Wordless Wednesday

Decision Time (1 Peter, Part 6)

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Peter has gone to great lengths to remind his readers of their salvation, of their position in Christ. He has He has reminded them who Christ is and what He has done, and what He continued to do. He instructed them not to pattern themselves after their former lusts. Their behavior should be holy, even in trials and persecutions. He has told them all of that so he can tell them their responsibilities and give them some specific instructions.

Take a good look at 1 Peter 2:1-10 for context, but we’re going to focus on the first three verses.

We need to make a conscious decision. “Therefore, putting aside” the following behaviors. Because of everything Peter has mentioned up to this point.  Put aside gives the idea of taking off clothes and laying them to the side.  Casting them off. Malice – evil, a desire to injure without excuse. Deceit – the practice of deception or the characteristic of being crafty.  This usually involves the use of trickery to get money from someone. Hypocrisy – pretending to be what we are not; assuming a false appearance of religion; cloaking a wicked purpose under the appearance of piety. Remember Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites. They acted or pretended to be one way, but were not who they pretended to be. Envy – a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another. Slander – evil speaking.  This word always involves the spoken word. These sins tear at the very core of the church; that destroy the love that we are to demonstrate to one another.

Proverbs 6:16-19 reminds us that, “There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Peter says to put aside these sins. But don’t think it’s a onetime thing and you’re good to go. This is a daily battle, a daily decision.

Not only do we need to make a conscious decision, but we need to have a proper diet. “Like newborn babies.” I believe Peter is making an allusion to the fact that newborn babies do not have any of the qualities he’s telling us to lay aside. Babies don’t develop those qualities until they get older. “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” Babies are singular in purpose. All they want to do is eat. It is their strongest desire. Just as babies have a desire to be fed when they are hungry, new Christians are to have a desire for the word.  The pure word. Pure in this context means guileless or unmixed. Without falsehood. Babies must have a diet suitable for their digestive system. They wouldn’t eat meat if you gave it to them. Christians are the same way. New Christians need to be fed the simple truths of God’s word. Babies are fed to sustain and nourish them. The idea here is that Christians need a diet specifically formulated for their growth. When given the proper diet, babies will grow. The same is true with Christians. If he is not fed properly, he will be malnourished. This malnourishment can take many forms. It can manifest itself in a lack of doctrinal purity. It can be seen in the way people live. Christians convinced that there are no absolutes. An inability to shake a secular world view. An inability to demonstrate the love of God or exhibit any amount of self-control. It is imperative that new Christians be fed properly. I guarantee that when you read and study your Bible every day and apply the truths learned, spiritual growth will occur.

Ps. 19:7-9 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.” The psalmist calls the Word by six titles. He calls it the law of the Lord, the testimony of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord, the commandment of the Lord, the fear of the Lord referring to worship, and the judgments of the Lord. You can look at Scripture as God’s law, as His testimony of Himself, as precepts for living, as commandments to be obeyed, as instruction on worship, or as verdicts from a holy court, but it’s all His Word. And the character of His Word? It is perfect, it is sure, it is right, it is pure, it is clean, it is true. And what does the Word do for you?  It will restore your soul, it will make you wise, it will rejoice your heart, it will enlighten your eyes, it will endure forever, that means it will be relevant in every age and it will produce comprehensive righteousness. That’s the sufficiency of the Word of God. That’s what it will do in your life as you feed on it. And that’s why the Psalmist said, Ps. 42:1, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.”

The purpose of a proper diet is to grow. Peter is talking about growing “in respect to salvation.”  How does this growth take place? When you come to the Word of the Lord, you meet the Lord of the Word. You cannot get into the Word without getting into the Lord. You can’t separate the Word from the Lord. This is what the Pharisees did. They talked about and commanded people to follow the Law, but they missed the lawgiver. They missed the forest because all they saw were the trees. You cannot be obedient to the Lord and reject His word. For Peter, the Word of God was living, it endures forever, and this was the Word that was preached to you. The word “grow” in verse 2 is in the passive voice.  That means that something beside the individual causes the growth. We grow because we drink from the Word of God. 1 Cor. 3:5-7 says, “What then is Apollos? And what is Paul?  Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.  So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.”

