Tag: jesusisouronlyhope

Stress

Got Stress?

The Kedge Anchor
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Recently I have been reading in 2 Corinthians from The Modern Life Study Bible. In 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 Paul talks about dealing with stress. There is a little commentary in the margin that I had to reread a few times. Let me just preface this by saying I am not disagreeing with the following, there were just some things that made me go hmmmm.

“Tension, conflict, weariness and suffering are common place in our world but some hold out that God will bring life struggles to an end. They assume that a relationship of Christ ushers us into peace, even prosperity… as long as we live on this earth we will experience the unbreakable connection between trouble and hope. It may not be pleasant but it brings lasting benefits… James challenges us to find joy in our various trials because they produce patients which in the end makes us mature (James 1:2-4).  As long as we attempted to obey Christ we can count on having to deal with stress but whatever strain we feel today reaps riches to enjoy for eternity.”

The Modern Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson 2014

I agree with some of this, “Tension, conflict, weariness and suffering are common place in our world but some hold out that God will bring life struggles to an end.” Hmmm, well shouldn’t we hope that God will one day end all the strife in the world? Perhaps I am not reading that correctly. Maybe not this side of heaven but God will end all suffering when Jesus returns. I am looking forward to that day. Shouldn’t we hope that God will end our whatever current crisis we are enduring? Shouldn’t we hope that God will put an end to the chaos and craziness in our world? 

I also agree with, “They assume that a relationship of Christ ushers us into peace, even prosperity…” Regardless if we walk with or without God, if we are in a relationship with Him the rain, the stress falls on the just and the unjust. Being a believer, Christ follower, Child of God, a Christian doesn’t mean a life prosperity. So I’d rather have the stress with God then without Him which I believe there is a peace maybe not so much ease and prosperity but with God there is a peace, He is the Prince of Peace. John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Just because we have a relationship with God doesn’t mean we won’t encounter hardships here on earth. John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Even Jesus encountered some rough times. I can think of one very rough day. 

“…the unbreakable connection between trouble and hope.”

The Modern Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson 2014

Hmmm, not sure what is meant by that. The now and the not yet? That is a difficult place to be. But I believe there is always hope in any situation.

There are some benefits to following Christ.

Matthew 16:24,25 – If we lose our lives for His sake we will find them.

Hebrews 12:8-11 – We are God’s children and when He disciplines us that is evidence we belong to Him as His chlidren.

James 1:2-4 – James encourages us to find joy in our trials, for trials produce patience. We don’t need to ask for patience when we have enough trials in front of us to help us cultivate patience.

1 Peter 4:12,13 – Facing these trials can cause us to waiver in Christ. Trials in this life are pretty common but they can produce some great results. We can experience the suffering of Christ so that we can also experience His glory.

God never said it would be easy to follow Him, He never promised that. But He did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:8 – “
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” He said in Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The conflicts, tension, and weariness won’t come to a complete end until Jesus returns. There is always hope, Jesus is our only hope, He is  the only hope this world has. So if there is going to be conflict and stress in this world, I’d don’t want to take another step with out God by my side. After all He has overcome the world.  

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Judgement Day

The Kedge Anchor

Photo by Ray Bilcliff on Pexels.com

“And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done, Good and bad they’ll all be had to see by everyone” – Amy Grant, My Father’s Eyes.

There will come a day when we will stand before God, whether or not you believe in Him or not, we all will stand before Him and have to give an account for everything we have done, the good, the bad, the ugly, all of it.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 – “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (NIV).

2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”  This has to happen before God can create the new Heaven and new earth.

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 – “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”  

The Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial brought this to mind. The entire world is hearing and seeing all the bad in their relationship. The accusations toward each other, the emotional and physical abuse, all the dirt is just out there for us all to see. I can’t imagine the stress and judgement of the world they must be feeling on just these chapters of their lives. Pray for all those involved. And one day that’s how it will be for us, standing before God and everyone to see the good and bad we have done. It won’t be just a few things, it will be everything!

But unlike what Johnny and Amber are experiencing, we have a God who has provided a way out of God’s judgment. (and if they are willing to repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, He will forgive them) When we stand before God on Judgement Day if we have Jesus in our hearts, as our Lord and Savior, His blood covering us, that’s all God will see, His Son’s blood and we will have eternity with Him. As we live our lives day to day we are writing the story of our lives. We all have the opportunity while we are living here today to repent an ask for God’s forgiveness. Then God will wipe out all the bad and only remember the good things we have done. Hebrews 10:17 – “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 

It’ll be too late on judgement day to ask for forgiveness. The time is now, today is the day. Why wait? God isn’t trying to keep from having fun. He is offering you freedom and eternity now.

If God doesn’t love us, why would He provide a way out for us. It’s God’s desire that all come to Him, 1 Timothy 2:3-4 – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (emphasis mine).

Where do you want to be on that day? The time is now to ask for forgiveness.

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April 25, 2022 – John 11:25

The Kedge Anchor

Jesus made it easy for us. All we need to do is believe!! If you are reading this for the first time, if you want to know more about knowing Jesus click here, Knowing Jesus.

And you if you enjoy these posts please like and share, thank you 🙂

April 25 2022Download

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HE IS RISEN!!!!

