Tag: persecution

For the Joy Set Before Us

Posted on by Dorci

 

I’d venture to say that at least most, if not all of us who have been followers of Christ for very long have faced a deep, dark, painful trial at some point and wondered if satan was attacking us or God was testing us.

And that brings to mind two people in God’s Word who stand as examples to us. First, the one who will foreshadow the second.

Job was blameless and upright. He feared God and shunned evil.

Sounds like a pretty solid guy to me.

And yet, when satan stood before the LORD, God not only didn’t keep satan from Job, He seems to actually offer up Job to him.

 

“Have you considered my servant, Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”
Job 1:8

Of course satan’s response is like a jealous sibling’s:

 
“Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.  But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
Job 1:9-11

In another story we might read next that a parent would order this evil sibling to keep his hands off his precious son.

But this is no ordinary story, and certainly no ordinary Parent.

Instead, God lets satan loose on all Job had. Still, that wasn’t enough for the enemy of God. He stood before the Lord again, and God offered up Job once more. He gave Job into the devil’s hands with the only guideline being that he had to spare Job’s life.

And of course we know what happened. Satan runs right out and afflicts Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.

So, why Job? A man who carefully and thoughtfully acknowledged God in all his ways by living a righteous life. A man described as perfect, meaning “complete, morally pious, undefiled, coupled together.” Coupled together with whom? Job had joined himself with God and was made complete by abiding in Him.

So, was God testing him, or was satan attacking him?

Well, both.

Satan is always looking for a child of God to attack, to accuse, to grab onto with his grubby little bony fingers and bring him or her down from their secure place of faith in God.

But God knows our hearts. He knew Job’s heart. He knew his faith was as strong and secure as it could be and He could trust his faith to remain strong throughout this attack of the evil one and come out the other side glowing with the light of his God.

By the way, the word for God used in the book of Job is the plural word for God – ‘ĕlôhı̂ym – meaning the Supreme God. It’s the same word used in Genesis as the Creator of the heaven and earth and everything in it. Job didn’t just worship a god, but the God, the one, true God in three persons.

Satan thought he would ruin Job, but God showed His adversary the strength of the faith of one who abides in Him. God showed him the power of his faith when that faith is in the One, True God, and that his faith would even grow in the soil of trials because God’s strength and the Living Water maintains and matures it. 

In the end, God’s will was done, satan sulked away defeated, and God blessed the latter part of Job’s life even more than the first.

Remind you of Someone else?

There is another One we read about much later whose Father also allowed the unthinkable to take place. He allowed the enemy to give up His own Son to be tortured and nailed to a cross.

Our Lord Jesus lived a perfect life. In the end, of course, satan came for Him, and His Father didn’t stop it.

Isaiah 53 prophecies:
“though He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.
Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer…”

The original Hebrew translates it as “Yet it pleased (châphêts: to incline to, to be pleased with, desire) the LORD to bruise Him…”

And satan gave it all he had.

Satan might have thought he had the upper hand, but the Father was always in control, and He used the death of His Son to accomplish the otherwise impossible: to save you and me.

On this side of that dark day, we know our Lord Jesus was meant to suffer and die for our sins. Though the enemy attacked Him, God had a plan and only used His enemy to accomplish it.

And on the third day the dark clouds of mourning parted, the sun shone radiantly upon the earth, the Roman-sealed stone was moved away from the tomb, and Jesus was raised up and walked out victorious and triumphant over sin and death.  

And like Job, Jesus was even more blessed afterward than before.


“For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2

 

For the joy set before Him… With all that lay ahead, all He knew He would suffer, it brought Jesus joy knowing that His sacrifice would forgive our sins and purchase our souls so that whomever would believe on Him would receive His Spirit and, like Him, be raised to new life to live with Him forever in His joy and peace.

There are times in the middle of the trial when stormy clouds cover our world and it seems so much darker than usual that we’re tempted to believe the lies coming from the enemy.

But as we hold onto our God who is Master of our trials, the One who allows only as much and as long as is needed to strengthen our faith and mold us into the image of His Son, we will persevere. No matter what comes, we can say with Christ, “for the joy set before us,” knowing we’ll come out the other side in victory, with increasing faith and hope. We’ll stand forever as a living testimony of the love and omnipotence of our Heavenly Father, and with the eternal joy of having brought Him glory.

