The Lord Is Good: A Stronghold for Those Who Trust Him (Prov 21:22,Nahum 1:7)

I’ve been enjoying Choose Your Stronghold - Bill Johnson,. It feels especially timely. Yesterday, a rocket went to the moon, and my brother’s wife lost her job. In the middle of life’s extremes, one thing becomes clear: what we trust in matters deeply.

The fear of God is not panic. It is wisdom. It is like wearing a seat belt when driving fast, or like an X-ray technician putting on a protective shield. There is a right kind of fear that keeps you aligned with reality. I want to be found in Christ, abiding in Him and standing firm.

One of the strongest points in Bill’s sermon is this: God takes our trust seriously. If we think trust is important, we should multiply that understanding by a thousand. Scripture says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:1–7). Faith is not a vague feeling. It is where we place our confidence, our dependence, and our identity.

A stronghold is often an idea that feels safe in our lives, but may actually be a lie. One common lie is, “I was born this way,” as though we are forever locked into broken patterns with no hope of transformation. But the Word of God confronts lies and calls us into truth. It spurs us on to love and good deeds, showing us the way to live and flourish.

I am continually amazed that His Word is truly living and active. It does not merely inspire. It cuts with precision, surgically removing false beliefs and replacing them with truth that leads to life. One example I got to share this week was about stealing. The world says, “You did the crime, now do the time.” But God says something far more transformative: “If you are a thief, steal no longer. Work diligently with your hands so that you will have abundance to give to those in need.” God does not just stop sin. He redeems identity and redirects purpose.

When faith is working properly in our heart, soul, and mind, it becomes a stronghold of truth. But we also have an enemy who tries to establish counterfeit strongholds, anger, bitterness, hatred, lust, debauchery, sloth, and every kind of destructive pattern. These are not harmless thoughts. They become fortresses if left unchallenged.

So we must tear down false strongholds and learn to yield to the divine power of God’s Word. The question is not whether we will live from a stronghold. The question is: which one will we choose?

One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty, and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. Prov 21:22

• Strong holds are the ideas we put our trust in: many trust in substance, situations, health (all are shifting sand). "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Cor 10:4

"May the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16) means allowing Jesus' teachings to permeate your life, thoughts, and actions continuously rather than occasionally. It implies that Scripture should be at home in the believer, shaping wisdom, guiding relationships, and fostering a thankful heart.

• The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 
• The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. Psalm 37:39
• Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalm 8:2
• The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
• The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

The Foundation: Who God Is

Nahum 1:7 packs three towering truths into one verse: God's goodness, God's protection, and God's personal knowledge of those who trust Him. Each deserves its own biblical development.

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1. The Lord Is Good

This is not a feeling about God — it is a declaration about His nature.

"For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." — Psalm 100:5

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." — James 1:17

"You are good and do good; teach me your statutes." — Psalm 119:68

The point: God's goodness is not circumstantial. It does not fluctuate with the economy, your health, or your circumstances. Nahum wrote during a time of Assyrian terror, yet declared God good. Goodness is God's character, not His reaction to our comfort.

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2. He Is a Stronghold in the Day of Trouble

A stronghold in the ancient world was not a retreat — it was a fortified position from which you could survive and fight. God is not a hiding place from life; He is a secure base within it.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." — Proverbs 18:10

"The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." — Psalm 9:9

"He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." — Psalm 62:2

"I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" — Psalm 91:2

"But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge." — Psalm 94:22

Key contrast: The Assyrians trusted in military might, city walls, and numbers. Nahum contrasts their coming destruction with the security of those whose stronghold is the Lord Himself. The world's fortresses fall. God's does not.

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3. He Knows Those Who Trust in Him

This is perhaps the most personal phrase in the verse. "He knows" is covenantal language — intimate, relational, chosen knowledge.

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" — Isaiah 43:1

"The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." — Psalm 1:6

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me." — John 10:14

"But if anyone loves God, he is known by God." — 1 Corinthians 8:3

"The Lord knows those who are his." — 2 Timothy 2:19

The point: To be known by God is not just awareness — it is watchful care, active protection, and personal engagement. He does not forget you in your trouble. He is fully present and fully attentive.

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4. What It Means to Trust

Trust is the hinge on which this whole verse swings. God is good and a stronghold — but Nahum says these realities belong specifically to those who take refuge in Him. Trust is not passive.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid." — Psalm 56:3-4

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." — Psalm 37:5

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." — Psalm 125:1

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." — Isaiah 26:3

Trust is a direction, not just a doctrine. It means turning toward God, running to His name, anchoring your mind on His character when circumstances shake everything else.

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5. The Day of Trouble — Why This Matters

Nahum's context is critical. He wrote to Judah under the shadow of Assyria, one of the most brutal empires in history. This was not metaphorical trouble; this was existential threat. Yet the declaration stands: God is good. God is a stronghold. God knows you.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." — Psalm 23:4

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." — John 16:33

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." — 1 Peter 5:10

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Summary: One Verse, Three Unshakeable Truths

Truth	Verse Anchor	What It Means
The Lord is good	Psalm 100:5, James 1:17	His character never changes
He is a stronghold	Psalm 46:1, Proverbs 18:10	He is your secure place in every storm
He knows those who trust	John 10:14, Isaiah 43:1	You are personally held, not just generally protected

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The message of Nahum 1:7 is not wishful thinking — it is theological bedrock. When the day of trouble comes (and it will), the person rooted in this truth does not simply endure. They stand in a fortress that cannot be taken.

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"Jesus, where are we going?" Matthew 11:29-30

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” - Matthew 11:29-30

Enjoyed dinner with my brother yesterday and prayer on the way home for Alpha, Teen Challenge with our prayer team. Tuesday was great with just Dan and Heather, the big idea was How am I going to get through this?” In this session we address questions of the heart: seeking to find purpose in pain and strategies for dealing with disappointment.

The session illustrated Jesus in the garden of praying with people he trusted, with his pain, he trusted God's purpose... like making olive oil through pressing the Olives. The oil both anoints and gives light.

