I’m sure every person who reads this has a story about how God has shown His love and protection. The story I’m going to tell is part of a much bigger story, and it humbles me so much to know that God watches over me. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. Each of us is important to God, and should never doubt His protection.

After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples. He told them to teach all nations to observe what He had taught His followers.

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).

He was with them, and is with us.

Each day is a new day of amazement at God’s love. Sometimes it’s when we marvel at the beauty of a flower He has created, or look up into the starry night sky in awe and wonder. God created it all.

“[[To the chief Musician A Psalm of David.]] The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). 

Sometimes moments of danger bring into focus how powerful prayer is. I just had a very frightening problem, and Jesus saved me from a serious injury. His love has humbled me, and I am very thankful.

My daughter has been having some health problems that we’re trying to get diagnosed. Until then, it’s better that she doesn’t drive. As test results come in, it looks as if she has a problem with her thyroid. She works nearly 40 miles from home, which is 80 miles round trip. Since she shouldn’t be driving, I’ve been taking her to work, then picking her up after her shift. My car is a 2008 with some mechanical quirks.

This past Friday (July 3), I took her to work, then ran a couple of errands on the way home. Now, let me describe where I live. It’s a very rural part of Missouri, and I live 8 miles from town. The state highway that leads to my house is narrow with no shoulder; if you get off the pavement, there’s a ditch. As I drive, I pass a couple of paved county highways and some one-lane county gravel roads. I live on a gravel road.

Last Friday, as I drove down the narrow state highway, my car started “dinging” an alarm that something was wrong. That’s when I started praying, “Please, God, get me home safe.” As I continued to drive, the car began to die, then get power again, then die. There was no place to pull off the highway, and thankfully I was able to keep going. My prayers for God to get me home became more and more intense.

Finally, about a quarter mile from my gravel road, the car totally died. I was able to coast to a paved county road that went off to the left, and thankfully there was very little traffic. I barely got off the state highway, and the car stopped; I couldn’t get it started again. So, now what? My cell phone is also very old and needs to be replaced, but it had just a little charge in it, so I called a friend who said he would be right there to help. God bless him!

Now, let’s go back a little farther in time. This wasn’t my first car problem. I’ve called the local towing company a few times to change a flat tire and help me with some other minor car troubles. The tow truck driver is a very nice man who lives on the road I turned onto. By the grace of God, he was taking his wife out to lunch, saw me there, and stopped to help.

He and my friend got the car started using a battery charger. Then he drove my car to my house for me (I was pretty shaken), and I rode with my friend. Turns out my alternator needs to be replaced. The tow truck driver told me if I get a new one, he will change it for me for whatever I feel it’s worth. I wish I had a million dollars! Next month, he will quit his job at the towing company and open his own shop just up the road from me. You can be sure that he will do all of my automotive work, and I will recommend him to everyone I know.

God is amazing! He didn’t answer the prayer in the exact way that I prayed, but His answer was so much better than I could have imagined. He got me safely off the road, but in a place where I would get the help I really needed.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

When times look bleak or when I just feel down, I need to remember God’s grace and mercy.

Over the years, I’ve had quite a few “close calls” while driving, and I always praise God for His protection. There have been many times when I’m running late for an appointment and then need to go back for my wallet, or some other thing will delay me from driving to my errands. I always thank God for His protection. Maybe a car would have been on my side of the road, or a herd of deer might be crossing. I can’t always be sure of the danger, but sometimes I can see what I was saved from.

The day after my car trouble, I was driving my daughter’s pickup to get her from her job, and I was running late. I don’t remember what caused the delay, but I should have left earlier. I’m thankful I was delayed because I came upon a very bad accident that I may have been involved in had I left on time. I prayed for those in the accident, but also praised God for putting delays in my way. Much more happened on that trip to get my daughter that could have been a big problem, but God was right there with us; He always is. God is amazing!

Sometimes we humans get into trouble, call out to God, then forget what He has done when the trouble is past. People haven’t changed much over time. When the Israelites were captive in Egypt, they cried out to God, and He answered their prayer to be set free. After God sent plagues into Egypt, Pharaoh finally let them leave. They faced many challenges as they journeyed to the Promised Land, but God protected them. When they arrived, they found giants in the land. These weren’t just tall people, but Nephilim… genetically altered creatures.

“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33). 

The Israelites forgot God’s promises and His protection, and allowed fear to ruin their entering the Promised Land. God had parted the Red Sea so they could cross safely, sent manna each morning for food, and caused water to flow from a rock when they were thirsty. Yet, when they came upon giants in the land, they doubted God. He told them they would wander for 40 years until all those who had doubted God had died.

They eventually did enter their land and fought tribes of giants. This time they trusted God, and He strengthened them to conquer their land. God is amazing!

It’s easy to hide in fear when we forget the times God has saved us from troubles. Stop right now and really think about the times you felt you were going to be overwhelmed with problems, but know that God was watching out for you. You’ll be surprised at just how many times He’s rescued you. Then add to that the times He’s rescued you, but you weren’t even aware of the danger. Now, thank Him for His love.

Most of us are the same. When we get in a tough situation, we cry out to God. When the trouble has passed, we forget how amazing God is.

