Roy’s Blog: “Our Unchanging God”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/07/07/roys-blog-our-unchanging-god/

Malachi 3:6a “I the Lord do not change!”

I can’t help thinking about things we use today that we didn’t have just a few years ago. Just a few years ago, cellular phones were not even invented. Today, the masses can’t function without them. Things not even speculated when many of us were kids, are changing our world today.

So much change creates stress. If you are young, you stress out wondering how to get your hands on the new technology. How you are going to pay for it? Because you have to keep up with the times. Right? Of course, if you are older, you stress out trying to figure out how to use the new technology, much less pay for it. So much stress, caused by the changing times.

I’m glad one thing never changes. God was, is, and always will be the same. He is an unchanging God. His word stands–unchanged–no matter what the world is doing or how it’s changing.

Time changes many things. I look in the mirror and it makes me very aware of that fact. Everything else in creation changes, even mountains and oceans. But, God is always the same. I can count on God.

1. God’s love for me never changes: Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
2. God’s Word never changes: Isaiah 40:8 “The Word of our God shall stand forever.”
3. God’s purpose for my life will never change: Psalm 33:11 “His plans endure forever. His purposes last eternally.”

Psalm 125:1 “Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.”

Roy’s Blog: “The Clock”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/07/06/roys-blog-the-clock/

Zechariah 12:3 “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.”

Prophetically, if you want to know what time it is, look to Israel. Israel is God’s clock, Jerusalem is His hour hand, and the Temple Mount is God’s second hand.

Isaiah 66:8 “Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once?”

This happened, literally, in one day, with the rebirth of Israel on May 14, 1948. Ezekiel 37:14 speaks of the return of the son’s of Jacob in the last days. Joel 3:2 speaks of the judgement of the nations for dividing up the land of Israel. Today the nations continue to threaten Israel over Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) annexation.

The unfolding of the Revelation is around the nation of Israel, the city of Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount.

What time is it? We don’t know the exact hour, but it is late, nearing that last tick of the clock!

Knowing the time is near gives us:

1. Calm in the storm.
2. Good news in grief.
3. Hope for the future.
4. Strength for today.

Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Roy’s Blog: “Where Is God?”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/07/05/roys-blog-where-is-god/

Jeremiah 23:24 “I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth?”

If I asked you, “Where is God?” How would you answer?

The Bible says God is everywhere. David said in Psalm 139, “We cannot escape from God’s presence.” It’s mind boggling for me to think that God never has to go anywhere. Because He is already there.

Right now, wherever you are, you are surrounded with radio signals and cellphone waves. You don’t see them, but they are there.

Likewise, God is here (everywhere). You don’t see Him, but He is right there with you. What difference does this make in your life?

He is your companion.

He is your confidant.

He is your counselor.

He is your comforter.

“Where is God?” Right there with you where He has been all the time.

Roy’s Blog: “True Freedom”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/07/04/roys-blog-true-freedom/

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

It has been said freedom is the longing of every human heart. But, as we watch the turmoil in many people’s lives, it is obvious that not all are for maintaining the freedoms we have. Sadly, there are those who seek to rule over the masses through fear and disorder. The truth is, not all men desire to be free.

Consider this: You can be living in the most “free” country in the world and still be in bondage. You can have millions of dollars, fame and fortune, have the ability to come and go as you please, and yet still be imprisoned by this world.

Also consider: You can be living under the most tyrannical government, like Iran, China, North Korea, yet experience great freedom and joy.

How can this be? It’s Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is liberating! Psalm 118:6 “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

You might say, “They can take my possessions.” You are not to be bound to this world.

“But, they could take my life.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” That is liberating for anyone in Christ! We win either way!

What is the answer for so many today? It’s the freedom Jesus Christ brings to the human heart. Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

Roy’s Blog: “Conquerors”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/07/03/roys-blog-conquerors/

Romans 8:37 “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

These words were written by the apostle Paul, who knew what it was like to suffer. In his words he was, “imprisoned, beaten many times, often in danger of death, three times I was shipwrecked, living in constant danger.” (2 Corinthians 11)

He boldly proclaimed an all-out victory over the challenges the world threw at him. We can also proclaim all-out victory over the challenges of this world and claim our position as absolute conquerors.

How is this possible? It’s possible when you and I suffer, in whatever shape or form (mentally or physically), God’s word through the Holy Spirit, promptly infuses into us peace and assurance as well as emotional and spiritual comfort. Here’s why: God’s word is not of this world so it is not subject to the powers of this world. (It is not of man, but is the inspired word of God).

