Monday, April 16, 2012
 
Promises in troubled times

A look at the recent headlines: record national debt, high unemployment, gasoline prices up, food prices up, rumors of war--all things that have people wondering what will happen to them. Many are anxious over the next elections in the United States. Others are concerned whether they will be able to keep their jobs or even find a job. Others are concerned that the astronomical rise in gasoline prices at the pump will cause their disposable income to shrink so much that they will not be able to conduct their daily lives. Many are living in fear of what is ahead. Often, in these difficult times, it is good to take a deep breath and refocus on the promises of the Lord.

Yeshua said in Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek ye first the kingdom of YHVH, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Many false teachers lay claim to this verse saying that this means whatever you want--fancy cars, jewelry, check in the mail--will be provided by YHVH to those who seek him. They have falsely taught that all you have to do is name it to claim it. This is not what was promised by the Messiah. We are to first seek the kingdom of YHVH and his righteousness, and then certain things will be added unto you.

These "things" are explained in the previous verses beginning in verse 25, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" Yeshua goes on to explain that the birds do not sow or reap, "but your heavenly Father fees them. Are ye not much better than they?" He points out that YHVH clothes the lilies and grass of the field, that He will also clothe you. Verse 31 says, "Therefore take no thought, saying What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?"

Verse 32 says, "(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things." My wife and I are living testimonies to the daily bread that YHVH provides. There have been many times when we had no resources, yet there were bills to be paid, children to feed, and needs to be met. All we had was our faith in our Savior. And that is all we needed. He is faithful. In these troubled times, which according to the scriptures will worsen before the end, Christians have the answer in Yeshua. Do not fear. Seek the Lord. Draw near to him. His promises are met when we most need them. And you will have a great testimony to share with others who are yet to know the blessing and faith of true salvation.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson