one got us so focused on our trials we can’t see or hear what the Spirit says to the churches? WE WILL SIT WITH JESUS ON HIS THRONE!!!!! WE WILL RULE WITH HIM FOREVER!!!!! And more than that, we will be with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit forever. What more joyful and safe place can a person be?

“The kingship, authority, and power of all kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. Their kingship is an everlasting one; every authority will serve them and obey.”
Daniel 7:27 CEB

“But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.” Daniel 7:18 KJV

This is why you are enduring trials. This is what God is training us for; a permanent position with Him, that will last forever, “even for ever and ever.”
😉

Please Read Proverbs 24:19-20 Psalm 37:10-20

When someone is a meddler, a bully, enjoys causing chaos, etcetera, they have no hope. I was pondering how some get a thrill from hurting others. Then the thought came to mind: “Evildoers have no hope.” Then I searched to see if the scriptures supported that thought. And sure enough I found Proverbs 24:19-20, and Psalm 37:10-20, among other passages. They all testify to just how hopeless it is for the wicked.

Hope in the Lord gives us power, energy, and strength. We have a confident future. Hope comes from God. (Proverbs 23:17-18) Evildoers don’t have that. They can’t possess confidence in what the future holds because they have rejected God. Deep darkness and depression is their inheritance. When you see the mean scowls on their faces you’re seeing just how miserable they really are.

God tells us not to fret because of evildoers, neither envy them. Fear and doubt grips them. How would you feel if you had no future? Their wicked plots turn against them. God has decreed it. (Proverbs 26:27) How does one avoid this miserable existence?

REPENT AND LIVE FOREVER

Please Read Ezekiel 18:21-23

God delights in evildoers turning from their sins, keeping His commands, and living. He does not delight in the destruction of the wicked. There’s this false teaching that on Judgment Day God will show us a movie of all the bad we’ve done versus all the good we’ve ever done. And whichever weighs the most on the scale will determine whether we go to heaven or hell. The Bible doesn’t teach that. It’s a figment of the imagination. If that were the case we’d all get a one way ticket to hell. (Ecclesiastes 7:20 Romans 6:23) What the Bible does say is there were two criminals being crucified with Jesus. One of them had a change of heart. This man admitted that his punishment was justice for his crimes. He then asked Jesus to remember him when he gets to his kingdom. And Jesus told the man, “Truly I tell you today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus said, “Yes,” to the man’s request. Jesus told the man he was going to be with him in heaven. What did this man do to receive such a rich reward? Nothing. All he did was ask. (Luke 23:39-43) Again, the man confessed his sins, admitted his crimes was deserving of punishment, then he simply asked Jesus can he live with him in heaven. And Jesus told him, “YES!” ANYONE who is honest enough to confess to God their sins and guilt as this man did will be pardoned for their sins too. (Proverbs 28:13) They will also be given the right to become children of God, and will be in Paradise forever. (John 1:12 ) This is proof that God would rather save and forgive evildoers instead of destroy them. This man was a criminal. By his own admission he was a sinner. But he had one last moment to reflect on his life; one last moment to get it right, and he did. He seized the moment and asked Jesus for eternal life. And the answer was, “YES!” God doesn’t want to destroy anyone. This is proof of that. God did not count this man’s sins against him. He was pardoned and given the free gift of righteousness and eternal life. (Romans 4:5-8, 5:17) All ANYONE has to do is ask as this man did. God will do the same for ANYONE who humbly asks him.

Please Read Matthew 7:7-8

​Please Read John 7:24

Jesus said that we should judge not by mere appearances but with correct judgment. Not understanding the difference between a person’s faults and their personality can cause us to judge them unfairly, as I have done. More about that later. 

GOTTA LOVE THE DICTIONARY

When you look up the definition for, “Fault,” you will find that it means an unattractive feature in one’s character or personality. So a fault is not the individual’s personally, it’s an unattractive feature of their character. When you look up the word, “Personality,” you will find that it means a combination of qualities that make up an individual’s distinctive character. It’s interesting that the word, “Person,” is in, “Personality,” because that’s what it means. A person’s character or personality is who they are. It is all their qualities combined that makes them them. So why do we sometimes treat a person’s individual faults as if they are his/her personality? Is it because we’re being judgmental? Sometimes. But I also believe it’s because we are blending the 2 words together like they’re synonymous. We don’t understand their meanings.

