The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

The way that we walk and talk in this life speaks volumes. For everyday and in the byways of work or shopping or recreation—people who are hurting desperately are watching our lives. You may be the only Jesus some folks will ever see (2 Cor. 5:15).

To some we are a breath of fresh air as we encourage, as we give, and as we take the time to listen and to care (Heb. 12:12).

To some we are a mystery. We are fools for Christ (1 Cor. 4:10). Awards mean nothing to us—self adulation does not become us for we seek, (in their minds a hard road of life), when actually we seek after Christ, that He might be our all in all (1 Cor. 10:24). We stand aside and applaud when others are promoted or praised for we seek a future promotion and the words of the Lamb (Matt. 25:23).

And to others we are their enemies. We are in their minds, the greatest of hypocrites, the ‘do gooders’, fake, spineless and mindless followers who say one thing… and then live another way. On one account, what they say is truth for there are those who bear the name of Christ with dishonor (Jude :4) They pervert the cause of Christ through this living-lies, their deceit, and their darkened and hardened hearts (Jude :11-13; Titus 1:12, 16).

Their fruit is sweet and all so rotten (Matt. 7:16)! They claim to await the Lord’s coming and this they do-not moving, not doing, and not hearing the cry of the week, the needy, the discouraged—the captives, the broken of this world. They wait and sit and appear righteous but their hearts are hardened and prepared for everlasting dishonor (Amos 6:12; Matt. 7:19; Matt. 16:3; Matt. 23:13; 2 Pet. 3:4; Psa. 37:14; Rom. 16:18).

Yet, not you who fear the Lord; who love His Word and who follow righteousness. If you are spotted by sin, repent, and the Father of forgiveness will clean, will restore, and will strengthen through boundless mercy and grace of favor (Jude :23). If weak, know this, the God of all creation is calling you, urging you to His Word, to fellowship, to talks with him (Psa. 6:2; Psa. 102:23). Jesus knows the way of despair! He understands the broken heart! He knows the doubts, the fears, the silent tear, the grieving soul, and the lonely heart. Know this also that the grave could not hold him and that His victory is ours—the battle is won and you are the beloved of the Lord.

In the comfort that Christ has extended to you – do likewise. Seek and find the depressed and listen, care, cry and pray for them. Be a friend to the unfriendly – influence others by simply being yourself. Don’t hind your faults but unmask the humanity that is yours while giving and showing Christ’s glory in the what and when and why He is working in your life, for He is! Christ is not finished with you yet (Isa. 53:3-4; Psa. 18:4-5; Psa. 116:3; Heb. 2:4; Heb. 5:7).

Christ has not forsaken you. Hit the delete button and kill such a thought (Phil.4:8). Can your failure prevent the glory of Christ? (Rom. 8:38) It is not your righteousness that is important, you have no righteousness, none, zip (Isa. 64:6). You are counted as righteous through Christ’s sacrifice that deemed you so (Rom. 4:5; Rom. 9:8). His glory is imputed towards you – go and shine his glory and do good works that others may see Christ and glorify Him, in you!(Matt. 5:16)

Be not afraid of the words, the silent insults, the disapproving stares. Smile and thank Christ, your Captain, that his light in you has created such attention and with such attention do good and not evil. Pray and seek and follow that loving spirit of grace… (1 Pet. 3:14).

Hold your tongue and bite it hard if need be (James 1:19,26). Put away dirty talking, criticize not, bless and curse not. Let the words from your mouth be kindness, filled with mercy, and healing. If these cannot be found then it is best and wise to be silent. A resting oar splashes not yourself or others… “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16; Psa. 15:3; Psa. 34:13; Psa. 37:30; Prov. 15:4; Prov. 21:23).

In boldness proclaim the glory of Christ through what you do… no one should work as hard or as diligent as you (Rom. 12:11; Eph 6:6). Christ gave us employment—demonstrate Christ by serving faithfully, cheerfully, honorably. Honor those who are over you and pray for them. Live quietly, humbly, and ever tearful towards the captives of this world while ever rejoicing for the abounding joy in Christ—who is your strength! (Psa. 18:2)