“He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” - Psalm 18:30

As you explore faith in God through Jesus, it's essential to understand these realities:

Not every voice that sounds spiritual speaks truth.

Not every church or movement that uses Jesus’ name truly follows Him. In fact, some of the most dangerous deceptions come from people and groups who look and sound religious - but twist the truth.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy... rather than on Christ."

- Colossians 2:8

“His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

- Psalm 91:4

“Test everything. Hold on to what is good.”

- 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Don't base your faith on what happens to you, what other people or Christians might do to you, how they may "act out" their earthly ideas or perverted form of Christianity.

Remember this: We are all flawed. We are all sinful. We are all in need of forgiveness. ALL of us fall short of the Glory of God.

By taking refuge in God, we recognize our weaknesses, are better able to forgive others, and more able to let God be first in our lives.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” - Hebrews 6:19

Several years ago, my friend Wayne told me a story about a friend who had been treated poorly by a Christian man. When Wayne asked him what he thought, his response was, "if that guy is what Christianity is all about, I don't want any part of it."

Bottom line: While our earthly ideas of "justice" and "righteousness" may sympathize with Wayne's friend, the reality is turning away from God is an eternally impactful decision.

Also, please consider this: Jesus was crucified by God's chosen people. Jesus's apostles were killed.

In the scheme of things, should our faith be so fragile when Jesus suffered a far worse fate...as a gift for us?

Take refuge in the Lord.

The truth is, we've all let people down. Instead of looking to blame others or point out the flaws and transgressions of others, listen to what Jesus says...

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

- Matthew 7:3–5

Ground your faith on the Truth of The Bible and Prayer...not on how people treat you, no matter who they are.

A right relationship with God through Jesus is between you and Him...no one else should come between you and Him. No one...No matter what.

In all times, take refuge in God. He will give you strength.

The Devil is real

Use The Bible, Prayer, Serving others, and your right relationship with God to resist evil, fight wickedness, and protect yourself.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” - 1 Peter 5:8-9

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7

Jesus Speaks About God's True Children

Listen to the words of Jesus as shared in the Gospel according to John chapter 8, verses 31-47...

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.” “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

If you want to be in a right relationship with God through Jesus, then don't choose or refuse to listen to God's word. Take refuge in God (and his word) and he will make your paths straight.

Jesus is coming again

We need to prepare ourselves and be spiritually fit.

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes..." - Ephesians 6:10-11

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

- Luke 21:34-36

Work faithfully at the tasks God has given us. Don't let your mind and spirit be dulled by careless living or the foolish pursuit of material things and pleasure. Don't let the cares of life and this world weigh you down. By doing so, you can be ready to move at his command.