“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith is something that’s easy to claim when life is running smoothly – when the bills are paid and there’s a little money left over to stash away for a rainy day, or when you have no trouble at work, and are healthy. At these times, we can rest easy in the knowledge that God is there and in full charge of life. Then, something unexpected happens.

The roof suddenly develops a leak, and shingles are scattered across the yard, or your job has suddenly become tense, and there’s a possibility you could be laid off. Or, as in the case of my daughter, you get the diagnosis of cancer. At these times, we need to remember that God hasn’t left us and that He is still with us.

“Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up” (Psalm 5:2-3).

Don’t blame God for misfortunes in this life, but thank Him and praise Him for His love and the promise of help in troubling times.

Times are troubling. Even if your finances are in tip-top shape and your health is better than ever, the world is in a mess. The Middle East is a powder keg ready to explode, but the world blames Israel for all of the trouble. Remember, God loves Israel, so Satan hates them.

There’s a darkness falling, and it keeps getting darker. Jesus is the Light of the World, but people tend to like the darkness. That’s where Satan lives. There’s no hope in the darkness of sin, and as we move swiftly to the end of time, the darkness is darker than ever. Christians need to grow stronger in faith and stop being afraid of offending the powers of darkness.

When we look up to God in faith, His power grows stronger in us; His light outshines the darkness. Trust God in all things, and don’t let fear darken your faith. Live in faith and let your light shine.

Jesus told His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).

Is there a difference between God and Jesus? Well, yes and no. There is only one God, but He is three persons: God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit. When Jesus came to earth and entered His Creation, He came to the Jewish people first. They believed in God and were looking for a man to be their Savior, the Messiah. The Disciples were Jewish and had been schooled in their faith…they believed in God. Jesus told them they also needed to believe that He was the Messiah, the Saviour. It would take faith for them to believe this, and eventually they did.

Their faith gave them courage to share the Gospel and face the hatred and rejection from friends and family. They watched as Jesus was crucified and buried. Then, after three days, they saw Him alive! He was risen from the dead, and the Holy Spirit filled them with knowledge, understanding, and boldness. Their faith became an unstoppable power that has changed the world.

Brothers and sisters, we have that same powerful faith, but too often we don’t look up to God in faith or reach out to Him in supplication. Our heads hang down, and our hands are in our pockets. We quietly have faith, but we keep it to ourselves and deny His power. Look up in faith and reach out to Jesus.

Remember the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years? She had spent all of her money on doctors, and they couldn’t help her. Finally, as a last resort, she reached out to Jesus. She touched his garment, and the power of healing went out from Him.

“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him; and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched” (Luke 8:43-44).

She had tried everything that the world had to offer, but it was Jesus who held the power to heal. She reached out in faith and touched Him. That word “virtue” is from the Greek “dynamis,” which means power…think dynamite. Modern Bible translations use the word power instead of virtue. Whatever trouble you face, whether health, financial, career, or any other challenge you may face, reach out to Jesus in faith.

Don’t get me wrong, a money tree won’t pop up in your yard, or your health may not be restored immediately, but the power of God has gone out to you. Then, use your situation as a witness of God’s power and love.

I have friends who are facing a very challenging health problem. The husband has had knee surgery and now is having physical therapy. I won’t go into the details, but it has been a nightmare. They love Jesus and share His love wherever they go. The physical therapist comes to their home every other day, and I asked the wife if the therapist is a Christian. She told me she wasn’t sure, but he was certainly going to hear about Jesus before his work was done.

Use your challenges in life as a way to share Jesus with others. Jesus came to bring salvation through faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. We need to use every chance we get to share His love.

“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79).

Don’t be afraid to share the Gospel with others.

Fear is a sure way of weakening faith. As Christians, we have hope no matter what our situation is. Fear will only weaken our witness for Christ and cause us to doubt. We need to face our challenges by walking close to Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. When we live in a way that honors Him, the words of our mouth are more believable. If you say you love Him but continue to deny Him by living a world-honoring life, your witness can’t be taken seriously.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

How would you answer someone who sneered at you for having faith in God to take you through a critical situation? Would you shrug your shoulders and say, “I don’t know why I think He will help, but I believe.” The best thing to do is to study Scripture and know God’s word, so when a crisis happens, you will know why you believe. Are you ready to give an answer for your faith in times of crisis? Reach out to others and share your faith. Your faith during a crisis may be what God uses to bring a lost soul to salvation. 

While we live in this world, we will face trying times. There’s no way around that. The way we face our troubles is what makes a difference in getting through the problems with the joy of the Lord, or with defeat from Satan. Always look up in faith and reach out to Jesus.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

Most people are aware that we aren’t living in normal times. The criminal element in society seems to be taking over. When confronted by an officer of the law, they respond with violence, then cry foul when they are held responsible for their actions. Christians who have had even a brush with the study of prophecy know that our time is short.

The Rapture will soon take all Christians to Heaven, and those left on earth will face horrendous judgments.

It’s becoming more and more difficult to keep from being a part of the world rather than fully standing on God’s word. Christianity is seen by the world as a religion of hate. True Christians cannot condone same sex marriage, or any form of sexual activity outside of a one man/one woman marriage. True Christians honor God.

Sometimes I’d like to find a mountain and go into isolation, but that’s not what God wants from Christians. The last command Jesus gave to His disciples was “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).

