When Trouble Comes Knocking

Trouble is no respecter of persons. It may come in the best of times or on the wings of a storm with explosive sound and fury. It’s presence, however, cannot be ignored or denied. Some people try to avoid trouble by refusing to believe it exists, even when it's no longer knocking at the door but has come barging in.

Hiding from trouble is like hiding from the truth. Eventually reality becomes evident and cannot be denied. When I was a teenager, several hogs broke out of a holding pen and scattered over the countryside. Hours later after expending great effort to recapture these hogs that had taken flight, my dad admitted smoking cigarettes had damaged his stamina and produced irreversible consequences.

Trouble will test your integrity and endurance for doing the right thing. Galatians 6:9 instructs us not to "become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, provided we do not give up." Regardless of how overwhelming trouble appears to be, ask God for strength and determination to endure. He will help you. 

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Jesus answered them…“I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”

~John 16:33 Good News Bible

Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of God's Presence

The Christmas holidays soon will end, indicating that the beginning of a new year is upon us. Some believe this will be a pivotal year for our country politically, socially and spiritually. With political opponents contending for your attention and vote for the 2020 election, what can be your faith’s priority as you face the future?

Faith’s priorities are not New Year’s resolutions that soon may be forgotten. Faith’s priority connects with the plan and purpose of God Almighty for your life, what you’re thinking, believing and wanting. God desires for you to be aware of his constant presence to guide, inform and bless you.

Faith’s priority means God is first, above everything that will confront you daily. Ask Jesus to give you the desire to love Him in the presence of everything you face. Jesus will give you help, strength and faith to be God’s voice wherever you are. This is not a New Year’s resolution, but a desire to celebrate God’s continual presence in your life.                                                                       

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The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

~Exodus 33:14 New International Version

You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.

~Psalm 16:11 The Living Bible

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

~1 Chronicles 16:11 English Standard Version