I am excited about the power of the word of God.
As I write this morning, I have a cable news channel going in the background and there seems to be a plethora of bad news. The volcano eruption in Iceland has cost untold millions of dollars. There has been an uptick in terrorist violence on the world stage. As we remembered the Oklahoma City bombing, we were worried about our domestic tranquility being shattered once again. Perhaps never before have we seen such partisan fighting in our Capitol.
I am almost ready to say “if it were not for bad news, there would be no news at all.” Then I read John chapter 14, verse 1 where Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” This verse is more poignant to me today than ever before.
Jesus is very clear that we will have trouble in this world, yet He says do not worry but rather trust in Me.
In these uncertain times, this text reminds me of three important facts about trusting God. First, I must trust in the person of Jesus Christ. John makes a very basic assertion in his gospel record that Jesus is the very son of God who came down to Earth. I have trusted Jesus to be my personal lord and savior. Subsequently, I have taken Him at His word that He is who He says He is.
If one is to find consolation in trouble, one must believe the consoler is genuine. I believe Jesus is genuine because of the word of God that reminds us to “cast all of our cares on Jesus because He cares for you.” I trust the person, Jesus Christ.
Secondly, I must trust in the presence of Jesus. Like many who will read this, I have often felt alone and out of the presence of Jesus. It is during these moments that I must remember the promise of Jesus that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I believe we can make a conscious decision to trust in the presence of God.
His word reminds me “ ... I am with you always even unto the end of the age.” I trust the presence of Jesus the Christ.
Thirdly, I must trust in the power of Jesus. During my military days I somehow managed to get my vehicle really stuck in the mud. There were many people who came by with some good, strong vehicles, but they were unable to get me out of my trouble. My vehicle remained stuck until we brought in a vehicle that was larger and stronger than mine. I was stuck so bad my “peer vehicles” could not help me.
These days remind me that we are “stuck” and only the power of Jesus can move us. In these days of sinking sand, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand ... The word reminds me that Jesus is able to keep me from falling and present me to the Father.” I trust in the power of Jesus Christ.
Scott is pastor of Baconton Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Liberty County Homeless Coalition.
As I write this morning, I have a cable news channel going in the background and there seems to be a plethora of bad news. The volcano eruption in Iceland has cost untold millions of dollars. There has been an uptick in terrorist violence on the world stage. As we remembered the Oklahoma City bombing, we were worried about our domestic tranquility being shattered once again. Perhaps never before have we seen such partisan fighting in our Capitol.
I am almost ready to say “if it were not for bad news, there would be no news at all.” Then I read John chapter 14, verse 1 where Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” This verse is more poignant to me today than ever before.
Jesus is very clear that we will have trouble in this world, yet He says do not worry but rather trust in Me.
In these uncertain times, this text reminds me of three important facts about trusting God. First, I must trust in the person of Jesus Christ. John makes a very basic assertion in his gospel record that Jesus is the very son of God who came down to Earth. I have trusted Jesus to be my personal lord and savior. Subsequently, I have taken Him at His word that He is who He says He is.
If one is to find consolation in trouble, one must believe the consoler is genuine. I believe Jesus is genuine because of the word of God that reminds us to “cast all of our cares on Jesus because He cares for you.” I trust the person, Jesus Christ.
Secondly, I must trust in the presence of Jesus. Like many who will read this, I have often felt alone and out of the presence of Jesus. It is during these moments that I must remember the promise of Jesus that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I believe we can make a conscious decision to trust in the presence of God.
His word reminds me “ ... I am with you always even unto the end of the age.” I trust the presence of Jesus the Christ.
Thirdly, I must trust in the power of Jesus. During my military days I somehow managed to get my vehicle really stuck in the mud. There were many people who came by with some good, strong vehicles, but they were unable to get me out of my trouble. My vehicle remained stuck until we brought in a vehicle that was larger and stronger than mine. I was stuck so bad my “peer vehicles” could not help me.
These days remind me that we are “stuck” and only the power of Jesus can move us. In these days of sinking sand, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand ... The word reminds me that Jesus is able to keep me from falling and present me to the Father.” I trust in the power of Jesus Christ.
Scott is pastor of Baconton Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Liberty County Homeless Coalition.