“Loving shepherd of Thy sheep, keep Thy lamb, in safety keep; nothing can Thy power withstand, none can pluck me from Thy hand. Loving Savior, Thou didst give, Thine own life that we might live, and the hands outstretched to bless, bear the cruel nails’ impress. I would praise Thee every day, gladly all Thy will obey, like Thy blessèd ones above, happy in Thy precious love. Loving shepherd, ever near, teach Thy lamb Thy voice to hear, suffer not my steps to stray, from the straight and narrow way. Where Thou leadest I would go, walking in Thy steps below, ‘till before my Father’s throne, I shall know as I am known.”

There is so much evil around us, so much of what seems like deliberate acts of injustice, which makes it so challenging to overcome evil with good. But, my brothers and sisters in Christ, vengeance belongs to the Lord, and I am confident, that in his own time, that he will bring about the changes that we are so desperately needing. Weeping may endure for a night or two, but joy will come in the morning. It may seem like that day of rejoicing will never come, but believe in God’s word, that a thousand years in our sight are like a day to our God when it is past. Keep the faith!

“Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.”

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion, but willingly, not for dishonest gains, but eagerly, not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but examples to the flock. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money, and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

“Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in doing good, as to a faithful creator. Let him 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.” Praise the Lord!

My brother and sisters in Christ, know that if you are reproached for the name of Christ, that you are blessed. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as busy body in other people’s affairs. Yet, if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God?”

I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 1 Corinthians 7:7. Many of us are clearly aware of the gift that God has given us, while others are still struggling to understand just what is their gift. I don’t want you to misunderstand this; for the devil will trick you into believing, that God has given you a certain gift, and as a result, you may get angry, when you attempt to use the gift and you don’t succeed. My brothers and sisters in Christ, God will reveal the gift that he has given you at the right time. Be still in his presence and wait patiently.  Some of us may have the same gift, but God’s intention for its use may not be the same.

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen!”

My brothers and sisters in Christ, “Let us not live the rest of our time in the flesh for the lust of men. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. They will find it strange if you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation and will speak evil of you, but know that they will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. But, the end of all things is at hand, therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

“And who is he who will harm you, if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats nor be trouble, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you , with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evil-doers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better if it is the will of God to suffer for doing good, than for doing evil.”