What to Do in Times of Trouble!

Deuteronomy 4:30 “When those bitter days have come upon you in the latter times, you will finally return to the Lord your God and listen to what he tells you. 31For the Lord your God is merciful—he will not abandon you…nor forget the promises he has made…”

Jesus said “…In the world you will have tribulation…” John 16:33 All around me I am hearing the heart cries of people whose lives are being torn apart through trials, tribulations, turmoil and distress. Don’t be surprised because Jesus told us that those things were inherent in the world we live in. Tribulation is part of the sin infested world in which we live.

What is a Christian to do when trouble or calamity strikes? May I just share a few simple truths with you today? Tonight I rehearsed what the Lord has trained me to do as I have uncovered various principles in His life giving Word.

1) Check Your Current Connectivity… John 15:3 Jesus said that “…apart from me, you can do nothing.” I have learned that when trouble comes my way it’s time to stop and listen to the Voice of the Lord. Tell me Lord what do I have to do? Where have I gone wrong? I know that fiery darts (trials) are going to come my way, but they don’t have to get through unless I have broken the hedge of God’s protection. Ecclesiastes 10:8 “He that…breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.”

When they have broken through, I immediately go to him so that He can honestly assess my current connectivity. Isaiah 59:2 “…your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Herein lies a major key. When I am walking in un-confessed OR un-repented sin, I have been separated from the ability to hear His voice (His directives or plan of victory or escape) or receive of His Divine ability and power in my situation. That sin which has not been dealt with breaks my fellowship (intimacy) with God. 1John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth”

I allow Him to be honest with me…How’s my relationship? How’s my walk and my testimony? Letting God be honest with us is often very difficult, because His light exposes everything, and sometimes I look pretty ugly to myself.

2) Give Him Lordship Over All…Matthew 6:33 “Put God and His Kingdom first and everything else will be given to you.” Tell Him that you don’t want lordship over this situation or any situation in your life. Admit you aren’t able to handle it by yourself. Paul said that “…in my weakness, His strength is made perfect…” Proverbs 3:6 states “In all your ways acknowledge Him…”

3) Seek His Direction… Proverbs 3: 6 continues in stating that when you acknowledge Him, “He will direct your paths.” This is a difficult process which seems to take a lifetime of practice and submission to His Lordship, beginning with even the smallest of troubles. It’s also helpful to be connected with a Brother or Sister in the Lord, who is willing to remind us to seek the Lord and His directives. When He issues your directions, obey them, for without your loving obedience, you will be handling your trial on your own!

4) Rehearse His Names.. There is something in the makeup of God that causes Him to show up when His name is revered and proclaimed. David called on his deliverer when he faced and defeated the giant. Paul and Silas sang praises to His name in the prison and the walls fell down. Elijah called on His name on Mount Carmel and defeated the prophets of Baal. Jesus called on His name on the Cross and claimed victory over death, hell and the grave. Psalm 22:3 states that He “…inhabits the praises of Israel.” When His Name is called, He shows up on the scene and rescues His people.
Call on the Comforter, the Healer, the Deliverer, the Provider, the Champion, the Almighty, the Turner of Hearts, the Savior!

5) Expect His Victory… even in the appearance of defeat. Remember His Word! Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” No matter what the source of your situation, (self, world, devil or the Lord) He will work it out for your good! You will get the ultimate victory and He will get glory! 2Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ…”

No one ever said that this life would be free from heartache and hardship, but rest assured that He will go through it with you, if you allow Him! You don’t need to go it alone.
If you know someone today who is under assault, please share these words with them! God will use you greatly!

STANDING IN THE STORM!

Matthew 7:27 “When a storm rolled in and the waves came up…” MSG


Thunder Storms…awesome, troublesome, and with the accompanying rain sometimes just bothersome. Ask anyone who has been struck by lightning and it’s also shockingly painful, as well. I can remember one evening in my younger years when I sat in a four wheel drive vehicle on Assateague Island and watched the most intense display of lightning for hours.