A WRONG STATEMENT 

I remember telling someone, “The rock of the church the apostle Peter was prejudice, but God still used him despite his faults. So he can use us too.” I really thought I was saying something good when I made that statement. But after further consideration and study of God’s word I renounce that statement as wrong. There’s only one incident recorded in the Bible where Peter acted in a prejudice manner. And God used Paul to correct him. (Galatians 2:11-14) So how can this one occurrence define Peter’s whole character? It clearly was a fault, and not his personality. Nowhere in the scriptures do we see Peter living like a racist. We do see God teaching him that he accepts all people from all nations and not just Jews. And we see Peter accepting God’s counsel. (Acts chapter 10) The unattractive feature of favoritism that sprung up in Peter later on did not overshadow Peter’s lifestyle. Hence it was not his personality. It was a fault. 

Please Read Romans 7:14-25

Having a better understanding of faults verses personality helps us understand ourselves. We are all born in sin, hence we have faults. But because we have been changed (born again by the Holy Spirit) we are now a new creation in Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:16-18) We have put on the new personality. (Colossians 3:9-11 Ephesians 4:22-24) This rebirth happened the moment we believed in Christ. (Titus 3:5-7) The Spirit who dwells in us is our true identity; our personality. Our faults spring up from our flesh. But that is not who we really are. That’s why Paul could say regarding his sins, “Yet it is not I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” Again, our sin nature does not make up who we are. Evidence of this fact is seen when we don’t agree with our sins. But rather we are troubled by them, and hate them just as the apostle Paul hated his sins. And thanks be to God through Jesus Christ as Paul said for freeing us from this body of sin and death! (Romans 6:23) I’m so glad for passages like Romans 7:14-25. There God explains to us our sins are not who we are. As far as East is from West, so far has He removed our sins from us the Bible says. (Psalm 103:12-14) Just as East and West will never meet, our sins will never stick to us, provided we are truly in a struggle with sin, and hate the bad we do like Paul.

LET US JUDGE CORRECTLY 

In view of all this when people say things like, “King David was a murderer and an adulterer,” are they speaking correctly? Did murder and adultery dominate David’s life? No. Murder and adultery did spring up in David from his flesh. And he paid dearly for his sins for the rest of his life. (2 Samuel 12:9-12) But those sins were not David’s lifestyle; they weren’t his personality. David repented of them and profited from his chastening by the Lord. This is the same David that the Bible says was a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22) Wow! So let us judge correctly. Let us judge according to the truth that sets us free. (John 8:31-32)

No one will breeze through this life into eternity. Jesus said there will be sufferings and trials on the narrow road leading to life. And only a few will ever find it. (Luke 9:23-24 Matthew 7:13-14) There are many ups and downs on this journey. Many bumps in the road. It will be a ride. But it’s a ride worth taking.

Please Read 1 Peter 5:8-9

The evil one would love to harm us. He builds bridges to have direct access to us. He uses vessels. It’s harder to discern it’s him speaking when we’re looking at or listening to an object, especially a beautiful one. While the mind is enjoying what it sees and hears he whispers all sorts of things in our ears. Because the experience is pleasurable it’s easier to overlook evil and just take it in. What is our pleasure? What do we really want? Be careful, that’s what Satan will use to tempt you with. (James 1:14-15)

Humans have always been easy to program. Today music and television are powerful tools for that. By the click of a button you can tune into whatever visions you choose. The experience is mesmerising. I bet the Devil was excited when radio and TV was invented. What a convenient way to control the masses just by using a few. I wonder how many songs and movies can be stored in the mind? How many file cabinets does the human brain have? Information (data) stored there can be retrieved at will for later use. These stored images and sounds we call entertainment is embedded in the human psyche. They help make up our synthetic reality. And through them we are controlled. (1 John 5:19)

Please Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 1 Corinthians 1:10 Matthew 18:19-20