We need to make a conscious decision, we need a proper diet, and finally, we need to develop a hunger. Verse 3 says, “if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” A better translation is, “Since you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” The idea is once you get a taste of the kindness of the Lord, you’ll want more. You’ll develop a hunger that must be satisfied. The only thing that will bring satisfaction is the Lord. One taste will bring a desire for more.

Peter tells us to long for or desire the milk of the Word, the nutrition of the Word of God. Make a conscious decision, have a proper diet, and develop a hunger. When we do these things, growth will occur because it is the Lord that causes the growth, but we need to do our part. We need to get in the Word and stay in the Word and live the truths that are contained in the Word.

Thank You!

In Honor of those that Served

Wordless Wednesday

Watch Out (1 Peter, Part 5)

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In the first 12 verses of 1 Peter, Peter reminded the people that they are chosen, he spoke about their salvation that was bought by the sprinkling of Jesus’ blood, he reminded them of their inheritance, he spoke of the trials in their lives and that the proof of their faith was more precious than gold. King Herod had become the Christian’s primary enemy. Jews who confessed Jesus as their Messiah were scattered abroad to other Roman provinces such as Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Although Herod hated Christians, it wasn’t until Nero that the persecution of Christians reached beyond Judah. Peter now transitions in his letter to encourage Christians to watch out and be ready.

I hope you have your Bible and will read 1 Peter 1:13-25.

The first thing Peter tells us is to be ready. Verse 13 says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  We are to prepare our minds for action. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. We fill our minds with such trivial things. TV. Gossip. Work. Remember what is going on in the world at Peter’s time. Nero was on a vendetta to attack Christians. Rumor had it that Nero burned Rome in A.D. 64 so that he could rebuild it the way he wanted it and then blamed the fire on Christians and thus began the systematic persecution of God’s children. For fun Nero would cover Christians in animal skins and send them out to the dogs to be ripped apart. Christians were fastened to crosses in Nero’s garden and set on fire where they served as torches. Prepare your mind, be sober, and be ready.

Fill your mind with the things of Christ. Study the scriptures. Listen to preaching. Meditate on the Word. Pro. 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.” Volunteer in the church. Volunteer in a local ministry. Do this until the end. Don’t be faint.  Don’t be weary.  Keep your mind in constant preparation for the duty to which you have been called. We have become a people that give up so quickly. We’re not willing to stick anything out. We want results immediately. We see it in all areas of life. We want promotions at work without putting in the time or effort required to earn it. Our kids run amok because discipline doesn’t work and we say, “I tried that once.” Do this until the end.  Until Jesus comes again . . . or until you die. As obedient children. Obedient comes from the Greek word that means obedience and submission. Submit to God’s revelation – the Word of God. As obedient children . . . perhaps without question. How often do we question God’s Word? I know what the Bible says, but . . .  “ . . . do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance.”  (1 Pe. 1:14) Christians are to be completely different from other people. Before you were saved you indulged yourself, you lived by your own rules and ideas. Selfish. Greedy. Materialistic. Notice that we are not conformed to our former lusts that were ours in our ignorance. Conformed comes from the word that means made after a pattern. When we didn’t know any better, our lust acted as a pattern that formed us and shaped us. Ignorance can be fixed. Stupid is forever. 2 Cor. 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” These are our former lusts, past tense. We have a new agenda. New desires. A new master. “but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”  (1 Pe 1:15-16) In all manner of your conduct and behavior. In all that you do – be holy. Be holy because I am holy – Lev. 11:44. He that called you is holy and He is our example.

