Life has become a very unnerving experience. Disease, unrest, anger, hatred, and many more evils fill the news, and dwelling on these things can cause fear to cripple us. It’s easy to become discouraged. Although we have network news and newspapers telling us all that’s going wrong, we aren’t the first generation to face hard times. Still, we are in the very last days prior to the Rapture, and we can expect demonic forces to be run wild. Biblical prophecy has warned us in order to prepare us. We can dwell on these frightening events, or we can dwell on positive things.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

God’s blessings still abound, and we have a choice as to whether we see the bad or the good. Choose to see God and fill your thoughts with His promises.

When we surrender our life to Jesus Christ, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Because of that fact, people around us should see the change in us. The circumstances that surround us haven’t changed, but the way we see those circumstance should have changed a lot.

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:22-25).

The Greek word “anastrophe” is translated in King James English as “conversation,” but in modern terms it means the manner in which we conduct our life. Accepting Christ for salvation is more than just saying a few words; it’s a life-changing event. The person we were (the “old man”) has been reborn into a new creation in God.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).

That’s an important event. If we continue to dwell on things of the world, we will become discouraged and never move forward in our walk with Jesus. If you always dwell upon the things that kept you in bondage to sin, then you’ll continue in that bondage. Instead, turn your thoughts to Jesus and His truth. He loves you enough that He shed His blood to save you from eternal damnation. Think about that when you are overwhelmed by news headlines or face the temptation to return to your old ways. Think on things that are true, honest, and are of God. Not only will you lift your own spirits, but you will encourage people around you.

It’s easy to see that there’s much injustice in this world. The reason it seems that criminals don’t pay for their crimes while the “good guys” struggle and are persecuted is that we aren’t looking at things from God’s perspective. We see what’s happening today and think that the rewards of this life are all that matter. God sees what’s going on in the world. There are crooked politicians who seem to go unpunished for their crimes, rioters who are filled with hatred but don’t seem to be held responsible for destroying property, child molesters who get a slap on the wrist, and many more sins that go unpunished. Or do they?

God is perfect and His love is perfect. Even the smallest sin disqualifies us from eternal life, and unless a person is perfect, there’s no chance for eternal life. Because God loves us, He stepped into His creation to become sin in our place. If you’ve accepted Christ’s sacrifice for salvation, then you’ve been justified.

“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39).

Praise God. On the other hand, anyone who rejects Christ’s free gift condemns themselves to eternal damnation. So, when you see pictures of injustice in this world, think of the justice of God. Those criminals have rejected God and will spend eternity understanding God’s justice. Still, if they repent and turn from their wicked ways, God will forgive them, just as He forgave you and has justified you.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Think about that and you’ll find peace.

Paul also tells us to dwell on “whatsoever is pure.” Is there anything in this fallen world that’s pure? We might think of a newborn baby who’s so innocent and vulnerable, but that precious little bundle of joy has a sin nature just like you and me. So, what could we possibly dwell on that is pure?

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalms 12:6).

Christians need reassurance, and there’s nothing more reassuring than God’s word. That’s where we find pure truth. A Christian who neglects to study Scripture misses out on God’s encouragement.

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalms 119:140).

If we dwell on the poison the world feeds us, we miss what God wants us to feed upon. Instead of filling your mind and heart with the latest newsfeed that brings into focus just how corrupt this world is, dwell on Scripture. It tells of God’s love and forgiveness. It also gives us prophecy. Studying prophecy will open your eyes to the fact that God saw what’s happening today and told us so we wouldn’t be surprised. Prophecy has to be fulfilled, but it’s a comfort to know that the signs all point to the Rapture happening very soon.

God is with us all the way. When I read of the throne of God with Seraphim proclaiming “Holy, Holy, Holy” day and night, I get goosebumps and I long to be there. I long to see the crystal sea, loved ones who have gone before, and most of all, long to see Jesus. Dwell on those things, brothers and sisters, and the fears of this life will fade.

It’s been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all of us have thoughts and memories of lovely things – the hug of a loving parent, the first time you saw your spouse, holding your own baby – these are all lovely memories. It’s always awesome to look at God’s creation. The stars, the ocean, purple mountains majesty! Even though we live in this fallen world, there’s much to behold that is lovely.

King David was a man of war who had strife in his kingdom and in his family. There were many things that could have caused him to turn away from God in bitterness and anger, but his psalms are filled with just how awesome God is.

“…The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1).

When life becomes overwhelming, go find a flower and really look at it. God spoke everything into existence, including flowers. Dwell on His power and His love. It will change your attitude and bring peace to your soul.

