We all encounter trouble in our lives. Difficulties. Stress and sometimes heartache. Some have simply chalked this up to “life“…”well, life isn’t fair” they sometimes say. The fact that we know life has trouble and difficult days also carries with it a heavy, unseen burden. We sometimes look around the corner at the next thing, almost anticipating trouble because things are going too smoothly; or that was just “too easy”…
Life is not always fair.
The disciples of Jesus understood this better than anyone.
They followed Jesus, who would be tortured and executed like a criminal.
After His resurrection and ascension, they continued to follow Jesus, and to do His will on this earth – that led to their imprisonments, tortures and executions. Life certainly had its troubles for the disciples.
3 Promises For Troubled Times
1) The Presence Of God:
No matter where we are in life, whether we are currently in a chapter of distress or a chapter of peace, we do have an assurance of the constant presence of God with us. We truly are never alone when He is near. God’s Holy presence is with us, and the only times we are alone is when we are not spiritually connected to Him, not the other way round. He longs for constant fellowship with us. His promise to Joshua long ago is the same promise to us today: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
2) The Protection Of God: 
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Yes, we will face pains and hurts of life in all shapes and sizes, this we will not avoid.
But rest assured, we are not without protection from the arrows of the evil one. God’s presence with us means that we are protected by Him as well! Now, as I say this, we read many stories of Christians who are martyred for their faith around the world…does this mean that God’s protection wasn’t with them? Of course not! I believe God does protect us from the father of lies so that we are not tempted or lost to God’s will. We can choose to fall away, but when we walk with Him, the evil one has no claim on us. Remember too that though evil can befall humanity through acts of violence, the worst it can do is claim our lives which are temporary shells containing an everlasting soul. The evil one is held back by the protection of God upon His people, who are called Sons and Daughters – children of God.
3) The Power Of God
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Obviously this verse was written for a specific audience in mind, but it makes it no less true and relevant to us today. When we are weak – He is strong! God’s power is readily available to us when we humble ourselves and stop attempting life in our own strength. God will lift up the fallen. He will strength the weary…and if you and I are one of those today – we can take comfort in knowing that God’s power is here for us.
You may feel beaten up by life. You may feel like giving up, but know that He is presence is here, He will protect you, and His power is here to sustain you!!
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” ThereforeI will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.“
He will lift you up, call out to Him, persevere through your trial, and know that you are loved and called son or daughter of the Most High!
| I know a fount, 545 | |
1.
Say, are you weary? Are you heavy laden?
Burdened with sorrow, weighted down with care?
Are you in bondage? Do you want deliverance?
Come, then, with me, there is refuge from despair.
Chorus
I know a fount where sins are washed away,
I know a place where night is turned to day;
Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see;
There’s a wonder-working power in the blood of Calvary.
2.
Are you still doubting power to keep from sinning,
Power that can change the heart and make it new?
Are you still longing for a full salvation?
You may receive it and live a life that’s true.
3.
Fettered and bound by chains of self-indulgence,
Missing the blessings God on man bestows,
Seeking for joy but only sorrow finding?
Come to the waters where grace and mercy flow.
4.
Wondrous Deliverer! Sin-forgiving Saviour!
Cleanser of hearts! Unfailing friend and guide!
No one has ever trusted unavailing,
No one has claimed of his love and been denied.
——————————————–
Something more to ponder today!
To God be the glory!
An outpouring of our faith is works, and those works include helping the poor and welcoming outsiders into our groups within our corps and Christian social circles.
2. Be Mindful Of Insider Jokes, and social tendencies that tend to exclude: 
Pretend for a second that you are the outsider looking in.
Dare I say, many will call themselves outliers and Christ-followers, but few are truly willing to mean these words found in an old time song:
Salvation Army. But we must recognize that even the Booths promoted family to places of authority. William Booth viewed his Generalship to be something he would pass along to his children, and perhaps his children’s children. Could it be that this sort of family promoting still occurs in our Army today? And if so, should it? Are there checks and balances in place to prevent nepotism in our Army?
Questions to Ponder:
The Cure?:
I have met so many struggling Officers recently.
low. I can sense the rolling tides and currents of life pulling some of us under, and it threatens our very calling as Officers and Soldiers. In some places even our charge forward into the fray has waned and we have become static…no longer pushing out into our communities, having no longer the strength to care for others because our hearts and our spirits are worn. I am here today to tell you that you are not alone! Although it may feel this way from time to time, although you have frustrations in leaders and in situations beyond your control, you have both an Advocate in the Holy Spirit and a wealth of power at your disposal – all you need to do is cry out to Him and He will sustain you, He will empower you once again. “Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you!” (James 4:8)
I am also here today to encourage you in the Blood and Fire of this Army…for it is the very soul of who we are. It is our very life-source, and if we stray from the Blood of Christ and the Fire of the Holy Spirit, we will lose strength in every attempt to do things on our own. This Blood and Fire is both our source of Salvation and Holiness. It hangs as a constant reminder upon our Salvation Army flag. It ought to resound in us as we move about in our day, regardless of the tasks, both big and small; insurmountable and the mundane. This Blood and Fire is more than just another motto we spout out while wearing the uniform, it is a strength and doctrine firmly rooted within the Scriptures! We can cling to His unfailing love and His Divine presence with us not only daily, but moment by moment.
when my older son came home talking about this new app that has been blowing up social media and places all around the world:
about the whole Pokemon story-line, but I do know that my kids are excited to journey outdoors and ACTUALLY walk and get some exercise…
exploring. We learned that in our community within one of our cemeteries the first American soldier killed in World War I is buried. This is really cool! Not only is it fun to go exploring but many historical locations house information and education for our kids to discover. That alone makes this not only fun to use, but a tool to teach and to connect with my children.
If you haven’t already, give Pokemon Go…a go.
Pastor's Ponderings 