HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 332
page A330
Terrorism continued
about the unknowable future is paralyzing and debilitating. The “what if” worries are not
only a waste of your God-given imagination, but they will demoralize both your body
and spirit.
Does living by faith mean I should not take precautions?
• A C T S 9 :2 9 -3 0 | He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him.
When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away
to Tarsus, his hometown.
Faith is different from foolishness. Taking precautions against outside threats is wise. God calls
us to combat the enemy for our own good and the long-term good of those we care about.
How should I pray in this time of terrorism?
• PSA L M 7 :6 | Arise, O Lord, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up,
my God, and bring justice!
It is appropriate to be outraged by acts of terrorism and to pray that God will protect us
and bring terrorists to justice.
• MAT T H E W 5 :4 3 -4 4 | “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate
your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
We can pray that terrorists will find God’s love and that their lives will be transformed. This
is complementary, not contradictory, to the prayer that God will judge terrorists.
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• MAT T H E W 6 :1 0 | “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven.”
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It is important to pray not just against terrorism, but for God’s purposes and to look forward
to the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom at the return of Jesus.
PROMISE FROM GOD
• I SA I A H 4 1 :1 0 | “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Thankfulness See also Blessings; Happiness; Mercy & Grace
Think about how often in a day someone does something for us, however small. Do we
remember to thank them? Now think about how often God helps us in life. Think about
how much God has given us. When we pause to thank God, we recognize that he has
a track record of blessing us, providing for us, and protecting us. How often do we say
thanks to him? Thankfulness changes the way you look at the circumstances of your
life. Complaining connects you to unhappiness; gratitude and praise connect you to
the source of real joy. When you make thanksgiving a regular part of your life, you stay
focused on what God has done and continues to do for you. Expressing gratitude for
God’s help is a form of worship. When you give thanks to God, you honor and praise him
for what he has done—in your life, in the lives of others, in the church, and in the world.
Similarly, you honor others when you give thanks to them, respecting them for who
they are and what they have done. This attitude of gratitude prevents you from expecting others to serve you and allows you to enjoy whatever blessings come your way. An
attitude of thankfulness not only brings blessings to your life, but it blesses others with
appreciation and honor.
Why should I give thanks to God?
• 1 C H R O NI C L E S 1 6 :3 4 | Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures
forever.
Because God is good and kind and loving.
• L U K E 1 7 :1 6 | He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done.
A thankful heart plays a role in the maturing of our faith.
