We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-5 The Holy Bible New Living Translation
I do not know about you but I do not exactly dance for joy and sing praises unto Jehovah whenever problems and troubles come into my life.
At first I used to ask why it was happening to me like a whining little child (come on we all do ).
Then I would be asking what the Holy Spirit was trying to teach me through these events.
Now, I understand that even though bad things happen to good folks for no reason every problem and trouble can be used to fortify some part of our character (which most time either I though I was strong in them or did not realize how weak I was in them).
Jehovah has a purpose for every problem. He uses them to mature your character and to develop Your relationship with Him ever stronger. Joseph a son of Jehovah
Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Tsori ( Lord my Strength ) Psalm 19:14 for blessing me with problems and troubles to help strengthen my character to become ever more of the holy child You desire me to be. I exalt You in the name of my strongest savior Jesus Christ. Amen
May Christ bless you with love, joy and peace today and every day. Joseph a son of Jehovah Photo and article @ Joseph a son of Jehovah 2019
So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. Matthew 10:26 New International Version
Since becoming close with Christ I have noticed a familiar pattern pattern emerge in my social contacts in every aspect of my life. There have been so many times wicked individuals have, unbeknownst to me, laid traps for me, sometimes by themselves, others in groups.
Being naive and gullible as I am I was always an easy mark for the wicked schemers and con artists.
However, the result was always the same.
The trap they laid for me I escaped from and they always fell into their own wicked traps. They were stunned and enraged at me. Many times they pretentiously fake innocence. They slowly learned not to attempt such foolish endeavors again. As well, they avoid me like the plague because they cannot get away with their scams. They are so dishonest they cannot function in any other way in their lives but to lie, connive, deceive and or manipulate others.
When you hear of the wicked and powerful thinking up ways to ensnare you, do not be afraid of them but have faith in the wisest most powerful protector of them all , Jehovah God. He continually will arrange circumstances so that you walk away looking righteous while others laugh at the wicked fools as they end up covered with protectorthier own dung heaped upon their faces.
I have experienced this at school, work, with family and in relationships. It covers all aspects of our social life, school life and work life.
The wicked think they are so smart as they lay traps for the righteous but God in Heaven laughs at them as He guide the righteous around the traps and the wicked fall into their own traps. Joseph- Anthony: Green
When you have a respectful, loving relationship with Christ He will protect you from such scam artists if you are obedient unto His heeding. This has been oh so true in my walk with Him.
Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Hoshe’ah (The Lord Saves) for rescuing me from the evil plots the wicked arrogantly lay before me to trap me. I joyfully thank you in the name of He who outwitted the Pharisee’s when they tried to outwit Him Jesus Christ. Amen.
May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.
If anyone thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil (in any matter one might carelessly swear about) even though they are unaware of it, but then they learn of it and realize their guiltwhen anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned. Leviticus 5:3-4 New International Version
As you can see, Jehovah takes all vows seriously.
So if you take a vow, even if you are tricked into it and refuse to honour it, you will pay the price.
This I believe is intended to drive home three points.
One: there is a price to pay for disobedience.
Now if you have taken a vow that is detrimental to society, or Christ, you should break it.
Otherwise the consequences will be more severe. So if a friend has nagged you into keeping a secret of how they cheated on an a deal with another company you should break that vow to do the right thing and report it otherwise when they are caught you will suffer the same punishment at them.
The second important thing is to drive home the importance of waiting and seeking council through councilors and prayer to avoid being caught up in these in the first place.
The third one is the one I have been plagued with constantly in China.
Do not make a promise you do not intend to keep.
In China they have a practice of promising you almost anything to get you to do what they want you to do. Once you have done your part they conveniently get amnesia and forget their promises (which in reality they had no intention of keeping in the first place).
This has taught me a valuable lesson.
Now when someone wants me to do something for them and they make extravagant promises I inform them loudly in public that because I want them to prove to everyone how honest they are I will give them the honour of fulfilling their promises first.
It greatly shames them.
Every time I see them I loudly ask them when they are going to fulfill their promises.
This is done as a warning to those who are watching and listening so they do not attempt this filth on me.
It has eliminated a lot of stress in my life and a lot less being made a sucker out of.
Prayer: Please Jehovah KalEl (voice of God) bless me to always depend upon Your Holy Spirits voice to guide me on when to and when not to make promises because they are oh so very serious to You. I know this voice will prevent me from making foolish promises or unattainable promises. I sincerely request this in the name of He who promised to always be with me and has kept His promise Jesus Christ. Amen.
May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.