At the end of the session we clenched our fists with the thing we've been disappointed about and then opened our hands in prayer. 

We reminded each other that we understand our situation, community, and loved ones better when we come into the presence of God in prayer. 

This as well as our doctrine for BSF prepared me perfectly for my conversation with my brother. I got to share my eternal life in heaven as we sat together in a booth at a restaurant. God does immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, yet he invites us to ask and imagine. Halleluiah! 

Core Themes from Matthew 11:29-30 and related scriptures 

1. Exchanging Burdens — Not Eliminating Them Jesus doesn't promise an absence of load — He offers a different yoke. The contrast with Matthew 23:4 is sharp: religious leaders pile on weight they won't carry themselves. Christ carries His yoke with you. The burden is real; the bearer changes.

2. Rest as Relationship, Not Escape The rest Jesus offers isn't passive withdrawal — it's found by learning from Him (v.29). Hebrews 4:9-11 connects this to Sabbath rest, and Jeremiah 6:16 roots it in ancient paths. Rest is the fruit of walking rightly with God, not stepping away from life.

3. Humility as the Gate to Rest Christ describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart." The men who find no rest are often the ones too proud to admit they're exhausted, too self-sufficient to ask for help. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 inverts this completely — weakness becomes the access point for Christ's power.

4. Misplaced Labor Leads to Emptiness Isaiah 55:2-3 cuts at the root: men exhaust themselves on things that don't satisfy. The yoke of ambition, approval, and achievement is heavy precisely because it never delivers what it promises.

5. Community as Part of the Design Galatians 6:2 ties burden-bearing to fulfilling the law of Christ. Rest isn't purely individual — it's experienced in part through men who carry weight together.

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Practical Applications for Christian Men

Stop performing, start learning. "Learn from Me" is the command. Men tend to act before they listen. Build a regular rhythm — Scripture, prayer, silence — that is about formation, not productivity.

Name what you're actually carrying. 1 Peter 5:7 assumes you know what your anxiety is before you cast it. Sit with that question honestly: What burdens are self-imposed? What came from others' expectations? What is genuinely yours to carry?

Reclaim Sabbath as conviction, not inconvenience. Hebrews 4 treats rest as something you must "make every effort to enter." Most men treat rest as what's left after everything else is done. Protect a day. Treat it as obedience, not luxury.

Let weakness be honest, not hidden. The culture of men — especially in professional life — rewards the appearance of strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 calls this a loss. Find at least one man you can be genuinely weak with.

Audit what you're laboring for. Isaiah 55:2 is the diagnostic question every man needs to ask annually, if not monthly: Is what I'm spending my energy on actually satisfying? If the answer is no, that's not a life problem — it's a worship problem.

Carry someone else's burden this week. Galatians 6:2 is a practice, not a principle. Identify a man in your circle who is heavy-laden. Show up. The rest you find in Christ should overflow into others.

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God’s Purposes in Life’s Hardships The Doctrine of Suffering

“So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” (Nehemiah 4:6)

I've had the honor of doing life with people who are suffering in SALT, BSF, MNTC, and grace church. I've been reflecting lately on the psychology of suffering and how gaining higher ground perspective can help. This is only possible when we draw near to God however there's significant roadblocks to doing this with integrity. The problem with us and the Solution (James 4:1-10, Prov 3:1-8, 2 Peter 1:3-11)) is really about maturity. I've seen in my life and the life of others that we can fail to grow into our new nature and flourish. That we survive, stay alive, and sometimes thrive is a miracle. In BSF our goal is to magnify God and mature his people.

• The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, Matthew 13:38
• I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. John 17:15
• In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16
• But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Yesterday I had a divine appoint with a friend who's going through several hardships and beginning to desire a new way to live. We talked about Practical helps to overcome addiction (Allen Carr) and how a way of life that "always felt like me" can give way to a new/better life can give freedom. Jesus came to release the captive and set the prisoner free. A captive is bound by force and held against their will. They may be able to survive in captivity but they aren't free. A prisoner is someone who deserves being bound by force against their will. Jesus can to release the captive and set the prisoner free. 

In Luke 4:18-19 (Isaiah 61:1-2; Isaiah 58:6), Jesus declared his mission was to proclaim liberty to captives, heal the brokenhearted, and set the oppressed free. Fulfilling this prophecy, He came to release humanity from the bondage of sin, spiritual darkness, fear, and emotional brokenness, offering salvation through faith. 

Key aspects of Jesus setting the captives free include:

• Release from Sin & Guilt: Delivering individuals from the power of sin, spiritual oppression, and the condemnation of the law.
• Freedom from Oppression: Breaking the bondage of fear, addiction, emotional trauma, and generational curses.
• Spiritual Transformation: Offering a new nature and enabling people to become righteous before God as a free gift.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus identified this as his central mission, quoting Isaiah 61 in the synagogue to announce that the time of salvation and divine favor had arrived. 
• This liberation is not just physical, but a freedom of the soul and spirit, aiming to heal those crushed by life's calamities. 

As we study Nehemiah 4-6 we learn that any good and significant work encounters challenges. Pressing deadlines, changing priorities, and shortfalls in people and provisions are pitfalls that often arise between planning and completing a project. Serial setbacks lead many to believe the journey is impossible and the project insurmountable. Others embrace challenges as opportunities that stimulate and invigorate growth.

Genuine work for God faces even greater opposition that can make a task, project, or calling seem like a lashing tempest. Satan, a motivated spiritual enemy, fuels his forces with countless evil schemes and debilitating strategies at his disposal. Fallen humans can also launch a rogue wave of strident opposition. The enemy’s undercover work grows from an ominous ripple to a raging tsunami with an unseen undertow, attempting to drag victims into an overpowering sea. However, the battle belongs to the Lord. In His hands, currents that come against God’s faithful people become catalysts for growth and sanctification. Enduring work for the Lord requires our prayerful planning and His protection. As we turn to God, He equips, encourages, motivates, and matures those who steadfastly trust Him through trials and tribulation. Victory is assured, and the glory is His.