The Devil knows he can’t win where there is unity. And it only takes two or more to be in agreement Jesus said. Hence the serpent must create divisions. Who can he use to start trouble and keep it going? (Galatians 5:15) When a Christian becomes isolated; feels all alone, unloved, depressed, etcetera, they’re in trouble. It is critical that we love all of our brothers and sisters, and let them know just how much we love them. All parts of the body of Christ are important. Especially those parts who are weak the Bible says. (1 Corinthians 12:21-25 1 Corinthians 9:22 Romans 15:1-2)

Please Read Matthew 4:1-11

Anything the Devil plots against us can be defeated by the word of God, anything! When God tells us to strictly obey Him He’s not ego tripping. He’s telling us how to win the same way Jesus won. He’s telling us to arm ourselves with the only thing that defeats evil, His powerful word. As I was pondering and writing this I said to myself (or maybe someone else whispered in my ear), “Boy you sure write about this subject a lot.” Then I tried to force myself to write about something different and quickly saw that I couldn’t. Then the thought occurred to me (or maybe someone else whispered in my ear), “Is it I write about these things a lot because we, or I, need to be reminded of them?” Hmmmmm. I just hope something here encourages you today. Our race is almost over. Please hold on to your faith and watch out for the schemes of the evil one. Our reward is too great to give up such an awesome faith.

So often the truth is right in our faces. We just can’t see it. The Roman Governor Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38) not knowing he was looking at and speaking directly to the truth. (John 14:6) How did he miss it? The same way we all do.

Recently I did some research on a religion I once belonged to. It was really a trip down memory lane. I saw all the false teachings ever so clearly. I even noticed some occult symbols the religion printed on it’s literature. I sent this information to a friend of mine who was also a former member of this religion. Her response was, “We actually allowed a group of men to act as God over us.” She was exactly right. And that’s why we were duped. Unknowingly we followed the doctrines of men as if they were the commands of God. My friend and I were tricked from childhood. Both of our parents were fooled into believing this religion too and handed it down to us.

Anyone who has been set free from such a mind controlling experience can totally appreciate how liberating it is. But let’s be honest, sometimes there’s this lingering thought: “How was I so stupid to fall for that?” Don’t beat yourself up too badly. It’s happened to some of the best. Remember, it’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish. (Ecclesiastes 7:8 Hebrews 12:1-2)

Please Read John 8:31-32

Jesus said those who continue in his word will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. When we allow mere human beings to act as gods over us; believing their words over the words of Almighty God, we will be misled slaves every time. The only way to overcome is by continuing in Jesus’ words. This is how the blinders were removed for me and I was able to leave the sect I once so proudly promoted. I saw leaders in the organization doing what was wrong. In a meeting with a group of elders (congregation leaders) I said to them, Jesus said, ‘ “With the measure you measure out to others it will be measured out to you. And the rules you apply to others will be applied to you.” ‘ How then are we any different from other religions we are always condemning if we do the same things they are doing? Jesus said the judgement we apply to them will be applied to us.” They did not appreciate hearing that and just swept things under the rug. You see the main person in question was the head elder; the Presiding Overseer was his title. I watched the other elders gloss over his evil behavior. Others were put out and shunned by their own family members for such conduct. But the good old boys made sure that wasn’t going to happen to him. Let me tell you; when you devote your life to any cause, only to find out later it was all bogus, that can be one of the most devastating things in the world. And for me it was. After watching these congregation elders I knew I would no longer be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The pain and depression that followed that experience messed me up for years. My heart breaks and aches for all who have gone through that experience. But my consolation is this: all of those who are really sincere will find God (the real God). And they will be overjoyed to learn that He’s nothing like what they portrayed Him to be. The heartache they now suffer is all a part of their healing process. (Psalm 34:18)

