Shalom,
Psalm 46:1-3:
1 GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, 3 Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
NO FEAR HERE when we make the One, True, Most High, Living, Almighty God of the Bible our Refuge, our Stronghold, and our source of all Strength! Let the world run frantic in the middle all of the chaos! When they REALLY want help, we will be found in our Refuge, ready to give them the Answer! In the meantime, enjoy "Made Me Glad" by Hillsong!
2 Timothy 4:2 in the KJV says :
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; repove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
The word "instant" is the Greek word "ephistemi", which means to stand by or be present, be at hand. The Amplified Bible says this:
2 Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong]. And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.
Just as Psalm 46 tells us that the LORD is "present" when we need Him, WE must be "present" for those who want to know HIM! Be available and be obedient to the Spirit of God. The eternal life of some depend on it! Verse 3 tells us that some will not want to hear the Word. Don't focus on them, focus instead on those who DO! They are the only ones you will be able to help!
In 2 Kings 15-16 we see more of the contrast between the kings who did "right in the sight of the LORD" and those who did not! We have seen a pattern here! It has very seldom worked out well for those who did the evil in the sight of the LORD! Why is that? Galatians 6:7 has the answer for us!
7 Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside(. [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God]. For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.
Keep YOURSELF in right fellowship with the LORD by obeying His Word and being filled continually with His Spirit!
Shalom in Him!