As we submit ourselves and our trials to God as Job did, and even as our Lord Jesus did, we too will be blessed immeasurably more in the latter part of our lives, the life after this one, where the treasures of God await us. 

As we meditate on our Lord’s death and celebrate His resurrection, may we remember that He is the One who leads us, who shows us the way, in life, death, and finally, in the resurrection of spirit and body. Praise His Holy Name!


“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11

To Stand or Not to Stand

Posted on by Dorci

Those of us who have been around a while probably couldn’t have imagined we’d see what we’re witnessing in the world, much less in our own backyards. And we who are in Christ know it’s going to get worse, much worse, before it gets better. 

We stand on the precipice of a new year and we have no idea what it holds. The days seem to be flying by, and the darkness is getting exponentially darker. 

The question is: will we stand through it all? No matter what happens in our personal lives or in the world around us, will we stand in our faith in Christ, holding to the fact that He loves us, that He is good and faithful and righteous and holy, and will we continue loving Him in return with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength?

Will we reject the lies, no matter how subtle they may be, that come from those claiming to know it, but are only a mouthpiece for the enemy, and have the strength and courage to hold onto the truth?

No matter what the world says or thinks or does, will we stand in our witness to it of the good news that Jesus Christ is, that He died for the sins of the world, was raised to life showing His power over death, and that anyone who believes on Him will be saved, and that there is an infinitely better life waiting for us?

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

 

 

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 
Ephesians 6:10-18

 

Compared with much of the rest of the world, the Christian life we’ve lived in the western world has been a relatively easy one, and many have been lulled into a level of complacency. But when someone is arrested for praying, not to mention all the other atrocities we see happening, we know things are changing. 

In the past we may have gotten away with being a little lazy, a little idle, a little worldly in how we live and walk with Christ, but it’s time to be diligent, alert, and discerning. It’s time we abide in the Vine as firmly as we can. 

It’s time we walk worthy of our calling in Christ, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, {and} press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called {us} heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

***

What are some ways we can ensure we’re abiding (staying, continuing, dwelling, enduring, remaining, standing) in Christ daily? What fruit do you think will be evident in our lives when we are?

***

Heavenly Father, please show each of us the ways we’re clinging to the world, and if there’s any way we can better abide in You so that we might know and love you more, and receive your strength, courage, and boldness to live for you and bring you glory.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. 

Walking Through Holy Week – 6

Posted on by Dorci

“While He was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus asked Him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’

When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’  And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.”
Luke 22:47-51

Sunday Praise and a Prayer for Faith

Posted on by Dorci

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise you, for you are holy and sovereign. You are gracious and merciful to give us all we need to live a life of godliness. 

As we come to you in prayer for the people and actions going on around the world, we ask that you would empower us to pray in your Spirit, in complete faith, not in fear.  

We know nothing comes as a surprise to you, and nothing is beyond your control. So we pray, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, that you would bind the work of the enemy. We pray you would discharge your angels to set a hedge of protection around the oppressed. We pray you would impart your wisdom and knowledge to leaders who are defending their country, and to those helping them. We pray for continued courage and victory for those who have stepped up to fight for and defend their freedom and their very lives. And we pray for believers who are who are on the front lines of this assault, that you would fill them with an unwavering confidence in you and your faithfulness. 

We pray you would overcome evil, and bring souls to repentance and belief in Christ, receiving Him as Lord and Savior. 

May your love overcome and your light shine within the darkness, and in and through us, that you may be glorified and worshipped in the Spirit and in truth. 

Let us not give in to fear, but remain steadfast as we abide in you, immersing ourselves in prayer and in your Holy Word. 

We pray in the most holy and precious name of Jesus, the Christ, amen. 

***

As always, if you have any prayer requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to email me or contact me through the Facebook or Twitter pages.  The Lord bless you and keep you. 

For Him, 
Dorci

 

Sunday Praise and a Prayer to Live Unafraid

Posted on by Dorci

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise your most holy name. We praise you for your faithfulness and goodness. We praise you for your love and for the plans you have that are so great, so glorious, so miraculous, that we cannot even begin to conceive of them. 

Father, when your servants, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faithful to you and trusted you even in the furnace, you protected them, and because they chose to live unafraid, even King Nebuchadnezzar praised your name.  

Lord, we ask that you would give all of us who believe in Christ the kind of courage and strength and conviction to live unafraid and that the world will see your faithfulness in and through us and have no choice but to praise your name. 

