Do Not Fret...

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During the days in which we are living the behaviour of many people is morally depraved. It seems as though all the moral goodness of American society, the result of the influence of the early Christians of our country, is disappearing to a great extent. I think we just took decent behaviour for granted.

(7/3/2011). Does the Bible command us not to fret when we see evil people exalting themselves? Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. (Psalms 37:8,9—NIV)

If we want to inherit the land we better do what the Bible says.

I truly believe that one of the great sins that American Christians will commit in the days to come is that of fretting. I guess we do not often regard fretting, grumbling, complaining, as being sins. But they are. They are a sign that we do not believe Christ is in control of the world.

But what about the homosexuals? What about the lying and corruption in our government? What about the entrance of foreign gods into our country under the banner of religious freedom? What about the perversions that are being introduced into the public schools' curricula? What about the all-consuming preoccupation with sexual activity, perversions, and public nudity?

And what about the homosexual brainwashing going on in the military? Reckless spending until our country is approaching bankruptcy? What about the violence young people are devouring in the electronic games?

And then there are the efforts to do away with gender. This is being taken to ridiculous extremes as parents attempt to persuade their children that they can choose to be a boy or girl?

I wonder sometimes if common sense is being banished from our country. America used to be a decent place in which to live; but I am not certain this is true today as some of our leaders proclaim that America no longer is a Christian country.

We can see, in some instances, the signs of an approaching persecution of Christians. Christianity used to be regarded as an honourable religion, held in esteem by most of our citizens. But I notice that little by little Christians and their practices are being scorned as somehow being unworthy of intelligent people. I read somewhere that Hitler also had this view of Christians.

Honestly, soon we will be able to write another Book of Lamentations.

I wish I had better news for you, but you know what! These abominations I have mentioned are going to become much worse, if I am hearing from the Lord correctly.

Some years ago at a pastors' meeting the Lord gave me a word. It was to the effect that the abominations would increase but that for those who would follow the Lord and obey Him diligently, He would perform "new and surprising things" that would be more than adequate to overcome the wickedness—and that we were not to look to the old ways of doing things.

I think He was referring to our customary efforts to promote the Gospel.

Many are saying that the Christian churches are becoming irrelevant. I agree. And the reason is, the Bible is not being preached. I don't know how many people have written to me saying, "All I am hearing in my church is rapture, rapture, rapture, grace, grace, grace, Heaven, Heaven, Heaven."

Since these three doctrines assuredly are not the emphases of the New Testament, the Spirit of God is leaving the churches. What is left are various programs designed to whip up enthusiasm. But enthusiasm is useless if not distracting when it comes to spiritual warfare!

All I have said is true, I believe, and we can look forward to an age of moral horrors in the good old USA. Our big problem in the coming days will be fretting, complaining, grumbling about the abominations. When we fret, we are revealing that we do not believe Jesus Christ knows what He is doing.

Christ is absolutely in control of every detail of world history, including that of the United States of America. He sits as King of the flood. He has authority over all flesh. The earth is the Lord's, and everyone who lives on it belongs to God.

The preceding statements are from the Scriptures. Either we believe them or we do not. If God shows us something we are to do to remedy the situation, we are to be obedient to God. But barring that, we are to keep our mind on the Lord!

Did the Apostle Paul command us not to fret? I believe so.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8—NIV)

If we are to obey Paul (above) when we see wicked people vaunting themselves, we must pray continually to keep our mind in the heavenlies with the Lord Jesus. We absolutely must live by His Life moment by moment if we are to stand victoriously in Christ while the demon-possessed people are parading around.

There are wonderful promises offered to those who do not fret, and we are going to need these promises in the coming days in America.

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. (Psalms 37:1,2—NIV)

I can remember when I was a boy how it appeared that Hitler was going to overrun the world. But soon he withered and died away. Such is true of every wicked person.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.(Psalms 37:3,4—NIV)

If we trust in Christ and take delight in Him, we will find rest and receive the desires of our heart. Think of it! Now I will tell you this: No matter how bad things get, if you will seek Christ at all times and live in His Presence, you will stand and rejoice during the darkest hour that is approaching. Not only will you stand, but all those who love and trust you will survive. You will affect a lot of people by your steadfastness in Christ.

However, if you fret yourself about the wickedness in our land, you will depress those around you. They will see that instead of being victorious in Christ you are defeated in your unbelief. This may cause some that you care about to stumble and fall when they could be rejoicing and dancing in the heights of Zion.

All I am saying in this briefest of essays is that you can stand in Christ throughout all the evil that is coming. Christ is not defeated and there is no reason why you should be defeated if you are living in Him.

You have been raised with Christ. Satan hates being ignored and he will do everything in his power to attract your attention and cause you to fret (which really is worshiping the devil instead of God).

Keep yourself and those around you in the heavenlies. Christ will help you. The only true Christian life is that of praying without ceasing. This may seem impossible to you.

Try it. You will like it.

For the LORD will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD—the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. (Jeremiah 31:11,12—NIV)

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