Lightening and storms can be beautiful, but they can also be devastating. It's always better to watch the storm as it happens somewhere else!

Most of us remember Hurricane Katrina which pounded the Gulf Coast and took 1836 lives. We have watched pictures of the 2004 Tsunami launched in the Indian Ocean killing over 230,000 people in fourteen countries. That storm generated waves up to one hundred feet high and devastated many lives! Storms are not always beautiful or fun!

We’ve had a lot of lightening and rain the last couple of days and I was driving home late last evening from Church watching the awesome display of God’s majesty in the heavens. Job 37:3 “He directs…His lightning unto the ends of the earth.”Jesus had a lot to say concerning storms too! Jesus said that in this life you can not avoid the storms.

Matthew 7:27 “When a storm rolled in and the waves came up…” There is no way to avoid storms or trials and tribulations in this life. Jesus also stated in John 16:33 that “…In the world you will have tribulation…” That Greek word for tribulation means “pressure, squeezing, squashing, stress, etc.” Experienced any of that recently?

It seems to me that in the Gospels Jesus knew exactly how to still the storms of life. Mark 4:39 “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” He is still in the storm business today. He will either calm the storm in you, calm the storm itself, or calm you in the storm!

Here is His advice direct from the Manufacturer’s handbook (Bible.) Translated from the message it goes like this concerning the Word of God. Matthew 7:24-27 “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”


So here’s the wrap-up! Jesus simply says that those who discover His Principles written in the Word of God and APPLY (obey) them will stand in the middle of the storms of life! Perhaps He will speak a simple directive (word) into your spirit in a time of prayer. If you apply (obey) that Word, again you will stand in the midst of the storms of this life or “you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock!”


Soldiers are not thrust right into the fray without extensive training and rehearsal in advance. Isn't it time that you practiced for the next storm! get into God's Word and discover His Principles of Life. Immediately apply them in your life through His Ability. Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Somebody you know needs to hear this message today. Who do you know that is currently suffering a collapse in the midst of the storm? Pass the site on today! Get involved in someone else's life!

HURTING?

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The song goes something like this… “When you’re weary, feeling small, and tears are in your eyes, I will comfort you.” It goes on in a later portion to say “And pain is all around, like a Bridge over Troubled Water, I will lay me down.”

Life is tough. No one ever said it was easy. Everyone suffers pain due to the sinful, selfish condition of man's heart. There are people all around us who are really hurting right now. We all are suffering in one situation or another. Perhaps life has tossed some curves and pains in your own direction. Perhaps a loved one has recently been diagnosed with the "C' word or may have passed on. Maybe you're lonely, crushed, dissappointed, or even betrayed. You child may have gone astray or is temporarily failing in life. It could be tattered finances, a lost job or an empty loveless heart. Sometimes you just break down and cry.

I want you to know this fact! Jesus loves you so much that he told me to write this one to you as a personal love letter from Him toYou!

Jesus IS the Bridge Over Troubled Waters and He wants you to know what The Manufacturer’s Handbook has to say about dealing with loss in life!

1) Run toward God…not away from Him. The Bible says “…He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him (to know Him) and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:33 So many people get angry with Him and blame it all on Him out of ignorance. They neither know Him or His principles.

2) Recognize that certain areas of your life, and life in general, are uncontrollable. He does have the Power to change either you or your situation, whichever He chooses. Jesus “said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Mt 19:26 Do not give up hope! David, in the midst of total despair penned these words in Psalm 43:5 “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.” The Message . David knew the secret… “He’s my God!”

3) God knows about your situation…Psalm 31:7 “I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” He has seen your troubles and HE CARES FOR YOU!

