Weekly Devotional by Jana Turpin
“The news: what to believe and what not to believe – so many different stories and it often just depends on which news source we watch. My mind wonders why we are so divided. Why do we have so many different opinions? Why is there so much hate? I’m going to be very honest here…we have got to agree to disagree and not to have so much hate. One way of doing this is to look at all the facts and explore different perspectives. Watch and LISTEN to become educated on current events. Whatever I know or do not know, I want to keep the following scripture in my heart and mind:
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
I have reached out to a few of my friends during these uneasy times asking them how they are doing. One of these good friends asked me to read Luke 21:8-11, Matthew 24:4-8 and Mark 13:3-37 and get back to her with my thoughts. I had read these verses before but it didn’t hit me the way it did this time.
LUKE 21:8-11 NIV
8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Matthew 24: 4-8 NIV
4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
Mark 13:5-8 NIV
5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Jesus said this on Mt Olive, Luke, Matthew and Mark wrote almost the same words. This time is important, and we need to stand firm in our faith. Ask: how would Jesus handle all of this conflict? Jesus loves all people. He showed his love and support to everyone!
After studying the above scriptures, the Lord led me to the following verses in Proverbs
Proverbs 28:2-8
2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
3 A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
4 Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
but those who heed it resist them.
5 Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.
6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse.
7 A discerning son heeds instruction,
but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor
amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.
So, what can we believe? The LORD’s word. The Bible it is true! God is LOVE, PEACE, and TRUTH!
Prayer:
Heavenly FATHER you are in CONTROL. You know the FUTURE, You are TRUTH!, You are PEACE. Give us the knowledge we need to get thru these tumultous times which we are experiencing. Give us strength, love and HOPE. Give us UNITY! Give us LOVE for each other even when we do not agree!
Thank you, dear heavenly Father you have given us GRACE that we do not deserve, let us exhibit GRACE to others that we do not agree with or are different from us. Continue to keep us safe, happy and joyful. Thank you for your love! In Christ name, Amen.”
– Jana Turpin