"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

Some of the Lord’s people are going through some difficult trials at this time. I would say to you what Simon Peter said; Beloved, do not be amazed or bewildered by trials and afflictions which come upon you (see 1 Peter 1:6-8) . Afflictions and trials are the common lot of God’s people in all ages.  These trials are not by chance but are by Divine appointment for His glory and our eternal good. If you can, “Rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, and when His glory shall be revealed, you will be glad with exceeding joy” (I Peter 4:13) . These trials reveal FAITH, which becomes more precious through trial. They try our LOVE for Christ, which cannot be dimmed nor drowned in the tears of suffering.  They try our HOPE of eternal life, for “whom have I on earth or in heaven beside Thee?” They enable us to give A GOOD WITNESS to others concerning Him Whom we believe, revealing whether it is indeed Him whom we desire rather than the loaves and the fishes He provides

" Praise ye the L ORD . Sing unto the L ORD a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints.  Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.  Let them praise His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp.  For the L ORD taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation ."   -Psalm 148:1-4 [KJV] “ Salvation Will God Appoint For Walls And Bulwarks ” -Isaiah 26:1 What walls and bulwarks are to a fortress, an enclosure of safety, salvation is to the church and people of God. God’s saints, those who are born into His church and kingdom, are kept eternally secure in His salvation. The believer’s safety and security is not his will, his works, his worth, or even his faith, but God’s salvation . We believe in the infallible security, perseverance, and preservation of every believer because we know that salvation is God’s work alone.  And we “know that whatsoever God d

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” -I Corinthians 15:10 [KJV] We are not desirous of honor, esteem, and applause from men for we are what we are; “by the grace of God.” God can take away what we have as easily as He gave it. We do not despise and provoke one another with our piety; nor do we want to appear to be wiser, richer in grace, nor more gifted than others; for we are less than the least of the saints. Neither do we envy the gifts, abilities, or grace of another. God will enlighten us, equip us, and bless us as He sees fit to use us.   -preacher Henry Mahan

" Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness." -Ephesians 6:14 [KJV] Soldiers of Christ! hear and obey the word of command: Stand. Against every enemy, stand to your arms: against all opposition from within and without, maintain your ground. Face all: fight all: conquer all. Does sin attack, Satan assault, the world threaten? Do corruptions rage, temptations beset, and carnal nature rebel? Are thine enemies many and potent? is their fury great? is the battle strong?  Stand therefore. Why? Because you have put on the whole armour of God. Jesus is with you, upon you, over you, and engaged for you: therefore, “Stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8.) “And in the power of His might: having your loins girt.” Long standing makes the loins faint and weak. Is there much pain in the loins? Here is thy Lord’s command: “Gird up the loins of thy mind.” Make thy loins strong. “Fortify thy power mightily”