The key for us is to follow Nehemiah's leadership example and appeal to God (Nehemiah 4:4-5) – When scorned, Nehemiah turned to God in prayer. Similar to prayers of deliverance with which he was likely familiar (Psalms 74; 79),  Nehemiah opened his prayer by expressing honest vulnerability. He represented a despised people - not only in this current circumstance but throughout history (Genesis 12:3; Joel 3:2; Zechariah 12:2-3; Matthew 24:4-14; Luke 21:24). Nehemiah recognized God’s power and cried out to Him, asking that He would turn the enemies’ insults back on their heads. Rather than take matters into his own hands, Nehemiah understood and trusted that vengeance and judgment rightfully belong to the Lord (Romans 12:19). 

So onto the Doctrine talk

Nehemiah secured permission and delegated the workforce to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. Even so, Nehemiah faced external and internal challenges as he sought God’s purposes. First, a Samaritan administrator’s anger manifested into ugly taunts and violent threats. Always dependent on prayer, Nehemiah turned to God. He wisely prepared his people with plans to protect themselves from the Satan-induced schemes of their enemies and encouragement to continue working. Always on the prowl, Satan wants to devour God’s people and thwart God’s plans.

Why is hardship and suffering happening?

• Rebellion against God resulted in separation from Him and brought incalculable pain to creation (obituaries)
• Suffering comes as a consequence of sin’s presence in our world, but God can accomplish His purposes through our suffering (dispositions)
• Discounting the doctrine of suffering requires ignoring the reality and result of sin in our lives. (Depraved psychology)
• Coming to terms with suffering’s source and solution requires living in the hope only Jesus provides (Unfathomable hope)
• When I do not believe that God works through suffering, I question God’s goodness and wisdom when life gets hard, pulling away from Him rather than running to Him.
• When I believe that God is sovereign over suffering, I know that no matter what I experience or how long it lasts, God is with me. He is working all things together for good, and He will always be with His suffering people.

God uses suffering and life’s challenges to build faithful character and draw His people closer

to Him.

– Suffering causes us to lean on, trust, and surrender to God in ways we may not have before.

– Suffering exposes our need and neediness, leading us to depend on God.

– What suffering are you undergoing today? What are you learning about yourself and your God through it?

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The Final Debrief: What We Carry Into Glory

Every believer stands on the same foundation, Jesus Christ. But what each one builds upon that foundation is tested by fire at the Bema seat of Christ. Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 3 is not about salvation but about legacy: wood, hay, and stubble represent the self-serving, the superficial, and the temporally motivated, while gold, silver, and precious stones represent faithful obedience built for God's glory. The judgment seat described in 2 Corinthians 5 is not a courtroom of condemnation but an accounting of stewardship. every deed done in the body examined not for guilt, but for faithfulness. The reward of that faithfulness is heard in the simplest words imaginable: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). But the teaching does not end with the reward, it ends with worship. Revelation 4 reveals that the crowns given to the elders are not kept as trophies; they are cast before the throne of the One who alone is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. The whole arc of the teaching presses a single question: What are you building, and for whom? What survives the fire will be laid at His feet and that changes everything about how we live today.

Works That Follow Us: What we do in this life has eternal weight.

• Revelation 14:13: our works follow us beyond death.
• 1 Corinthians 3:10–15: Christ tests the quality of our work; only what is fireproof remains.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10: every believer appears before Christ for reward.
• Colossians 3:23–24: work done “unto the Lord” becomes inheritance.
• Ephesians 6:7–8: the Lord repays the good we do.
• Hebrews 6:10: God is not unjust to forget faithful labor.

Character That Carries Forward: Sanctification is not discarded at death. It is completed.

• Romans 8:29–30: God’s endgame is Christlikeness.
• 1 John 3:2: we will be like Him when we see Him.
• 2 Corinthians 3:18: the transformation happening now continues into what is revealed then.
• Philippians 1:6: He finishes what He starts.
• Colossians 3:10: renewed into the image of the Creator.
• Jude 24: He keeps us and presents us blameless with joy.

Souls Won and Discipled: People, not possessions, cross into eternity.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20: believers Paul invested in are his crown.
• Philippians 4:1: people are lasting fruit.
• Daniel 12:3: leading many to righteousness shines forever.
• John 4:36: the sower and reaper rejoice together.
• Proverbs 11:30: the one who wins souls is wise.

Rewards, Faithfulness, and Stewardship

The Parable Framework: Jesus ties eternal reward to faithfulness in ordinary responsibility.

• Matthew 25:14–30: talents judged; reward proportional to faithfulness.
• Luke 19:11–27: faithfulness over “very little” leads to authority over cities.
• Matthew 25:34–40: serving “the least of these” is serving Christ.

Crowns as Specific Rewards

• 2 Timothy 4:8: crown of righteousness for loving His appearing.
• James 1:12 / Revelation 2:10: crown of life for endurance.
• 1 Peter 5:4: crown of glory for faithful shepherds.
• 1 Corinthians 9:24–27: imperishable crown for disciplined service.
• Revelation 3:11: hold fast so no one takes your crown.

Stewardship Principles

• Luke 16:10–12: faithfulness with what is small reveals readiness for true riches.
• Matthew 6:19–21: treasure in heaven, not on earth.
• Luke 12:42–48: much given, much required.
• Romans 14:12: each gives an account to God.
• Hebrews 4:13: nothing hidden before Him.

Accounting for Time and Gifts

• Ephesians 5:15–16: redeem the time.
• 1 Peter 4:10: steward spiritual gifts for others.
• Matthew 12:36: account even for careless words.
• Ecclesiastes 12:13–14: every deed brought into judgment.

Hearing “Well Done”

The Direct Words

• Matthew 25:21, 23: “Well done… enter the joy of your Master.”
• Luke 19:17: faithfulness in little brings kingdom authority.

Approval From God, Not Men

• 2 Timothy 2:15: present yourself to God as one approved.
• 1 Corinthians 4:3–5: the Lord examines motives.
• Galatians 1:10: seek His approval, not applause.
• John 5:44: desire the glory that comes from God.