If we are to be ready, we must also be mindful. 1 Pe. 1:17 says, “If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.” God will judge the work in which we do, impartially, no matter who you are and what you do. The Greek word “work” actually means job. Every one of us has a job. Father, husband. Mother, wife. Son, daughter. We are to “conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.”  We are strangers in a strange land.  We are not of this world. Rom. 12:2 tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” This is our temporary home, we’re just passing through. Spend your time here with fear. It comes from the Greek word phobos, butPeter not’s talking about being scared. He’s talking about a healthy, reverential fear of judgment. Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Pro. 9:10)

We are to be ready, we are to be mindful and we are to be thankful. “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers.”  (1 Pe. 1:18) Peter says, you know. As Christians, we must know the price that was paid for our redemption. It was not paid with things that pass away like silver and gold. It was not paid with by the vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers. The idea is the tradition passed down from generation to generation was without truth, it was worthless. Our ransom was paid with the blood of Christ. It is precious. It is without blemish . . . faultless. It is spotless. It is imperishable. “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world.” Foreknown in comes from the Greek word proginosko where we get our English word prognosticator and prognosis. This is someone’s best guess, but when we talk about Jesus, it’s not a guess. Verse 21 says, “Who through Him are believers in God.” It is by Christ that people believe in God. Faith in God is always a characteristic in true religion.  “who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” God raised Jesus from the dead. God exalted Jesus to His right hand. God did this so that our faith and hope would be in God. “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart.”  (1 Peter 1:22) Our souls are purified through obeying the truth. A ceremonial cleansing, washing our souls pure.

Peter concludes this section by saying, “and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” Everything that we hold so dear on this earth is going to pass away. Don’t be so attached to this place. Nothing lasts forever but, “THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.” And this is the word which was preached to you.”

We need to be ready, be mindful, and be thankful. We need to be ready for the trials we will face, be mindful of the work you do, and be thankful for the price that was paid for your soul.  Remember where you were when you met Jesus. Think about how far Jesus has brought you.

Wordless Wednesday

The Promise (1 Peter, Part 4)

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Last week looked at our future inheritance, our joy, and our confidence. We learned that we have an inheritance to look forward to and that we can have confidence in the Lord whom protects us by His power. We saw that the proof of our faith is more precious than gold. Even though we don’t see Him, we love Him because we walk by faith, not by sight. This morning we’ll look at something the prophets could see, but only dimly.

1 Peter 1:10-12 says, “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels long to look.”

Peter reminds his readers and us of the prediction of the promise. The salvation that Peter refers to is the salvation that is provided by the sprinkling of Jesus’ blood in verse 2. This is the same salvation that the prophets foretold throughout Scripture. Prophets were men of God moved to write the things that God told them to write. 1 Tim. 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” Scripture is good for teaching, good for refutation, good for instruction, and training. You can use the Scriptures to improve all areas of your life. You can use the Scriptures to prove others wrong. The prophets of old were moved to write. A prophet is someone moved by the Spirit of God and is His spokesman. A prophet declares what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relates to the kingdom of God and to salvation. A true prophet’s predictions always come true. They are not his predictions, but God’s. They never have to be changed if the prophecies don’t come true because God’s prophets are always right. Today’s prophets are not the same as the prophets of old. Today’s prophets declare the truths of the Bible. They don’t receive special revelation from God. Yes, they’re moved by God; yes they’re led by God; but I do not believe today’s prophets receive special inspiration by God. The prophets said that grace would come to you. Titus 2:11 says “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” The prophets said grace would come and Paul says grace has come. Grace has come in the form of Jesus Christ and He has bestowed upon all men unmerited favor allowing the possibility to enter into a relationship with God the Father through the work of the Son on the cross. The prophets knew of His coming because they received the revelation of God. The prophets, “made careful searches and inquiries.”  This phrase literally means to sniff out like a dog sniffs out a scent. They sought out; they scrutinized; the prophets wanted to make sure they understood what the Lord was showing them. The idea is that they perceived that there were some great and glorious truths that they didn’t fully comprehend. They used their natural faculties to understand what they were inspired to write. They became students and interpreters for themselves of their own predictions. These prophets were men and had souls that needed salvation the same as we do. They needed to be sanctified by the truth; and the truth needed to be applied to their own hearts in the same way as it is in others. Just because the Lord chose them to reveal His mysteries would not save them any more than a man who preaches the truth to others will save himself.

