Watching the news in recent months, we've seen a wide span of upheaval, riots in the streets, looting, and buildings and businesses being set on fire. The heathen are in a rage.
This verse could describe these times well:
Act 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
As the turmoil goes on, it will be interesting to see how it develops, and if the righteous in the country rise up and take back this country. I hope so.
In the meantime, what are the righteous to do? For those who believe in God, for the ones who desire a life of peace, but see none as we watch the riots and lawlessness going on; what does the Bible teach us about how we are to order our steps? I've been doing some studying on it, and found some scriptures that can help give us some direction, and comfort.
In this BLM upheaval- a lot of people are getting caught in the middle of the riots and mayhem. Some are getting their lives and businesses ruined, some being falsely accused of being racist. I've had this done to me, I don't answer the false accusations, unless I have to; but if I'm pushed against the wall-I'll respond. My answer when accused of being racist is simple- There's only one race- the human race. I don't care what color your skin is, I care about what comes out of your mouth, and how you act.
And, while I'm on the subject; I won't be bowing, or apologizing to anyone for being a white person. I didn't ask God to create me white- it was His choice. I have no apologies for what the white ancestor's did during the slavery days- every person is responsible for their own actions and behavior. I'm not responsible for what people did centuries ago-I'm only responsible for my own actions.
I'll also add- you black people should take the time to research the slavery abuses of your own race. Go back into history in Africa, and you'll find stories of black people who sold their own people, and race, to the slave trader's for a profit. Many did this, for a long time. It also went on here in America. You need to take off the blinders, and wake up to the reality of the corruption of your own race- if you can face the whole truth. But, that's another subject, for another time.
Back to the counsel for the righteous; Job gives some counsel on things like this:
Job 17:8 Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.
Job 17:9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
What's the meaning of these verses? From the JFB commentary, it says:
against the hypocrite — The upright shall feel their sense of justice wounded (“will be indignant”) because of the prosperity of the wicked. By “hypocrite” or “ungodly,” he perhaps glances at his false friends.
The strength of religious principle is heightened by misfortune. The pious shall take fresh courage to persevere from the example of suffering Job. The image is from a warrior acquiring new courage in action (Isa_40:30, Isa_40:31; Php_1:14).
The events going on now are going to cause people to either go on one side or the other. The righteous aren't going to stay silent. If they are put in a place of having to make a stand, they'll muster the courage to speak up, and say things people may not like, or want to hear- but they'll do it, because they've been put in a place of having to. We are seeing an escalation of chaos and mayhem on the same level as it was just before WWII, when Hitler was rising to power. Make up your mind now, which side your on, and prepare to meet it.
We see an example of this in the book of Acts, with Peter and John when they were put in jail, and had to stand before the rulers of Israel after they prayed for a man who was healed, let's take a look at this:
Act 4:5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
Act 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Act 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Act 4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
But, after this, they threatened them, commanding them to speak no more of this man Jesus:
Act 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
Act 4:16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
Act 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John's answer was that of the righteous, filled with the Holy Spirit, and boldness:
Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
When they were let go, they went straight to the other believer's, and together they prayed:
Act 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
Act 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Act 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
Act 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Act 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Act 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
They prayed with power, authority, faith, and asked for more boldness, to preach and speak of the power of Jesus Christ and the word of God.
What do you think would happen, if the churches, bible studies, and prayer groups in this country did this?
These men had walked and talked with Jesus, they saw him crucified, and saw him risen again. They were talking about someone they knew intimately, and nothing, no amount of threatening's, could shut them up. They, and the believer's with them were given the courage, and boldness to speak the truth-regardless of the consequences. They could not hold back.
I'm praying the righteous in this country will find the same courage, and boldness to stand against the wickedness that's rising up and trying to destroy this country, and people who believe in God.
You may find yourself having to make a stand, and speak up when you see something wrong. It may cost you friends, you may be accused of being racist, mentally ill, or biased. But, if your heart is righteous, and your eyes tell you something is wrong- you may not be able to just sit there, and say nothing. You'll find yourself getting up, and going to whoever you have to face, and saying things they may not want to hear. You might get mocked, ridiculed, gossiped about. Say a short, silent prayer for God's help-and go for it. We are living in a day when too much is on the line, than to let evil and wickedness keep taking over. If you don't speak up, when your faced dealing with the situation- who will? That's whats been wrong for a long time in this country-waiting to see if the next guy will have the guts to take a stand and speak up- the next guy-is probably YOU.