The Joy of the Master

• Matthew 25:21: reward includes shared joy.
• Hebrews 12:2: Jesus endured for the joy ahead; we follow that pattern.
• Zephaniah 3:17: God rejoices over His people.

Standing Before the Judge-King

• Revelation 22:12: Christ returns with rewards in hand.
• Isaiah 40:10: His recompense is with Him.
• Hebrews 11:6: He rewards diligent seekers.
• Romans 2:6–7: He renders according to works.

The Crown Returned in Worship

• Revelation 4:10–11: every crown is cast at His feet. Reward becomes worship.

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Biblical Foundations for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

I had the honor of hosting a meeting with Paul Abney at my work for SALT, STRIVE, VETNET. He shared his story of trauma, recovery and advocacy for people to move from suffering to true healing. This morning my friend shared Trauma, Addiction and Recovery: Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Addiction which got me thinking about CBT and the Bible. 

CBT says our thoughts shape our emotions and behaviors. Scripture taught this long before modern psychology. The Bible presents a coherent model of the mind that mirrors CBT’s cognitive-behavioral architecture.

1. Change begins with the mind
Paul frames transformation as cognitive renewal.
Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Philippians 4:8 — Directing attention toward what is true.
Colossians 3:2 — “Set your minds on things above.”
This is cognitive restructuring in biblical language.

2. Identify and challenge distorted thoughts
CBT teaches monitoring and reframing automatic thoughts.
2 Corinthians 10:5 — “Take captive every thought.”
This is an active evaluation of internal narratives, not passive acceptance.
Applied to trauma: Scripture confronts harmful core beliefs (“I am damaged,” “I am unsafe”) rather than baptizing them.

3. Thought → emotion → behavior
Scripture treats the “heart” as the integrated center of thought, feeling, and action.
Proverbs 23:7 — “As he thinks… so is he.”
Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Matthew 15:18-19 — Behavior originates in the inner thought-life.
This is the cognitive model stated plainly.

4. Action reinforces belief
CBT uses behavioral activation. Scripture does the same.
James 1:22 — “Do what it says.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8 — Spiritual maturity is trained, not felt.
Behavioral practice reshapes the inner life.

5. Exposure over avoidance
CBT teaches that avoidance feeds fear; courage rewires it.
2 Timothy 1:7 — A “sound mind” in fear-based situations.
Psalm 23:4 — Healing comes by walking through the valley, not around it.
This parallels trauma-focused exposure therapy.

6. Rumination and anxiety
Scripture addresses anticipatory fear and catastrophic thinking.
Matthew 6:34 — “Do not worry about tomorrow.”
Philippians 4:6-7 — Petition + thanksgiving produces cognitive peace.
1 Peter 5:6-7 — Anxiety is “cast” — a deliberate cognitive release.
This aligns with mindfulness-based CBT.

7. Identity reconstruction
CBT reshapes core beliefs. Scripture does too.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — A new identity redefines self-schema.
Ephesians 4:22-24 — Put off → renew the mind → put on.
A full cognitive-behavioral sequence is embedded here.

8. Community as change catalyst
CBT uses group reality-checking and accountability.
James 5:16 — Confession externalizes distorted beliefs.
Proverbs 27:17 — Others help correct our thinking.
Scripture embeds change in relational systems, not isolation.

Synthesis
Scripture and CBT converge on three truths:
• Thought is the driver of emotional and behavioral life (John 8:32).
• Truth dismantles distortion and brings freedom.
• Lasting change requires both renewed cognition and practiced obedience.

For clinicians or pastors working with believers, this alignment is not cosmetic. It gives CBT a deeper moral and theological backbone and offers clients meaning, hope, and a worldview that reinforces clinical progress.

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Peace comes from God’s presence, guarded by prayer, gratitude, trust, and hope

Enjoying How to Maintain Peace and Avoid Stress and Anxiety - Bill Johnson Sermon | Bethel Church

Bill Johnson teaches that peace is not the absence of problems but the presence of God, who guards the heart and mind when we stay grounded in prayer, gratitude, and trust. Scripture reinforces this pattern. Jesus gives a peace the world cannot match (John 14:27), and believers are urged to let that peace rule their hearts (Colossians 3:15). Prayerlessness opens the door to temptation and lack (James 4:2; Matthew 26:41), while thankfulness acts as protective armor (Philippians 4:6–7). Worry is misplaced faith (Matthew 6:27), but casting burdens on God restores confidence and strength (1 Peter 5:7; Isaiah 41:10). Fear disrupts intimacy, yet perfect love drives it out (1 John 4:18), enabling us to hear God clearly (John 10:27). Biblical peace restores spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23), and the God of hope fills His people with joy and peace as they trust Him (Romans 15:13).

Peace is presence, not escape.

God’s peace is His active presence, not the absence of conflict.
• “My peace I give you… not as the world gives.” John 14:27
• “He himself is our peace.” Ephesians 2:14
• “The God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

Keep your peace.
A noisy heart loses what God already gave.
• “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Colossians 3:15
• “In returning and rest you shall be saved.” Isaiah 30:15
• “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Prayerlessness creates lack.
No prayer. More pressure.
• “You do not have because you do not ask.” James 4:2
• “Pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Jesus warned Peter to “watch and pray… so you will not fall into temptation.” Matthew 26:41

Thankfulness is a guard.
Gratitude is armor.
• “Present your requests… and the peace of God will guard your hearts.” Philippians 4:6–7
• Jesus “gave thanks” on the night He was betrayed. Luke 22:19
• “Give thanks in all circumstances.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Worry is misplaced faith.
Anxiety trusts the wrong kingdom.
• “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour…?” Matthew 6:27
• “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
• “Do not fear… I will strengthen you.” Isaiah 41:10

Guard peace to hear God.
Noise blunts discernment. Peace sharpens it.
• “My sheep hear my voice.” John 10:27
• “In quietness and trust is your strength.” Isaiah 30:15
• “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

Fear breaks connection.
Fear disrupts intimacy with God.
• “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10
• “Perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18
• “The Lord is my light… whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1

Peace restores spirit, soul, and body.
Peace is whole-person restoration.
• “May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
• “The God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
• “He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3

Hopelessness is a spiritual attack.
Reject it. Replace it with resurrection hope.
• “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God.” Psalm 42:5
• “By His great mercy… a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3
• “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.” Romans 15:13

Breakthrough requires standing.
Hope activates when we respond.
• “Stand firm… and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring.” Exodus 14:13
• “Resist the devil, and he will flee.” James 4:7
• “Call to me, and I will answer you.” Jeremiah 33:3

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The Belt of Truth: Identity Secured

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  Ephesians 6:14

Girded in truth

Paul begins the armor of God with the belt because truth holds everything else in place.

