Stick Like Glue (Part 1)

In light of current world affairs, the term sticking together comes to mind. How many of you have an important person in your life? Someone you couldn't imagine being without? Someone you love with all of your heart? 

Your hearts have held onto a promise to stick to each other like glue. Am I right?

The buddy system is very helpful in traveling through this life. No one should ever walk the path alone. 

However, as I lead into my message today...

The fact that we are human and are naturally drawn to this world leaves room for us to often be stuck like glue to the all of the wrong things...(in this regard,  words from the world that give us happiness instead of joy, distraction instead of peace, fear in place of concern. (There's a vast difference between fear and concern)

Now, in thinking again of your important someone...not only SHOULD you lean on them for support...but most of all, you should know that Jesus wants to stick like glue to you, too. He wants to spend time with you. His desires are to fill your heart with the peace and joy of His presence. He desires to teach you His ways and to show you what true unconditional love is. He wants to be that friend your heart so desperately needs. 

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17 KJV)

Allow Him to clean off the dust and the dirt from your life and to cover you with His mercy and grace. His presence will never falter. His saving grace will forever keep you. His love will give you strength for each and every day. 

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26 KJV)

Through it all, make sure you stick like glue to Jesus.

An Endangered Generation (Armor of Salvation Series Part 1)

 

    I've spent the past several days deeply immersed in thought over the state of the world and the desperate need for hope to be placed into the hearts of many. The unwelcoming darkness is creating an endangered generation as its raging presence is becoming widely celebrated and welcomed with open arms. Social media accounts continue to reveal the declining condition of today's society: an epidemic of filtered selfies, promotion of sinful behaviors, and the dangerous practice of loving oneself. 

People are angry and in search of lasting hope and a place to belong; a source of refuge for an endangered generation. The ever-growing deception on this planet has hearts turning away from the most valuable wisdom they could ever receive: the unchanging truth that will keep one safe from the stranger danger that has taken hold and firmly protected from the path of eternal destruction.

Oh, how we all need the wisdom and protection from God as we travel through this land.

The term 'stranger danger' came to mind as I was forming my actual thoughts surrounding this post because that's a simple and accurate description of what is happening. Countless souls are being lured by the pleasures of this temporary world; boundaries continue to be pushed and the line drawn between what's defined as good versus what is evil doesn't seem to exist anymore. 

The world stands to offer us no protection at all from the perilous times we are living in.  The faithful shield that the presence of Jesus provides is the strongest form of safety one will ever know. 

Keep your eyes watchful and your hearts prepared and protected. I have written a few (hopefully) helpful survival tips for an endangered generation. 

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings: I know. I know. You are probably reading this and thinking, "I am aware"....the ongoing destruction of this world is on display. So much evil continues to unfold and the hearts of many are crumbling. The world of your surroundings offers no lasting hope; there is a nasty author of confusion among us. The greatest promise of safety and truth to be found is through trusting in Jesus. Know that life is but a vapor and that tomorrow is never promised. This planet and its pleasures are temporal, but the love of Christ is eternal.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14 KJV)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 KJV)

Always Ask For Help: Jesus is the helpful hand that is always willing and able to meet whatever physical or emotional need we may have. The unconditional love of Jesus and His incomparable strength waits for anyone who will call upon His name. 

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13 KJV)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:19 KJV)

Secure Your Armor:  Placing your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is of utmost importance. It is the greatest form of protection you will ever possess amongst the evil in this world. Your place of eternal residence is a serious matter. God is not willing that any should perish. You don't have to live another day without the armor of salvation. You don't have to face another moment of hopelessness; for Jesus is the greatest source of refuge in the midst of an endangered generation.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-13 KJV)