Please Read John 14:6

I constantly thank God for taking me out of false religion, then taking me out of self-pity and depression for being duped. He later showed me that the truth was dangling in my face the whole time. That truth is none other than His son, Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 1:1-4) The Witnesses block the way to Jesus by their man made doctrines just as Jesus told the religious leaders of his day they were doing. (Luke 11:52) Jehovah’s Witnesses even put themselves in the place of Jesus Christ by saying they are the only way to God. They claim to be the only true religious organization on earth that represents God. And anyone who is not a Jehovah’s Witnesses will die and be destroyed forever at Armageddon. This is what they teach, I know, I was one of them. I unwittingly taught people that too. Yet this is the same religion that has predicted again and again when the world will come to an end, and it never has. This is the same religion that shined the spotlight on the Catholic Church for years regarding pedophilia among it’s members and priests. Yet there are files upon files of pedophilia cases worldwide that occurred among Jehovah’s Witnesses. For years these were reported to their local elders. Only these elders failed to report these matters to the authorities. They simply handled them in house. It is reported that some victims were ordered by Jehovah’s Witness elders not to go public about their abuse so as not to bring embarrassment to the organization, and the accused. I saw a video where in a court of law an elder testified that their practice is to  destroy all notes taken during their judiciary meetings involving pedophilia with the victims and the accused. Hmmmm, so you protect and hide pedophiles, the same thing you scolded others for doing, and you’re God’s representatives on earth? Give me a break!

You can find much more information about this just by Googling, “Jehovah’s Witnesses pedophilia lawsuits.” I read the other day one judgment awarded a victim 13.5 million dollars. Another judgment awarded victims more than 20 million dollars. Wow! There’s other judgments out there too. I just got tired of reading about this sick situation. I’m sure there are many more judgments to come. 

I could go on and on about what’s wrong with Jehovah’s Witnesses but I won’t. You see, I don’t want to become just like them; always criticizing others, but failing to see my own sins. When you focus too much on the wrongs of others you will miss important things about yourself every time. Besides, there’s a much bigger picture here. That picture is Jesus Christ. Satan would love for us to be so hurt by our past experience that we fail to get to know who Jesus really is. That was his goal from the beginning. That’s why the whole religion was formed in the first place: to be an effective tool to turn many away from the real truth, which is Jesus Christ.

I now know that God didn’t put me on earth to promote a false religion. I also know it’s not my life’s work to bash them. If you’re on God’s team our job is to make known the truth about Him and His son Jesus Christ. God loved the world so much (not just Jehovah’s Witnesses) that He gave His son Jesus, so that WHOEVER believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) The Bible says ANYONE who accepts and believes in the son has the Father also, and has eternal life! (1 John 2:23 2 John 1:7-9 1 John 4:15)

IN CONCLUSION

Please Read 2 Timothy 2:24-26

We should pray for and strive to help Jehovah’s Witnesses just as we would seek to help anyone else know the truth. They have been misled. God desires that all people repent and come to an accurate knowledge of the truth, and escape the trap of the Devil who has taken them as captives. The average Witness doesn’t even know the falsehood they’re spreading in their door to door ministry, on the street corners, etcetera, just like I didn’t know. If God saved me (formerly a very devout Witness) He can save any of them too that He chooses. So let’s not give up on them thinking it is impossible for them to repent because their false doctrines and mind control is too strong. God once asked Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14) Remember, with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:26-27) And also remember that God’s word is like a fire, and a hammer, that breaks rocks into pieces.

Please Read Jeremiah 23:29

At times we must expose the deeds of darkness and shine the light of truth in the hope that others will see and get freed. (Ephesians 5:11) I know some of you caught earlier how I broke free from the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization. In fact I didn’t notice it myself until many years later. Though much of the Bible was distorted in my head from their teachings I actually started believing in the words of Jesus Christ. Remember, I told their elders, “JESUS SAID, ‘ ” With the measure you measure out to others, it will be measured out to you. And with the rule you apply to others it will be applied to you.” ‘ If we are doing the same things we are constantly condemning other religions for doing, how are we any different from them? JESUS SAID we will be judged the same way we judge them.” (Matthew 7:2) Right then and there I was standing on the words of Jesus and I didn’t even know it. His words had become more important to me than theirs. And when I saw that they had no regard for the words of Jesus (whom they also claim to follow) I knew for sure they were fake. God used that whole scenario (though painful) to show me the truth. And the words of Jesus did set me free. Thank God!