• “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Ephesians 6:14)

• In Scripture, to “gird” yourself means to prepare for action. “Gird up the loins of your mind.” (1 Peter 1:13)

• God’s Word is truth. “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Truth stabilizes your inner life. It secures identity before the battle starts.

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Truth as protection against confusion

Confusion is one of the enemy’s oldest tactics. Truth cuts through it.

• The serpent’s first attack was deception: “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1)

• God is not the author of confusion but peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).

• Wisdom from above is “pure… peace-loving… sincere.” (James 3:17)

The belt of truth guards your mind from distortion, half-truths, and spiritual fog.

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Cultural lies versus Gospel truth

Culture offers identity without repentance, purpose without holiness, and love without lordship. Scripture exposes false foundations.

• “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20)

• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

• “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.” (Colossians 2:8)

The Gospel counters cultural lies with the deepest truth:

• You are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

• You are redeemed by Christ (Ephesians 1:7).

• You are adopted as a child of God (Romans 8:15–16).

• You are called to walk in light, not darkness (1 John 1:5–7).

Truth gives clarity where culture gives shifting sand.

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Living truthfully in speech and conduct

Truth is not just believed. It is embodied.

• “Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)

• “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25)

• Jesus calls His followers to be people whose “yes” means “yes” (Matthew 5:37).

• Our conduct must match our confession: “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)

Truthfulness in life is both witness and protection. It keeps the enemy from gaining a foothold in hidden places.

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PEACE: invite God’s presence without pressure, shame, or coercion.

I like the PEACE framework for helping people through change (myself included). It stands for Problem, Empathy, Action, Change, End Result. 

P. Problem. Prayer of Truth and Illumination

Scripture anchor
Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart.”

Prayer reflection

God, we come to You without pretending.
We name what is real, not what we wish were true.
Show us where fear has blurred our vision.
Reveal what we have avoided facing.
Give us courage to see clearly without despair.

Silent reflection questions

• What reality am I resisting naming before God?

• What facts have I been afraid to acknowledge?

• Where has avoidance felt safer than truth?

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E. Empathy. Prayer of Lament and Compassion

Scripture anchor
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”

Prayer reflection

Lord, this season has been heavy.
You see the grief, the disappointment, the shame we do not say out loud.
Meet us here without condemnation.
Sit with us in the sorrow we have carried too long.
Remind us that pain does not disqualify us from Your care.

Silent reflection questions

• What loss do I still need to grieve?

• Where do I feel unseen or misunderstood?

• What emotion have I been numbing instead of offering to God?

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A. Action. Prayer of Willingness and Obedience

Scripture anchor
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Prayer reflection

God, we do not ask for the full plan.
We ask for the next faithful step.
Give us willingness where motivation is weak.
Help us choose obedience over overwhelm.
Strengthen our hands for small acts of faithfulness.

Silent reflection questions

• What small action am I resisting?

• What step is within my control today?

• Where might obedience come before understanding?

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C. Change. Prayer of Identity and Stewardship

Scripture anchor
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control.”

Prayer reflection

Father, reshape how we see ourselves.
We reject the lie that we are powerless.
Teach us to steward what remains, not mourn only what is lost.
Restore our sense of agency as Your children.
Form character in us through this season.

Silent reflection questions

• What identity am I living out right now?

• Where have I confused limitation with helplessness?

• What does stewardship look like in my present reality?

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E. End Result. Prayer of Hope and Trust

Scripture anchor (sovereignty and freedom)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13

Prayer reflection

God, we place the future back in Your hands.
Not demanding comfort, but trusting Your faithfulness.
Help us imagine a future marked by stability, dignity, and peace.
Give us endurance to walk toward it step by step.
Teach us to hope without denying reality.

Silent reflection questions

• What kind of future am I afraid to hope for?

• What would peace look like six months from now?

• Where do I need to trust God instead of control outcomes? Christ’s yoke reshapes the heart through the Spirit, not self-regulation (Matthew 11:29-30)

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Closing Prayer

Lord, we offer You what we have, not what we wish we had.
Meet us in truth.
Strengthen us in weakness.
Guide us in obedience.
And lead us into a future shaped by faith, not fear.
Amen.

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A Gentle Reminder for You

Prayer prepares the heart.
Action moves the feet.
God honors both.

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True Christian is Witness to Christ's personal reality (1 Pet. 3:15)

My friend Clark posted the 10 Vital Signs of a True Christian

1. Christian fruit (John 15:8)

2. Love for God's people (John 13:35)

3. Concern for personal holiness (1 Pet. 1:13-21)

4. Love for God's Word (1 Pet. 2:2-3)

5. A desire to obey (John 14:15, 21, 23)

6. A sense of intimacy with God (Rom. 8:14-17)

7. Perseverance (Phil. 1:27-28)

8. Fellowship with God's people (Heb. 10:24-25)

9. A desire to glorify God (Matt. 5:13-16)

10. Witness to Christ's personal reality (1 Pet. 3:15)

- MacArthur and Mayhue

The last on got me thinking. A true Christian is not merely a carrier of ideas about Christ. A true Christian is a witness to Christ as a living and personal reality. 1 Peter 3:15 grounds this identity: “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and respect.” The verse assumes something vital. Hope is already present, visible, and compelling enough that others ask about it. Witness begins not with argument but with an encountered Lord.

