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WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?
There is a question many people have asked me through the years: If the Lord has promised to protect us from harm, why do so many tragedies befall God's people?
Scripture declares, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling- (Psalm 91:10). When we read those words it is only natural to ask why some christians experience harm and evil?
First, we need to know that God is sovereign. Jesus said, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18). This means that Satan can do nothing to YOU without God's permission (Job 1).
WHY then do we experience misfortune and adversity? It is often because of our CHOICES. The Almighty created us with a free will- to CHOOSE to love Him or not, serve Him or not. And in certain matters of life He decides NOT to interfere.
Notice in Psalm 91:1, it declares, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide...." It is our CHOICE to dwell. And when we choose to dwell where God's presence is, ONLY THEN, we will abide under God's shadow. When we CHOOSE to obey His words, ONLY then are we safe.
Yet, there are times, as in Job's case, when the Lord will allow trials to come our way TO STRENGTHEN our relationship with HIM. In those times, WE, LIKE Job, MUST CHOOSE to obey the Lord in spite of the trials and stay very close to Him. When we do that, His blessings will overflow and His power will establish us.
The Choice is Yours
Is it your desire to receive the BLESSINGS of God?
Here are ten(10) important CHOICES YOU MUST MAKE.
1. CHOOSE to trust in God.
God's Word PROMISES that "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." (Psalm 91:10). First, however, we must CHOOSE our abode in God's dwelling place. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2).
2. CHOOSE the protection of God's Word.
The Almighty speaks to those who have "...feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor..." (Isaiah 51:13). He declares, "I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared...And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand" (Isaiah 51:15-16). It is God's Word that can keep us from the path of the devil.
3. CHOOSE the wisdom of God's Word.
Satan believes he knows how to trap you, yet you can say with the psalmist David, "Thou, through your words hast made me wiser than my enemies..." (Psalm 119:98). Declare what the Lord has placed in your mind and heart, "The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider Thy testimonies." (Psalm 119:95).
4. CHOOSE the safety of God's Word.
Are you seeking a way out of danger? You CAN find safety and refuge by putting aside evil and receiving God's Words. "Wherefore lay apart ALL filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and RECEIVE with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to SAVE your souls." (James 1:21).
5. CHOOSE to resist Satan.
We MUST take deliberate action to push Satan aside. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he WILL flee from you." (James 4:7). Make a DECISION to distance yourself from the devil. "Concerning the works of men, by the Words of Thy lips I have kept myself from the paths of the destroyer." (Psalm 17:4).
6. CHOOSE to flee from temptations.
Satan's temptation is ONLY effective when we CHOOSE to walk away from the Lord. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his OWN lust, and enticed." (James 1:14). When you are away from God's presence you are in danger.
7. CHOOSE to refrain from evil.
We lose the way of God's Word when we go the WAY of the world. That's why David declared, "I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Thy Word." (Psalms 119:101). Stay away from the entanglements of sin.
8. CHOOSE to stay in God's love.
We know that God deeply loves His children, yet it is OUR decision to STAY in His arms. According to scripture, the choice is ours: "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:21). He will "...keep you from falling... " (v .24) when you keep yourself in His love.
9. CHOOSE to strengthen your walk with God.
God tells us to "...make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:13). The Lord is saying that if we don't develop strength we may fall by the wayside. Yet He would rather see your walk healed. You will win victories by continually strengthening your walk with God in faith.
10. CHOOSE to hold fast to the Master.
Don't give up when the finish line is in sight! God's Word says we WILL be part of the Lord's kingdom, "...IF we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end." (Hebrews 3:6). The key word is "if" - the decision is yours.
Begin to claim the Promises of God by ACTING upon God's Words and making the right choices.
For Further Study
1) The Lord promises protection, Psalm 91:10.
2) God/Jesus is all-powerful, Matthew 28:18.
3) We have been given the freedom to choose, John 1:12.
4) Keep yourself from cursed (sinful) things, Joshua 6:18.
5) A steadfast faith overcomes affliction, 1 Peter 5:8-9.
6) Always choose the Lord, Genesis 28:21; Ruth 1:16; Psalm 16:2.
Here are ten vital CHOICES WE MUST make:
1. Choose to resist Satan - and he will flee from you: James 4:7-8.
2. Choose to trust in God- abiding under His shadow: Psalm 91:1-2, 10.
3. Choose the protection of God's Word - to overcome the oppressor: Isaiah 51:12-16.
4. Choose the wisdom of God's Word - and become wiser than your enemies, Psalm 119:95, 98.
5. Choose the safety of God's Word - which is able to save you: James 1:21.
6. Choose to flee from temptation - and remain in God's presence, James 1:14.
7. Choose to refrain from evil- and avoid the entanglements of sin, Psalm 119:101; 1 John 2:15-16.
8. Choose to stay in God's love - through a personal decision, Jude 1:21-25.
9. Choose to strengthen your walk with God - by obedience and faith, Hebrews 12:13-17.
10. Choose to hold fast to the Master- the end is in sight, Hebrews 3:6.
Study these important scriptures concerning decisions:
We must CHOOSE between good and bad decisions.
God sets before us "life and good, death and evil."(Deuteronomy 30:15).
Always choose truth. Walk in the certainty of God's commandments. (Psalm 119:30,35).
Pray before you choose. Before choosing the disciples, Christ prayed. (Luke 6:12-16).
Determine what is best. Paul admonished us to approve things that are excellent. (Philippians 1:9-10).
Reach out to God. DECIDE to seek the Lord, He is always close at hand. (Acts 17:27).
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BROTHER KEITH IS THE WALKING PREACHER 
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