The fortified bronze wall that the Lord has made

Therefore thus says the LORD: “If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them. And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the LORD. I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.” (Jeremiah 15:19-21)

There are times when the Lord God calls his people to be steadfast in his decrees without having to face others. But then there are certain times in which the believer in Christ is faced with those who oppose the decrees of God. If you are one such believer who’s facing such opposition, then this write up is for you.

The Prophet Jeremiah who served the Lord of Hosts as long as he lived, dwelt in a land that was rebellious to God. For they forsook the Lord and burned incense to false gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands. Rejecting the Living God still remains a sin to this day, make no mistake about this. And the Lord God knows how to deal with those who are unwilling to repent of their sins, in case the grave sin of worshiping false gods.

Here’s what the Lord God spoke to the Prophet Jeremiah:

For behold, am calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north, declares the Lord, and they shall come, and every one shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all its walls all around and against all the cities of Judah.  And I will declare my judgments against them, for all their evil in forsaking me. They have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands. But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.” (Jeremiah 1:15-19)

A few lessons to learn here:

• The Lord will declare his judgement against those who forsake Him.
• Worshiping false gods is a grave sin and must be rejected at all costs.
• Your heritage and descent is no excuse for sinning.
• Don’t get dismayed by sinners, lest the Lord dismay you in front of sinners.
• When the Lord God makes you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, trust God, for he plans to deliver you from this evil generation.

Being a fortified bronze wall in the New Testament context is the the same as what told to the Prophet Jeremiah, but now is even about staying true to your calling in Jesus Christ when evil doers entice you sin. The Holy Spirit will teach you what to speak in that time!

Let’s read the following Words of Jesus our Lord:

“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:8-12)

Christ be with you!

 

Bible verses against despair

O those who believe in Jesus Christ, do not live in despair nor live without hope, for Jesus is our good hope in this fallen world. Happy are those who trust in Jesus more than the things of this world.

Meditate on the following Bible verses against despair and you will be filled with hope you wait upon the Lord God. Here we go:

• We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed, always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
• He has rescued us from a terrible death, and he will rescue us in the future. We are confident that he will continue to rescue us. (2 Corinthians 1:10)
• Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will praise him once again, since his presence saves me and he is my God. (Psalm 43:5)
• For you are my hope, Lord GOD, my security since I was young. I depended on you since birth, when you brought me from my mother’s womb; I praise you continuously. (Psalm 71:5-6)
• Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)
• I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. (Psalm 130:5)
• I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. (Psalm 40:1-2)
• Looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:2-3)
• Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
• LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. (Psalm 10:17)
• But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
• Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

 

 

 

 

• The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)
• I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
• And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
• For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)
• The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom will I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom will I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
• And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
• The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
• No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (24. 1 Corinthians 10:13)
• So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

Whenever you don’t know if a dream is from God, do this!

Whenever you get a dream, never give it more importance than the Lord God.  If it seems a good dream, surrender it to God. If it seems a bad dream, still surrender it to God.  You can use any or all of the below prayer points:

• I cancel all evil dreams and schemes against me in the name of Jesus.
• Dear God if it’s from you bless it. If it’s not, block it!
• I surrender this dream, and all my past dreams and all future dreams at the foot of the Cross of Jesus, so that the light of Jesus Christ shines on them and takes away all the darkness.
• Dear God I love you more than any dream or vision, and I surrender all of them into your saving hands, that you be glorified and I am delivered from all harm and pride. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
• I ask for the Holy Spirit to lead me in all truth to the things of God and the Word of God, so that I do not fall in fear nor deception. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

Verses for reflection:

• Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
• They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. (Ezekiel 13:6)
• For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. (Jeremiah 29:8)
• But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21)and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)
• For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

By your faith in God overcome the world!

Only God can truly fill the heart of man

Let the Lord be your shield and lifter of your head

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3)

For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of your favor. (Psalm 5:12)

Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. (Psalm 27:6)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I will thank Him with my song. (Psalm 28:7)

I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me. (Psalm 30:1)

My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God. (Psalm 62:7)

For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up; but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. ( Psalm 75:6-7)

Always win the test of your faith

 

Times that are difficult. Times that have temptations. Times that are of the VUCA type (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity). Times when others lose the faith. Any of these or all of these or a combination of these is what you get when your faith is tested.

It doesn’t matter how big or small the test is. It doesn’t matter what is the source of the test. What matters is that are you willing to win against everything that is trying to fade away your faith? I’m not talking about faith in yourself, not about faith in doctors nor about faith in your nation or state. What I’m talking about is your faith in the Lord God!

Whether its a pandemic called Covid 19, or World War 3 itself, you should always strive to keep your faith in Jesus Christ. Keep it lest you lose your Godly reward!

 

Verses for reflection:

Jesus said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4)

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

COVID-19: How Christians Should Respond to the Coronavirus & What the Bible Says (Video)

Youtube video courtesy of ronnieandmel.com

Bible Verses for Anxiety

Whenever faced with anxiety remember you have the Lord God who can help you cope up and overcome anxiety. What you need to do is simply read the Bible verses for anxiety and cast your worries unto Jesus because he cares for you. Please do read it with your heart and not just your mind. You can read it aloud either in your mind or vocally but make sure that you believe each verse about dealing with anxiety.

 

 

Anxiety – image from pexels.com

I do hope you read the below verses for anxiety and overcome it all by the word of your testimony in Jesus. And may the Holy Spirit be with you in this great step you take towards no longer being down with anxiety. Here are the verses:

1. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
2. But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” (1 Peter 3:14)
3. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
4. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” (Isaiah 35:4)
5. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
6. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
7.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
8. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
9. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. (Luke 12:22 )
10. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
11. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:19)
12. The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)
13. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
14. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
15.  “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
16. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Practice Your Faith

Practice the true Gospel that you’ve heard,
Because avoiding it would be all absurd.
Know O believer you are called to action,
Called to do good works to God’s satisfaction.

Practice your faith for the Lord God alone,
Because false pretenses he doesn’t condone.
Do it because you love God’s Son,
For by Jesus against the darkness you’ve won.

Practice your faith because its a work that’s good,
Doesn’t matter if no one else has understood.
Walk never in things of the flesh,
But in hope in Christ for your soul to refresh.