Witness is rooted in inward allegiance.
Peter starts with the heart. To sanctify Christ as Lord means Christ is not abstract doctrine but reigning presence. The believer’s life is ordered around Him. This inner reality produces coherence. Decisions, responses to suffering, patience under pressure, and moral clarity all flow from a lived relationship. Apologetics follows devotion, not the other way around. Authority in witness comes from submission before it comes from speech.

Witness is experiential, not theoretical.
The Christian testifies to what Christ has done and is doing. Forgiveness received. Conscience cleansed. Fear reoriented. Purpose clarified. This aligns with the biblical pattern of testimony. “What we have seen and heard we proclaim.” A witness speaks credibly because their life has been intersected by truth. Christianity spreads not only by explanation but by presence shaped by encounter.

Witness is hope made visible.
Peter emphasizes hope, not debate. Hope is resilient confidence grounded in Christ’s resurrection and reign. In a hostile or confusing world, hope stands out. It is calm under threat. Steady under loss. Joyful without denial of pain. When hope is visible, questions follow naturally. Witness happens when the Christian life creates holy curiosity.

Witness is marked by posture, not aggression.
Gentleness and respect are not optional. They are evidence that Christ truly reigns in the heart. Harshness undermines credibility. Pride contradicts the message. A true witness reflects the character of Christ while speaking about Christ. The manner of defense validates the content of the defense.

In summary.
A true Christian witnesses to Christ’s personal reality by living under His lordship, speaking from lived experience, embodying durable hope, and engaging others with humility. The Christian does not argue Christ into existence. They bear witness to the One who has already made Himself known.

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The Enemy Is Not Who You Think

Ephesians 6:12 rightly interpreted

Paul is explicit. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy is not people, personalities, cultures, or institutions. Flesh and blood are never the final cause. When believers treat people as the enemy, they misdiagnose the battle and misapply their weapons.

Jesus modeled this clearly. On the cross He did not curse His persecutors. He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Paul echoes this posture in 2 Timothy 2:24–26, warning that opponents may be “captured by the devil to do his will.” The problem is captivity, not character.

To fight people is to fight the wrong enemy.

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“Do Not Give Place to the Devil”

The battlefield of the renewed mind

Paul warns believers not to “give opportunity” or “place” to the devil (Ephesians 4:27). This implies access, not ownership. The enemy gains influence when space is yielded.

Romans 12:2 defines that space clearly. The mind. “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Unrenewed thinking creates agreement with deception. Renewed thinking shuts doors.

Paul clarifies our responsibility in 2 Corinthians 10:3–6. Though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to it. The war targets arguments, lofty opinions, and thoughts that rise against the knowledge of God. Patterns of thinking become a realm of safety for the enemy to operate from when they go unchallenged.

James reinforces this sequence. Desire gives birth to sin, and sin brings death (James 1:14–15). The battle begins long before behavior. It begins with belief.

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The Reality of Spiritual Rulers, Authorities, and Deception

Scripture does not minimize the reality of spiritual powers. Paul names rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). These forces traffic primarily in deception.

Fear is one of their most common tools. “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is not neutral. It is a spiritual influence that weakens clarity, courage, and obedience.

Paul contrasts fear with sound judgment. Deception clouds discernment. Truth restores it (John 8:31–32). Where fear dominates, faith erodes. Where truth is embraced, authority is regained.

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The Danger of Fighting the Wrong Enemy

Wounding the bruised reed

When believers misidentify the enemy, they often harm the very people God intends to heal.

Isaiah prophesies of the Messiah. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). Jesus applies this to His own ministry (Matthew 12:20). He protects the weak. He restores the wounded.

Fighting the wrong enemy leads to spiritual friendly fire. The bruised reed is broken. The smoldering wick is extinguished. Paul warns against this when he calls believers to restore others “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).

God’s scepter, His skepal, represents righteous authority exercised with justice and mercy (Hebrews 1:8, 4:12, Psalm 110:2). Kingdom authority is never harsh, reactionary, or fear-driven. It is discerning, redemptive, and truth-centered.

King of Kings, resurrection and the Kingdom of Heaven (part 1)

Revelation of the church, a kingdom of priests (Rev 1:6, 5:10, 22:5-6)

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord (Eph 5:10,Romans 12:1-2)

The Only Kingdom That Prevails The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God

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Closing Emphasis

The enemy thrives in misdirection. When believers attack people instead of lies, symptoms instead of roots, or behavior instead of belief, the real enemy advances quietly.

Scripture calls us to clarity. Renew the mind. Discern the spirits. Refuse fear. Protect the wounded. Pull down strongholds. And stand firm in truth.

Victory begins when the enemy is correctly identified and rightly resisted.

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God’s Sovereign Control of the Details The Doctrine of Fulfillment of Prophecy

As we started the Daniel study we focused on Peace in the Promises Now as we start Ezra we return to this doctrine of fulfillment of prophecy with a focus on God's sovereign control of the details.

• The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
• Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
• Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
• By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4

Through the prophet Isaiah, God foretold that He would raise up a king named Cyrus to send His exiled people back to their homeland. True to His Word, God fulfilled this promise during the days of Ezra. Judah’s 70-year exile ended, and God’s people returned to rebuild their decimated temple and land.

What difference does it make to know that God named a powerful king to an appointed task long before that king drew a breath?  Fulfilled prophecy confirms God’s truth and displays His character. God, the eternal King, works through and despite earthly kings. How does God’s unfolding plan, moving forward in His perfect time and ordained way, strengthen your faith? Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, came to earth as God had promised. He will return, just as God has foretold. The God of eternity has revealed enough about the future for His people to experience comfort and hope today. 

Which promise from God’s Word will you take to heart today? 

How does God’s faithfulness embolden you to walk through the doors of opportunity He opens as you serve Him and others?

God orchestrated the timely fulfillment of His promises. He moved the heart of Persia’s King Cyrus to enable the first 50,000 returnees led by Zerubbabel. God guided individuals, families, priests, and leaders to abandon their familiar lives in Babylon, travel to a decimated homeland, and take on difficult work. God supplied the needs of His called travelers by moving their neighbors and even the king toward giving riches the Israelites would need to complete their task. The details in this book demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His Word and His sovereignty over all people, including those who do not recognize His divine hand.

