It feels as if the world has grown darker and everyone is facing emotional and spiritual battles like never before. 

The Bible tells us life would be hard but it also tells us that our hearts should not be troubled. 

So here are four Bible verses to strengthen you, encourage you and give you peace.

1. When you’re worried by world events, remember Luke 21:28 says “when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” 

Don’t live a life of worry. Look up, your Redeemer is near and your King is coming soon.

1. When you’re anxious because of viruses, wars, and evil acts, remember Deuteronomy 31:8 says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

No matter what happens Jesus is still on his throne, still in control, still with you, still leading you and still loves you.

1. When you see the love and faith of others growing colder, remember Jesus said in John 15:4;12 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Love each other as I have loved you.”

Follow Jesus and let his love overflow from you and out into a world that so desperately needs him.

1. When you’re scared, remember Jesus said in John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

You are eternally safe in Jesus. Nothing in this world, not death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, can ever, ever, separate you from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

We don’t know what the future holds but we know that you hold our future and because of that we are safe.

We give thanks for this in Jesus’ name, amen

When your faith grows stronger, your worries grow weaker. So here are three ways to increase your faith and grow closer to Jesus:

1. Read The Bible

Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” while Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 

So read God’s word and let it fill you, guide you, strengthen you and bless you daily.

2. Put What You Read Into Practice

Jesus said in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching” and James 2:20 says, “faith without works is dead”.

Knowledge without application won’t produce results. We’re called to live out our faith in both word and deed as we follow the teachings of Jesus.  

3. Always Be Thankful And Never Stop Praying

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Focus on your Savior, not your situation, and you’ll always have reason to rejoice. Never stop praying and Jesus will never stop providing. Give thanks in all situations and you’ll never run out of things to be thankful for.

Let me pray for you:

Father,

We thank you for your word that guides us, your Holy Spirit who empowers us, and your grace that blesses us so abundantly.   

We give thanks for all these things in Jesus name, amen.

God bless you.

In this episode I’m going to remind you of the best way to deal with negative people. 

Hi, I’m Paul and you’re listening to If You Forget.

Sometimes it just isn’t possible to get along with someone. So if you have to deal with someone like that it’s important to remember that you can’t control someone’s words, attitude or their actions but you can control your response to them. So here are three ways to respond to negative people:

1. When you receive hateful words, respond with Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

2. When you have to deal with bad attitudes, respond with Titus 3:2, “slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle towards everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

3. When you’re hurt by someone’s actions, respond with Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Then let it go and let God deal with it.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  

We do that by doing what Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” 

You represent the living God to a dying world so desperate for grace, love and hope. God has shown these things to you through Jesus so that you could show them to others. 

Let me pray for you:

Father,

You tell us in Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on us, live at peace with everyone.”

So help us to let go of the things we can’t control and remind us that the same mercy, grace and love you’ve given to us is also available for the people we struggle with as well.

In Jesus’ name we pray, amen