No matter what we’re going through, whether it’s physical, emotional, financial, or even persecution for our faith in you, may we live unafraid, filled with the sure hope we have because of what Christ did for us on the cross and because the Holy Spirit indwells us, knowing that you are an ever-present help in time of need and that you promise to be with us and love us to the end.  

Thank you for giving us all we need to walk victoriously. May we daily avail ourselves of all the riches of your glory in Christ Jesus. It’s in His blessed name we pray, amen. 

Fight the Good Fight

Posted on by Dorci

I’ve talked a few times about the meaning of the words “be strong and courageous” in the Old Testament. The last time, in Be Strong and Very Courageous, I mentioned that this exhortation could be found one time in the New Testament. Now seems like a good time to take a look at that.  

Paul wrote his first letter to his brothers and sisters in Corinth after hearing they were fighting about everything under the sun, and the fellowship of believers was being torn apart by pride, jealousy, sexual immorality, taking one another to court, and the misuse of the Lord’s supper. 

Reminds me of a group of children left to themselves, and spiritually, that is what they were. They were a new church full of new believers. Baby Christians. That’s why Paul writes to them such a long letter as if coming from a father writing home to tell his children – Stop! In Christ, this is how you should think and behave… 

Paul even addresses them by saying “Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil, be infants (or innocent of it), but in your thinking be adults.” 1 Cor. 14:20

Then, one of the last things he tells them in his letter (1 Cor. 16:13), is:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (2011 NIV)

First, the word strong means “to empower, to increase in vigor, to be strengthened.

And courageous. Courageous is good, but as we look back further to the original translations, we begin to get a better, more powerful picture of what’s being said. 

In the 1984 NIV:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”

The Modern King James Version says it like this:
“Watch! Stand fast in the faith! Be men! Be strong!” 

And (stay with me, I’m going somewhere with this) in the King James Version:
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

That word that’s been translated in modern language as “courageous,” and as “be men of courage,” and in the MKJV which pulls no punches by saying “be men!” is andrizomai, and means “act manly, or quit like men.”

This is the only time this word is used in the NT. 

Of course a phrase like quit you like men is lost on us in the 21st century, so I did some digging. 

In 1 Samuel 4:9, the Philistines encouraged one another in their fight against the Israelites by saying “Be strong, and quit yourselves like men…”  meaning “exist, or become” men. 

Quit in this instance means to conduct or acquit oneself; to behave in a certain manner. 

Of course, just because the phrase is “quit like men” doesn’t mean that leaves out women. At that time it was the men who went to battle, so it makes sense that the origin of the word is phrased that way. But Paul made our identity in Christ clear:

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:26-28

Paul charged believers to not stay spiritual infants, but to mature in their faith, in their behavior, in their love for one another, to fight the good fight, and serve Christ well. 

Fight against the outward enemy, and that of our own flesh that wants our way, in our own time, that sinful nature that is puffed up with pride and doesn’t care how we’re hurting others, or grieving the Holy Spirit.

Fight it to the death.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence Paul uses the phrase, “quit like men” straight out of a battle scene told in the scriptures. Four times in his writings he refers to believers as soldiers. 

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4

We are (in case you haven’t noticed) in a spiritual battle that seems to intensify every day.  

We don’t know what a day will bring. Inwardly, the enemy will do what he can to tempt us to betray who we are in Christ. I’ve seen many who, in the past, claimed to profess a faith, but who have fallen away. Outwardly, Christians are actively being persecuted, tortured, and killed around the world. 

Let us persevere as good soldiers, remaining in Christ, clothed in our spiritual armor, not giving in to fear, but allowing ourselves to be trained by God’s discipline and His Word, and live our lives as maturing, sanctifying, hopeful, believing servants of our Lord, and remember that

“But my righteous one will live by faith.
And I take no pleasure
in the one who shrinks back.”
(from Habbakuk 2:4)

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed,
but to those who have faith and are saved.”
Hebrews 10:38-39

 

Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ name and because of Him, we ask you to empower us by your Spirit to grow up in Christ, to walk worthy of our calling, set apart as mature soldiers in the fight against everything that sets itself up against you, to take into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, and fight the good fight.  

