Are Christians Supposed to Worry?

Many of us worry about our daily lives from time to time. Some more than others. Worries about affording your next meal, getting a new job, school, making more money,etc, can be overwhelming for many. I'm definitely guilty of worrying way too much in the past! But what does God say about worrying?


Well Philippians 4:6 reads; "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God".


So God instructs us not to worry or be anxious about anything in our lives, but in thanksgiving, present your requests to Him! How many times have you or someone you knew prayed, not thankfully, but in anger to God about their problems? I'll admit I've done this many times in my past, and it's no wonder things didn't get better! We are instructed to trust in Him, and to be thankful for what we do have (as little as it may be), and He will listen and make our paths straight.


More confirmation of God's instruction not to worry can be read in Matthew 6:25-34;"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"


What an amazing verse! This verse changed the way I think about day-to-day life. I try to give my worries to God and be thankful for the blessings I do have, instead of focusing on the things I don't have!
So instead of worrying, we should pray, give our requests to God and most of all trust in Him to make everything work out in the end. The Lord always does what's right! If you're reading this article right now, give praise to the Lord, you are alive! What a blessing that is in itself! :)
 
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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." -Matthew 11:28-29

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Christ in the Hebrews - The Impressive Minister

A More Excellent Ministry (vv. 1-6)
The Superior Priest (v. 1). Here we pass from the consideration of the Person of the Priest and watch Him perfectly discharging the duties of His office in the new sanctuary. 
The chief point is “we have such a high priest.” 
He is infinitely above all other priests,
In position - “sat down,” 
In dignity - “at the right hand,” 
In authority - “at the throne of God,” 
In supremacy - “The Majesty in the heavens.”
No other priest ever sat down in recognition of a finished work, nor had any the perfect right to this place of highest honour in heaven. His sitting down is an indication of His royal position; for He is a royal priest. He is the antitype of Meichisedec - thus combining in Himself the two offices of Priest and King.
The Sanctuary Perfect (v.2). This living High Priest is the administrator of the holy things in the real tabernacle in heaven. There He has a work to do corresponding with the spiritual dignity of His office, and He never fails to give us help. “The heavens” as referred to here, denote the eternal dwelling place of God Himself.
The word ‘minister’ signifies one who serves in an official capacity and it is used of the service of the priest of the sanctuary (Isa. 61:6; Jer. 33:21; Neh. 10:40). As there is only one Priest, Christ in heaven, so there is only one holy place, the heavenly sanctuary (v. 5;9:24). “True” - real abiding; opposed to that which was typical and temporary. His ministration there is more to us than all the old pompous ceremonies and services of the old economy. That perfection which the earthly tabernacle could never produce is reached here and in this tent God does really and personally dwell. (Acts 7:48; 17:48). In this tabernacle the Lord Jesus is not only High Priest but Mediator likewise uniting in His person the offices of Moses and of Aaron.
A Sacrifice Essential (v.3). The purpose of priesthood is to “offer gifts and sacrifices.” This was to be accomplished in and by Christ, which He did when He offered Himself (9:13,14). This theme is developed in chapter 9. “Gifts” covers all types of offerings presented to God; sacrifices, gifts in which an animal was slain.
Sphere of Priesthood (v.4). Heavenly not earthly. The teaching refers to Christ’s present ministry in the Sanctuary, and not to what He did on earth. ‘Sphere,’ not time or place is in view here. Seeing that God had vested the earthly priesthood in the tribe of Levi (Exodus 28:1); the Lord Jesus who belonged to the tribe of Judah (7:14); would not violate that order, and consequently could not be a priest on earth. His priesthood rnust needs be heavenly and eternal, being connected with the new covenant.
Superior Ministry (v.5,6). The quotation in verse 5, taken from Ex. 25:40, proves there is a real tabernacle in the unseen world of which the one that Moses built was a copy.
The Tabernacle in the wilderness was a figure of the way of access to God. The outer court represented the earth, and the holy place answered to heaven; the holiest of all corresponding to the heaven of heavens, the very presence of God Himself. The true tabernacle, the heavenly and the spiritual is designed and passed by God Himself. To go back to Judaism is to leave the substance for the shadows and this was retrogression not progress.
In contrast to the work of Aaron our Lord Jesus has a more excellent ministry; is the Mediator of a better Covenant giving to His own better promises. The superiority of His Priesthood is emphasized in the words “better” and “more excellent.”
May we heed the warning here and not be tempted to go back from the Priest in the true sanctuary to the priests in the copy of the true.
“‘In Him’ we have a present priesthood, which we are to appropriate (v.1). It is royal and ministerial (vv. 1 ,2), sacrificial (v.3), heavenly (v. 5), and perfect (v.6).” W.H. Griffith Thomas.
The More Embracing Covenant (verses 7-13)
From Christ’s Priestly acceptability (vv. 1 ,2); and activity (vv. 3-5); we turn to His Priestly assurance (vv. 6-9) and announcements (vv. 10-13).
Strictly the new covenant has application to Israel, but we have to read the spirit of it, we must be on the terms of the new covenant though not strictly under it. The covenant itself is made with Israel and Judah and will be under grace not law. It is a covenant of promise and the Son of God is the surety that the promises will be fulfilled (7:27).
Its Perfection Announced (vy. 6b-7).
God does everything in this new covenant. A covenant is a contrast in which each party lends himself to the other in certain conditions. The first covenant was not perfect (Ex. 24:7), its basis was the promises of man - “we will.” The second covenant is perfect, the basis of it being the promise of God “I will” (Jer. 31:34).
The character of the Priest gives superiority to the Covenant (ch. 7), but here it is the superiority of the Covenant which adds dignity to the Priesthood. Other contrasts might be noted; (ch. 7) Christ is Surety of a better Covenant; (ch. 8) He is the Mediator through whom all the terms of the Covenant are carried out.
The Old covenant though educative was impotent and temporary and its replacement is contemplated (v.7). The new covenant is redemptive, dynamic and eternal, its promise of spiritual blessings being the principle thing. The mind is directed to heaven, the heart is cheered with the hopes of immortal life.
Its Provision Adequate (vv. S-12).
It is promised by God (v.8), prophesied to be better (v.9), and providing fellowship with God for all (v.10).
The weakness is not with the old covenant but with the people (v.8). Their total depravity was brought out in their failure to keep the promises they rashly made. The law, revealing to man his sinfulness, was designed to be proparatory to the Gospel. God Himself set the old covenant aside because it was inadequate. In the new God is the principle party covenanting - “I will make” (v.8). His power and faithfulness are pledged to its fulfilment. Note this covenant is directly with the twelve tribes and does not apply to Christians today (v. 8b). We enjoy the spirit of it today, forgiveness from God and fellowship with God.. The new covenant is new in quality and in its scope, for it is going to unite that which had been divided and close the schisms.
What God promises He provides, for His promise is absolute. The new covenant is better because of its spirituality (v. 10), and its efficacy (v. 11), and its assurance of forgiveness (v.12).
The character of the covenant is stated negatively (v. 9), and positively (vv. 10-12). The effect produced will be permanent. The people of God will enjoy a deeper revelation, their understanding being enlightened - “My laws in their minds.” Their affections will be engaged - “My laws upon their hearts”; a new relation will be enjoyed. “I will be to them a God,” and their allegiance will be expressed in being - “to me a people.”
That coming day of blessing will also be marked by an intimate knowledge of the Lord - “from the least to the greatest,” an experience of unparalelled mercy - “be merciful” and assurance of free forgiveness (vv. 11 , 12).
Its Permanency Assured (v.13).
The old is obsolete and ready to vanish. The sacrificial system did indeed vanish away with the destruction of the temple in AD 70. This covenant is faultless and final, based as it is upon the complete redemption of Christ (10:15-17). “Near to disappearance,” this refers to that covenant and its outward administration - the temple, the priests and the order of approach to God.
The New will be permanent, for Jesus not Aaron is the Surety, the Guarantor from God’s side. He is also the Mediator, not Moses, for only our Lord Jesus could secure and bring to fruition the terms of the covenant. What, was prophetically foretold (Jer. 31:31-34), and historically fulfilled (Luke 22:20) and doctrinally expounded (Heb. 8:10-13), is absolutely guaranteed (v. 8).
May we appreciate this revelation of love and mercy (v. 12), of law and knowledge (vv. 10,11), and the realization of fellowship (vv. 11,12) and worship in the beauty of holiness within the veil. 
By J. B. Hewitt

