New Podcast: The Season of Forbearance & Defeating Worry

Greetings Brothers and Sisters!  On this episode of the Innocence Redeemed podcast, I will be talking about the injustices, lawlessness, and the forbearance we need to have in the face of multiple provocations in our endurance to the end.  

 

 

 

 

Verses referenced in this podcast:

 

 

 

Matthew 25:4-5 (NKJV)

 

⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 

 

⁵ But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

 

 

Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)

 

¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (NLT)

 

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. ² Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. ³ Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. ⁴ He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.

 

⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, ¹² that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

 

 

Matthew 24 – Jesus Warns of What’s To Come

 

Revelation 6:2 (NKJV)

 

² And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

 

2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NLT)

 

²⁴ A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. ²⁵ Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

 

Romans 12:3,16 (NLT)

 

³ Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

 

¹⁶ Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

 

John 15:12 (NLT)

 

¹² This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

 

Colossians 2:20-24 (NLT)

 

²⁰ You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, ²¹ “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ²² Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. ²³ These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

 

 

Matthew 18:6-7 (NLT)

 

⁶ But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

 

⁷ “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.

 

Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)

 

²⁰ Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

 

Isaiah 10:1-4 (NKJV)

 

“Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed

 

² To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless.

 

³ What will you do in the day of punishment, And in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory?

 

⁴ Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners, And they shall fall among the slain.” For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.

 

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT)

 

⁹ History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.

 

Ephesians 5:12 (NKJV)

 

¹² For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

 

Matthew 24:9-13 (KJV)

 

⁹ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

 

¹⁰ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

 

¹¹ And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

 

¹² And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

 

¹³ But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

 

Matthew 24:19 (KJV)

 

¹⁹ And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

 

Mark 3:24 (NKJV)

 

²⁴ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

 

 

James 4:17 (NKJV)

 

¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

 

Jeremiah 6:14 (NLT)

 

¹⁴ They offer superficial treatments for my people’s mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when there is no peace.

 

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)

 

⁶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

 

Revelation 13:17 (NLT)

 

¹⁷ And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. 

 

Matthew 7:20 (NKJV)

 

²⁰ Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

 

1 Thessalonians 5: 2-11 (NLT)

 

² For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. ³ When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

 

⁴ But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. ⁵ For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. ⁶ So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. ⁷ Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. ⁸ But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

 

⁹ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. ¹⁰ Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 

 

¹¹ So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

 

 

Philippians 4:12-13 (NLT)

 

¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. 

 

Psalm 11:2-3 (NKJV)

 

² For look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.

³ If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?

 

John 16:33 (NLT)

 

³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

 

Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

 

⁵ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.

 

Psalm 23:1-4 (NKJV)

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;  He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

 

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

 

Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

 

¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

 

Deuteronomy 32:35 (NKJV)

 

³⁵ Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.’

 

Deuteronomy 32:43 (NKJV)

 

⁴³ “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.”

 

Nahum 1: 2, 6 (NLT)

 

² The LORD is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!

 

⁶ Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence.

 

 

Isaiah 61: 2-3, 8 (NLT)

 

² He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,  and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

 

³ To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.  In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

 

⁸ “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them.

 

1 John 2:15 (NKJV)

 

¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 

Matthew 6:27 (NKJV)

 

²⁷ Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

 

Matthew 10:28-31 (NLT)

 

²⁸ “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. ³⁰ And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

 

 

2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)

 

¹⁰ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

 

¹¹ This is a trustworthy saying:  If we die with him, we will also live with him.

 

¹² If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.  If we deny him, he will deny us.

 

¹³ If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

 

Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)

 

¹⁹ Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

 

Matthew 5: 3-11 (NLT)

 

³ “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

⁴ God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

⁵ God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

⁶ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

⁷ God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

⁸ God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

⁹ God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

¹⁰ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

 

¹¹ “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. ¹² Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

 

John 9:4 (NKJV)

 

⁴ I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

 

Psalm 73 (ALL – NLT)

 

¹ Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
² But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
³ For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
⁴ They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
⁵ They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.
⁶ They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.
⁷ These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!
⁸ They scoff and speak only evil;  in their pride they seek to crush others.
⁹ They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
¹⁰ And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.
¹¹ “What does God know?” they ask.  “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”
¹² Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.

 

¹³ Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
¹⁴ I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.

 

¹⁵ If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people.
¹⁶ So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!
¹⁷ Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
¹⁸ Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
¹⁹ In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
²⁰ When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

 

²¹ Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.
²² I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
²³ Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
²⁶ My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart;he is mine forever.

 

²⁷ Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.

²⁸ But as for me, how good it is to be near God!  I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NKJV)

 

³ You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

 

⁴ Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

 

Proverbs 8:34 (NLT)

 

³⁴ Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!

 

Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

 

¹⁴ Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

 

Psalm 37:7 (NLT)

 

⁷ Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.