We choose what we set our minds to. We can look at the evil in this world and become disheartened, or we can dwell on Christ and what He’s done for us. The evil in the world is real, and it’s all from Satan who is the god of this world and is behind the wickedness we see. On the other hand, God is very much at work. It’s important to keep things in perspective and control our thoughts instead of letting them control us.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

Don’t blame God for the wrongs in this life. Instead, turn your thoughts to Jesus and the fact that He has overcome Satan and defeated him at the cross. This is the truth we need to think on.

Paul reminded us “…whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8b).

The victory of Christ over death is definitely a good report with virtue and worthy of praise. Think on that when you get discouraged, and soon you will be praising the Lord with all your heart.

We have no idea how many people may find encouragement from our attitude in times of testing, but it is certain that God will use us in good times and bad if we allow it.

On a missionary trip, Paul had gone to the city of Philippi. That city was filled with pagan practices. Because Paul cast a demon out of a damsel, he was beaten and put in prison. Did he pout? Not at all.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25).

They didn’t hum to themselves, or quietly mumble words of discontent to God. They sang loud enough for their fellow prisoners to hear. There was no question as to whom Paul and Silas worshipped. Then the earthquake hit. The prison doors opened, and the chains which held the prisoners were loosened. The prisoners could have escaped, but the attitude of Paul and Silas affected the people around them. Had the prisoners escaped, the warden of the prison would be held responsible, and he would face death. That warden was about to commit suicide when Paul called to him that no one had escaped. The grateful warden cleansed Paul and Silas’ wounds and then gave his life to Christ. It would have been a different story if Paul and Silas hadn’t chosen to praise God in spite of their circumstances.

Christians represent Christ, and if we love Him, we should honor Him with our words and actions. People should easily see Christ living in us. That means we take thoughts captive, dwell on things of God, and live holy lives that are different than how worldly people live.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

Our blessed hope is Jesus Christ and all He has promised: forgiveness of sin, eternal life, and the soon Rapture. We will dwell with Him forever.

Think on things of God, and you’ll find that the cares of this world will pale.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

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

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

 

Decision making is something we learn early, but it takes a lifetime to learn to consistently make good decisions. Some people seem to have a knack of knowing the right thing to do, while others hem and haw over simple things like whether to order a hamburger or a chef salad. Some decisions don’t change the course of history, while others matter a lot.

The most important decision you can make is whether or not to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. If you’ve accepted Him, that decision should rule all other decisions and make choices clearer. Every Christian should make decisions based upon Scripture, which is our guide in everything. For instance, young lady, do you choose to dress in a modest fashion or do you opt for tight clothing that leaves little to the imagination? “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).

Young man, do you choose to emulate the fallen world rather than honoring God? “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:6-8).

If you use Scripture as a guide, you will honor God.

Scripture gives some examples of decisions which weren’t based on God’s truth. For instance, a very short time after God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, they began grumbling. They forgot just how bad things had been under Egyptian rule and they wanted to return to the bondage. Freedom didn’t mean they would have life handed to them on a silver platter. It did mean they would be able to work hard and earn their own living, rather than being owned as slaves by a system that kept them oppressed.

Many of the struggles they faced were caused by their lack of faith in God’s promise, and they forgot His miracles. God miraculously helped them cross the Red Sea, He provided manna each morning for food, provided water, and much more. Still, when it came to deciding whether to trust God to protect them while conquering the Promised Land, they saw the giants and allowed fear to make their decision rather than trusting God. “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33). 

Joshua and Caleb voted to trust God, but they were outvoted by those who were easily led astray. The decision was made to not trust God and leave. It was a bad decision. Any decision which isn’t based upon God’s word is a bad decision.

After 40 years of wandering, the doubting generation had died, and the Israelites were finally able to enter the land God had promised to them many centuries before. This time they trusted God and claimed the land for their own. Unfortunately, they soon decided to ignore God’s warning against embracing the evils of paganism, which included child sacrifice. God had said that they weren’t to worship the demonic gods the heathens worshiped. “Ye shall therefore keep all my statues, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them” (Leviticus 20:22-23).

They were to worship God Almighty and follow His law. If every person would obey that law, we wouldn’t have evil permeating our life today. Sadly, the Israelites forgot God and turned to idols. People need laws and leaders to enforce those laws. God desired to be their ruler. Unfortunately, the Israelites decided to reject His leadership. The whole book of Judges records how the Israelites would serve God, but then turn away from Him. “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17: 6 and Judges 21:25).

