Brother Donalhue Grimes-Georgia State Overseer

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Whatever this life may bring our way- the most important thing we must remember is, Jesus loves you! The words of the song we sang as children goes like this: “Yes Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me, The Bible tells me so.” In our Blue Hymnal, you’ll find this song on page 87, and under the title it reads: “The favorite hymn of China.” I don’t know how they know that information, but the message in this song should ring to every corner of the world! And we, especially as His children, who are saved by His grace, should be witnesses to the fact that Jesus loves everyone! No one should realize this fact, more than you and me! The second verse reads: “Jesus loves me! He who died, Heaven’s gates to open wide; He will wash away my sin, let his little child come in.”

Jesus loves us more than we could ever imagine! He does not want us to struggle in our service to Him! On the contrary! Through our salvation, He has provided everything we need to live a victorious life! He has provided everything we need to endure every trial and every test! It is not His will that we be beaten down in our walk with Him: but He wants us to be Overcomers!

1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is within you, than he that is in the world. Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Yes, we can be overcome with evil but that is not God’s desire.

As humans, I guess the most frightening thoughts we can have, are thoughts of suffering and death. We don’t want to hurt. And even though Gods’ Word gives us assurance, death holds things that are unknown to us. But David said: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” How could he declare this? Because his comfort was in knowing that even though, there is a natural fear of pain, and of laying down this life, his hope, trust, and faith was in his God! We too, can and must have, this same faith!

We don’t have to fear the perils of this life, or of death! Jesus not only had victory over everything in this world, but He has given us the power to have this very same victory! He conquered death, hell and the grave! He also promised us… “lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt 28:20b) Whatever may come your way: keep- your- faith, in the one who has never failed! The enemy would love to instill fear in our hearts. He would love to cause us to doubt the love Christ has for us; and ultimately, he would love to make us lose our love for Christ.

But our victory rests in our holding to Him with everything within us!  1John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. Psalm 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. He wants to be, our hope, our joy, and our peace! James 4:8a Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you… If we want God to draw nigh to us- if we want Him to pour His spiritual blessings upon us, if we want to experience this victory that He has promised then there is a condition we must meet: We must walk as close to Him as we can! God is never the one who walks away! He is always there, and He is always faithful!

Isa 51:12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; Jesus wants to be: our comfort! He takes pleasure in: those who love Him and who put their hope in Him! Even in our times of mourning and sorrow, His word declares: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matt 5:4)

Gods’ Word is filled with precious promises to those who will serve him. Psalm 91:14-15 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

“Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of his Spirit, washed in his blood! Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest. Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with his goodness, lost in his love”.

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well- pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.