Gold crusts on lips

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. - I Peter 4:12-13
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. - James 1:2-5
One of the most overlooked aspects of our Christian walk is the trials we face. These trials are not random occurrences in our lives, but instead are meant to refine us, strengthen our faith, and help us grow spiritually. However, I often see fellow believers going through trials and forgetting that they serve a purpose, which can be found in the scriptures.
Forgetting or overlooking certain things can be harmful to our faith. It's important to stay aware of these aspects and not let them slip from our minds. But I don't want to focus solely on the purpose of trials. Instead, I want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to not lose hope when facing them. Trials often test our faith, which is rooted in hopeful trust in God. And this hopeful trust ties in with hope itself.
Let us consider Abraham:
who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” - Romans 4:18-22
He was promised a son, but as time passed, it seemed impossible for him and his wife to conceive. Yet, Abraham believed in God's promise and trusted in Him, even when it seemed like all hope was lost. And in the end, God fulfilled His promise and Isaac was born.
We too may need to hope against hope at times, but we must remember that God is faithful and His promises will be fulfilled. So, when trials come our way, let us hold onto our faith and hope in God, knowing that He will see us through.
During our darkest and toughest trials, it's important to remember one thing: hope. Even when we feel like we've lost everything, we must hold onto hope, no matter how hard it may seem. Think of Job or any modern Christian who has felt condemned and was tempted to give up. Trials can be painful, but what if God wants to see what's truly in our hearts? What if He wants to take what He's given to test our faith? It may not be easy, but we must trust in Him and hold onto hope.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. - James 1:16-18
Have you ever considered that God may want to test the depths of our hearts by taking back what He has given us? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Perhaps He wants to see if we truly appreciate and value the blessings He bestows upon us. It's important to reflect on this and examine our own hearts to ensure that we are living with gratitude and humility, regardless of our circumstances. After all, our faith and character are not defined by what we have, but by how we respond when it's taken away.
Did our possessions, health, or loved ones pay for our sins on the cross? Do we put too much value on these blessings and idolize them? Will we turn our backs on God if we lose them and forget all the good He has done for us? Or will we remember that we are undeserving sinners saved by His grace? Let us follow the example of Job, who in the midst of his trials proclaimed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Let us trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times.
It is essential that we place our trust and affections in the Lord, so we can remain hopeful and steadfast. We must learn from the mistakes of those who were tested in the wilderness, who allowed their hearts to be consumed by the desire for meat instead of being grateful for their Savior. We should strive to avoid such pitfalls by always putting our faith in God and relying on His guidance. By doing so, we can lead a fulfilling life that is centered on His love and grace.
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate with God and ask for His help in removing all the negativity and clutter from our hearts. By doing so, we make more space for God to enter and work His wonders in our lives. It's crucial that we take the time to pray and ask for His guidance, as it enables us to connect with Him on a deeper level and experience His love and grace in a more profound way. So, let's make a conscious effort to pray regularly and allow God to cleanse our hearts of all the junk that's weighing us down, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessings and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. - Jeremiah 17:9-10
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? - James 4:5
God's promise to search our hearts is not something to be taken lightly. Even if we try to hide our innermost thoughts and feelings, He will test our minds and give us what we deserve based on our actions. We may think we can fool Him by merely paying lip service to our faith while indulging in sinful behavior, but we cannot escape His scrutiny.
As Christians, we face tests every day, and we must be mindful of where our affections lie. If we claim to worship God but secretly commit adultery and idolize worldly things, we are deceiving ourselves. We must worship Him in spirit and truth, as He deserves.
I understand that this message may be difficult to accept, but it is a truth that we cannot ignore. If you doubt me, take a look at some of the prayer subreddits, where you will see Christians struggling with their faith and seeking guidance.