• God’s control of history: Isaiah 46:9-10, Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.
• The Holy Spirit and prophecy: 2 Peter 1:20-21, Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

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"I tell you the truth" is a repeated theme of Jesus - Holy Love of God.

 "tell you the truth"

Reflecting on the last few weeks of date nights and discussions with Kim. One of her most influential books was on the Holiness of God by RC Sproul. R.C. Sproul’s idea of holy love is central to understanding the Christian faith—and he presents it with both theological clarity and existential weight. 

What is Holy Love? Sproul emphasizes that God’s love is never abstracted from His holiness. Where modern culture tends to sentimentalize love, Sproul shows that God’s love is pure, consuming, and just—because it's holy. 

God’s Love Is Not Soft—It’s Set Apart (Holy)

• Holiness means God cannot tolerate sin.
• Love means He acts for our highest good.
• Holy love means He must deal with sin—not ignore it.

The Cross Is the Climax of Holy Love ("God does not negotiate with sin. He judges it—at the cross.")

• The cross is not divine leniency.
• It’s holy justice satisfied by holy love.
• Jesus absorbs God's wrath—not because God stops being holy, but because love found a holy way to save.

Holy Love Destroys Complacency ("We trivialize grace when we forget what it cost.")

• Holy love confronts our sin.
• It calls us to repentance and transformation—not just comfort.
• Sproul warns against cheap grace; true grace is awe-inspiring because it flows from holy love.

Holy Love Commands, It Doesn’t Coddle ("God’s love disciplines His children. That’s holiness at work.")

• Hebrews 12 shows love and discipline go together.
• God’s holy love sanctifies us—molding us into Christ’s image, not affirming us as we are.

Holy Love Fuels True Worship ("We don’t really worship until we tremble at the majesty of holy love.")

• Love that overlooks sin breeds entitlement.
• Holy love evokes gratitude, reverence, and humility.

Holy love is costly, cleansing, and compelling.

• Sproul’s vision of God is not of a tame deity who loves at the expense of righteousness, but of a blazing fire who loves through righteousness.
• "To be loved by a holy God is a terrifying blessing—because it means He will not leave you unchanged."

How great is our God! Universe declares your majesty, your are holy, holy! Lord of heaven and earth, alleluia to the Lord of Heaven and Earth!

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We are like Jesus, and job - praying for others (1 Cor 15:48, Job 40-Psalm 1)

The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so also are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so also shall we bear the likeness of the heavenly man. 1 Cor 15:47-49

AIM: God restores us and blesses our abundantly when we forgive others.

People have a hard time with how God treats people in the Bible and in everyday life. Life is hard and doesn't feel fair. This is where it's important to receive God's Word for what it is, not what we wish it was. 

I'm enjoying Quit going into self deception (James 1:19-27), where I'm encouraged to receive the Word and practice the Word - specifically the part;

Practice the Word (James 1:22-25), let it be your mirror for self-examination, not a candid snap-shot but an X-Ray ("Woe is me, I am undone" Isa 6:5, see your sin at the core Luke 5:8, Job 42:6).

Job replied to the Lord,  “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (Job 40:3-5). The Lord speaks from a whirlwind. "Will you discredit my justice and condemn me just to prove you are right? Are you as strong as God" (Job 40:8-9)" Lord explains his creations Behemoth and Leviathan, dinosaur bones today. 

• Job, like Isaiah and the apostles and everyone who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior have eyes that see and heart that understands. Job 13:1  “Look, I have seen all this with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears, and now I understand. Job understands - alludes to Abel (Job 16:18, Heb 11:4,12:24), points to Jesus (Job 16:19,20, Heb12:24) seeing death approach (Job 16:21, Heb 12:23)
• For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it (Job 33:14 NLT) God speaks, do you hear it (Heb 4:12, 12:25)?

I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” - Job 42:5-6

When we have clarity about who God is and our natural disposition to stray away from God. We come to a place of repentance. We desire God's restoration, we sit calmly in dust and ashes and wait upon the Lord. We cultivate the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, seeing Jesus resurrection power at work in our hearts, mind, soul and strength. Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (Gal 5:22-25)

Now we are in a position to intercede for others, like Jesus (Heb 7:25) and Job (Job 42:8,10):

My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer on your behalf. I will not treat you as you deserve, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has...When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. (Job 42:8,10)

When we forgive others, God restores us and blesses our abundantly, Psalms follows Job for good reason.

Job 40-Psalm 1

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Love is the tool that unveils our hearts, crucifies our flesh, and welcomes God into our lives (Gal 2:20,5:22-25,Rom 6:6-14)

Enjoying a time of fasting with the Lord, listening, receiving, praying and walking with Him. This holy week I'm contemplating God's love held Jesus to the Cross, not the nails. Love is the tool we use to unveil (circumcise) our hearts, to crucify our flesh, and come into God's light. Love removes the spec from our eye, so we can see clearly. Love lifts the shame and guilt from our spirit. Love fills us with living water. Love plows the hard ground of our heart and removes the weeds so that new life can flourish and be fruitful. 

• Matthew 28:5: Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
• Acts 4:10: Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.
• Galatians 2:20: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. - Romans 6:6-14

Gal 2:20,5:22-25,Rom 6:6-14 NLT, MSG

Tuesday we enjoyed the Session 4: Holy Saturday: Where? "Where is God when heaven is silent". So many guys left before hearing the big finish about Psalm 22 which Jesus was remembering on the Cross. The creation of all that popular music, revealed at the end. 

Yesterday I was reviewing 40Days, revisiting day 2. Then on my way to work A.J. shared the Story of Jonah during SALT and Light, it was amazing!

• Sign of Jonah - Listen and repent for salvation and receive true Light (Luke 11:29-36)
• Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14)
• Light of listening and bearing the cross (Luke 8:1-9:45). 

It's so obvious that we hide, in secret shame for no reason. We need more than a reading of these truths we need to come into the presence of God. 

