We can find so much to worry about. The horrible war against Israel, corrupt government officials in every nation, antisemitism, persecution against Christians, genetic tampering of food, sin being embraced while God’s truth is being rejected, and the list goes on and on. Worrying and fretting won’t help at all. When we give in to worry, we have turned our hearts away from God. Instead of praying and trusting Him to see us through every situation in life, we hold on tightly to our fears.

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). 

The word “careful” comes from the Greek “merimnao” and means to be anxious or troubled with cares. In this verse, Paul encourages us not to be anxious or fretful about anything. I know that’s easier said than done. Remember that Paul faced many situations where he could have let his fears rule his life. He had faced many beatings, he was stoned and left for dead, he faced shipwreck, and more. In spite of knowing that the next person he shared the Gospel with could have him jailed, Paul lived his life to serve Jesus. He had learned to pray about everything instead of being upset or worried about his troubles. Instead of allowing fear to stop him from what God called him to do, he prayed and found peace no matter what happened to him.

That’s easier said than done, but we can find that same peace through prayer.

Prayer needs to become a habit for every Christian. Think of things you do habitually, such as cracking your knuckles, twisting your hair, or lashing out at others with hurtful words; then, think of praying as a matter of habit. Can you imagine how much kinder your words would be if you always prayed before speaking? Or how praying could help you overcome the fear of sharing the Gospel?

The Apostle Paul wrote to believers in Thessalonica, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19). 

It’s not always easy to be thankful for situations, but this verse doesn’t say to be thankful “for” everything but to be thankful “in” everything. If you keep your mind on Heavenly matters, you will find that you aren’t plugging your ears to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and life will take on a new meaning.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33). 

Don’t worry and fret about what to eat and what to wear, and don’t seek after the things of this life, but seek God’s desire for you and serve Him daily. Advertisements make sure we think we need a new car or more stylish clothing, but God provides what we need, not necessarily what we want. Pray about it, and you’ll find peace in knowing that God will always provide. God’s peace will fill your life. Don’t forget to thank Him.

Much of our anxiety comes from telling God what He needs to do for us and fretting if we don’t get it immediately. Instead of being anxious about what we want, we need to just talk to Him about our wants and wait for His answer. It isn’t always easy to submit to God, but when we acknowledge that God wants the best for us and that He knows the future, we will find peace in waiting for His perfect answer.

“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” (1 Peter 5:6-7). 

Those words from Peter came from experience. When he was young, he was very rash, but he mellowed with age. We all must learn to prayerfully talk to God about our wants and desires while humbly submitting to God’s best desire for us. That will calm our anxiety and keep us from fretting so much.

I remember when I was young, I felt as if life was passing me by. I wasn’t married, but I wanted to be. I had a job that I really didn’t like, but it did pay well. I told God every night what I needed to be happy, but every day I was disappointed and sad. Finally, in God’s perfect timing, all of my dreams came true. God knew that there was a wonderful man He had chosen for me. I could have saved a lot of tears and anguish if I had simply waited for God to bring things together.

There’s a lot to be troubled about in these last days in which we live. The entire world is upside down. Men think they’re women, which is impossible. Women think they’re men, which is also impossible. Children are convinced they’re animals and demand to be treated as such. Parents have turned the minds of the children over to public schools, which teach that it’s OK for a boy to be a girl, a girl to be a boy, and a child to be an animal.

It seems as if the entire world has turned against Israel; although they were attacked in a totally horrific way, they are deemed the problem. Not only is war growing stronger in the Middle East, but within nations, there’s conflict and strife.

Jesus told of the birth pains that would happen leading up to the Tribulation. We certainly are getting close to the time when the birth pains will give way to the full-blown time of Jacob’s trouble. We are to pray for Jerusalem.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces” (Psalm 122:6-7). 

I do, and I know others also pray. Many people are glued to the secular news sources, and Christians are full of anxiety. Too many forget to study Scripture and pray. What does Scripture say about Israel? They are God’s chosen people, and they won’t be uprooted from their land again. Instead of fretting, we all need to pray for the Jewish people everywhere. The ignorant and satanic prejudice against the Jewish people is growing, and we need to pray for this evil to stop.

Too often, our prayers are self-centered, looking to God as a magician to give us our every desire. What about other people? I’m sure you know plenty of people who don’t know Jesus. Our prayers can help to soften the hearts of non-believers. God wants everyone to come to salvation and is patient in waiting for as many as possible to come to repentance before it’s too late.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). 

Have you ever tried praying daily for someone you know who is spiritually far from God? Prayer can make a difference. Also, pray for boldness on your part to open your mouth boldly to speak to them about salvation. It’s especially hard if that person is an enemy of yours. You really don’t want your worst enemy to spend eternity in Hell. Jesus is very clear about praying for people who don’t treat us nicely.

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28). 

It can be done. In praying for enemies, you just might find a friend. Instead of worrying about what your enemy has done to you, pray.

Sometimes, we don’t really know what words to pray. When a very emotional or stressful situation happens in life, our brain can sometimes just shut down, and words don’t form. We just can’t think of what words to pray. Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, and He is always there to help.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). 

Emotional situations happen to all of us. Maybe you have unexpectedly been laid off from your job, or a loved one has died. These are situations when the Holy Spirit will make intercession for us. Lean on Him and listen to His voice in these times of trouble. God wants us to find His peace and has given us the Holy Spirit to help us in all situations. Remember to lean on Him in times of stress. He dwells in every Christian.