Let us remember that our salvation was purchased at a great cost by the precious blood of Jesus. We owe it to Him to live our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. So let us examine our hearts and minds and ask God to reveal any areas where we need to repent and turn away from sin.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - I Timothy 6:6-10
And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. - Revelation 18:4
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” - Revelation 6:5-6
The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away. - Psalm 37:18-20
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:1-4
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
Be Patient and Persevering
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. - James 5:1-11
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” - I Peter 4:8
​

About a week and half ago I noticed four small white bumps underneath my bottom lip. I thought they were pimples so applied retinol. To my dismay, they grew, along with one on my lip. A week later, the original bumps have swollen, crusted, and spread. I have around 20 bumps now and am finding new ones every time I look in the mirror today. They’ve even spread to my nose and inside my ear (it’s unusually itchy). Thankfully, my Dr. prescribed me Acyclovir which I started today, and I’ve been applying Abreva. I think this resulted from my not realizing I needed to change my pillowcase regularly. I’m worried about washing my face/showering - how can I avoid spreading it further? I feel like my face is being taken over and it’s freaking me out. Thanks for any insight.

First Chapter Previous Chapter
TRAGEDY at Concert Hall.
NIGHTMARE performance by renowned violinist and orchestra.
66 DEAD & 100s INJURED in CONCERT MASSACRE!
For an entire month, the media incessantly buzzed about Gabrielle Vilonte's last performance, a relentless stream that wore on Mr. Vilonte's nerves. Reporters bombarded him with calls, clamoring for an exclusive interview. Fed up, he had silenced his phone for days, ignoring every text and call, and stowed it away in the glove compartment. Thankfully, public interest had already shifted to the next headline. The bizarre event was now a distant memory in people's minds. Except, of course, those who experienced it.
Sleep became a nightly struggle. Most nights brought a jolting awakening, leaving him trembling so fiercely that his bones rattled and teeth chattered, while his heart threatened to burst from his chest. The recurring nightmare haunted him relentlessly—the terrifying vision of blood-red waves closing in, his senses overwhelmed as he tumbled blindly and helplessly. His survival was nothing short of miraculous, requiring only a brief stay of a couple of nights at the hospital.
George had insisted he stay with them until Mrs. Vilonte and Gabrielle emerged from their coma at the hospital. Despite the kind offer, Mr. Vilonte politely declined. While he cherished the idea of being surrounded by his family's warmth during such a challenging time, he found solace in the comforting embrace of Sara's soft, ample bosom. While he often disagreed with Mrs. Vilonte's choices, particularly concerning their finances, he was grateful he had yielded to her insistence on hiring a personal assistant.
"Take a deep breath and exhale slowly,” Sara instructed, her hand gently stroking his sweaty, naked back.
He followed her guidance, and as he did, he felt the nightmare fading away, replaced by the soothing sound of her voice. The terror that had gripped him was gradually replaced by a warmth that flowed down his throat, spreading a comforting heat throughout his belly.
"I don't know what I'd do without you," he sighed, pulling her into an embrace. "I wish we could stay like this forever."
"I wish the same, but we should go visit the hospital," she replied softly, gently pushing him aside as she rose from the bed to gather her clothes scattered on the floor.
He sighed again, sinking back onto the bed, overwhelmed by the prospect of abandoning its warmth to face the demands of the day. The thought of rejoining the world outside felt daunting. What finally persuaded him to rise from the bed was Sara's assurance that she would join him on the visit to Mrs. Vilonte, fulfilling her duties as the family's loyal and diligent personal assistant. But, in separate cars, of course.
On the way, he stopped to pick up a bouquet of flowers. Upon arrival, he warmly greeted the nurses and medical personnel he had come to know. They returned his gesture with sympathetic gazes and a small smile. As he entered Gabrielle's room, he found Eric already asleep in a chair by her bedside. Mr. Vilonte's heart sank at the sight. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her condition, he found solace in the fact that her baby remained safe within her womb, miraculously unharmed.
