“NO WORRIES!”

I HAVE BEEN HEARING THIS LATELY many, many times from people with smiling faces – and all kinds of people – younger and older, people of different ethnicities and gender – even (glory to God!) teenagers!!  I love it! I simply love it! These people are kind and have wisdom – and for me, it’s that supreme opportunity to say: “Yes! Exactly! That is exactly what Jesus says!” Beloved, worry IS sin:

            Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which  transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Here comes yet another opportunity to talk about the One, True, Living God and how He is the One who tells us not to worry – in fact, He tells us to count it all joy.

            Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

James 1:2-8

One of my very favorite (they’re all really good!) ‘Joy Jots’ in my first volume of ‘JOY STORIES’ is: “Live right! Speak well! Keep your booty out of Hell!” And because I don’t want anyone EVER to think they have to earn God’s Love, God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness I tell them to see: John 3:3; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 3:14.

             Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”
 John 3:3

            I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have  longed for his appearing

2 Timothy 4:7-8

            We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

Hebrews 3:14

Beloved – here are the answers of why – “NO WORRIES!”

• Jesus tells us not to!
• We are truly His greatest creations – for we are made in His image and likeness!
• He told us we will have temporary trials on Earth, which tests our faith!

The challenge:  is your faith alive and active – like the Word of God in  Hebrews 4:12-13?

 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,   it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we  must give account.
THEN: don’t worry! Count it all joy! Believe! Don’t doubt! FIO – figure it out!

Christ bought us back; the devil’s on the attack – through the blood of Jesus Christ the devil can’t do smack!
Want more proof?

            Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and  purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

James 4:7-10

Count it all joy!

Reverend Ann Marie Turner,

A child of God, sister in Christ, salt of the Earth, light of the world, and radiant, never covered with shame!