I admire the Apostles who faced challenges to their faith every day. They were people just like us. They gave up so much to follow Jesus, and when their faith was tested, their faith never faltered. All were martyred for their faith, except for John. Today, Christianity is against the law in many countries, and Christians are still being martyred because they won’t deny God’s truth.

It’s surprising to me that false religions are never outlawed. Satan is behind these false religions. We must learn to put God first and trust Him in all things. Satan will always fail, but God will never fail.

Peter was always bold in His ways, but his boldness teaches us many lessons. One time, Jesus had sent the disciples ahead of Him to cross the sea. He said He would follow later. As it happened, a very bad storm caused the ship to face trouble. Jesus saw this and walked on the water to the boat. Of course, Peter wanted to walk on water too. So, the Lord told him to come. Peter got out of the boat and was fine until he looked at the storm instead of keeping his attention on Jesus.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30).

We all face storms in life, but if we take our attention away from Jesus, we begin to fear and start to sink. Peter did the right thing. When he began to sink, he knew that Jesus was the only one who could save him…he couldn’t save himself…he cried out to Jesus. I felt much like that when my car quit working. Jesus is with us in times of trouble, as well as times of joy. God is amazing!

Thank Him now for all He has done for you. If you’re a Christian, you know He shed His blood to purchase your redemption. It is amazing that God loved humanity so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross so we can be with Him for eternity. We can’t save ourselves. Only Jesus can save us. That is amazing!

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).

I watched a video a few days ago that focused on pastors who own multimillion-dollar mansions. I was shocked. Using Jesus and the Apostles as an example, how can they possibly justify living in a 15-bedroom house on hundreds of acres and pay no taxes because it’s called a “parsonage”?

“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke 9:57-58).

Is there anything wrong if a man has been blessed by God to have riches? Not really, but it should make you take a strong look at the content of the sermons, and also what he does with all the money. Do they preach a false doctrine, such as the “prosperity gospel”? Do they preach against sin and for forgiveness, or do they preach “seeker-friendly” sermons with no repentance? Be cautious when choosing to join a fellowship where the pastor seems to have riches but little truth.

When the Apostle Paul was teaching Timothy how to be a pastor, he told him to be content with “enough.” “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:8-10). 

Love God, not money. He will take care of your needs.

I’m satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that’s silver lined.

The Apostle Paul faced many hardships in his service for the Lord but learned to be content in whatever situation he was in. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

It’s important to be satisfied with what God allows in your life. Life on this earth is temporary, and we must set our sights on eternity. If we learn to thank God for everything, we will be satisfied with what we have. God will always provide for your needs. When Jesus taught about trusting God to provide for us, He said to look around at how God provides for His creation.

“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30).

Riches in this world are fleeting, but Christians have a mansion waiting.

Though often tempted, tormented and tested
And like the prophet, my pillow is stone
And though I find here, no permanent dwelling
I know He’ll give me a mansion my own.

We face many challenges every day. The difference between being content and being in turmoil is trusting God. Most of our problems come from acting in a worldly manner. Temptations to sin are ever present. Satan and his minions are all around, bombarding us with fiery darts of temptation.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:6-9).

Satan puts the temptations to sin in front of everybody, both Christians and non-Christians. Resist the temptations. Think of the Prophet Daniel. He lived in a very pagan environment. He had been kidnapped when he was a young man, but never stopped honoring God in all he did. When he refused to bow down and worship a pagan idol, he was thrown into a den of hungry lions. How did he survive?

“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt” (Daniel 6:21-22).

Daniel served God in spite of the temptations to sin, which he faced daily. God shut the mouth of the hungry lions, and He will keep you safe through the many temptations, torments, and tests you face in this world. When a law was passed requiring everybody to bow down and worship an idol, Daniel chose to openly worship God Almighty.

Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely
I’m not discouraged; I’m heaven bound
I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city
I want a mansion, a robe, and a crown.

How do you judge a person? If they have a lot of money, do you desire to be their friend? When I was a child, I thought it would be wonderful to be one of the many child stars I saw on television. As I grew older, I realized that Hollywood promoted a way of life that I wanted no part of. I read stories of the drugs, alcohol, and deviant lifestyles, and I want no part in that.

The riches in this life are temporary and will be left here upon death. We all will face judgment. Non-Christians will be judged by their own works…no works can bring salvation. Only a life built upon a foundation of God will survive the flames. It is only the righteousness of Jesus that brings salvation to sinners such as we.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:11-13).

You aren’t saved by works, but your works will earn rewards in Heaven. I want a crown to throw at Jesus’ feet! He’s done everything for me; I wish I could do more for Him.

I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old
And some day yonder we’ll never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold.

Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us. The words were spoken to His disciples not long before His crucifixion, but they are meant for all of us. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

If you’ve researched Jewish marriage customs of the time, you’ll better understand this passage. When a man and woman became engaged, the commitment was unbreakable, and the groom would return to his father’s house and build a place for him and his bride to live. When the home was ready, the groom would surprise his bride and take her to the home he had prepared. Jesus has prepared a place for His bride…the ekklesia… His church.

Prophecy is being fulfilled quickly. Troubling times are here, but if you believe God and trust Him, you will have peace that only comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling you. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

The word “Conversation” means the way you live your life. Be content with what you have and live to please Him; there’s a day coming when you’ll have a mansion made by Jesus Himself.

I’m ready to move; how about you?

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).