Sing and Dance Through The Darkness

   Feelings and emotions or lack of them can sometimes lead us astray. They dictate too often what we think, what we ought to do or what we believe at any given moment. We are prone to make decisions, sometimes unwise ones, based on what we feel.
   If the disciples had relied on their feelings instead of their faith and trust in Christ, their lives wouldn't have had the impact that it does today.
   Many of the disciples went through persecution or were imprisoned for their faith. Many died for the same reason. I do not believe they were constantly feeling joy or even God's presence every single moment. They faced physical pain, mental distress and probably doubts tried to invade their minds as well. They had however believed and trusted the promises Christ had given them. That trust sustained and kept them, not their feelings.
   I have struggled with anxiety most of my life. When I came to Christ it was a joyous occasion but I learned that His salvation or promises didn't disappear when I was struggling with emotions that pulled me away from what He'd done in my life.
   There were times when I would sing or praise God when I was at my lowest and felt no hope. I didn't feel like singing and I didn't want to praise God but I did it anyway. I did more of what I didn't feel like doing than what I felt like doing; which was to run, hide or give up.
   Eventually, God showed me He was always there and lifted me up from the darkness. Though faith, not my feelings, He strengthened me and gave me hope. I could actually feel joy in rejoicing.
   Remember the pain and suffering Christ endured on the cross for our sakes. He kept His eyes and heart on the One able to deliver.
   So sing, dance and choose to do your daily walk by faith even when you feel otherwise, for His joy waits to embrace you.

2nd Timothy 1:7 NKJV
7"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Hebrews 12:3 NKJV
3"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself lest you become weary and discouraged..."

Wake Up! Our Time Is Short

   In 2nd Timothy 3:1 it says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." I believe that time has come. You see so much hate and division, not only in Washington but also among America's own people. Even Christians are divided over the issues. It has become almost frightening to turn on the news without wondering how things will end or how it will affect us.
   My heart has been so heavy concerning the division among the churches and those who profess to be Christians but discard or change God's word to suit their own lifestyle or agenda. This should not be.
   In Washington, our so called leaders have lost all common sense and direction. I do believe though that God is using Trump, our President, to give America and God's people a chance to turn back to Him.
   According to God's word in Isiah 44:28 through chapter 45, He used Cyrus, a pagan King to allow God's people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem for their return. It wasn't because Cyrus was holy or righteous; none of us are. Romans 2:23 states, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
   There have been other times that God used Kings to fulfil His purpose. We need to pray that He will touch the hearts of those in this position to have wisdom and direction for God's glory. Be aware though because God can also use those who would cause destruction to bring America and His people down to their knees for their lack of obedience. It would be better if we voluntarily got on our knees in prayer.
   Wake up those who are asleep, blinded and caught up in the ways of the world. The signs of destruction are all around us and our time is short.

2nd Timothy 3:2-3 KJV
2 "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,..."