Last week we looked into Scripture that encourages us to keep our eyes on the Lord in the midst of all that is going on in the world today. Though things may not look the brightest we have the assurance that God is in control and we can rest in Christ.

*This week lets look at words that give further encouragement.
"So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word." Hebrew 10:23 The Amplified Bible

We are encouraged to 'hold fast the good' and to be steadfast:
"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good." ` 1Thessalonians 5:21

"But Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." Hebrews 3:6

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."
Hebrews 4:14

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

He, Christ Jesus, is faithful to His word:
"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He can not deny Himself."
2 Timothy 2:13

*We continue with God's word of encouragement.
"Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.
For you have steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised." Hebrews 10:35-36 The Amplified Bible

We are called to be strong:
1 Corinthians 16:13 says,
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love."

"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might."
Ephesians 6:10

Patience and endurance are attributes that God works into the lives of His children. James 1:4 tells us, "But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defect], lacking in nothing." The Amplified Bible

We are in the world, but not of it! Therefore, let us be doers of God's will. As the Apostle John writes, "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:17 (Read Vs. 15-17 to see the warning John gives concerning loving the world.)

So we sing:
"Not my will, but Thine be done,
That the fullness of the Son,
May dwell within this life,
That I have offered You,
Until everything I do
Is the thing that pleases You;
Abba Father, I will be a son indeed."

Thank you Lord for loving us and keeping us in all situations!! Amen