Veil of our fleshly fallen nature living on, unjudged within us, uncrucified and unrepudiated

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I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered (Psalm 34:4)

We've been having a morning meeting from 7:55-8:05 am called SALT Praise and Encouragement. The idea came from Hanna, and Karo after we met with Christian business leaders at Target (led by Jorge). We've consistently had 20+ people join and share a word. Yesterday Joel shared Ecclesiastes 2:9-11, 

So I became great and surpassed all in Jerusalem who had preceded me; and my wisdom remained with me. Anything my eyes desired, I did not deny myself. I refused my heart no pleasure. For my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

• Genesis 3:6, where the fruit was "pleasing to the eye."
• Jesus said, Deny Yourself: Jesus is calling for a complete surrender of self-interest and a willingness to put aside personal desires and ambitions. 
• "Take up your cross and follow me" is a call from Jesus, found in Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, and Luke 9:23, urging individuals to embrace the challenges and sacrifices of discipleship, even if it means enduring hardship for the sake of following him. 

Thinking about praise and encouragement  brought me to 1 sam 21:10-15;Psalm 34 where David responds to pressure with fear and lies instead of faith (acts crazy, Achish/Gath/Goliath's hometown), then later writes Psalm 34 where David praise God for deliverance, promises, and eternal salvation/resurrection. Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears... Trust In God (feat. Chris Brown & Isaiah Templeton) | Elevation Worship

• Waiting on the Lord with trust, hope, expectation (Isaiah 40:31)
• Example of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in us (Romans 15:1-13)
• David experiences God through righteous friends, deliverance from evil Saul (1 Samuel 21-24)

Praising God for ministry and the opportunity to encourage one another, all the more as we see the day approaching. Praising God for Gloria, Rob, and Ron. May we continue to pray with and for one another everyday.

Getting a new perspective Genesis 1-3 compared with Revelation 20-22

Gloria: morning prayer: 

  Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of  Your majesty--and I will meditate on Your wonderful works.

Psalm 145:3-5 NIV

  Jesus is in the business of passing along good things such as: outpouring of mercy, visions of hope, a acts of great love. They are life-giving. As we follow Him, we get to do the same, sharing joy and words of encouragement and reminding others that Jesus is at work in our life. Love you  

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God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17)

 Jer 18-19

Key verse: 

...As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand. If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would. Jer 18:6-10

A) God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17)

1-10) LORD gives Jeremiah vision of potter remolding clay on a wheel

• ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’” Jer 18:11
• Be reliable like snowcapped mountain, or a cold stream flowing (Jer 18:13-15)
• But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.” Jer 18:12
• Deserted LORD, incense to idols, stumbled off ancient highways onto muddy paths (Jer 18:15)
• Land will become desolate, monument of stupidity, like wind scatters dust, LORD will turn away from them and refuse to notice distress

Fasting and praying is a wonderful thing. Patience, self-control, perseverance, humility. We talk about what we don't like in ourselves and others but are we willing to change? What will you stop doing, what's no longer working in life that you should put aside and make room for quiet time with the LORD? Fasting does no good if we don't seek the LORD instead of the thing we go to. 

I saw a good video about relationship with God, versus a religious notion about God. If someone comes to your door and asks to stay with you would you let them in? No, you would need to get to know them first as your protecting your home. 

• God wants us in humility to be honest about our shortcomings and out right debauchery, lay your burdons down at the cross and receive forgiveness. His mercy is made new everyday so we turn from our evil way. He puts us back on the path and points us toward righteousness, so that we can do what is right. Alleluia, Amen. 

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To be found in the book of life, walk with God in righteousness (Rev20:14-15)

Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.  Rev 20:15

At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. Malachi 3:16

I've been thinking about eternity lately, what a wonderful thought about being in perfect harmony with our LORD and Savior. Being heavenly minded makes us most useful in this life, to see what our heavenly father is doing and taking his lead. Abiding and setting our hope firmly on Him. We're getting ready for Christmas in the Skyway next Tuesday and I've just purchased giveaways and prizes. 

Everyone needs encouragement, last night we got to pray for Benjamin and Winn for healing, wisdom/understanding, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It's been great to get to know these guys and see them grow through our Alpha experience. Often times we hold back our true selves but when we come into the light, humbly and honestly we receive the blessed presence of God, renewing our hope and flushing us with love. All the songs of Christmas come into my heart and mind and I rejoice. 

We prayed for the whole world to know Jesus this year and I'm reminded that the whole world will know Jesus, either in regret or in thanksgiving. Jesus describes in Luke 16:22-31.

All this makes me want to see where else the book of life is talked about:

• “At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.  Daniel 12:1-3
• Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels....“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:41,46
• Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29

It's about hearing the Word of God and taking it to heart so that it produces righteousness. 

• But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:23
• The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:41-43
• So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous / and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:49-50

God's sovereignty in Salvation, meets our free choice in that he tells us if you go there you'll die, if you come here you'll live. 

• And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:8
• Does God change his mind?
  

Because we are saved, we experience the fulfilment of work God gave us individually (Eph 2:8-10)

• Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
• Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Philippians 4:3
• Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels. Revelation 3:5

Without God, our lives are driving toward eternal destruction (as we lie and celebrate false prophets):

• But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:27
• he too will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. / And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Day and night there is no rest for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” Revelation 14:10-11
• New song, gospel proclaimed and final harvest (Rev 14 in perspective)
• But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Revelation 19:20

Without God, we suppress the truth about God, adding non-sense (fluid gender, abortion as freedom)

• And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book. Revelation 22:19
• You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you...See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it. Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32
• Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. / Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

Once the truth about God, and ourselves is suppressed we search for new messiahs (religions, philosophy)

• But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse! Galatians 1:8-9
• Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace James 3:13-18

It comes down to receiving God into our lives his way (Jesus Christ), else we "will be a horror to all mankind"

• “As they go forth, they will see the corpses of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never be quenched, and they will be a horror to all mankind.” Isaiah 66:24
• May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous Psalm 69:28

Thankful obedience is our acceptable worship, leads us to understanding

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