He arranged some lilies in a vase beside her, and pressed a fatherly kiss to her forehead before departing for his wife's room that was at the end of the hallway. Mrs. Vilonte lay peacefully, her complexion a little paler than usual. Gently placing roses on the nightstand, he pulled up a chair by her bedside, ready to share the latest updates.
With a soft voice, he relayed a few light-hearted news - George's pediatric clinic continued to thrive, their granddaughter landed a role in an upcoming school play, and Gabrielle’s condition remained in stable condition, but she had yet to awaken. Once he exhausted his list of news, he veered into trivial chatter about the weather, the traffic delays he encountered en route to the hospital which explained for his lateness (though in truth, he had persuaded Sara to join him for an intimate moment in the shower earlier), and his disappointment with the soggy cafeteria sandwich he bought.
He breathed a sigh of relief when the door opened and Sara waltzed into the room, dressed in her business casual attire, every bit the dedicated assistant his wife had hired. Without saying anything, she walked over to his chair, resting one hand on his shoulder while the other caressed the sparse strands of hair on his balding head. Her touch sparked a warmth within him, kindling a fire that surged through his body.
“Do you think she'll ever wake up?” Sara asked.
“We can only pray,” he replied, then under his breath added, “that she doesn't.”
How he wished things in his life were different. He glanced at his wife, then shifted his gaze to the pillow beneath her head. A thought crossed his mind – it wasn't too late. He could grasp the pillow and silence her forever, altering the trajectory of his life for the better.
“I wonder what's going on inside of her head,” Mr. Vilonte wondered aloud, “Do you think she's dreaming or is it all just darkness?”
XXXXX
In a realm beyond the physical plane, Mr. Vilonte’s words echoed through the forest. Mrs. Vilonte, catching wind of his voice, raced forward barefoot. Her elegant dress shoes, now trapped in the mud, disappeared into the earth. Her gown had become torn and muddied from her struggles against the clutches of vines and twisted branches.
Stopping for a moment, she pondered the possibility of deception, the voice perhaps a sinister ploy by the otherworldly entity, taunting her with the mimicry of her husband's voice.
"Please, let me go home!" she pleaded, her words falling on ears that only responded with mocking laughter.
You love her…you love her… you want her to wake up…no, you loved her. Do it now. Or it's never.
She was sure it was his voice, drawing her towards him and she followed its trail.
XXXXX
When Sara stepped out in search of snacks, he stood by his wife's bedside, peering down at her sleeping figure. Inch by inch, he maneuvered the pillow from beneath her head, his hands trembling with each deliberate movement. Just as he was about to place the soft weapon over her face, he hesitated, clutching the pillow tightly as he paced the room, engaged in a fierce debate with himself.
“You love her. No, no, you loved her.”
In over thirty years of marriage, he found himself reminiscing only about the initial five years, a period suffused with warmth and happiness. The following decades, however, that love had withered away over time like a neglected rose, starved of nourishment.
If he didn't take the chance now, he may not have the opportunity to do so. He returned to her bedside, clutching the pillow. The weight of his decision bore down on him. Just as he prepared to act, her eyes flickered open, their intensity locking with his own. He gasped, stepping back in alarm and stumbling over the chair.
With a sudden jolt, Mrs. Vilonte shot upright, unleashing a piercing scream that shattered the silence of the room. Frantically, she attempted to flee her bed, only to crumple to the floor, her legs betraying her after a month of disuse, unable to bear her weight. She resorted to dragging herself with her arms, making her way towards the door.
As the initial shock began to subside, Mr. Vilonte hastily regained his footing and hurried to his wife's side.
“Isabella..." he gasped, stretching out a trembling hand to touch her shoulder, but she swatted it away.
She struggled to rise to her feet once more, using the wall for support as her legs shook beneath her. The knot of her hospital gown had unraveled, leaving it to drape loosely over her fragile, naked form.
“Gabby! Where's Gabby?” She cried, her eyes were wide and filled with terror.