We can easily see what happens when people reject the law and do what’s right in their own eyes. Look at Portland, Seattle, Chicago, New York, etc. When Israel decided to reject God, demonic evil would prevail. God had given them His Law on Mt. Sinai, and that should have guided them away from embracing the evil that they found in the land God had given them. The same Satanic evil is at work today. We watch as criminals riot in the streets and destroy cities, but call for law enforcement to step aside. This is what happens when God is rejected. Instead of making decisions based upon Scriptural truth, somehow that truth has been twisted.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21).

God is good; Satan is evil. Today there seems to be many people following evil instead of God, and they make their own rules. Liberal ideas will destroy a nation.

Samuel had been a God-fearing man who was a judge over Israel. When he grew old, he set his sons up as judges in his place. Unfortunately, those sons weren’t decent men. “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:3).

I can think of some politicians who fit this description. They oppose all that is of God and believe they are above the law.

“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, and said unto him, Behold, thou art old and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:4-5).

Israel wanted a king. They didn’t care if the king loved God and the Law; they wanted a king “like all the nations.” The “nations” were ungodly worshipers of demon gods. Israel made a bad decision. Instead of desiring a king who honored God, they just wanted to be like the heathens. Had they made a better decision, they would have had a king who was a strong leader who protected Israel from outside invasion and who would build their economy and make Israel strong.

It’s been said that we have to be careful what we pray for because God just might give it to us. That’s exactly what He did. Instead of waiting for David, a man after God’s own heart, they were given Saul. He had all the qualifications for a popular vote… tall and handsome. Those aren’t qualities to look for in a good leader. A good leader is one who does his best to serve God, doesn’t lie, cheat, or steal, and definitely doesn’t try to kill his rivals.

Saul was a poor leader and a bit crazy. In his time of history, he would be classified as a left-wing liberal. He loved power but was a very poor leader who thought himself to be above the law. Although God gave him the opportunity to lead the nation of Israel, Saul didn’t respect God and eventually went to the witch of Endor to have that heathen call up the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7-25). That sort of thing is completely against God’s laws.

“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). 

It’s still against God’s laws, but there are some “big name” politicians today who practice witchcraft. (For example, in a speech, Bill Clinton is on record stating that Hillary channels Eleanor Roosevelt.) Make a decision never to vote for anyone who approves of any occult practice, whether it be child sacrifice (abortion) or necromancy.

History shows who God had chosen to be king over Israel. It was David. He had begun honing his leadership skills at a very young age. He knew to lead his flock to green pastures and still water so they would prosper and grow; he fearlessly protected those sheep from wild animals and invasion from outside marauders. David’s experiences in youth gave him skill and confidence to face a giant and win. He learned to be a military leader who made good decisions to fiercely protect Israel and help them prosper. Above all, David loved God and worshipped Him in song and praise. In spite of all that was good about him, David was still a sinner. His failures in life were great, but instead of covering up his sin and thinking he was above the law, David recognized his wrongdoing, humbled himself before God, and asked forgiveness.

If David was running for election this year, I’d vote for him. Even though he had made a very bad decision when he gave in to the lust of the flesh, he turned away from sin and turned to God. David was a leader who could be trusted. “[[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.]] Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1).

David didn’t erase emails or kill people who tried to stop him from sinning. David realized that he had sinned and turned to God. “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest” (Psalm 51:2-4).

Sin can be lied about and covered up by liberal media, but God cannot be fooled. God will judge. Whoever is without sin can cast the first stone. Everyone sins, but not everyone turns to God for forgiveness. King David owned up to his sin, repented, and was forgiven. That was a good decision.

Americans have a decision to make very soon. We are about to decide who we want to lead our nation. It’s important to look at the people who are running for office and see if their decisions are opposed to God’s ways or if they support the moral guidelines laid down in Scripture. Does a candidate favor abortion or homosexuality? If so, they are opposed to God and embrace the pagan world run by Satan. Does a candidate support welfare for the masses? “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). 

God’s law provided for those who needed help, but it was by letting them help themselves rather than just taking handouts. A career of welfare isn’t Biblical. Does a candidate support Israel? Although Americans will be deciding who will lead America, Christians know that a candidate’s stance on Israel is important. “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). God made that promise to Abraham, and God never goes back on a promise.

Whether you’re deciding how to vote in a local, state, or national election, look to Scripture for guidance. Cast your vote for the person who supports Godly ideas, not the one “blessed” by the liberal media. We all sin, but when a sinner repents, God forgives. I won’t vote for anyone who embraces sin like a badge of honor. I won’t vote for any liberal politician, but a conservative who supports God’s truth. That’s my decision.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

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

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