Peter and John were put in prison because they prayed for a man, and he was healed. Jesus is alive today, He is healing, and delivering people today-I'm one who can say so. If you need healing, if your on drugs, or alcohol, and have come to a place, that you want to be free from it; Jesus can set you free. I've seen opposition almost as bad as they had, when Jesus sets somebody free, unbelief is just as bad today, as it was then; actually worse, I think.
Now, going on; what are the righteous to do in these tumultuous times?
Scripture gives more help for us:
Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Psa 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psa 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Psa 56:6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
Psa 56:7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
Psa 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psa 56:9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
F.B. Meyer gives an excellent commentary on Psalm 56, let's take a look at it:
Psalms 56:1-13
“WHAT CAN MAN DO UNTO ME?”
This psalm was composed under the same circumstances as Psa_34:1-22. See 1Sa_21:1-15. What a strange medley is here shown-David feigning madness and composing psalms! Commenting on Psa_56:3, one says that Isaiah’s resolve is still better: “I will trust and not be afraid,” Isa_12:2. Note, the magnificent refrain at the close of each of the first two strophes, Psa_56:4; Psa_56:10. The psalmist asks: “What can flesh do?” “Nothing,” is the Apostle Paul’s emphatic answer. Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers can hurt a man who makes God his stronghold, Rom_8:31.
Let us use the last verse for our life-prayer. Live as one on whom God’s vows rest. Thank Him that by His Cross and Passion He has delivered thy soul from death. Could He have done so much at such cost, and then fail? Surely He must deliver our feet from falling, Psa_116:8, or all the past will have been in vain. Whenever the shadows gather, and past sins threaten, and the enemies of your soul seek to overthrow, plead this prayer: Thou hast… wilt not Thou?
This says it, as plain as can be. We don't have anything to fear, including death.
If I die today, and take my last breath before I finish this-my next step will be on streets of gold. I'll be home-there's nothing to fear in that.
I encourage you to take some time, and do a cross reference study on what the word of God has to say about the way of the righteous. It's a faith builder, and encouragement, and strengthens the spirit; to be able to see clearer what the right way is, and gives the boldness to stand for the right-no matter the cost.
From what I see, we are going to be sorely tested in days to come, and put in situations where God will watch to see what's in us. I hope this blog causes you to ponder on this, and ask for the boldness, the believer's in Act's prayed for, I believe we are going to need it.
Lorna Couillard
This verse could describe these times well:
Act 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
As the turmoil goes on, it will be interesting to see how it develops, and if the righteous in the country rise up and take back this country. I hope so.
In the meantime, what are the righteous to do? For those who believe in God, for the ones who desire a life of peace, but see none as we watch the riots and lawlessness going on; what does the Bible teach us about how we are to order our steps? I've been doing some studying on it, and found some scriptures that can help give us some direction, and comfort.
In this BLM upheaval- a lot of people are getting caught in the middle of the riots and mayhem. Some are getting their lives and businesses ruined, some being falsely accused of being racist. I've had this done to me, I don't answer the false accusations, unless I have to; but if I'm pushed against the wall-I'll respond. My answer when accused of being racist is simple- There's only one race- the human race. I don't care what color your skin is, I care about what comes out of your mouth, and how you act.
And, while I'm on the subject; I won't be bowing, or apologizing to anyone for being a white person. I didn't ask God to create me white- it was His choice. I have no apologies for what the white ancestor's did during the slavery days- every person is responsible for their own actions and behavior. I'm not responsible for what people did centuries ago-I'm only responsible for my own actions.
I'll also add- you black people should take the time to research the slavery abuses of your own race. Go back into history in Africa, and you'll find stories of black people who sold their own people, and race, to the slave trader's for a profit. Many did this, for a long time. It also went on here in America. You need to take off the blinders, and wake up to the reality of the corruption of your own race- if you can face the whole truth. But, that's another subject, for another time.
Back to the counsel for the righteous; Job gives some counsel on things like this:
Job 17:8 Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.
Job 17:9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
What's the meaning of these verses? From the JFB commentary, it says:
against the hypocrite — The upright shall feel their sense of justice wounded (“will be indignant”) because of the prosperity of the wicked. By “hypocrite” or “ungodly,” he perhaps glances at his false friends.
The strength of religious principle is heightened by misfortune. The pious shall take fresh courage to persevere from the example of suffering Job. The image is from a warrior acquiring new courage in action (Isa_40:30, Isa_40:31; Php_1:14).