4) God’s love and care for you is not performance based! His love is UNCONDITIONAL! Jeremiah 31:3 puts it this way… “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”

5) Dive into the Bible (The Word) and see that you really do matter to Him and discover what God is really like. Just because you have certain ideas about God, does not mean they’re right! Your personal conception of what God is like doesn’t matter. What matters is the truth! Jesus said in John 8:31 “to those…who believed Him, “If you continue (stay in, discover and apply) in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Simply hearing things about me will never give you access into my way of thinking or reveal what’s going on in my heart. But you know me because you have spent time with me! It’s even more true with Him!

6) Know that your struggles are only temporary and that He is right here with you no matter what kind of a fiery trial you’re going through. YOU ARE GOING THROUGH THE FIRE. YOU WILL GET THROUGH AND ON THE OTHER SIDE THERE AWAITS A PROMOTION! Two of my favorite verses in the Bible are these…

A) “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:25 Jesus was in the fiery furnace assuring that they would make it through to the other side!
B) “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.” At the end of their ordeal…they received an elevated position! Something good is waiting for you on the other side of your hurt and pain!

7) God will eventually bring good out of your hurt and pain. Romans 8:28 confirms this. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” He will use the situation to bring you to Himself and to His Comfort.

8) Connect with others who know His love and have experienced His Divine intervention in the hurts of their own lives. We are waiting for you! We want to give to your hurt like he has given into our hurt! 2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

9) Know that you will see your loved ones again, if you have invited the Lordship of Jesus into your own life. “He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4

10) Everyone who reads this letter can have the same trust and surety, that when you breathe your last breath, you too can be ushered into the presence of God. It is by the Grace of God and your simple childlike faith that you gain access into the family of God. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” YOU WILL NEVER EARN ENTRANCE ON YOUR OWN! YOU’VE ALREADY FAILED! Romans 3:23



SOMEBODY IS SAYING, “BUT KEN YOU DON’T KNOW THE HURT AND PAIN I’M FEELING!”

Yes. I do!
On June 22, 2007, I lost my beautiful grandbaby Eliana Kaye Bombard.

THIS IS THE EXACT PLAN HE GAVE TO ME IN THE MIDST OF MY HURT AND PAIN! IT WORKED FOR ME. HIS WORD WILL WORK FOR YOU!

FAILED AGAIN?

Micah 7:8 “For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord Himself will be my light.”

Are you “down and out”, “under the circumstances”, or have you failed again? I don’t believe that there are any people who have never failed. Failure is a part of the fallen world we live in and it happens when we operate in our own abilities according to the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah 17:5 “Thus says the LORD; Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD.” \

When we stop and think about the many times we’ve failed, it seems a shame to allow all those moments go to waste. Bob Gass suggests that we should treat failure as a “moment, not a monument!” Don’t spend the rest of your life paying homage to the failure. It’s been said that failure is not an event; it’s an opinion! Everyone fears failure. But breakthroughs depend on it. The best companies, athletes, scientists and inventors in the world embrace their mistakes and learn from them.

It is only when you accept your failure as a failure, that you finally become a failure! Baseball legend Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs in his career. He also struck out 1330 times! When asked by the media how he overcame discouragement he was quoted as saying, “I just keep swinging the bat…”

Thomas Edison conducted 50,000 experiments in his search for natural rubber. When his assistant said to him, “All those experiments and not one success,” Edison is said to have replied, “No results! We’ve had wonderful results! We now know 50,000 things that won’t work, soon we’ll find the one that does.” He did!

Henry Ford neglected to put a reverse gear in his first car. He said that “Failure is only a necessary step to success.” If Abraham could start out as an idol worshiper and finish up as the “friend of God,” then there’s hope for all of us! David said in Psalm 44:5 “Through You we will push back our enemies.”

If you are discouraged right now, reread the inaugural Scripture. Micah 7:8 “For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord Himself will be my light.” The same God who spoke to Paul, “My strength is made perfect in your weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:9) is about to turn your failure into Victory! Put Him first today (Matthew 6:33) and He will supply all you need. Draw near to Him. Spend some time with Him and He will meet with you. (James 4:8)

I assure you when you leave His Presence, you will be reinvigorated and refreshed; Acts 3:19) ready to take on the world and snatch your Victory from the jaws of defeat!

