“I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8 GNT)

Have you ever watched the Special Olympics, where participants with various physical or mental challenges are celebrated and given beautiful medals at events? It’s not because of their actual skill set, but rather it's because of the love others have for them. In a similar way, that’s what the Bible passage above is saying as the apostle Paul speaks about finishing his race and about “being put right with God.” His victory prize was not based on his own merit but was given to him as a gift because of God’s love for him, see John 3:16. All Paul needed to do was to go the distance (not quit) and to keep the faith (fully trust) and the victory prize was given.

It’s exactly the same today!

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Therefore

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9)

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2  Chron. 7:14)

It's not about secular leadership!

This verse says it very clearly. It says, “if my people”. It doesn't say, “if the president of the USA” or “if the Kings or Queens of the world,” or “if the combined world leadership.” No! It says, if God’s people, who are called by His Name will do certain things, then God will do certain things.

What “God's people who are called by His Name” must do

·      Humble themselves

·      Pray

·      Seek His Face

·      Turn from their wicked ways

How God promises to respond

·      He will hear from Heaven

·      He will forgive their sin

·      He will heal their land

Therefore, the genuine answer to the wickedness in our land is not political, it is spiritual! It is up to God’s people to wake up and respond according to His Word!

Therefore

“The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Prov. 15:29) 

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.” (Psalms 107:28-30)

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Eph. 6:18)

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)

“He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.” (Psalm 102:17)

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

This wonderful promise from Jesus is followed by His instructions given in the form of a command. Notice that he says, “Do not let” and “Do not be” which means that you have control over peace, trouble, and fear within your heart. In another passage, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Yes, as long as you’re in this world you may be visited, even attacked by these things, but you can take charge and control them. You can keep them from controlling you!

Come to Jesus whenever these things happen

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mat. 11:28)

Instructions

• Do not be Anxious — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)

• Let the peace of Christ rule — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)

Therefore

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)

“And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 1:19-20)

Christians are not weak!

In the secular media, movies, television, and in most books and literature, pastors and Christians in general are portrayed as weak and powerless. But the Bible does not teach that we are weak. Yes, we are to demonstrate humility, but that does not mean weakness. For instance, Jesus demonstrated what it meant to be humble by how He humbled Himself by holding back His great power as God: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:6-11).

We are told to do the same

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:5)

Christian’s have power in the Holy Spirit

“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thess. 1:5)

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29) 

Therefore

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Eph. 6:10) 

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”. (Eph. 3:20)

 “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30)

The passage at top is a beautiful promise about God’s way and contains a number of important words to look closely at to help you understand its meaning: perfect, flawless, shield, and refuge.

• God’s way is perfect!

Perfect is defined as having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be. Ideal, and without fault.

• God’s Word is flawless!

Flawless is defined as without any blemishes or imperfections; perfect. unmarked, and unimpaired.

• He is your shield!

Shield is defined as something that defends or protects someone or something.

• Take refuge in Him!

Refuge is defined as condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. It's shelter, protection, safety, security, and sanctuary.

Therefore

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7)

“I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2)

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Luke 1:37

What a statement!

The Lord said to Jeremiah, 'Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?' (Jer. 32:27)

The answer is a resounding NO!

“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 )

How do you know if you are being wise according to God’s standards? This verse gives the answer.

It must be pure

Pure is defined as not mixed or adulterated. Having no moral failing or guilt. To be virtuous, ethical, good, righteous, honorable, reputable, wholesome, clean, honest, upright, upstanding, exemplary, irreproachable; decent, worthy, noble, blameless, guiltless, spotless, unsullied, uncorrupt. 

It must be peace-loving

Peace-loving is defined as appeasing, peaceful, amicable,  calm, conciliatory, diplomatic, friendly, gentle, neutral, peaceable, peacemaking, quiet,  tranquil, untroubled.

It must be considerate

Considerate is defined as careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others. It’s attentive, thoughtful, solicitous, mindful, heedful; obliging, accommodating, helpful, cooperative, patient; kind, unselfish, compassionate, sympathetic, caring, charitable, altruistic, generous; polite, sensitive, tactful.

It is submissive 

Submissive is defined as ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive. It is compliant, yielding, acquiescent, unassertive, passive, obedient, biddable, dutiful, docile, pliant.

It is full of mercy

Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. Mercy demonstrates leniency, clemency, compassion, grace, pity, charity, forgiveness, forbearance, soft-heartedness, tenderheartedness, kindness, sympathy.

Full of good fruit

Good fruit is defined as that which is produced by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22)

It must be impartial

Impartial is defined as treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just. To be impartial means to be unbiased, unprejudiced, neutral, nonpartisan, nondiscriminatory, fair, fair-minded, just; without favoritism.

It must be sincere

Sincere is defined as free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings. To be heartfelt, wholehearted, profound, deep; not dishonest or hypocritical. 

Wisdom is the principle thing!

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7)

Need God’s kind of wisdom? Ask God for it!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

“Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!” (Luke 12:24)

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32)

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

Therefore

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”(Matt. 6:31-32)

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

Absolutely sure!

We do not have to be in doubt! It is wonderful that we can know for sure that we have eternal life because our Bible, the Word of God says so! This is in stark contrast to all major religions that do not give assurance of salvation.

“Religion” vs “Christianity”,

There is a huge difference between religion and Christianity. Let me explain. Simply put, “religion” can be defined as all of man’s ways of trying to “reach” God. “Christianity”, on the other hand, is God’s way of reaching man (Jesus).

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

Therefore

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Heb. 7:25)

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Rom. 10:9-10)

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”  ‎(John 1:12)