In order to follow this command, we have to be in the world. That doesn’t mean we are to take part in the madness and sin, but we are to share the Gospel with everyone. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

The Greek word translated “fellowship” is “sygkoinoneo,” meaning “to become a partaker together with others.” As Christians, we need to choose our fellowship wisely.

When Jesus knew His time had come to be crucified, He prayed. He did pray that God the Father had another way for salvation to be imparted to humanity, but there is no other way except through the shed blood of Jesus. He prayed for His followers, “And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:13-15). 

Jesus knew that John, Peter, and the others would face trials and temptations, and the same would be for His followers down through the ages. He also knew that hiding in a monastery in silence wouldn’t spread the Gospel to lost souls. Christians need to be in the world, not of the world. We need to choose our fellowship wisely. We need to fellowship with fellow Christians who stand firm upon God’s word, but we need to go into the world and share the Gospel.

There are many ways in which we can share the Gospel without being a part of worldly ways. I have a friend who carries a small statue of Jesus in his pocket. When he goes shopping, he will say to the cashier, “You need a little Jesus today,” and he hands her one of the little statues.

Years ago, a new pastor came to town, and every time he went through a line at the grocery store, he said “God bless you” to the checker. After a while, one of the checkers would loudly call out when she saw him, “Hello Pastor, God Bless You.” Another friend buys small tracts and hands them out wherever he goes.

My daughter works in a farm and home store, and every few weeks, an elderly man comes in and hands out tracts. One of her co-workers is usually very rude to him, but that doesn’t stop the man from sharing. Another lady has a business card, giving her name and contact information for any prayer needs or other help needed.

The ways to share God’s word are endless. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

The only way to be able to speak with confidence about Christian truth is to study Scripture. Don’t add to nor take away from Scripture. It is all God’s truth from Genesis through Revelation. Don’t allow fellowship with the world to cause you to compromise God’s truth.

One of the most disturbing compromises of God’s truth is seen in public schools. If you’re a school teacher and have no problem teaching children lies about the creation, you’re in fellowship with the world, which is run by Satan. You are mocking God and corrupting young minds.

God created all things in six literal days. “Science” has come up with a fable about creation and is working hand-in-hand with Satan to destroy faith in God. Paul knew that pastors need to stand firm on God’s word. “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

Now, Satan has led ungodly liberals to demand that children be taught they can choose their gender. That lie goes against science. So now “science” is in conflict with “science.” Gender is determined at conception; it isn’t something you choose. Once again, Scripture is proved correct. Study Romans 1:18-32, and you’ll learn that when God is rejected as the Creator, the punishment is homosexuality.

The truth of God as Creator is seen in Genesis chapter 1 and also in the Gospel of John. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3).

Jesus is the Word. Not only does this declare Jesus as the Creator, but also that He is God. Don’t deny Christ by teaching lies. Don’t be ashamed of Christ. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Choose your fellowship wisely. Satan wants you to fellowship with him and deny Christ. Be in the world as a witness of Christ’s redeeming love, but don’t fellowship with the world and Satan.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to a very messed-up church. The church in Corinth was very much in fellowship with the world. Paul did not mince words as he rebuked them for their sinful ways.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).

God lives in you, so that should humble you and draw you closer to Him. Is this only a warning about not marrying a non-believer? No, we aren’t to be joined with anything in the world. Who is Belial? This is another name for Satan, and means worthless or wicked. A person who is an unbeliever with no trust in God is an infidel. We aren’t to marry an infidel, nor are we to be joined in any way with Belial. We are the Temple of the Living God and must respect Him.

A quick look at world events, and even a minimal amount of knowledge of Bible prophecy, will make it clear that we are living in the last days. People are nervous about what will happen in Iran, but seem less concerned about the Muslim takeover of the United States. Sharia law is being advocated in many cities, and New York City elected a Muslim mayor. That’s pure craziness. Actually, it’s pure ignorance.

Brothers and sisters, don’t choose to fellowship with the Devil, but choose fellowship with Christ. Serve Him and share His truth.

We all have an appointment with death. Whether today or years from now, we all will die. I think of people like Lazarus who died, but Jesus called him out of the tomb. We have all been called out of the death that cursed all of creation because of Adam’s sin. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

The shadow of death is over all of us, but Jesus lives in Christians, so we have no need to fear death. While we are here, we need to choose our fellowship wisely. Vote for people who hold to God’s ideals and who respect Israel. Be sure your place of employment doesn’t disallow you to share Christ. Don’t choose friends who reject Christ.

If we give our life to Christ and accept His sacrifice for our salvation, we must choose fellowship with Him and His followers. Don’t compromise your faith. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Only for the Christian is death gain. Our salvation is by faith, but we will earn rewards for our work for the Lord. Don’t deny Him by having fellowship with the world.

There is also a blessed hope in Jesus, and that is the Rapture. The signs are strong that Christians will be called Home soon. What a blessing! “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15: 52-53).

The Rapture is coming, and the only way to be ready is to accept Christ for salvation. He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Have fellowship with Him, and share His Good News. Encourage fellow Christians to walk close to Him, and to have no fellowship with the darkness of Satan.

Sin hampers our fellowship with God. We are admonished to keep away from fellowship with the world. God or Satan? Choose your fellowship wisely.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).