" ASSURANCE "

Good Afternoon to you, is all well with you today.

This week we will be looking into " ASSURANCE " so please clear your schedule for a few moments and let's see what the Bible says about it.

 The dictionary defines " ASSURANCE " as the act or action of assuring: as a pledge, guarantee; the state of being assured.

What do you cling to for the assurance of God's presence and His power? You know Moses clung tightly to the shepherd's staff as he left Egypt to face the greatest challenge to his life. The staff was his assurance of God's presence and power.

When feeling uncertain, some people need something to stabilize and reassure them. For assurance when facing great trials, God has given promises from His Word and examples from great heroes of the faith. Those of us who know Him as our Personal Savior may cling tightly to these.

Sleep does not come to easily during a crisis, but the assurance of answered prayer brings peace. It is easy to sleep well when we have the full assurance that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying awake at night worrying about circumstances you can't change, pour out your heart to God, and thank him that he's in control. Then I promise your sleep will come.

Jesus warned us that in the coming days, and I believe that we are in the END TIMES persecution of His followers will take place. Family members will be betrayed by their friends as well as those in their household. Christians of every age have had to face this possibility. It sure is reassuring to know that even when we feel completely abandoned, the Holy Spirit will stay with us. He will comfort us, and give us the words we need. This assurance can give us the courage and hope to stand firm for Christ no matter how difficult the situation.

LAST POINT: Do you remember how you felt when you were very young and your birthday approached? You were excited as well as anxious. As always you knew that you would receive gifts and other special treats. But some things would be a surprise. Birthdays combine assurance and anticipation, and so does FAITH! Now Faith is the conviction based on past experience that God's new and fresh surprises will surely be ours. It's vital that you look for the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim,