An Angry World, but A Loving God

Something is “definitely” happening! People are angry, and evil is rearing its ugly head in ways never seen. Every day I experience things that only happened periodically a few years ago. In my small town, I see homeless people on every corner. People who are just barely hanging on. It’s not only the homeless who seem hopeless but the man who owns the store, the lady who runs the daycare, or the police officer who is supposed to serve and protect. People, in general, are feeling defeated. The prince of this world, Satan, or the serpent, is very serious about stealing our peace and joy, killing our hope, and destroying our lives.

The Bible explains the character of Satan this way, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made” (NIV, Genesis 3:1).  Ephesians 6:11 also states, “He has great power and intelligence, and a host of demons who assist him in his attacks against God’s people” (NIV). Satan is cunning and crafty and an enemy worth paying close attention to. You see our attacks are started in the spiritual realm and end in the flesh.

Satan will plant thoughts in your mind, thoughts like judgment and resentment. With this will come a haughty spirit and a feeling of being superior. When people start to feel their beliefs are higher than others conflict begins to happen. This seems to be nothing to worry about until people get so involved with their own selfish lives and opinions hatred starts to grow out of control. People begin to choose sides and draw battle lines. Proverbs 18:19 states “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle” (ESV). In my eyes, this is where we are at today, not just in my little town but in every community across this country and the world.

We are at the door that leads to destruction, my brothers and sisters. I believe that we are not only at the door but have turned the doorknob. Satan is wringing his hands in excitement! Although he realizes he is doomed, he wants to take as many of God’s children with him as he can. And I am afraid that he is going to succeed if we don’t reach out to our Savior and Protector Christ Jesus.

Jesus died so we could be saved from a future with Satan. Jesus paid the price that redeemed us from lives of hopelessness and doom. Jesus is the only one who can stop this conflict and hatred that starts in the mind and destroys. 1 Peter 5:8-9 states, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (NIV). 

Stopping and turning toward the One who holds peace and hope in His hand can change your direction that leads to defeat, failure, and a future with Satan.  If you don’t know Jesus Christ please consider this, He is good, He is hope, peace, and joy. Jesus loves you and was there for you before you were born. He has all the answers to your questions and will give you a new life that can be filled with joy and peace of mind. You see Satan is "NOT" welcome in the mind of a Christ follower. He may aggravate you, but He is defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When you leave this world, when your body dies, you will be met by the one who gave it all just to love you forever. His name is The Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords Jesus the Son of God.

As you can see the only way to be set apart from the conflict and wickedness of this world is to keep your eyes and thoughts on Jesus Christ. Looking through the eyes of Jesus at your neighbors will start to change your mind and restore your sight. Jesus Christ is love and wants to love us, so we can love others in the same way, not judging, or resenting. Jesus, through Philippians 2:4 states, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (ESV). In James 1:19 Jesus gave more good advice which states, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (ESV).

Yes, the world is in trouble, but walking with Jesus will help you to live a life that will produce love, joy, and peace. And with that, you will begin to step out and help others to take the hand of the one who loves them and can Save them. For the fact of this life is this, “For God so loved the world, He gave His only Son (Jesus), that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal (everlasting) Life” (Bible)!!

Thanks for your time,

Your sister in Christ,

Jacque Barnes