Lonely, Frightened, Sad, Angry?

What I Believe:
by Mark Baird, founder, of Hire Patriots and Patriotic Hearts.

I believe that an amazingly intelligent Creator made the heavens, the earth and all that they contain. This belief has given me the strength to overcome many obstacles and hardships in life. And like all people, I have known the depths of feeling lonely, frightened, sad and angry.  But I believe that this Creator is a person. I believe that he became a man and revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus Christ was fully human and endured the hardships, trials and temptations of humanity even more deeply than we do; yet, without ever  being defeated nor ever committing sin.  He is the Way. Follow him. He is the Light. He shows us the path out of darkness, despair, loneliness, pain, and the constant anxieties of life.

I believe that we know love because of God. When we were created, I believe that God gave us personalities and feelings and abilities that reflect his nature.  Our concern and care for others is a product of our Creator. Love, creativity and intelligence are characteristics that we share with God. He built these capacities within us.  We are made in his image.

Jesus showed us what love is. He died not just for his friends, but also for his enemies. He loved them with the same love. And he left us with just two commandments: Love God. Love others. – In fact, he said to follow in his footsteps and to also give up our lives for all. And we are to pay particular attention to the despised, homeless, poor, imprisoned, sick, widows, orphans and the hungry. We are never to feel better or superior to them or to anyone else. – If we are not in such circumstances, then we are to be humble and to be grateful and to help the less fortunate. Jesus said that by doing these things that we prove that we are truly his disciples.

I believe that Jesus rose from the dead. He fulfilled dozens of very specific ancient prophecies in the Bible to prove that he was the Promised One, the Messiah, sent from heaven. His ultimate goal was to stop us from dying because God wants an eternal relationship with every human being.  I believe that Jesus Christ died in my place so that I won’t have to die.  And he is also the first human to escape death by rising again to life, afterwards.  – If we follow him in life, then when our bodies cease to function, we will also follow him in resurrection from the dead and ascension into heaven.

I believe that there is only one God. I believe that there is a reason why the Bible always refers to God as being “Holy, Holy, Holy.”  God manifests himself in 3 distinct ways:  As the person of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  All three exist and function separately and yet in perfect unity. – God is One in three and three in One. No one can have a relationship with the Father, without also having a relationship with the Son and the Holy Sprit.

Jesus is God’s son. He was not created. The Father never existed without the Son and the Holy Sprit.  They are intrinsically unified. Jesus was worshipped in heaven as Lord and Creator before he came to earth. He is worshipped in heaven now. And he will be worshipped forever.

I believe that history is a record of mankind attempting to live apart from the rule and authority of God. All of the suffering on this Earth is not the will of God.  Jesus feels every pain and heartbreak of every human being.  Jesus cares.  And he has made a way for us to escape, both spiritually and practically.

When someone believes in Jesus a tremendous comfort and strength comes and resides within them.  It is the person of the Holy Sprit. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “You must be born again.” The Holy Spirit does many things; but, largely, He is our tutor.  He is extremely patient and forgiving. He never keeps a record of our mistakes. He never gives up. No matter how we behave, with obedience or rebellion, he always continues to encourage us to follow Jesus. – And this is His sole purpose and mission: To make us think and act like Jesus, with our own distinct, God-given personality and purpose.   

Our belief does not exempt us from the hardships and horrors that living too often brings.  But our faith overcomes these things. We are not conquered by life. We are victorious and rise above its toils and terrors.  Why? Because the strength and wisdom and love of God reside within us:  the Holy Sprit. He is also our Shield, Sword and Defender. Somehow, He gives us peace in the midst of life’s turbulent, swirling storms and insanity.  When all is dark and we are lost, He is our Light and shows the way. 

Christians belong to Jesus Christ. We are his most prized, precious and beloved. Our welfare is his constant concern. He says that he is like a Good Shepherd watching over and caring for his sheep.  He promises to shelter, feed and cloth us.  He urges us never to worry. “I am with you always.” He says.

And I believe that there is a new world coming. Mankind’s attempt at ruling this world by his own volition will cease.  Jesus Christ will return from heaven and rule this earth in peace and justice.  The man and animal kingdoms will live in peace together.  Neither will eat meat.  “The lion and the lamb shall lie down together and a child will lead them.” There will be peace and “men will learn war no more.”  The New Jerusalem will be the capitol of the earth.  Jesus and we who have believed in him will dwell there.  It is a city more beautiful than the imagination of man can imagine.  And Jesus will be king of the earth.

I believe that the Age of Man is at an end.  I believe that the Kingdom of God on earth is quickly approaching.  Our world is crumbling.  Chaos, deception, immorality, greed, divisions, hatred, wars, disasters, ecological nightmares, the world’s economy… People are looking for hope, for something permanent and for a sense of peace and calm in the midst of all of these storms.  More and more are feeling lonely, frightened, sad and angry. – I am convinced that a new world is coming. I awake everyday with expectancy and hope.  The fulfillment of this prayer, repeated throughout two millenniums is at hand:  “Our father, who art in heaven, Holy is your name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”

I believe that at an appointed time, all creation will melt in intense heat and dissolve away. All that will be after that is a throne upon which sits the Holy Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.  All whoever lived will be brought back to life to stand before him to be judged for their deeds and sins. The result will be eternal damnation to all who rejected the authority and rule of God.  – They will be without excuse because God calls everyone to have an eternal relationship with him.  During every person’s life, in every circumstance, God is there.  He is always and constantly urging every human on earth to believe in and to follow him.

Children and those never given an opportunity to know about Christ will be judged fairly because Jesus is the source and the embodiment of righteousness, justice and love. -- But we adults must make a decision.   Please take this moment to close your eyes and to bow your head.

 Pray this: “Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you are the Creator and Savior of the world.  Please forgive my sins. I accept your forgiveness for my sins.  Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to find victory over my problems so that I can be a help to others.  Change me.  Help me to live for you, instead of for myself.“ 

If you prayed this sincerely, and honestly then God’s Holy Sprit now resides within you.  Jesus will be your Rock in the midst of life’s storms.  Read what he instructed prophets and apostles to write to you, the Bible.  Find other Christians who share your hunger and thirst for God.  We are all children of His, doing our best to love eachother until He comes.  Become a member of a loving church family. And remember, whenever life gets you down and you begin to feel lonely, frightened, sad or angry: Jesus loves you with all of his heart.  He cares about how you feel.  He wants to lift you up and fill you with peace like a river, joy unspeakable, and love overflowing.  Turn your heart towards him. Praise him for eternal life, and for all the goodness that he has shown to you. And praise him because he is your Holy God, Creator and Savior.  – As you approach his Light, darkness melts away. – Praise God!