January 12 “Who is in Control…?” 1 John 5:19
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19)
**Please pray for our National Leaders! We are living through some confusing and difficult times. Common Sense has been suspended and Evil is running rampant! Pray, Pray, Pray!**
Evil is very real and present in the world. The Bible tells us that we are all born with sin, and that even some of God's people are wolves in sheep's clothing. However, even as sinners we are still given a conscience that helps us not to give into evil urges. Feelings of shame and guilt are right emotions that guide us. Amazingly, what is being witnessed; is a shameless and arrogant flaunting of evil. Folks, as Followers of Christ, we have a mission, a purpose, a calling, to live our lives in obedience and dedication, so that this evil world can see the love of God in us and to make a difference, one soul at a time. 1 John 5:19 declares the truth about this world and what is in it! Evil, depravity, chaos, hatred, unrest, are just a few of the tools of Satanic Evil that dominates this world! When I look around and witness the actions of others, and I see things happening and attitudes displayed, that show no level of Common Sense, it is evident that Satan is controlling the day! Isaiah 5:20 speaks so clearly the issues of our day, when it states that, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Do not fear and do not fret, God is in Control of Your Life and He promised that Evil would not prevail over you! God’s plan for this arrogant evil is judgment and eternal punishment in the fiery bowels of a burning Hell! We are here for such a short time! Please commit to being the true and effective Servant of Christ and to make a difference, one soul at a time!! How easy it is to take our eyes off of Jesus and to focus on the temporal issues, however, we must remain true and focused on what is real and edifying and powerful for our holy existence! My Daddy instructed me, and countless others, to focus on what is genuine and to claim God’s provision and power for our living. He told me to face the world and all of its challenges with a scripture verse on my lips and Praise in my Heart. Jeremiah 29:11 is the verse that he quoted, in every situation that he faced… “For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the LORD,’ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I am grateful for this assurance and I am still quoting and claiming the promise that is found in this simple, yet powerful proclamation of Faith! Regardless of the chaos and confusion, regardless of the hatred and evil, regardless of the challenges and attacks, for the Believer, under the saving Blood of Jesus Christ, God’s plan for us is prosperity, safety, and HOPE!!! Believe it…Claim it…Live it!!! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!