 

A Wake-Up Call and a Prayer in Light of the Events in Afghanistan

Posted on by Dorci

As I read the news about what’s going on in Afghanistan, I’m repeatedly being reminded of prophetic scripture. 

“And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15-16

Not that what we see happening is the specific fulfillment of these scriptures, but we can see it coming. The birth pains are getting more frequent and more painful. 

As we lift up in prayer those in danger in Afghanistan, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ who are a particular target, let’s remember we cannot give way to fear. Fear leads to weakness and that’s exactly what the enemy wants. 

We must set aside our fear, remember whose we are – the chosen children of our Heavenly Father, redeemed by Christ, filled with His Holy Spirit, and given an eternal promise. 

Let’s pray, believing.  Believing in His love, in His strength, in His power, we can pray with confidence, knowing that He hears us, He is on the throne, and in full control. 

I believe the events we see happening should be a wake up call to waste no more time.  Now is the time to make sure we are right with the Lord, to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” 1 Cor. 3:16-17

“Therefore, ‘Come out from among them (unbelievers) and be separated’ says the Lord, ‘and do not touch the unclean thing. And I will receive you and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6:17

“I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” Lev 20:8


Heavenly Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son, and the only name under heaven given by which anyone can be saved. 

We pray for the pouring out of your Holy Spirit for the revival of hearts that are cold or lukewarm, and for the salvation of countless more souls.  

We pray you would strengthen the love and faith of your Church, that you would “strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4)

We pray we would be found being about your business, walking in your Spirit, serving boldly in the gifts you have so graciously given to us, building up one another and making disciples, that you might be glorified and magnified through us.

We pray you would fill our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan with your peace that surpasses all understanding and with a fresh boldness to continue in hopeful, faithful prayer and to stand firm in their faith. We pray their witness would lead many to Christ. May they feel our prayers through the powerful presence of your Holy Spirit. 

We pray you would be with our soldiers and with all those they are charged with bringing home, that every one would arrive safely. We pray our president and all those who oversee our country would turn to you in humble reverence and repentance, receive you as Lord, and be filled with your wisdom, praying that you would intervene. Please bind the the work of the enemy, Almighty God. 

May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Sunday Praise and a Prayer for Israel

Posted on by Dorci

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise you.

You are the LORD, the God of Israel, their Maker, the Holy One of Israel, the LORD Almighty, the God and Savior of Israel, the righteous God and Savior, and there is no other. 

Before you every knee will bow and every tongue will take an oath that in you alone are righteousness and strength. In you the descendants of Israel shall be justified and shall glory. 

We pray for your protection over your beloved Israel, for her deliverance and salvation.

May you be glorified and may Yeshua HaMashiach be worshipped.

It’s in the name of Jesus Christ, the name above all names that we pray, amen.  

(Taken from Isaiah 45)

Be Strong and Very Courageous

Posted on by Dorci
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Seventeen years ago this month my life turned upside down. Or more accurately, I was already upside down and God was turning me right side up. 

A lot has happened in that time. A lot of mistakes, a lot of learning, a lot of growing, and a lot of healing.

Not the kind of healing I originally wanted, but certainly the kind I needed. The kind a good and loving Father knows His child needs, and ultimately wants. 

In January 2004 I had some symptoms, but nothing too concerning yet. What did concern me is that I kept hearing one phrase from the Lord – “Be strong and courageous.” I heard it at church, on the radio, and in my own studies. Four times that month I heard “Be strong and courageous.” 

The first time: Yes, that’s an encouraging word.
The second time: Yep, I want to be strong and courageous.
The third time: Hmm… “Lord, what are you trying to say?”
The fourth time: A friend at church who I’d talked to about these repeated commands from the Lord turned around during the teaching and we just looked at each other. What could this mean?

Then, long story short, one Sunday afternoon in February, I found myself at the hospital being evaluated. 

“Be strong and courageous.” 

I have meditated on and prayed about these words ever since. And little by little, the Lord’s helped me understand them. The funny thing is, its meaning is so simple, yet the application can be so difficult.  

The phrase can be found eleven times in the Old Testament (and one time in the New, but that’s a slightly different story for a different day), most of them as Joshua was about to lead Israel into the Promised Land. 

Moses had just died, and God had called Joshua to lead His people. God speaks to Joshua, letting him know that without a doubt, through every obstacle they would face, He would lead them there. 