HE IS WAITING ON YOU! Wow did I need to hear this!

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MICHAEL JACKSON

"...I’ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:19-21

Several huge hits have been taken by iconic Hollywood people this week and as I paused to reflect on the goings on, my heart began to feel very sad. Michael Jackson passed away yesterday and I'm amazed at the outpouring and the number of people's lives that were actually affected by this man.

I can't say that I'm a fan of Michael, I never really got into his music or that kind of music. I was an old fashion Rock and Roll kind of guy with smatterings of Country sprinkled in. His music and mine never mixed. I also didn't like the news reports about his aberrant behaviors especially with young children and the financial payouts to settle the issues at hand. I also was turned off by his physical changes and isolationist attitudes. BUT NOW...My heart has had a change of attitude over recent years.

Somehow God has given me a special compassion and love for freakish people and those who don't fit in with the norm. What about those with spikey doos, piercings and tattoos everywhere? What about the ugly, the fat, the pimply faced teenager, the rejected and the like? Who will care for them? This means if you think I have compassion for, or care for you, that YOU are ugly!!! (Just joking!)

My first reflection and concern for Michael Jackson is..."Is he in heaven?" Did he invite the Lordship of Jesus into his heart before he breathed his last? I know that the mercy of God allowed people to minister His Word by His Spirit into his life. Did he make the choice? Jesus plainly states that "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Hopefully someone stepped up to the plate and had the courage to minister the Gospel (Good News) to him. Hopefully someone cared enough not to be concerned with what they could gain from a relationship with Michael, BUT what they could deposit into HIS life! “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ." Acts 3:6 Hopefully he responded and invited Jesus into his life, even with his last breath.

Secondly I wondered what the world's fascination was with him. Did his music make them feel good or different? Did it fill the void in their lives even for a moment? Were they able to forget their own miserable lives and focus on the influence, triumphs and tragedies that amassed themselves on his life? Were their hurts and pains soothed over as they lost their thoughts in his lyrics? Whatever his influence, it was only temporary! Now he too has passed away, as did the feelings from his musical talent as one song after another faded into the past! Only Jesus can give the world what it desires. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your hearts desires... Psalm 37:4

Finally, I feel sad for the hurting people that remain in this world; people from all walks of life, rich or poor, famous or unknown. Jesus said that He came " to seek and save those like him, who are lost." Luke 19:10 There are people out there right now, even in your own circle of influence, who are lost and hurting. If they are lost; they are hurting! Maybe they're lost in desperation, fruitless relationships, terminal illness, or financial ruin. Maybe they're lost in the midst of loneliness, emptiness, meaninglessness, isolation, depression or fear.

You can count on this fact..If they're lost, they're hurting and they need Jesus. These same fans who flocked to Michael Jackson will continue to pursue the endless seach for truth and meaning in a lost world until they come face to face with Jesus. " I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." TM


There is a Bumper sticker that says... " He who dies with the most toys...WINS! "

There is another that trumps that remark with truth..."He who dies with the most toys...STILL DIES!"

Life is not about toys...toys don't bring satisfaction; neither does fame or fortune! Look at the throngs of people attempting to be fulfilled by sharing vicariously in Michael Jackson's life. Even the Rolling Stones got it right... "I can't get no Satisfaction."

The Michael Jacksons, the Rolling Stones, the Smiths and the Joneses are waiting on us! Let's not let another freaky person (anyone who doesn't know Jesus) die without being given the opportunity. It's time for you to become concerned with Kingdom concerns. Luke 19:13 "Occupy(Do Kingdom Business) till I come." "...Seek first the kingdom of God..." Matthew 6:33

Get compassionate! "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. ' Mt 14:14
These are Eternal Affairs that we're involved in! This is not a GAME! Don't count on me to pray for and minister to your unsaved loved ones or freaky friends!

You do something! There isn't anything that you can't do as long as you're connected with Jesus! Phillipians 4:13