“Her room's not far from here, just down the hall.”
“I have to see her.”
“No, no, what we need to do right now is to get you back to bed. I'll go get the doctor.”
“You don't understand!”
“What is it that I don't understand? Tell me!”
“The baby…”
“What about the baby?”
“It's not what you think it is.”
“What? What are you talking about? What are you trying to say?”
Mrs. Vilonte let out an angry cry of frustration. “We must put a stop to it. She's going to give birth to something…”
“Something, what?”
Without answering him, she seized the door handle and yanked it open. Despite his attempts to restrain her, she broke free from his grip, landing a sharp blow to his face with her fist. A dazzling flash of white and gold stars burst across his vision like fireworks.
A deafening scream tore through the air, its intensity reverberating down the hallway, freezing everyone in their tracks. The sheer force of it sent shivers of nausea and fear rippling through each person present. The scream jolted Mr. Vilonte out of his daze, a surge of fear flooding back as he realized it was coming from his daughter's room.
He raced to the room and found Eric cowering in the corner, his expression filled with horror as he stared up at the ceiling. Mrs. Vilonte stood nearby, her discarded gown lying on the floor, a pair of scissors clutched tightly in her hand, likely grabbed from the nurse's desk. She, too, gazed upwards. Following their line of sight, Mr. Vilonte's heart nearly stopped.
Crawling along the ceiling like a twisted spider was Gabrielle. She gnashed her teeth like a feral beast and with a guttural hiss, she leapt towards the window, breaking through the glass.
“Gabby, no!”
Mr. Vilonte rushed to the window, crying out in pain as the glass cut into his skin. Through the broken pane, he watched in disbelief as Gabrielle, somehow still alive after her jump from the fifth floor, dashed across the parking lot, dodging cars with uncanny agility.
XXXXX
“Slow down!” Sara screeched, her fingers tightening around the grab handle.
But Mr. Vilonte didn't hear her. He remained steadfast, his foot firmly on the gas pedal, propelling the vehicle forward on the freeway in a desperate attempt to catch up to the police car ahead.
Within the span of an hour, his world was once again upended and crushed by the merciless force of the universe. Gabrielle's escape from the hospital triggered a frantic response from the hospital staff. Wrestling the scissors from the hands of a hysterical and furious Mrs. Vilonte, they pinned her to the floor. Meanwhile, a nurse administered a sedative to calm her down, allowing them to carry her back to her room.
The police were called to locate Gabrielle, prompting him to join the frantic search alongside them. Sara, just returning from the cafeteria with snacks in hand, found herself swept up in the chaos, following him to the car and demanding an explanation.
He slammed on the brakes with a forceful stomp, jolting them forward and then back in their seats. Ahead, several vehicles were stacked up. The police car he had been tailing collided with one of them. Hastily unbuckling his seatbelt, he got out of the car and navigated through the wreckage of the mangled vehicles.
“Gabby!”
He spotted his daughter standing amidst the tumult of the freeway. Upon hearing her name, she turned to face him, her expression clouded with confusion.
“Dad? Why am I here? What's going on?” her voice was laced with fear.
“I don't know. But let's get you out of here.”
“I want to go home,” she sobbed.
“Of course, we'll go home, right after the doctors check you over.”
As Gabrielle moved towards him, the ground beneath them began to tremble, its intensity mounting with each passing second. Cracks spiderwebbed across the asphalt beneath her feet, and long, sinewy vines emerged from the fissures, wrapping themselves around her and pulling her down into the depths below.
Mr. Vilonte sank to his knees, overwhelmed by devastation.
XXXXX
Although the haze of sleepiness had partially lifted, she felt the weight of drowsiness still clinging to her body, like a heavy anchor. Attempting to move her hands, she discovered they were bound by leather cuffs fastened to the bedside rails.
