James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
We should be grateful for any situation that builds our faith and produces steadfastness. The situation we are in today in America and around the world will build the faith of God’s people. Trials and tribulations ALWAYS build faith.
On September 11, 2001, in the midst of the greatest attack on America's freedom, people turned back to God. When there is nowhere else to turn, people turn back to God. Even those who proclaim they don't believe in God look to Him when all else is lost. The Sunday following 9/11 the churches across America were full to overflowing. People were standing in the aisles and foyers listening for a word of hope from the man in the pulpit. This is what has happened throughout all of history. I am praying we will see this once again in America and other countries around the world.
Unfortunately, many people have been duped by the enemy. They have bought into his lies. They have heard and received so many falsehoods, they don’t know what to believe. The ONLY Truth is in the Word of God; the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Sadly, most people today don’t even believe that!
The Word of God is the single most important tangible thing on the face of the earth. In third-world countries and places where communism and tyranny are the way of life, the people are hungry for the Word of God. They have no hope and they long for God and His Goodness.
There is a youtube video of a large group of people in China who receive their first Bible. They gathered together waiting for the shipment to arrive. Finally, the delivery was made. Bibles were shipped in suitcases. As the luggage was opened, the people clambered for a Bible. They grabbed one and kissed it! They clutched it to their hearts because it was the most precious thing they had ever held in their hands. It is amazing to watch something like this and you can view it at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNCkBornukk
In America the average Christian home has several Bibles and most of them do nothing but collect dust. I know people who “collect Bibles.” It is their hobby. The Word of God is not to be used as an object of a mere hobby or ritualistic ceremony. It is the Bread of Life! Jesus said, Man does not live by bread alone but by the very Word of God.
The Word of God changes lives through the revelation it brings. As the following Scripture confirms, God’s Word is “at work” in the believer. And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the Word of God, which is at work in you believers. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
The term “at work” indicates production; forward motion resulting in change and progress. This is the result of the study of the Word of God. It will work within the heart and life of the reader and bring about positive change through revelation of the Truth.
Christians around the world are in the midst of a giant enemy storm called the spirit of antichrist manifested in the Nation of Islam and Communism. This storm will cause believers to seek greater Truth and deeper faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should count it all joy! Anything that brings us to greater faith in the one True God is a source of joy!
God will……….turn the tide
Drawing closer to Him, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