Jesus is the only way that anyone can be set free from something like this. Because we’re not just dealing with false preachers in suits and ties. We’re actually being confronted by powerful principalities; evil spirits, rulers of this dark world. They use and speak through hypocritical liars to spread their evil propaganda. (1 Timothy 4:1-2 Ephesians 6:10-12) But oh how powerful is the word of God! The dark forces of this world can not stand up to it. God’s word is like a consuming fire, and a hammer, that totally crushes and breaks up rock-like lies.

So often the truth is staring us right in the face. The good news is if we are truly seeking it God will reveal it to us, no matter how long or how bad we have been deceived.

Please Read Proverbs 2:1-6

Did you know that millions of people on earth claim to have been abducted by aliens? Before you laugh them off as crazy do some research for yourself and hear what they have to say. There are common threads in their testimonies which suggests there is something going on. We’re talking about people from different parts of the world who never met each other. Do your own research please. One of the common threads is sexual experiences, mainly involving women. And some women say during their abductions they even gave birth to half human half alien babies. Some of them looked more human than others they say. Before you say they’re all nuts please read Genesis chapter 6, starting in verses 1-4. There you will find before science fiction movies were ever made something very similar happened in the past.

THERE IS NOTHING NEW

Please Read Ecclesiastes 1:9-10

Whether you believe in the Bible or not that’s your business. Many of us do believe it is the pure word of God. And we agree with what is said at Ecclesiastes 1:9-10: that there is nothing new under the sun. And what exist now has already been. Things are just repackaged. They’re made to look new. Cloning, tampering with human DNA, etcetera, is not new. It was done thousands of years ago during the days of Noah. (Genesis 6:1-4) Whether it’s done by aliens who craftily hide their true identity (we’ll explain that later), or it’s done with the help of humans in laboratories it’s not new.

Jesus said as it was in the days of Noah so will it be when he returns. He said people were basically going about their normal business, and took no note of what would happen until the flood came and swept them all away. (Matthew 24:36-42) And there was something else weird going on in Noah’s day according to Genesis chapter 6. Angels left heaven, came to earth, and were corrupting the human race with their wicked influence and hybrid offspring. Yes, angels left heaven, then  married and crossbred with human women. (Genesis 6:1-6 ) Mankind became so evil God regretted he had made human beings. So He decided to destroy them all in a flood, with the exception of Noah and his family. (Genesis 6:7-8) It is not surprising if the demons are again toying with the human genetic code as they did in times past.

THE SECRET TESTIMONY OF ABDUCTEES

There’s one more common thread I’d like to discuss that some alien abductees have experienced. This one is not widespread but the story is always the same. Some of them reported doing something that made the alien experience stop immediately. Yes, whenever they did this particular thing the aliens instantly disappeared. The pain, the misery, whatever unpleasant things they were suffering came to a complete halt! What was this thing they all reported doing that gave them control over the situation? They called on the name of Jesus Christ! Yes, that’s what they reported. If you don’t believe it do your own research please. They said whenever they called on the name of Jesus the aliens disappeared immediately, and the terrible experience was all over. That sounds like these aliens are nothing more than demons. Let me explain.

Please Read Mark 1:22-27 Matthew 8:28-29 Luke 10:17 Mark 16:17

It is recorded that when Jesus was on earth he would sometimes encounter people who were demon possessed. Upon seeing him evil spirits would shout in fear, and would ask Jesus things like, “Are you about to torture us before the appointed time?” Demons are terrified of Jesus! They know who he is. And it makes them shudder. (James 2:19) Jesus even gives humans the power to drive out evil spirits by the authority of his name. How interesting that it is documented though not widespread that calling on the name of Jesus is the only thing that makes these alien creatures go away. Hmmmm. That’s because they’re demons. And if Jesus Christ is only a mythical figure, or he was just an ordinary man, how could calling on his name chase away these powerful evil entities? The evidence is clear: Jesus Christ is King of all kings, and Lord of all lords, in this life, in the spirit realm, and in the worlds to come. (Philippians 2:9-10) And this is also proof that these aliens are none other than demons; deceiving spirits in disguise.