The events going on now are going to cause people to either go on one side or the other. The righteous aren't going to stay silent. If they are put in a place of having to make a stand, they'll muster the courage to speak up, and say things people may not like, or want to hear- but they'll do it, because they've been put in a place of having to. We are seeing an escalation of chaos and mayhem on the same level as it was just before WWII, when Hitler was rising to power. Make up your mind now, which side your on, and prepare to meet it.
We see an example of this in the book of Acts, with Peter and John when they were put in jail, and had to stand before the rulers of Israel after they prayed for a man who was healed, let's take a look at this:
Act 4:5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
Act 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
Act 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Act 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Act 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Act 4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
But, after this, they threatened them, commanding them to speak no more of this man Jesus:
Act 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
Act 4:16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
Act 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John's answer was that of the righteous, filled with the Holy Spirit, and boldness:
Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
When they were let go, they went straight to the other believer's, and together they prayed:
Act 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
Act 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Act 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
Act 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Act 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Act 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Act 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
They prayed with power, authority, faith, and asked for more boldness, to preach and speak of the power of Jesus Christ and the word of God.
What do you think would happen, if the churches, bible studies, and prayer groups in this country did this?
These men had walked and talked with Jesus, they saw him crucified, and saw him risen again. They were talking about someone they knew intimately, and nothing, no amount of threatening's, could shut them up. They, and the believer's with them were given the courage, and boldness to speak the truth-regardless of the consequences. They could not hold back.
I'm praying the righteous in this country will find the same courage, and boldness to stand against the wickedness that's rising up and trying to destroy this country, and people who believe in God.
You may find yourself having to make a stand, and speak up when you see something wrong. It may cost you friends, you may be accused of being racist, mentally ill, or biased. But, if your heart is righteous, and your eyes tell you something is wrong- you may not be able to just sit there, and say nothing. You'll find yourself getting up, and going to whoever you have to face, and saying things they may not want to hear. You might get mocked, ridiculed, gossiped about. Say a short, silent prayer for God's help-and go for it. We are living in a day when too much is on the line, than to let evil and wickedness keep taking over. If you don't speak up, when your faced dealing with the situation- who will? That's whats been wrong for a long time in this country-waiting to see if the next guy will have the guts to take a stand and speak up- the next guy-is probably YOU.
Peter and John were put in prison because they prayed for a man, and he was healed. Jesus is alive today, He is healing, and delivering people today-I'm one who can say so. If you need healing, if your on drugs, or alcohol, and have come to a place, that you want to be free from it; Jesus can set you free. I've seen opposition almost as bad as they had, when Jesus sets somebody free, unbelief is just as bad today, as it was then; actually worse, I think.
Now, going on; what are the righteous to do in these tumultuous times?
Scripture gives more help for us:
Pro 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Psa 56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psa 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Psa 56:6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
Psa 56:7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
Psa 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psa 56:9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
F.B. Meyer gives an excellent commentary on Psalm 56, let's take a look at it:
Psalms 56:1-13
“WHAT CAN MAN DO UNTO ME?”
This psalm was composed under the same circumstances as Psa_34:1-22. See 1Sa_21:1-15. What a strange medley is here shown-David feigning madness and composing psalms! Commenting on Psa_56:3, one says that Isaiah’s resolve is still better: “I will trust and not be afraid,” Isa_12:2. Note, the magnificent refrain at the close of each of the first two strophes, Psa_56:4; Psa_56:10. The psalmist asks: “What can flesh do?” “Nothing,” is the Apostle Paul’s emphatic answer. Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers can hurt a man who makes God his stronghold, Rom_8:31.
Let us use the last verse for our life-prayer. Live as one on whom God’s vows rest. Thank Him that by His Cross and Passion He has delivered thy soul from death. Could He have done so much at such cost, and then fail? Surely He must deliver our feet from falling, Psa_116:8, or all the past will have been in vain. Whenever the shadows gather, and past sins threaten, and the enemies of your soul seek to overthrow, plead this prayer: Thou hast… wilt not Thou?
This says it, as plain as can be. We don't have anything to fear, including death.
If I die today, and take my last breath before I finish this-my next step will be on streets of gold. I'll be home-there's nothing to fear in that.
I encourage you to take some time, and do a cross reference study on what the word of God has to say about the way of the righteous. It's a faith builder, and encouragement, and strengthens the spirit; to be able to see clearer what the right way is, and gives the boldness to stand for the right-no matter the cost.
From what I see, we are going to be sorely tested in days to come, and put in situations where God will watch to see what's in us. I hope this blog causes you to ponder on this, and ask for the boldness, the believer's in Act's prayed for, I believe we are going to need it.
Lorna Couillard