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Science and God- Does it mix?

The following are quotes from famous Scientists about Science and God:

"Only a rookie who knows nothing about science would say science takes away from faith. If you really study science, it will bring you closer to God." -James Tour (Nanoscientist)

"The most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." -Isaac Newton (Scientist)

 "I want to know how God created this world, I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts, the rest are details." -Albert Einstein (Scientist)

"A common sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a superintellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature. The numbers one calculates from the facts seem to me so overwhelming as to put this conclusion almost beyond question." -Fred Hoyle (British astrophysicist)

"Amazing fine tuning occurs in the laws that make this [complexity] possible. Realization of the complexity of what is accomplished makes it very difficult not to use the word 'miraculous' without taking a stand as to the ontological status of the word." -George Ellis (British astrophysicist)

 "I find it quite improbable that such order came out of chaos. There has to be some organizing principle. God to me is a mystery but is the explanation for the miracle of existence, why there is something instead of nothing." -Alan Sandage

"There is for me powerful evidence that there is something going on behind it all....It seems as though somebody has fine-tuned nature’s numbers to make the Universe....The impression of design is overwhelming"..."The laws [of physics] ... seem to be the product of exceedingly ingenious design... The universe must have a purpose".  -Paul Davies (British astrophysicist)

"We are, by astronomical standards, a pampered, cosseted, cherished group of creatures.. .. If the Universe had not been made with the most exacting precision we could never have come into existence. It is my view that these circumstances indicate the universe was created for man to live in." -John O'Keefe (astronomer at NASA)

"As we survey all the evidence, the thought insistently arises that some supernatural agency - or, rather, Agency - must be involved. Is it possible that suddenly, without intending to, we have stumbled upon scientific proof of the existence of a Supreme Being? Was it God who stepped in and so providentially crafted the cosmos for our benefit?" -George Greenstein (astronomer)

