CERTAINTY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

CHANGE. It’s shaping the planet as you read this. From the natural season shedding the vibrancy of summer for the sleep of winter to the nations at war, global climate disasters, and the transition of governing power. Maybe you are experiencing CHANGE, and it’s hitting close to home.

Change most often contains uncertainty. Uncertainty can attract excitement, anticipation, and expectations. But it can also bring anxiety, fear, and worry.

The crescendo of fall colors emphasizes the finality of one season in transition to another. As nature demonstrates, change can be beautiful. But the beauty can be overshadowed by the nostalgic pain of a lovely season passing and the uncertainty of the new one arriving.

Uncertain times call for CERTAIN faith. Now is a good time to find yours.

Jesus is CERTAIN.

His faithfulness to be true to His nature is a sure quality of His character to which we can anchor ourselves.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” ~ Hebrews 13:8

“For I am the LORD, I do not change…” ~ Malachi 3:6

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” ~ James 1:17

God is unchanging, as is His word.

“The grass withers, and its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.” ~ 1 Peter 1:25a

Found in Jesus, we dwell in the peace and certainty of a FAITHFUL FATHER.

In Jesus, you are a citizen of His unchanging Kingdom. His Kingdom is defined by righteousness (right relationship with God), peace (with God), and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) It is yours to possess on earth – in Jesus.

My dear friends, will you please hear what Jesus said,

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” ~ Luke 12:32

In Jesus’ you have it. You have the Father’s kingdom inside you.

“…For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” ~ Luke 17:21b

In uncertain times, YOU HAVE ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY. If you will receive it. If you will trust, He WHO IS UNCHANGING. Do not be afraid.

“Fall Picnic” is not in my online store, but is available upon request.

Found in Jesus, we dwell in the peace and certainty of a FAITHFUL FATHER.

Jesus is the answer. Not a trite cliché. He really is. And in Him, you are too. Otherwise, He would not call you His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we have immunity from uncertainty’s power. The certainties of God’s Kingdom are for you regardless of the country to which you have been assigned, Korea, China, Russia, Iran, the United States, or any other earthly country.

The kingdoms of the world face many uncertainties.

Uncertain FUTURE

But God’s Kingdom’s Certainty:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” ~ Philippians 1:6

Uncertain ECONOMY

But God’s Kingdom’s Certainty:

“Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” ~ See Matthew 6:25-34

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:19

Uncertain FREEDOM

But God’s Kingdom’s Certainty:

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” ~ John 8:36

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:17

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” ~ Galatians 5:1

Uncertain LEADERSHIP

But God’s Kingdom’s Certainty:

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ~ Philippians 2:9-11

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” ~ Proverbs 21:1

“And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings…” ~ Daniel 2:21b

“For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” ~ Romans 13:1b

“Red-tailed Hawk in Fall Colors” is not in my online store, but is available upon request.

Uncertain SECURITY

But God’s Kingdom’s Certainty:

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:3

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…” ~ 2 Corinthians 10:4

“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” ~ Psalm 32:7

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.” ~ Psalm 46:1-3

Uncertain PEACE

But God’s Kingdom’s Certainty:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me [Jesus] you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” ~ Romans 5:1

Uncertain HEALTH

Kingdom’s Certainty:

“…For I am the LORD who heals you.” ~ Exodus 15:26b

“And by His stripes we are healed.” ~ Isaiah 53:5b

“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.” ~ Psalm 47:3

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My [Jesus] name they will… lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” ~ See Mark 16:17-18

Uncertain JUSTICE

Kingdom’s Certainty:

“For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” ~ Hebrews 10:30-31

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” ~ Romans 12:19

“And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” ~ Luke 18:7-8b

“Fiery Fall Colors” is not in my online store, but is available upon request.

Uncertain BELONGING

Kingdom’s Certainty:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” ~ Philippians 3:20

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…” ~ Ephesians 2:19

CHANGE is here.

Uncertainty is in the world. Don’t look to the world, a government, or a leader. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords of the kingdom to which you belong. And His people are your allies, not your enemy.

Jesus is CERTAINTY in uncertain times.

You Keep Hope Alive by Mandisa, Jon Reddick

“Golden”