The room lay cloaked in darkness, with only the faint, silver light of the moon filtering through the window blinds, casting a gentle glow across the space. Except for the corner by the door. A sudden drop in temperature sent shivers through her bones. A presence was in the room, and it was standing in that dark corner, watching her.
Mrs. Vilonte stayed silent for a moment, refraining from saying a single word or making even the slightest sound. She clenched her teeth, attempting to suppress a whimper, but it slipped past her lips nonetheless.
A pale foot stepped out of the darkness, then the other.
She sucked in her breath at the sight of Victoria, who greeted her with a sinister grin. Her eyes were as dark as coal. Her teeth jagged with saliva dribbling down her pink lips. Without moving her mouth, Victoria's voice echoed in her head, “The price is high, your soul to keep, give me more to eat!”
Raising her hands, she held up a beating heart, giving it a firm squeeze. Instantly, Mrs. Vilonte was struck by a violent pain in her chest. She was engulfed by wave after wave of agonizing pain, rendering her unable to scream until a brief moment of respite allowed her to catch her breath, prompting her to cry out, "If you want to kill me, do it now! Go ahead, kill me! Rip my heart out. But please, just do it quickly. I can't bear it any longer.”
The entity cackled. "Death will not come easily for you. Instead, you shall endure a long and torturous existence, my dear. A life abundant with suffering and despair, with the sweet release you crave remaining distant for many years to come.”
Its talons closed around the heart giving it one final squeeze.
Mrs. Vilonte erupted in a roar of agony, her body contorting as she strained against the restraints. A nurse burst into the room, switching on the light. Once the lights flickered on, the pain dissipated, and her body eased back onto the bed, her wrists raw from the restraints. Observing her labored breathing and the sheen of sweat across her forehead, he checked her vitals and inquired about her sudden scream and whether she experienced any lingering pain.
She moved her head from side to side. “You wouldn't believe me if I told you,” she said, choking down a sob.
“Oh, I'm sure everything's going to be fine, Mrs. Vilonte,” the nurse reassured with a gentle tone, offering comfort.
“Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?”
“I would, if I had time. I'm sorry I've got other patients to attend to.” And after a final check on her vitals, he turned off the lights and left the room.
Mrs. Vilonte cast a wary gaze toward the darkened corner, a sense of apprehension prickling her skin. A solitary tear traced its path down her cheek.

i have a 14g septum and a 16g vertical labret! My septum is a few years old now, but my vb is only about 2mo. i am eventually going to revisit my piercer to get a shorter bar since i have no more swelling. i plan to wait at least 6mo to change to my own jewelry to stay on the safe side! my healing has been great so far and i definitely don’t wanna screw that up.
that being said, i’m pretty bored of the plain silver horseshoe in my nose. i really would like to get something more flashy and fun, but i’d like to order matching jewelry for my lip as well! i know this is a pretty common piercing setup so i’d love some recommendations on fun jewelry. i’m not personally a fan of gold jewelry, but any other recs are really appreciated!
the quality of my jewelry is very important to me, but i’m also looking to keep my budget as low as possible!

She is a white-skinned busty woman, skinny rather tall, with short blond hairs, she has brown eyes, an aquiline nose, red lips made with lipstick, the rest of her face is made up in a classy way .
She wears a short pink and black dress, pink heels, black tights, she wears a pink blouse, she has red pinkish ribbons wraps around her arms and legs, their ends flutter in the wind, in a classy way, she also has white gloves on his hands.
She has a weapon which is a pink and gold desert eagle, with stuck on the top instead of the sight, a lipstick, which is there because I imagine her using the lipstick before shooting someone.
Because she is evil, in fact she is a supervillain, who is horribly narcissistic and megalomaniac, she also has an oversized ego, she has anger problems, she would be the type to look in the glasses for hours, finding herself much more beautiful than anyone on earth, she is the leader of her own gang!
Maybe this will give you some ideas for poses👌! Also she has hidden blades in her sleeves and heels! She is as agile as she is dangerous!