Cling to God’s Good News, Not the World’s Bad News
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Happy Thanksgiving, Friends! This is David Telbat. “It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;” (Ps 92:1).
I listen to the news on the radio and read several different news sources daily. Since I am a novel writer, I like to remain informed, but recognizing what's happening in the world has to do with my faith more than it does my writing. For the last couple years especially, I have heard many people say that they don't listen or watch the news regularly since it's so negative and depressing. That's certainly possible . . . if you're emotionally attached to the very things Jesus said would fade away in this world.
Below are three guidelines to consider as we live in a negative and depressing world . . . yet remain happily secure in Christ and informed without sinking with the world. After all, our emotions are to be wrapped up and stable in eternal matters, not temporal things.
Number One: Look at the signs, not the sins.
- Jesus commanded His disciples to recognize that He is near when we see the signs and season of His coming (Matthew 24:32-35). Every time the news and world's events tempt you to turn way, remember that Christ predicted the signs of God to be recognized, not the sins of man.
Number Two: Extract the precious from the worthless.
- When the prophet Jeremiah became despondent about the events happening to him and around him, God told him to repent of his self-pity—and to find what is precious even in the midst of seemingly worthless experiences (Jeremiah 15:19). When hopelessness, discouragement, or anxiety rises, the Bible says our eyes aren't recognizing the very real riches that are present.
Number Three: Eagerly waiting for Jesus is a characteristic of the forgiven.
- The author of Hebrews spoke much of Jesus dealing with sin "once and for all." When He appears a second time, He won't return for the purpose of dealing with our sins, but for the purpose of receiving those who eagerly await Him (Hebrews 9:28). We are not merely thankful to be delivered from the penalty of sin, but we're actively waiting and watching for Him to appear!
When the weight of the world's news pulls you down, Jesus told us to look up. If our heart remains fixed on Him, then we'll see God's plan in everything, even when creation quakes or when mankind is making a mess of things.
Let us be saints who can testify of Christ's appearing because we recognize exactly what He told us would be happening. That is reason for rejoicing!
See you on the next page!
David Telbat
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NOTE: We are taking part in a BookSweeps Giveaway, running Nov 21 through Nov 30! Two winners will receive 49 Inspirational fiction & nonfiction books, including David’s latest novel, Hidden Humanity: A Trafficking Rescue Novel! The Grand Prize Winner will also receive a new eReader. Click this link to enter for a chance to win!
COMING UP: Join us next time (Dec 5) for a new D.I. Telbat short story!
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