These things I have spoken to you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye will have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Troubles seem to pop up out of nowhere. And when they do, we often seem surprised. In the surprise we may think, “How could this happen? Why did it happen to me? What did I do wrong?” Yet while we may seek to know and understand our troubles, as long as we remain in this world, we will have them. Trouble is as much a part of life as the air we breathe and the water we drink. Though we may plan and prepare and try to control the things within our sphere of influence, the reality is that we all compete for survival. Much of our survival behavior is to have peace and happiness. The scripture passage reminds us that peace and happiness we all seek in life are provided through faith in Jesus Christ. He says, “In Me ye might have peace…be of good cheer.” Jesus has triumphed over the world. He has defeated death, hell, and the grave. Through Him, “we are more than conquerors” and nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:37-39).  Through faith in Jesus Christ, the child of God has victory over sin and free access to the Father to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need” (Heb 4:16). And in His presence, all who come to Him may know the comfort, peace, and joy that the rest of the world doesn’t have. The child of God has the eternal care, Personal protection, and provisions of the heavenly Father and His Son who “have overcome the world.” Dear friend, our troubles are never a surprise to the Father. The troubles of the world can never defeat Him or divert His eternal purposes nor the everlasting love He has for His children. Even though we may go through trials, difficulties and tribulations, God’s love for His children always prevails. My friend, God demonstrates His love, mercy, grace, and power to you and through you in the midst of life’s difficulties, trials, and tribulation. Only “be of good cheer,” Jesus has ‘the victory that overcometh the world” that through faith in Him “whosoever is born of God overcometh the world” (1 Jn 5:4). No trouble, trial, or difficulty can separate you from the love of God and His eternal purposes. When troubles arise and fear seems to overwhelm us, hear Jesus say, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mk 5:35). It is by faith in Jesus Christ and in the word of God that we “have peace” and “be of good cheer.” Father thank You for Your love and the promise of peace through faith in Jesus Christ. Help me to walk by faith and “the victory that overcometh the world.” In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Eph 4:24

There are times in life that we all need a fresh start. Times when we have fallen, missed the mark, or just run dry. No matter how far you may have fallen, or how far off the target you may be, a fresh start is always possible. The scripture passage reminds us that a start fresh is possible if “ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Each day as we rise to face a new day, we can choose to put on our old clothes covered in the strains and stench from yesterday or start the day fresh and new in a new clean set of clothing.  The child of God is made new in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17) and can start each day fresh and new because of the mercies of God (Lam 3:21). Yet, like a young child, we must learn to dress each day. We need to take our place in the School of Christ and be taught by Him (Eph 4:20-21). The first thing to learn is to “put off the old man” (Eph 4:22) which is our former and very familiar manner of life. Praise be to God who has made it possible for fallen man, who missed the mark, and is dead with the dry bones of sin, has paid the penalty of sin through the shed blood of Son, Jesus Christ and made us alive in Him (Eph 2:1). All who believe in Jesus for salvation from sin “He has made alive together with Him” and has received the guarantee of eternal life through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Yet sin is present and continues to surround us, with its allures, appeals, and temptations. The presence of sin is all around us, to stain us, and to cover us with stench of old habits, old thoughts, and ways of speech and life which are unworthy of the children of God. He says, “put off…the old man” and do it daily. Each day, the child of God must “deny” the old man (Mk 8:34) and look to the Holy Spirit to lead, renew, and refresh our spirit with “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16). With that we must learn to “put on the new man,” which is the life of Jesus Christ, which is in the likeness of God, and which the Lord created for us by His blessed life and death and resurrection. By the “new man” we learn to look to the Holy Spirit to live in the will of God and in a life pleasing to Him. The “new man…is created in righteousness and true holiness” and relies on the help of the Holy Spirit who entered his hearts at the moment of regeneration, and He has been with us ever since. Dear friend, will you learn the things of Christ that your life can start fresh and new each day? Will you dress daily in the “whole armor of God, that ye may stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph 6:11) and “walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4) in Christ? My friend, God desires to walk with you at every moment throughout your day. He is there to pick you up when you fall. He will carry your burden when the weight is heavy. You can trust Him and learn from Him (Eph 4:20). Father thank You for Your love and Your faithfulness to never leave me nor forsake. Thank You for Your help along life’s journey. I am eternally grateful to You and salvation through Your Son, Jesus. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28

I pray that you had a wonderful worship and a great day of fellowship as you gathered with your local church on the Lord’s Day. It is always best to start a new chapter in life in the presence of the Lord. I pray that you walk with Him throughout the year. Where do you go or where do you turn whenever you face a difficult question, struggle with a hard issue, or walk into a difficult circumstance? Many times, a first response may be to call or text a friend, seek out a parent, or maybe go to a trusted advisor. While these actions may seem like viable options, Jesus tells us “Come unto Me.” In the scripture passage we hear the words of Jesus encourage us to come to Him before going to anyone else. Even when you are working your hardest, and have the sincerest intentions, Jesus says, “Come unto Me” as the first option. Before you seek guidance and counsel from anyone, turn aside to the word of God and prayerfully seek His guidance and direction from Him. Jesus knows your life and has a plan for whatever you will face. He invites us all to come to Him and as a first action, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mt 6:33). He cares for us and “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think” (Eph 3:20) through His power, His resources, His riches in glory, and His wisdom above all things. He gives His light in the darkest of times. He gives strength and courage to face our greatest challenges, conquer our greatest fears, and defeat our greatest foes. Hear Him say, “Come unto Me…I will give you rest.” Dear friend, no one else can give you the answers, comfort, or guidance that Jesus can. The word of God not only provides the perfect counsel, but it pours Spirit and life into your spirit and life (Jn 6:63). Yet we find ourselves in places where we seek answers, solutions, comfort, and guidance from others, and allow matters to become so complicated that we become confused, discouraged, or in despair, unsure about where to go or what to do, it is then that we cry out to God for help and expect a miracle. My friend, go to Jesus first, prayerfully seek Him on your knees that you “may obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16) and He “will give you rest” for your soul. Hear Jesus say, “Come unto Me” and He will walk faithfully with you all the way. Father thank You for love and the counsel of Your word. Help me to diligently seek You first to know “Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path” (Ps 119:105) and full of spirit and life. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.