We have the prediction of the promise, now let’s look at the person of the promise. The prophets searched out, “what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.” They sought to know the character of the One who would bring this grace. The prophets knew they were talking about the Messiah. They didn’t know what He would look like. I’m sure they thought of His work and His nature and wondered what it would be like to be with Him. Much like we wonder about things like our future spouses, our children, or our grandchildren. They sought to know the time the Spirit of Christ was indicating. This is not the specific time that Christ would come. This refers to the age that He would come. What time is right? Would the people and the condition of the age receive Him? Notice that the Spirit of Christ was within them. Peter is simply saying that the Spirit had to be within them so they could write without error. Do notice that Peter says the Spirit of Christ. This is the Greek word Christos meaning anointed one. Remember that Peter is talking about the prophets of old being indwelled by Christ. That means that Christ was around prior to His arrival in the flesh as recorded in John 1:14. His existence did not begin with His incarnation. As Christ has always existed, He knew of His sufferings that would come. The suffering of the Messiah is recorded in the Old Testament, but the glory that would follow is also recorded. David speaks about it in Ps. 16. Isaiah talks about it in several places in his prophecy. The glory followed the suffering and Christ knew that He would have to endure that in order for us to be sprinkled with His blood to secure our inheritance.

We’ve seen the prediction of the promise, the person of the promise, now the purpose of the promise. Verse 12 says, “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels long to look.” The prophets knew that the Spirit was inspiring them for our benefit. The prophets benefited, but the prophecy was for future generations. Remember the prophecy that Peter is referring to here is that the grace of God would come. This grace has been announced or made known by those who preached the good news of Christ’s love, of His life, of His shed blood, of His payment for our sin through His death on the cross, of His resurrection, and of His ascension. That’s the good news. That’s the gospel. The time in which Peter is writing to these strangers is an awesome time. They’re around to see these prophecies actually happen in their lifetime. Jesus said it this way, “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Matt. 13:16-17)  I think we’re experiencing things the same way. The angels longed to look at the gospel. The word picture here is of one that can’t see something clearly so he has to stoop down to get a better look, to get a better understanding. Angels don’t have a clear understanding of the gospel. They are not omniscient and must evaluate the things of God. It is not unreasonable to think that there are many things in the plan of God that angels do not understand. They clearly have an advantage in that they are in the presence of God and know much more than we do about some things. They surely have an interest in us. They are ministering spirits. What is so interesting that the angels, “long to look.” There is something so unique about earth that we don’t find anywhere else in the universe. Man was created on earth. Man fell on earth. Christ came to earth to redeem mankind. Angels are intrigued by this and long to understand all of it. But we have the privilege of knowing the gospel.

Peter’s talked about our future inheritance and he has confidence in Christ. Grace was predicted to come by the prophets of old and those prophecies came true in the person of Jesus Christ. Peter sets all of this up to set the stage for what he will talk about next.

Wordless Wednesday

Our Future (1 Peter, Part 3)

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Last week we saw Peter’s encouragement to obey and we looked at our hope, this morning we’ll find out about our future regardless of our current circumstances.

1 Peter 1:3-9 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”

As we look at our future, we have an inheritance that is imperishable. We have been sprinkled by the blood of Christ which means God has adopted us through Jesus. Christians are adopted children of God. Ephesians 1:5 says, “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” We are God’s heirs. Romans 8:17 “And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Galatians 3:29 “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” Titus 3:7 “So that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” An heir generally doesn’t do anything to deserve the inheritance; they receive an inheritance because of who they belong to. As Christians, we have an inheritance because we belong to God. The inheritance is given to us because God loves us. Our inheritance is imperishable. The inheritance is undefiled. It is pure, spotless, not held because of dishonesty. There are no legal battles to ensure we get our inheritance. It will not fade away. Unlike the laurel wreaths given to winners of the Olympic Games, our inheritance will not wilt or die. The crown of glory you will be given will not fade, it will not diminish, and it will not tarnish as things we inherit on earth do. Don’t be confused though, our inheritance is not given to us on this earth, our inheritance is reserved in heaven. There is no such thing as heaven on earth. If you Google “Heaven on Earth,” you’ll get over 15 million hits. I looked at the first several pages and few deal with spirituality. Some were for photography, some for spas, and some for finding spirituality. Some were dedicated to new age or eastern religions. There is nothing on this planet that can compare with the glory and splendor of heaven.