"The idea of a universal mind or Logos would be, I think, a fairly plausible inference from the present state of scientific theory." -Arthur Eddington (astrophysicist)

"Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with the very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life, and one which has an underlying (one might say 'supernatural') plan." -Arno Penzias (Nobel prize in physics)

"I would say the universe has a purpose. It's not there just somehow by chance." -Roger Penrose (mathematician and author)

"When confronted with the order and beauty of the universe and the strange coincidences of nature, it's very tempting to take the leap of faith from science into religion. I am sure many physicists want to. I only wish they would admit it." -Tony Rothman (physicist)

"The exquisite order displayed by our scientific understanding of the physical world calls for the divine." -Vera Kistiakowsky (MIT physicist)

"For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries." -Robert Jastrow 

"Then we shall… be able to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason - for then we would know the mind of God." -Stephen Hawking (British astrophysicist)

"When I began my career as a cosmologist some twenty years ago, I was a convinced atheist. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that one day I would be writing a book purporting to show that the central claims of Judeo-Christian theology are in fact true, that these claims are straightforward deductions of the laws of physics as we now understand them. I have been forced into these conclusions by the inexorable logic of my own special branch of physics." -Frank Tipler (Professor of Mathematical Physics)

"We know that nature is described by the best of all possible mathematics because God created it." -Alexander Polyakov (Soviet mathematician)

"Here is the cosmological proof of the existence of God – the design argument of Paley – updated and refurbished. The fine tuning of the universe provides prima facie evidence of deistic design. Take your choice: blind chance that requires multitudes of universes or design that requires only one.... Many scientists, when they admit their views, incline toward the teleological or design argument." -Ed Harrison (cosmologist)

"As to the cause of the Universe, in context of expansion, that is left for the reader to insert, but our picture is incomplete without Him [God]." -Edward Milne (British cosmologist)

"Who created these laws? There is no question but that a God will always be needed." -Barry Parker (cosmologist)

"This type of universe, however, seems to require a degree of fine tuning of the initial conditions that is in apparent conflict with 'common wisdom'." -Drs. Zehavi, and Dekel (cosmologists)

"It seems to me that when confronted with the marvels of life and the universe, one must ask why and not just how. The only possible answers are religious. . . . I find a need for God in the universe and in my own life." -Arthur L. Schawlow (Professor of Physics at Stanford University, 1981 Nobel Prize in physics)

"The significance and joy in my science comes in those occasional moments of discovering something new and saying to myself, 'So that's how God did it.' My goal is to understand a little corner of God's plan." -Henry "Fritz" Schaefer (Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry and director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia)

"I find it as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of a superior rationality behind the existence of the universe as it is to comprehend a theologian who would deny the advances of science." -Wernher von Braun (Pioneer rocket engineer)

"It now seems to me that the findings of more than fifty years of DNA research have provided materials for a new and enormously powerful argument to design." -Antony Flew (Professor of Philosophy, former atheist, author, and debater)

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Trust in God: Do you really trust Him?

This past week I got some bad news that would trouble most people, maybe even to the point of panic and complete anxiety. As a matter of fact, if I heard this news a couple of months ago, my attitude towards it would have probably been pretty negative! But for some reason it didn't really bother me much. I actually felt peace that surpasses all understanding, and I know inside that God is in control. 

In dealing with any change, we usually feel anxious and worrisome, not knowing what's to come. But God is teaching me that although we don't know why certain things happen, God knows full well, and we only waste time and energy worrying about it! "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

My trust in God has been increasing, and it's an awesome thing! Even from the smallest thing such as trusting that the huge rain cloud will move away before I go outside, or big things like trusting that God will open new doors in my career, I'm learning to just trust!

But trust doesn't come easily. In any real relationship, whether it's with a friend, mom, or spouse, without trust you don't have much of a foundation in that relationship. You're always on the edge, wondering if that person is going to let you down. It's the same with God! Without trust, how can we have a good relationship with Him? 

 Scriptures on trust:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5,6)

"Blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is." (Jeremiah 17:7)

"And they who know Your name will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10)

"So trust in the Lord forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock." (Isaiah 26:4)

"O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34:8)

"For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence." (Psalm 71:5)

"Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for on You do I lean and in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my inner self to You." (Psalm 143: 8)

So don't stress, just trust! God bless you :)!

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How Does God Direct Our Lives?

This is a question many people wonder..How is God guiding my life? Is he even guiding me at all? What's my next step in life? In the bible times, God used to talk directly to people or send angels to give messages. But does God still guide us today? 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.  Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. (Psalms 32:8-10)


For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalms 48:14)

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.(Isaiah 42:16)

This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.(Isaiah 48:17)




So it's clear that God still guides us and always will! But how does He guide us now? You may get a 'sick sense', a 'gut feeling', or even have a dream about what you should or shouldn't do. If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit will always be with you, carefully guiding every step of your life to fulfill God's divine purpose for you. 

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:15-18)


But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. (John 15:26)

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.  I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. (John 16:7-14)

God bless,

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