Please Read Jude 1:6

Please Read Acts 6:8-7:60

The Bible says Stephen was a man full of God’s grace and power. We see the signs and wonders God performed through him in Acts chapter 6, and the wisdom God gave him to refute his enemies. We can read his famous speech in Acts chapter 7 where he skillfully testifies that Jesus is the foretold Messiah. And he scolded the religious leaders for their betrayal and murder of him. But this is not what made Stephen full of the Holy Spirit. There’s this wrong belief that if a person can preach and teach well, or if they have a lot of knowledge, or can perform miracles, they must be filled with God’s spirit. But nowhere in the Bible can that be found.

Please Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Did you notice in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 what really counts? Love. And this love is what made Stephen full of the Holy Spirit. We will prove that in a moment. No matter how much knowledge one has, no matter how much faith one has, if one gives his body over to suffer hardship, or gives all he has to the poor, or can fathom all mysteries, or can speak in the tongues of men and of angels, or has the gift of prophecy, but does not have love, that one is nothing to God. The Bible says that whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8) For the Bible to say that Stephen was full of the spirit means he knew God well. He was filled with the love of God. We will prove this.

Please Read 1 John 4:18

The Bible says there is no fear in love. That perfect love drives out all fear. And it says that those who fear have not been made perfect in love. How do we know that Stephen was made perfect in love? In Acts chapter 6 and 7 we see Stephen speaking boldly in the name of Jesus during a time when persecution for being a Christian could mean death or imprisonment. Stephen did get arrested on trumped up charges for his faith. And he was also killed for his testimony of Jesus. During his trial he spoke boldly in the name of Jesus not fearing for his life. He was tried by hypocritical religious fanatics. The same fanatics that conspired against and had Jesus killed. Stephen stuck to his mission in the face of death. He had the perfect love that drives out all fear.

STEPHEN PERFECT IN LOVE

Please Read Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:43-48 that we must love and even pray for those who persecute us. And as God cares for the just and the wicked alike so must we. After saying this Jesus then said, “You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus is saying loving others the way God does, even to the point of loving our enemies, makes us perfect in God’s sight. We are imitating Him. Being perfect to God doesn’t mean what being perfect means to human beings. To people being perfect means you never make mistakes. Or you never do anything wrong. That’s impossible. (Romans 3:23) Being perfect to God means that we love like Him. Did Stephen have this kind of love? He sure did. After hearing Stephen’s testimony the Sanhedrin decided to stone him to death for his faith. While they were stoning him; inflicting pain on him, killing him, Stephen prayed to God, “Lord, do not count this sin against them.” Then he fell asleep. Hmmmm, Jesus prayed the same kind of prayer for those who were crucifying him. (Luke 23:33-34) Wow! Stephen’s love indeed had grown to the love of God and Christ. (Ephesians 4:15-16) He was perfect in love to the very end, just like his master. What an example!

Stephen was a fearless preacher of the gospel. He cared more about others eternal salvation than his own temporary life on earth (just like his master). He defeated the evil one (just like his master). (Revelation 12:11) And again, right before he died his prayer proved he had the perfect love Jesus talked about in Matthew 5:43-48. Stephen’s obedience to God to love contributed to him being a man full of the Holy Spirit. God used him in mighty ways.

We too must grow to perfection in love. (James 1:2-4) Let us pray to God to give us the love that drives out all fear. The same love that prays for and does good even to our enemies. (Proverbs 25:21-22)

Please Read James 5:10-11

We’ve all heard the story of Job. But do we know the details? That can only come from study. Job’s story can be found in the Bible book of Job. It’s a remarkable story. Here you have a man who is the richest person in his entire country. But he’s not like most rich people. Job shares his wealth with the poor. He feeds and cares for fatherless children and widows. He provides lodging for traveling strangers. Job helps those who can not pay him back, and expects nothing in return. (Luke 14:12-14) He’s a faithful husband to his wife. Job makes a covenant with his eyes to never look lustfully at another woman. (Job 31:1) A different man indeed. He has ten children and is a good father. Whenever his children have a feast Job offers up sacrifices to God just in case one of them has sinned. This was his custom. (Job 1:4-5) God himself said there was no one on earth like Job. And Job didn’t belong to any religious sect, organization, or denomination. What does that teach us? Job was a man who sought to do good. He feared God and shunned evil. God said he was the most righteous man in the whole world during his time. (Job 1:8)

