In the midst of a pandemic or any challenge in our life, it is important for us to remember that our hope is God! This message from Habakkuk gives us a look at what is happening and the end result for the Believer.

In this world we will have tribulation, Jesus said, but because He wanted us to have peace, He also said, take courage for I have overcome the world! We received a call from the local health department about gatherings during this current crisis and we should be prudent in dealing with this. On the other hand, the media has created a monster panic that has succeeded in taking our eyes off of our Lord and placed our destiny in the hands of man! We should never forget that there have been many situations like this in the past and there will be more that come, as the Lord tarries. It is how we deal with them as God’s people that determines where we have our focus.

Useful tools. Do you have tools you use around the house because they serve a specific function? I have many useful tools. A lawn mower, computer, a hose, hammer, screw drivers, etc. We have in our home other tools, like a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, stove, sewing machine, iron, and so on… They are valuable because they are useful.

In Paul’s closing words, he mentions for us a list of faithful servants. These people were about the Lord’s business, doing His bidding, for the common goal of bringing glory to God, and building up the Body of Christ. They are useful for God.

We have advanced into a war zone in our society. There are so many things going on that it wants to pull us apart. People are full of fear, they are giving into chaos that surrounds us. So how can anyone press forward in life?

It starts at the cross! It continues into following Jesus. Then we press on to the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. By doing this we are not tossed around by the whims of the world and we can keep a steady, victorious, profitable life, while everything around is if falling apart! Its called the outpouring of our faith.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, living by faith, do you find that your life needs a tune up so that you are living a dynamic life for Jesus? As a child of God, saved by His grace, we have at our disposal the things that will give us a productive life!

We should be out there on the streets, in the highways and byways with our signs that tell all who believe, Death to the Flesh! We need this displayed in our churches, our homes and wherever we go as a needed reminder.

Paul was emphatic about these things. God’s word never allows for His people to be caught up in things that are contrary to His given word, the Bible. Paul knew that this was being proclaimed as the truth and some were being persuaded to follow this teaching. After all, if they could have eternal life without having to change their life and behavior, then they could be co-gods with God.

This passage has a purpose for those who believe. Paul’s prayer was for thanks that they had received the Gospel and responded to it. Then he goes on to tell them, and us that it is his, and my desire to see you filled full with the knowledge of God’s will, so that you would walk worthy of the Lord; so that you would bear fruit in all good works; so that you would increase in the knowledge of God; and so that you would give thanks, with grace, to the Father for their portion with the saints!

Like Paul, I want to get your mind on the things that matter; the things that have eternal significance, so that your attention is on the truth.

As a believer and follower of Christ Jesus the Lord we are often accused of using talk and practices that are not understandable to the unsaved. So, as we are viewed from an outside observer they are puzzled at what is said and what we do. It is not our intent to keep them out, but to show them what it means to belong to Jesus!

This means that it is very important to us to walk in Christ Jesus the Lord. This is what helps us to stand firm and carry on in our faith as we seek to live for Him. So, this instruction here needs no apology to those who do not understand, but serves as an admonition for us to walk in Him.

When you get a certain age or have a family history of heart problems, like high blood pressure that can cause a heart attack, we go to the doctor to get medicine to keep the blood pressure where it is supposed to be, so it makes the heart function right. In Proverbs 17:22, it says A Joyful heart is good medicine! It is better than any medicine on the market.

Paul tells the Colossians that his desire is to encourage their hearts through his labors for the Lord. He wants them, and us, to have a cheerful heart, which keeps us from falling victim to the world around us.

In our faith we find the journey is tiring, challenging, even filled with doubt, but we need to keep pressing on. We want to see some things that we need to help us to keep pressing on in faith!