Two things to keep tight an right.
- Your relationship with God is the most important relationship in your life.
- Your relationship with your spouse, children, and family come second, after God and before the church.
If you keep these relationships right, everything else will go well. This is especially important because we live in a time of unrest.
God warns us, through the scripture, about what will come in the end times (read Matthew 24:1-14), but He also says "don't fear".
- Deceivers come in the name of Christianity
- You will hear of wars and rumors of wars
- Nations will come against nations
- Famine
- Pestilence
- Earthquakes
- You will be persecuted and killed
- Many will be offended
- Hate will be in the hearts of many
- Some will endure
- The gospel will be preached everywhere
Jesus says in verse 13 that if you endure through this, you will be saved. Trust the Lord. He is with you. Read and study the Word for understanding (2 Timothy 2:15) so that you can present yourself to God approved after you go through trial.
'For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ' - 2 Timothy 1:7
'For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. ' - 2 Timothy 1:7 (Amplified)
We do not need to live in fear, reminding ourselves of difficult things happening around us by doom-scrolling through social media or focusing on the news instead of the scripture.
'Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ' - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Are you rejoicing without interruption? What prevents you from being happy?
- What's stopping you from praying? When can you pray more? (1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our cares on Jesus)
- Are you thankful even when it looks desolate? (1 Peter 5:9 reminds us that it's not just you who will suffer)
What are you holding on to that interrupts your happiness, your prayer life, or your gratitude?
'If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. '
'If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ' - Colossians 3:1-2
- Where will your mind be this week?