TRAGEDY STRIKES JOB

As good as Job was this did not prevent tragedy from striking him. There’s this false belief that we can become so good that God won’t let anything bad happen to us. (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14) Job’s life proves that belief is wrong. Satan the Devil was allowed to bring much pain and sorrow to Job. (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14) He lost all of his wealth, and all ten of his children were killed at the same time, on the same day. Most of his employees were killed too. Then Job was struck with boils by the Devil from head to toe–a very ugly painful disease. Yes, the most righteous man in the whole world, God’s servant, was allowed to suffer all this. To add to his pain Job’s friends tormented him by telling him daily that all this happened to him because he had sinned against God. And all he had to do is confess his sins and his problems would go away. I’ve met self-righteous preachers like Job’s friends who were quick to tell people they knew nothing about that their sufferings too were all the result of them being unfaithful to God. Job’s friends were so convinced of this that they never let up accusing him. They did eventually stop later on when God himself personally confronted one of them. God spoke directly to Eliphaz (one of Job’s friends) and told him He was angry with him and his two friends for not speaking the truth about Him as His servant Job had. (Job 42:7-9) God let them know they were dead wrong, and needed to make amends for their sins. God vindicated Job from all the wicked accusations that were brought against him.

JOB NEVER CURSED GOD

During Job’s entire ordeal he never cursed God or charged Him with evil. Even when his wife saw his great suffering and said, “Why don’t you just curse God and die,” Job rebuked her saying, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Are we to accept only the good from God and not the bad too?” What an answer. The right answer. (Job 2:9-10) Satan told God twice in front of all the Angels in heaven that if Job was put to the test he would curse God to his face. And Job never did. Instead he kept worshiping and praising God even in his misery. What a remarkable man! Of course he did wonder why all this was happening to him, and was very disturbed about it at times. Who wouldn’t be? But he never gave up and cursed God like Satan said he would. Job is a champion of faith! Job; a man born in sin, proved the Devil to be the big fat liar he is. He proved that any man can be faithful to God no matter what he’s going through if he chooses. He proved this by keeping his integrity under the most trying circumstances. And he didn’t even know why all this was happening to him. Satan the Devil, the original serpent, lost again. And has been losing ever since. I feel sorry for the poor human beings he’s won to his cause and tricked into believing he’s a winner. (Revelation 21:8)

Towards the end of Job’s trouble God had a conversation with him. God revealed to him who he really is. The contents of this jaw-dropping dialogue can be found in Job chapters 38-41. In chapter 42 verses 1-6 Job is blown away by what he hears, and humbly admits he now knows God much better. I strongly encourage you to read the entire book of Job. There are many lessons learned in this book.

GOD RESTORES JOB

After God corrects Job’s friends for speaking lies about Him Job prays for his friends. God accepts Job’s prayer and immediately restores Job, his family, and his fortunes. God blesses Job with twice as much materially than he had before. Wow! He was already the richest man in his entire country. God blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former. God gave Job seven more sons and three more daughters. Job’s daughters were the most beautiful women in the whole land. God also let Job live 140 more years. He got to see his children’s children, and even their children, to the 4th generation before he died. God rewarded Job’s faithfulness. Won’t he do the same for you and me? Even if we never get back every material possession that we lost isn’t it better to be rewarded with eternal life in heaven? (Philippians 3:7-14) There we have an everlasting kingdom, one that will never end. And no one, NO ONE, can take that away from us. (Matthew 6:19-20 Daniel 7:17-18, 21-27)

Wonna enjoy peace even in the midst of stormy trials? Give mild answers. The Bible says that a fool’s mouth brings strife, invites beatings, and is a trap to his own soul. (Proverbs 18:6-7) A fool lashes out with pride and provokes others. Soon enough someone gets tired of him. (Proverbs 14:3 10:14 Ecclesiastes 10:12)

Please Read Proverbs 15:1

God teaches us to be wise not fools. A gentle answer turns away anger, but harsh words stir it up. By giving mild answers even in the face of provocation we turn anger away. It doesn’t get to build up. It’s harder for a person to feel justified in harming us because we’re not hurting them back with our words. But when we argue and answer people in a harsh manner we are stirring anger up in them, and that will lead to trouble. (Psalm 37:8) Wisdom says to handle situations mildly, calmly, with a cool head. Not only is this exhibiting self-control which is the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), we are in control of the situation at hand because we are walking in the spirit and obeying God’s teaching. Giving mild answers has great spiritual power. This power comes from God.

