Media Madness
One of the most powerful avenues for confusion and chaos into our soul is the media—television, movies, newspapers and magazines. Much of the mainstream media has an agenda that is far removed from God’s plans and purposes, an evil agenda to mold the minds of the unsuspecting. Much of the media is motivated by political agendas: reporting truth is no longer honored, no longer the highest aim of journalism. In many cases, the media is responsible for releasing large-scale fear and paranoia, suspicion and mistrust—and blatant lies.
Although the Scriptures admonish us to keep our mind on that which is holy, we are constantly bombarded with bad news, chaos, misinformation, censorship and conflicting reports. We have but one source of Truth, one that can bring stability and hope to every heart, and that Good News source is the Word of God. The Word of God is powerful and perfect (Psalms 19:1-11):
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech. And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned. And in keeping them there is great reward.
Now is the time to present the real Truth that will set the anxious heart free: Christ stated that we shall know the truth and the truth will set us free.
Yet many are anything but free, living in panic, having watched too many news broadcasts that predict doom and gloom. This is not a time to run in fear, but rather, to stand firm in faith. We do not need to stumble in the dark but rather leap in the light (Psalms 119:130).
Choose to set your mind on the Good News—not on broadcasts of despair.
Choose to let your emotions glory in the Cross—not the losses on Wall Street.
Choose to turn your will to stand on His promises—not on the slippery slope of what if.
In a world shaken by financial, environmental and political upheavals, we must remain calm as followers of the Prince of peace, constantly pointing men to the solid Rock of Christ. During this time of shaking, we must remain steadfast: nothing takes God by surprise. God is not sitting in heaven, ringing His hands, saying, “I never saw that coming!” On the contrary, God has everything under His control. I’ve read the back of the book, and it’s no surprise: we win! Christ has won! In Christ Jesus, you are more than victorious (Romans 8:37). You are called to live as more than conquerors, not as victims (1 John 4:4). The promise from Isaiah 54:17 states that no weapon that comes against you will work.
Choose this day to believe the Word and to turn from doubt, fear and unbelief.
Choose this day to repent—for fear is sin. We are accusing God of a lack of faithfulness, of being unkind, of ignoring us, forgetting us, not loving us.
Repent of fear and receive the lovingkindness of your Father, who will never forsake you.
His perfect love—no matter the circumstance—casts out fear. Love is stronger than death itself.
These Days were Prophesied
I’m rather shocked to see how the Body of Christ has been shaken by the current economic and political situations—as if the church has been caught off guard.
Did we not read the Word of God? It should come as no surprise that we are facing the end-times. The Word of God informs us that in the last days, the world would face untold problems and perilous times. Why are we surprised by global disasters, wars, earthquakes and pandemic diseases? Over and over again, the Bible gives us clear warnings concerning the last days (2 Tim. 3:1-4):
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
These days were prophesied, but Jesus said, “Do not be terrified” (Luke 21:9). As followers of Christ, we must not panic.
Christ also warned that, because of world conditions, men’s hearts would fail them “from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26 NKJV). This, unfortunately, is taking place in our day. Not only will these events generate fear worldwide, but the expectation of difficulties will cause men’s hearts to fail.
Indeed, doctors are reporting that heart failure is the number one cause of disease-related deaths in North America. Stress and strain resulting from the cares of this world are very real; however, God invites us to come to Him and cast all our cares upon Him, reminding us that His yoke is easy and His burdens are light.
We must slow down and focus on Christ. Psalms 46:10-11 admonishes us to “Be still and know God.”
I am not suggesting we become passive; however, we ought to abandon our fears and the stressful anxieties that come from not trusting in God. One title for the Messiah is “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Jesus promised to be with us “even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). At some point, we must accept the wonder and power of Christ’s promise. He is with us always!
To mistrust this promise is to reject the very character of the divine nature. It is not a minor issue. ??
Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). ?
My friend, let us come to Him!
Cast your burdens upon Him, for truly He cares for you!
Break your addiction to stress. Repent. Repent. Repent! God’s Word promises that the God of peace will crush satan beneath your feet (Rom. 16:20). Believe that. Trust Him. Repent from fear and anxiety by admitting that all fear and anxiety is sin.
Break the bondage of fear and anxiety in order to walk as sons and daughter of God, who are anxious for nothing. You are not called to face these dark days with dark hearts. On the contrary, you are called to have hearts filled with divine light! Do not be afraid of the dark, little children: our God reigns.
You are not alone—you are not facing the future without the help of God (Josh. 1:9). You are a child of God, called and commissioned to live in the light (1 John 1:5-7). Never, never, never forget you are called to be the head and not the tail (Deut. 28:15). The foe of your soul is attempting to get your focus on the problems and away from the promises of God.
Turn away from problems. Turn to the promises.
Turn away from any thought, feeling or intention that does not bring peace.
How do you turn away? Repent.
Repent and the Forgiver Himself will flood you with His peace. Without fail.
The nightly news reports continue to paint a dark picture and it is easy to feel the gloom seeping into our culture right now. But we must set our mind on things above.
We must think on good things. Arise come out of the murkiness shake yourself from the fog, focus on Christ.
This turning of our soul to the Word of God will drive away the spirit of fear and cast out anxiety.
A Time of Great Potential and Possibility
Yes, times are rough, yet while these are hard times, God is still working all things for good. His Word and Promises do not change just because the stock market is down and your 401k is not what it used to be. “Hard” times do not mean “bad” times; it just means that we must apply faith, keep listening to God, and—for heaven’s sake—keep our joy, for the joy of the Lord is truly our strength!
Times of darkness are actually when the leaders of tomorrow are being forged. If you see light while others see gloom, your faith will inspire others to follow you into the future (Isaiah 50:4). These will be easy times, but we must stand strong on the Word of God: “Don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (Heb. 10:35). The reward will be great for those who trust God.
We are on the brink of many new breakthroughs in the natural realm and also in the Kingdom of God, especially in the next three to five years. Consider technology. The Spirit of God is releasing wisdom and insights! New sciences are developing energy sources that have zero emissions and are utilizing resources that are abundantly available. Oil will still be necessary—and the news reports stating that we are running out of oil are wrong. Huge oil fields offshore in Brazil and also in the upper Dakotas and Canada offer hope for lower energy costs. New breakthroughs are also emerging in medical research. Health cures for many of mankind’s most devastating diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease, are on the horizon. I was encouraged by a vivid vision recently, I watched as a formula slowly made it way in front of my eyes, I inquired, “What is this?” I was told this is the cure for AIDS. Expect to see a genuine breakthrough in this area. These discoveries have the potential to be as stunning as Jonas Salk’s vaccine in eliminating polio.
Do you want to partake of these wonderful breakthroughs—not only in science but in the arts and media? Also in government and, indeed, in every part of culture? Contend with the Lord that you may prevail, even in the knowledge of “witty inventions” (Prov. 8:12). As we obey the commandments of God, the blessing of God will overtake us (Deut. 28:1-20)–but know this: you will not prosper in this time if you continue to abide in the sin of anxiety rather than the peace of God. It is as we seek first the Kingdom of God that all these other things are added to us (Matthew 6:33).
Pray this prayer with me, with all your heart:
“Lord, forgive me for my sin of anxiety. I renounce fear. Forgiver, come to and through those places of fear and anxiety in my emotions and thoughts. I turn my will to follow after You, to fix my heart and mind on You. I declare that my soul is Your property. I choose this day to believe Your Word, and trust that You have promised to care for me. I believe this promise. I come to You and entrust all I am into Your love and care. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
