One main difference between Christian friends and other well-meaning friends is that Christian friends can bring real comfort. Christian friends will focus on the power of Christ to get you through whatever grief you may be experiencing. Only God – and those pointing to his love for us – can show us his plan for eternal comfort. Indeed, even at the darkest moments, He leads us and guides us safely to the other side, where there is hope and light……
So how do we “fear not,” as the Bible says time and time again? Some people seek power to conquer fear. That doesn’t work; I once read that Joseph Stalin was afraid to go to bed, sleeping in different rooms, and he traveled with five limos, all for safety. Some people seek possessions to conquer fear. Well, we all know the story of Howard Hughes, how he distrusted people and had paranoia about germs. And yes, he had many possessions!…..
If God is for us, who can be against us? That is what my Christian friends remember whenever we are fearful of what lies ahead. My favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That, more than anything else, is where my own courage comes from. Remember when Jesus was with his disciples on a boat and calmed the storm at sea? It may remind us that following Christ can mean that we…..
First, the Bible warns us not to be deceived. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” We may pretend there will be no consequences to the paths we choose, but sooner or later, the chickens do come home to roost. Next, the Bible warns us not to deceive ourselves. In 1 John 1:8, it says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and…..