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John 24:6 -“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee”

Jesus has risen, He is alive today and here with us. His word tell us He will never leave us or forsake us. The Bible tells us in the Old and New Testaments that He will never leave us or forsake us, Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5. God said it to His people in the OT and He says it in the NT. When Jesus came to this earth, the law and the requirements for sacrifice were no longer needed. The Ten Commandments were summed up in two, Mark 12:28-31-

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

But God carried over the promise to never leave us or forsake us from the OT to the NT. That must mean something.

April 18 2022Download

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April 4, 2022 -John 12:23

The Kedge Anchor

Happy Monday! Easter is almost here. Jesus is alive in Heaven!!! If you haven’t yet read the gospel of John over the next few weeks. I can only imagine how Jesus was preparing for His time. I do know that He prayed. How are you preparing for Easter?

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Coloring Page

March 7, 2022 – Psalm 5:12

The Kedge Anchor

Happy March! Where does time go? When you think of the month of March, St.Patrick’s Day most likely comes to mind. Maybe luck o’ the Irish, leprechauns and a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

But with God, it’s not luck. Nothing is random. God is in control and it’s His favor and on us and blessings that He bestows on us. A flat tire may look like bad luck, but God may have allowed that flat tire to happen to prevent an accident.

So as you color these pages remember that the good and what seems bad all come from God. Evil does exist because of the fall of man, but God sent His Son to take care of that. What happened to Jesus seems bad, it was bad but it was God’s way of providing us the greatest gift, salvation.

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How Do I Pray for Ukraine?

The Kedge Anchor
WARNING: This video has audio and at times a chilling sound of sirens. https://bit.ly/3Mqmh6H

Where does one begin to pray for the Ukraine and the situation over there? It can be a bit overwhelming, where does one start.

So I asked God and searched the scriptures and this is where He lead me.

PRAY FOR GOD’S WILL Pray for God’s will to be done. Matthew 6:5-15 and Luke 11:1-13, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Is what’s happening God’s will? He is allowing it I don’t know why. Since the fall of man sin has overtaken the earth we are dealing with those consequences. Not all evil is ordained by God. Look at Job, God allowed Job to go through what he did to show that Job was faithful. If God is allowing something He has a purpose and a plan. We can pray against anything that is not from God. Isaiah 54:17  – “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…” What was meant for evil God will use for good – Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” That can be hard but we have to trust that God sees all and He’s allowing it for some reason.

PRAY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE, EVEN THOSE IN AUTHORITY Pray for God’s will to be done in each of everyone’s lives. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants ALL people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

PRAY FOR ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for ur brothers and sisters in Christ to be encouraged. Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” God has a way of bringing His people together. Ask God to allow their paths to cross so that they can encourage each other. We have a big God and He can use anything to encourage.

PRAY FOR COMFORT Pray for safety, pray for comfort, not only for physical comfort but many have lost loved ones and are mourning. Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

There are other ways to pray for this horrible situation, these are just a few suggestions for those who may be having a hard time finding words. Please share how you have been praying for the people in Ukraine and Russia. And if this post has helped you, please like and share.

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Pray for Ukraine

The Kedge Anchor

Sometimes it seems like our prayers aren’t enough. But most times that’s all we can do. It’s hard to process all that is happening over in Ukraine, in our world. I feel for those families that are there living through this, it’s scary. I feel for those who have lost lost loved ones, I feel for our troops and their families. My heart goes out to all of them and this mere social media post… what can it do?

In the millions of posts, stories, and articles flooding news feeds asking for prayers for Ukraine I hope that this small post will bring hope. Because there is Hope. Jesus is our only Hope. That alone brings me encouragement. God knew long before the foundations of the very universe He created what would happen. This is no surprise to God. Hebrews 4:13 – “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (KJV). In the later part of this verse the NIV says “…Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Proverbs 11:21 “Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.” (NIV).

God sees all, nothing goes unnoticed, He noticed everyone of us being formed in our mother’s womb – Psalm 139:16. He sees EVERYTHING and we all we give an account one day to the choices we make today. We can choose heaven or hell. Our leaders and world leaders will all be held accountable for their choices and actions, no one is exempt from this.

But God loved us so much to save us from His wrath He provided a way out for us. He sacrificed His only Son to pay the penalty of our sin. Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for us. And it’s through a simple prayer, inviting Jesus into your heart and choosing to follow Him, will save you from His judgement and wrath. See God doesn’t choose to send people to hell. People choose to reject Him and choose hell. Harsh words? Maybe. But it’s the truth. But God also gives us grace. Mercy is not getting what you deserve; grace is getting what you don’t deserve. And He gives us the Hope in in Son Jesus Christ that one day, this old earth will pass away and there will be a new heaven and new earth – Revelation 21:1

Jesus is alive today, He conquered the grave! He is our only Hope this we have in this world and it’s our choice. You can believe or reject it. God gave us a free will.

Pray. No matter how small or short the prayer is, God sees your heart. Nothing goes unnoticed.

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Happy New Year!

The Kedge Anchor

Happy New Year!

Thank you to all who follow The Kedge Anchor. In a time where things in this world seem to be upside down and chaotic we hope that you have found some encouragement here. After all we are all about anchoring in Hope.

Praying for peace, encouragement and that whatever you may be going through right now, God will use it to draw you closer to Him. Anchor in Him today.