“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Matthew 24:6

Jesus was asked about the end of the world and what would be the sign of His coming. He informed the disciples about times of great affliction, deception, and international conflict. In describing the upcoming days of peril, He gave them three words of comfort, “be not troubled.” Whatever the future holds, God does not want His children to be overcome by fear. The phrase fear not is found sixty-three times in the Bible. The words, be not afraid are used another twenty-six times. Many other times the Scriptures seek to provide freedom of fear.

We are to have a reverential fear of God, but we are not to live in torment. Jesus warned of days filled with wars, natural disasters, false teachers, and persecution. His words for His disciples were, “see that ye be not troubled.” How is it possible to escape fear in times of great distress and conflict? We can be comforted in knowing that whatever befalls us, God is ultimately in control. It is good to know that our Savior is the sovereign Ruler of the universe and that He has a plan not only for our lives, our families, and our church, but also for the nations of the world.

When it seems that your world is spinning out of control, remember that the God who created everything is still in charge. If we know that God allows us to go through certain tests and trials, we can be sure that He will supply the grace and strength we need to endure for His glory. We are likewise consoled in times when we are tempted to be afraid, in the confidence that God is with us. We are never alone, and we can face trials with courage and peace because Jesus is with us.

There is no doubt that the world is headed for unprecedented turmoil and tribulations. As the children of God, we can thank the Lord we have the promise that we will not be here for the Great Tribulation. However, that does not mean that we will not endure hardship and trials along our journey. Although we have, for the most part, enjoyed great freedom and little physical persecution for the cause of our Savior in our country, there is no guarantee it will always be so. Whatever the future holds, we have the timeless promise of Jesus that will always comfort our souls; “be not troubled.” ( Thomas Smith)

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”- Matthew 6:33

H. G. Bosch wrote of this verse: When a young man made a public profession of Christ, his worldly father was greatly upset and later complained in a critical tone, “Jim, you should have established yourself in a good trade first. Then, once you had made your way in the world, it would have been time enough to think about religion.” “Father,” came the spiritual reply, “my Savior advises me very differently. He says, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God!’ “
If we put the Lord first, nothing else will get out of order. He should have priority in our thoughts, motives, and deepest desires. Making a living is a – mere incident, but making a life is the reason for which we have been placed in this world. If we put God first, all other good things will be added to us.

Many years ago a package was sent from England to a South African town. The man to whom the box was consigned, however, refused to pay the delivery charges, and for fourteen years it was used as a footstool in the express office. Finally, the consignee died and the box was put up at auction with other unclaimed articles. Out of curiosity a man bid on it and secured it at a very low price. When he opened it, he was greatly surprised to find several thousand pounds in English bank notes. Because the man to whom it had been sent refused to pay the comparatively trifling delivery charges, he had missed a considerable fortune. So, too, he who refuses to meet the requirements of Jesus in regard to discipleship is even more shortsighted. What the Lord asks in regard to complete dedication may seem too much for the non-Christian, but those who heed His call find He gives infinitely more in return than anything they are required to surrender for His sake.

Are you seeking first the gratification of self, men’s applause, piled-up wealth — or the approval of the Savior.

O the peace of full surrender;
All my joy to do His will!
If I seek His blessed kingdom,
He His promise will fulfill! —Anon.

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

In his old age, when he could no longer see to read, John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace” heard someone recite this verse, “By the grace of God — I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10. He remained silent a short time, and then said: 

I am not what I ought to be. Ah! how imperfect and deficient.
I am not what I might be, considering my privileges and opportunities.        
I am not what I wish to be. God, who knows my heart — knows I wish to be like Him.        
I am not what I hope to be. Before long, I will drop this clay tabernacle, to be            like Him and see Him as He is!
Yet, I am not what I once was — a child of sin, and slave of the devil!
Though not all these — not what I ought to be, not what I might be, not what I wish or hope to be, and not what I once was — I think I can truly say with the            apostle, “By the grace of God — I am what I am!”

At the age of 82, Newton said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner — and that Christ is a great Savior!”

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346