Joshua 1:6 – “Be strong and courageous…”
Joshua 1:7 – “Be strong and very courageous…”
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

In each of these verses, the word “strong,” in part, means “to fasten upon; to seize…”

The dictionary says fasten means “to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.”

Now, fast forward to Jesus talking to His disciples. 

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing..” John 15:5

During this conversation, Jesus uses the word abide, or remain, seven times.

The word “abide” means “to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): – abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain…”

He’s driving home the fact that, just as a branch must remain attached to the vine so the branch can receive life, grow, and produce fruit, we must remain in Him. Our growth and ability to produce spiritual fruit hinges on us continually abiding, remaining, making our home in Him. 

God told Joshua over and over to be strong, to fasten himself, to hold onto God who would do everything needed to ensure their victory as they crossed into the Promised Land. 

Jesus reiterated His Father’s words, telling His disciples, and us, to abide in Him, to remain in Him continually.

Don’t break off from Him out of fear, anger, anxiety, or just being plain confused and not knowing what to do. Remain in Him. Obey Him. Trust Him. Join with Him in prayer. Abide in Him as a branch abides in a vine, so we can grow and bear much fruit. 


The word courageous means “to be alert, physically and mentally, to be steadfastly minded, establish, make strong…”

The Israelites would meet enemies along the way, and so will we. As we abide in Christ, we must also remain alert and steadfast, remembering that though we have an enemy who will try to trip us up, the Lord has gone before us, and if we’ll remain in Him, He will make us more than conquerors. 

And one more note. 

I’ve been going through a group study with a book called Abide In Christ by Andrew Murray. I highly recommend it. It was what drove home the truth of what God was saying to me seventeen years ago, and how He enlightened and assured me further.  As I was praying during one of my study times, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “I will sustain you.” 

You might guess what I did. Yep, went to look up the word sustain. I found it in Psalm 55:22:

“Cast your cares on the Lord
   and He will sustain you;
He will never let
    the righteous be shaken.”

Sustain means “to keep in; to maintain, be able to abide…”

Jesus said “Abide in Me, and I in you.”

The Lord’s promise to all of us who abide in Him is that not only will He abide in us, He will enable us to continue abiding in Him. He will maintain us, support us, bear us up under trial or affliction, just like He’s done for me the last seventeen years.

So be strong and courageous. The world doesn’t seem to be letting up on the crazy, and I suspect it won’t. But as we abide in Him, God Himself will abide in us and take us victoriously into the Promised Land. 

In Him,

 

 

Remain Steadfast

Posted on by Dorci

 

STEADFAST


The Lord has been putting this word on my heart lately. 

Remain steadfast. 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” 
1 Peter 5:8-9

This is Peter telling us this.

Peter, the one who told Jesus he would never deny Him – even if he had to die with Him.

Peter, one of the apostles whom Jesus took and asked him to pray the night before He was arrested, and then fell asleep.

Peter, the one who impetuously drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. 

Peter, the one who vehemently denied Christ three times. 

But all that doesn’t make him less credible; it makes him more. 

He’s saying don’t do what I did! He learned what the devil had been up to and he wanted to warn his brothers and sisters in Christ to be aware. 

To remain steadfast in the faith – steadfast in our convictions, steadfast in the truth, steadfast in our reliance upon Christ and Christ alone, now and forever. 

The devil’s ways are the same as ever. he’s looking for people who are at a weak place, who aren’t being alert and vigilant to the devil’s ways, who aren’t steadfastly trusting in the power and righteousness of Jesus Christ. 

Right now, when the world seems like a raging sea, is an opportune time for the enemy to try to discourage us, to trip us up, to question Jesus, and maybe even walk away from Him, even a step. 

But we who are in Christ can confidently “lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever…” 
Hebrews 6:18b-20

No matter what happens in this life, we don’t have to give in to fear and be tossed around in the waves of confusion. We have an anchor of hope.

We have the promises of God, all of which in Christ are yes and amen. His promises are for this life and extend all the way behind the veil that lies between this life and the next.

Our sure hope, our anchor in rough seas, is that Christ is with us now, and He will surely call us to live with Him in His home where we’ve laid up treasures beyond comprehension, and where love and peace and joy are the way of life.     

And we’re reminded of this hope every time we pray, every time we read God’s Word, and every time we enter into fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Our steadfast anchor of hope will keep us steadfast, too.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Cor 15:58