Peter goes on to say in verse 5, “Reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” We are protected or kept by the power of God. The word picture painted here is that God protects us as though we were in a military installation.  It is a safe haven. The only reason we are protected is through the power and might of God. The conduit for God’s strength is our faith. As long as we exercise our faith in God, we are safe. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” It doesn’t take great faith for God to work, but it does take some. We must endure and persevere until the end to see the inheritance that is reserved for us. Our inheritance is prepared, it is ready, but it is in heaven. It will be revealed when Jesus comes again, when the last day arrives.

In v. 6, Peter says, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.” We must maintain our focus on the inheritance. We are to be exceedingly joyful over our secure place in heaven. No matter our current circumstances, we should maintain our eyes on the prize. Think of anything that you strive for. The work, effort, and struggle that you put into something pales in comparison to achieving the goal. Even though we all experience trials and difficulties and persecutions, the reward is worth the effort. It takes work to endure suffering. No one likes to suffer.  No one likes to have difficulties. It is part of our life here on earth and Peter is encouraging us to keep our focus on the inheritance that is ours. These trials last only for a short while.

Look at verse 7, “So that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The proof of our faith is more precious than gold. Faith that is not tested is not faith at all. When faith is exercised, it grows; it becomes stronger. God is able to do what you ask of Him.  Nothing is too hard for God. When you step out on faith, you rely on the one thing that cannot fail, that will not fail, that will never let you down. When exercising faith, you rely on God’s power, not your own. We do have personal responsibility to pray, study, meditate on God’s word, etc., but when you trust God, you unleash a power that cannot be contained. The bottom line is that when you don’t exercise faith, you don’t trust God. Peter is saying that when the hard times come; when the trials come, and you are standing firm on the power of God, you, “may be found to result in praise and glory and honor.” It is not the trial that produces the praise and glory of Christ; it is the way we respond to the trial.

Remember whom Peter is writing. He’s writing to strangers scattered abroad. They did not have the privilege of walking and talking with Christ as Peter had; yet they loved Him. They heard of His greatness, His character, His teachings, His sacrifice for sin, His resurrection, and His ascension. They heard all about Christ and even though they’ve never seen Him, they love Him. Christ has done more for us than any other one who ever lived. He died for us, to redeem our souls; he rose, and brought life and immortality to those that would believe. He lives to intercede for us in heaven. He is preparing mansions in heaven for us. Jesus is a Savior that ought to be loved. The love of Christ is so strong that people have been willing to die for His name’s sake. People willing to go to the ends of the earth to preach His name. Verse 8 goes on to say, “Though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” Jesus is at the right hand of the Father. He is not visible to the human eye. Our belief in Him should be just as strong as if we’ve seen Him with our own eyes. In John 20:29 Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” Some might say, “If I could just talk to Christ and see Him, I’d believe.” The reality is that even if this did happen, people still would not believe. Abraham told the rich man in Luke 16:31, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” 2 Cor. 5:7 reminds us that we, “Walk by faith, not by sight.” Verse 9 concludes by saying, “obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” The result of your faith is salvation. That is what we have to look forward to. This is our confidence.

We need faith to make it. That’s why we share testimonies of what God is doing in our lives. He is at work even though we cannot see Him. We must trust that His plans are for us to prosper. Do not let the circumstances of this life get you down. When we continue to walk by faith, our future is bright.