Pray about everything, and don’t forget to give thanks. God has done so much for us, and mostly, we take Him for granted. Even when we don’t like the answer, God is to be praised and thanked. We need to trust Him to care for us.

“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). 

God loves us and wants the best for us. We need to listen for His answers when we pray.

Pray about everything. Be sure to thank Him and praise Him.

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).

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Any Christian who has studied faith should understand that we can add nothing to what Christ did for us on the cross. He paid the full price for our salvation. After being beaten unmercifully, Jesus had hung on the cross for hours, shedding His blood for our salvation, and it was time for Him to give up the ghost; the battle for our souls was over, and He won the victory.

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30).

Many denominations would have us believe that what Jesus did isn’t sufficient and that our salvation depends upon something we do, such as baptism or dressing a certain way.

Baptism is important, and every Christian should be baptized, but it’s something we do as evidence that we believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation. We don’t do it to obtain salvation – because Jesus did it all for us.

John the Baptist baptized people and even baptized Jesus, but remember, that was before the cross. Jewish requirements had people take a ritual bath called a mikvah for spiritual purification prior to starting an important event in life, such as getting married or in preparation for the sabbath or a holy day. Jesus was baptized prior to beginning His ministry, but it definitely wasn’t for salvation or purification! He was Jewish and didn’t come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17). 

Jesus is the example to follow. Begin a new life in Christ by repenting of your sin, and be baptized to symbolize your new life in Christ.

As for dressing a certain way, the fact is Christians should dress modestly.

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 

This applies to both men and women. We usually think that a woman shouldn’t dress flashy or provocatively, but there’s an ugly trend today for men to wear baggy pants that slip well below their waist, exposing their buttocks. That should not be a part of a Christian man’s wardrobe. Modesty is encouraged throughout Scripture and should be taken to heart.

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). 

I knew a very sweet Christian lady who always dressed very nicely. Her manner of dress was very modest without being plain or frumpy. I once commented to her about always looking very nice. She told me she tried to dress with “understated elegance,” and I thought that was an example to follow.

Peter also spoke of appearance. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing gold, or putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3-4). 

Inward beauty is not flashy, but it is true beauty. These things don’t bring salvation, but our salvation should bring about changes in how we present ourselves.

We cannot add anything to what Christ did on the cross, but once we see that we are sinners with no hope for salvation except through Jesus Christ, we need to repent and turn away from our sin and worldly ways. It’s unreasonable to say that you have accepted Christ for salvation while you continue to embrace the sin from which you claim to have repented.

James talks of how a chain reaction from thought to action happens. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:14-16).

We need to stop associating with old friends who will tempt us back into old habits of sinful lust. Make friends with fellow Christians and help each other to stay strong in faithful living.

Salvation is completely through Christ, and nothing we do can make us any more saved than we are when we first turn to Him. It’s His grace alone that saves us.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Can you think of anything you could possibly do to save yourself? You are not greater than God, so we all need to place our faith in Him and His finished work on the cross. That being said, we can earn rewards by our behavior. The desire of our hearts should be changed, and instead of doing things for our own glory, we need to do all things for the glory of Christ. Our faith should inspire us to do good works.

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:20).

We need to live our faith.

Jesus had done some miracles, and people had been fed with bread and fish. They wanted more from Jesus and knew He was going to the other side of the sea. They jumped in their boats to meet Him there. “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled” (John 6:26). 

We may try to fool Jesus into thinking our faith is real. Do we seek Him because we are grateful for what He did for us and want to follow Him? Or do we just want “fire insurance” and have no desire to honor Him with our life? He knows false faith from true faith. He also knows false works from works done for His glory.

Jesus told the group that met Him across the sea, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed” (John 6:27). 

Grace is free, and we don’t have to earn our salvation, but out of gratitude, we need to labor for the Lord.

The people asked what works to do. “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:28-29). 

We only need to have faith. God has made our salvation very easy, but humans try to complicate it. Church doctrines usually have long lists of do this and don’t do that, but God says only have faith. That faith should urge you to labor for God. You may think that you cannot do anything worthy of Him, but you can walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. You can witness to a neighbor, or you can pray for people.

In writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul told them how to avoid sin. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). 

Walking in the Spirit is using Scripture as the guide for your life. You may be saved by grace, but the evidence of that faith is honoring God with your life.

The Apostle Peter was a man who had a struggle learning to walk the walk. He followed Christ for three years but didn’t really have true faith until after the resurrection. Jesus made a point of letting Peter know that he was chosen for a very special purpose in spite of his failures. Peter was to be a pastor and care for and teach the people who would come to faith. Peter learned most of his lessons the hard way, but he did serve Jesus faithfully. He wrote letters of encouragement to fellow believers, and we all need to read them and take them to heart.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4). 

Peter recognized the faith of his readers and encouraged them in their walk. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8). 

Peter didn’t mean that works will save a person, but they grow through our faith. James talked of dead faith, and Peter concurred with him. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make you calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:9-11).

Peter knew that he was soon to be martyred for his faith but left encouragement to his flock and to us. His faith was true faith, and his works honored and glorified Jesus.

We all slip in our walk with Christ, but He is always willing to forgive us when we repent. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Confess your sins to Jesus, not to a priest. A priest cannot forgive your sins. Walk closer with the Lord and always keep Him on your mind. In that way, you won’t fall into temptation but will be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Faith is the foundation on which to build your life. Jesus gave His life for you. Live for Him and honor Him.

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).