Encouragement For Discouraging Times

“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” - Isaiah 40:1

This has been another turbulent week. It began with an explosive report of abuse and scandal in a major evangelical denomination. Then an unspeakably tragedy unfolded in a school in Texas, where a gunman killed several students and teachers. It has been a difficult week.

Much could be written about our nation's woes. Certainly the problems and sins of our country seem to multiply daily. Rather than writing about these matters, I want to write to believers. In times like these, we need encouragement. It is easy to express our frustrations about politicians. We can easily share our thoughts about the sins our nation has embraced. Honestly, we need to stand up and speak out concerning Biblical truth, even if it brings problems, persecution and pain.

While our frustrations seem to mount, we must remember that we have brothers and sisters around us who are hurting. Others are overwhelmed with challenges. While we need to be visible and vocal about our faith, we shouldn't neglect to help those who are struggling. If you are down, discouraged or depressed, this message is for you. If you feel overwhelmed, misunderstood or lonely, I hope you find encouragement in my feeble words. Perhaps you are going through a spiritual drought. I pray that you'll drink from the fountain of God's Word and be refreshed today.

We are living in dark and desperate times. While we work together for the glory of God, let us be encouraged with three facts:

1.  WE HAVE A POWERFUL HELPER

We are not here on earth to survive on our own. There is never a time in which a believer is neglected, forgotten or alone. There is One who is always near. He is attentive to our humbly cry. He is available to render aid and help us when we need it. He is an unseen companion. He is a precious friend. He is our source of power. He gives us direction and guidance. He provides for our needs. The One who loves us most is the same One who promised to never leave us. When we are down, He picks us up. When we grow faint, He keeps us going forward. When we are weak, He gives us strength. When we feel lonely, His presence gives us cheer. When we're overwhelmed by fears, He gives us courage. When we face impossible odds, He breaks through and makes a way for us. Each morning, His mercies are new. He provides us grace for each day and victory for each battle. Oh, how sweet and wonderful it is to walk with Jesus through this journey of life!

2.  WE HAVE A PRECIOUS HOPE

Also, we have a glorious hope. This world is not our home. Our hope is not based on positive numbers from Wall Street or better legislation from Congress. Our hope is not contingent on an encouraging news broadcast or future election results. We are fully aware that this world is a hostile place. Most are following the enemy. Mankind is blindly following a diabolical leader. Our Lord has not promised us an easy life here on earth. We are aliens in this land. We are missionaries, on temporary assignment from our homeland. We are Ambassadors for Christ, here to represent our Homeland, render aid & support to other citizens of heaven and speak on behalf of our Lord. Such a mission will bring hostility at times. Thus, we should never expect the events of this world to bring us hope or peace. Instead, the Prince of Peace provides us peace that passes all understanding. His imminent return is our blessed hope. When things seem to get out of control here on earth, our Lord will return and call His Ambassadors home. That is our blessed hope. The moment can't come too soon.

3.  WE HAVE A PROMISED HOME

Finally, we have a wonderful home ahead for us. The house you dwell in here on earth is just a temporary residence. Soon we will be called from our house of clay to a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens! In John 14, Jesus promised us that in His Father's house are many mansions. He has gone to prepare a place for us. Whether we leave earth by death or at His glorious return, we have a better place to go. We should not get our roots too deep here on earth, because we aren't here to stay. That's why the Bible says to set your affections on high. While we walk on earth, we keep our eyes on the sky. Though we earn a living on earth, we should be storing up treasures in heaven.  Despite the pain, problems and persecution we may face here, the Bible says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” God will soon graciously share His home with us. We will be with Him forever and enjoy His fellowship eternally.

Days on earth are getting colder, darker and depressing. Brothers and sisters, let us remember that the future is looking brighter and brighter for us. Our redemption draweth nigh. Our Lord is coming soon. Thus, let's heed the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Choose Life

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19

This week, the news media has been passionate in its reporting of a leaked Supreme Court document. The leak itself was never a major issue to the media, although it should be. Instead, the contents of the document is the source of the excitement. The document, which expresses the opinion of one Supreme Court justice, seems to indicate a possible overturning of Roe vs. Wade, the highly controversial law permitting women to have an abortion. The media has been electrified about this. The liberal establishment has been blazing hot and hostile in its condemnation of the document.

It brings back a fundamental issue. Is it proper for a woman to have an abortion? The President of the United States, along with nearly all liberals, have been fervent in their support of a woman's choice to choose an abortion. Their argument continues to be that a woman has a right to choose what she does with her body. To them, this is a personal choice, even a medical choice.

Let's get to the truth. In the Bible, the unborn are always referred to in the same manner as babies. As far as God is concerned, the unborn are living beings. As such, deliberately and savagely ending the life of the unborn is murder.

The fact is that abortion is viewed as a convenient way to remove responsibility from sexual choices. Our society has been actively trying to distance itself from moral obligations. Murdering the unborn rather than accepting moral responsibility for conception is an evil act. Politicians, entertainers, and judges have blood on their hands. The legalization of abortion will not cleanse this blood nor remove ultimate divine judgment from these individuals.

This is more than a political issue. It is a moral issue. While it is popular to say that a woman should have the right to make choices about her body, no one makes the argument that the unborn baby has a body. It is wrong to say that the choice of a woman's body includes the body of the unborn child. If a woman has a right to choose what is right for her body, shouldn't the unborn be given the same opportunity?

I know that many women would argue that I, as a man, have no right to speak about such things. Yet this is not a matter of gender. It is not a matter of political preference. It is a matter of right or wrong.

If an actual abortion procedure were broadcast for everyone to see, most Americans would be disgusted with abortion. It is sickening what a doctor does in an abortion procedure. It may be an easy way for individuals to avoid responsibility for their careless actions, but they have not really escaped responsibility. They must still answer to God for their choices.

If abortion is murder, why are so many passionately supporting it? Here are the two basic reasons:

DEPRAVITY

The Bible teaches us that mankind is sinfully depraved. Watching the national news for five minutes (or less) will give you a visual demonstration of mankind's depravity. Although it is unpopular to say so, every person (including the President and members of the Supreme Court) are wicked sinners in dire need of a Savior.

DECEPTION

The Bible says that the god of this world (the devil) has blinded people. In Jeremiah 17:9, God says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Depravity and deception are the two reasons that our nation has encouraged and embraced sin. Truly, the most hostile liberal politician or entertainer should not to be hated by us. Instead, we should pray for them. Unless God opens their eyes to the truth, they will perish in their sins.

Let me give a word to my fellow Christians. We can have a reputation for what we stand against, but never state what we stand for. Yes, we stand against abortion, LGBT lifestyles, adultery, fornication, lying and cheating. But there are many things we stand for. We believe in God. We trust in Jesus. We believe the Bible. We believe in truth. We believe in healthy families. We believe in righteousness. While we are very vocal about our opposition to abortion, let us be even more vocal about the message of the Gospel.

To women who are facing an unwanted pregnancy, let me say that you have a moral obligation to protect the unborn child within you.  There are many wonderful couples who long to have a child, but can't.  If you don't want to raise the child, consult with adoption agencies.  There are couples praying for an opportunity to raise the child you don't want.

Finally, let us be clear that God offers grace to repenting souls. If we are not careful, we can make it sound like abortion is the unpardonable sin. We need to let women know that, even if they've had an abortion, there is salvation available to them if they will repent and believe the Gospel. Jesus offers freedom from guilt and regret.

Our message to everyone is the same: choose life.