Our faith can never be truly proven until it is tested. Real faith, enduring faith, is made in the trials of life. God loves us, and that is good news, because through life’s struggles, we can rest in His love. His love will sustain us all the way.

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Roy’s Blog: “Our God Reigns”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/07/02/roys-blog-our-god-reigns/

Revelation 11:15-16 “Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven saying, ‘The kingdoms of the world have become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.'”

In the grand scheme of things, God is at work orchestrating the events of our world toward a final grand climax. Even though our world is filled with more violence and heartbreak every day, God is still on His throne, putting up with the antics of man. None of the wars we hear of, nor the pandemic we are dealing with, nor the hatred and social unrest we are living through is from God.

But we can be comforted in the knowledge that OUR GOD REIGNS. The earth may heave with earthquakes, suffer storms and diseases, But God still reigns. God has a plan, and He will direct all things toward completing His plan.

There is a song that goes:

“Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.”

I don’t know what will happen tomorrow (or what new thing July holds), but I know the One who does know, and with that I can have peace.

Roy’s Blog: “When The Roof Falls In”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/07/01/roys-blog-when-the-roof-falls-in/

Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Nobody plans to have a tragedy. What do you do when the roof falls in? What do you do when your world collapses? What do you do when you get that phone call that changes your life?

How do you handle those life changing situations? Typically the questions we ask are:

Why me? Does anyone care? What now?

Your response should be:

Discover God’s presence. Realize you’re not alone; God is with you and He cares for you. Determine God’s purpose in the problem. Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good, to those that love Him.” Depend on His power not your own. “Nothing is impossible with God.” Matthew 19:26b

Roy’s Blog: “Chariots Of Fire”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/06/30/roys-blog-chariots-of-fire/

Ephesians 1:18 Paul says, “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called.”

In 2 Kings there’s the story of Elisha and his servant. They were in Dothan and an entire army of Armenians came to kill Elisha. The servant became frightened saying, “They’re going to kill us!” and Elisha said, “God, open his eyes!”

The Bible says God opened the servants eyes and he saw angels in chariots of fire surrounding them, protecting them, and they were safe. You lose your fear when you see with the eyes of faith!

Eventually, everyone will come to their Dothan. You either take courage with spiritual eyes the Lord gives you, or you spend your time in fear.

There are many, many demonic forces at work in our world today. You can see it in the fear and hate stirred up in our own country. There are things going on you would never have imagined your friends, your neighbors, your family doing or saying. Demonic forces at work. Open your eyes in faith that God has a better way.

I John 4:4 “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Open your eyes and see the angels in chariots of fire waiting to go to battle for you.

Roy’s Blog: “Through Eyes Of Faith”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/roys-blog-through-eyes-of-faith/

Numbers 14:7-8 “Joshua and Caleb spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, ‘If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us.'”

Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt. They were in the desert two years and finally were on the edge of the Promised Land. Moses sent twelve spies into the land to check it out. Only two of the spies came back and said, “We can.” The other ten spies saw all the good things in the land, but focused on the giants that were there. They felt small and weak before them. Fear filled their hearts and those ten said, “We can’t.”

First, they underestimated what God can do. (How quickly we forget!)

Second they underestimated what they could do. “We saw ourselves as grasshoppers.” Numbers 13:33

Third, problems never defeat you, your lack of faith does.

What problems are you facing right now? Regardless of the problem, how do you view the problem? Do you look at the problem and feel small and inadequate? Or do you look at the problem through the eyes of faith, of what God can do?

The Bible says in I John 4:4b, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”

Matthew 19:26 “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.'”

Roy’s Blog: “My God Will”

https://bphowlett.wordpress.com/2020/06/27/roys-blog-my-god-will/

Philippians 4:19 “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

At times, we all have wondered, “How will I make it through another day?” Your nights are long and sleepless, filled with anxiety and fear as you wonder. “Where is God?” Why doesn’t He stop this pain? Does He even care?”

Most of us have lost a loved one. Or we’ve lost a job we had for years. Gone suddenly. We are completely at our wits end. We can’t see any light in the situation. It all seems to be filled with darkness. We wonder how we will survive without that job. Or we can’t get over mourning for that lost loved one. All we see is the pain and loss.

God has not forgotten His promises to you. The same God who promised to take care of the apostle Paul, will take care of you. The men and women in the Bible lived through many trials. Their lives were also filled with days, and sometimes years, of adversity. But even during those times they would sing out:

“I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.” Psalm 120:1

Psalm 119:90 “Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.”