Please Read Proverbs 25:15

God said that even rulers can be persuaded by patience. And a gentle tongue can break a bone. Ever seen someone arguing with a person in a position of authority? The same people they need to help them in some kind of way? It normally doesn’t turn out well, does it? Why be a pain in the butt to those whose help you need? Why argue with someone who has authority over you period? Isn’t it better to follow God’s counsel and benefit ourselves? Who cares if you don’t like this or that about the person. They’re in a position of authority over you, and you need their help. Arguing may cause them to become even more angry with you, then feel justified in making matters worse for you. It’s not wise to be a hot-head. Being patient as God says will net better results. Gentle words are so powerful they can break a bone God said. Operate in that power, the true power. Bickering only leads to trouble. Let us remember this the next time things don’t seem to be going our way and we’re dealing with difficult people, especially those in positions of authority. (Romans 13:1)

IN CONCLUSION

Please Read James 1:19-20

If we follow what God says being swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, a lot of quarrels will never happen. When we get angry (our way) it is impossible to live the righteous life that God requires. Our words and how we use them play a huge role in our lives. By giving mild, gentle answers we will be like a skilled road worker that paves smooth roads ahead of ourselves on which to travel.

Please Read Psalm 27:14

Ever been in a situation where all you could do is wait? Did you complain? I’m sure all of us have at some time. But that’s where patience is lost. Patience isn’t just waiting. It’s the ability to wait and suffer painful annoyances calmly, without complaining. All the great servants of God had patience. They knew something most people don’t know: that God is in full control of everything. And he has our best interest at heart. A person makes many plans, but God determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:9 Jeremiah 10:23) Our waiting patiently on God shows we trust and know Him. Someone who knows God is guiding their destiny doesn’t fret. He/she obeys Jesus who says not to worry. (Matthew 6:34) Even when things look bleak God’s power isn’t weak. Our changing circumstances don’t change Him. God is with us in all of our afflictions just as he was with Joseph while he was in prison. (Genesis 39: 20-23)

JOSEPH A GREAT EXAMPLE

Many of us know the story of Joseph. He was an exceptional man. When he was a boy his brothers hated him so much that they sold him into slavery. Imagine being in that position. But this unusual lad did not lose heart. He kept looking to his God. And his God made him super successful in whatever he did. So successful that he was placed over Pharaoh’s chief bodyguard’s whole house. The chief bodyguard’s wife noticed young Joseph, but he refused to have sex with her. She eventually had him setup on a false rape charge. Now Joseph had to go to prison where he stayed for years. You think he might have just given up by now? Not Joseph. He kept patiently waiting on his God. And God rewarded him again by being with him in prison. Everything Joseph touched abundantly succeeded. So much so that the prison warden put Joseph over the whole prison. “But what kind of success is that?” some might say. “He’s still in prison.” Being made the head and not the tail in a tough situation lightens the load. God gives a person rest even in the midst of their trials.

GOD REWARDS PATIENCE

Joseph was eventually released from prison and was promoted by the Pharaoh of Egypt himself. He was placed in charge of all Egypt and answered only to Pharaoh. Yes, Joseph became a very powerful man. He was later reunited with his family and was instrumental in saving them and many others from a deadly famine that lasted for 7 years. Oh, I almost forgot: Pharaoh gave Joseph his own daughter to be his wife. Joseph had children by her, life was good. But Joseph always made good even when life was bad. (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14) Every time the world threw lemons at Joseph he took those lemons and made lemonade. He is one of my favorite people because of his great patience. He wouldn’t quit serving God regardless of his circumstances. His story can be found in the book of Genesis chapters 37, and 39-50. If you check out his story you will definitely see that God does reward patience. Let’s be like Joseph. Let’s patiently wait on God and never lose heart.