We need to read, study and meditate upon the text of Scripture, and pray to God that we may be spiritually enlightened through our study of the Bible. God’s Word enables you and me not only to learn the difference between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14), but it additionally gives insight into the devices Satan uses in his efforts to gain the advantage over us (2 Corinthians 2:11).

    God has a plan. We know it by divine revelation as one He formulated in the person of Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world. God’s plan is one characterized by love, mercy and grace to reconcile sinful men to Him and to one another in one body. God wants to bless all of us with abundant life presently and eternal life when Jesus comes again.

    Satan has a plan. We know it as an alternative plan he has devised in his attempt to counteract, disrupt and frustrate God’s plan of redemption. Satan’s plan is to harden hearts so they become unresponsive to heaven’s call and directives, drive wedges to create disunity among God’s children and bring together in fellowship those he has begotten with those the Heavenly Father has begotten (Matthew 13:24-30).

    Isaiah writes how God’s thoughts and ways are higher or superior to our own. His plan is superior to Satan’s plan. Satan is a loser, and all those who allow themselves to be deceived by his lies will suffer enormous loss together with him.

Burdens

By Donald R. Fox

    At one time, I thought that little innocent children did not bear any burden, but this is not true in a complete sense. For some time now, my wife and I have been supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This hospital is known far and wide as a ray of hope with medical breakthroughs, the caring for and the curing of many children. We know that even the most innocent of children and some of them just infants must bear the burden of life threatening sickness and the accompanying pain. “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16). It is comforting to know that young people, because they have not reached the age of accountability, are safe in the arms of our Lord.

    Beyond doubt, burdens are part of life. The word burden means: anything that is carried or endured; a load of material things or a duty, work or sorrow, etc. To shirk ones duties and responsibilities is shameful. We have seen many avoid and dodge their duties both in the workforce and on a personal basis. Such types of people are generally easy to notice. Some are just lazy, allowing others or their government to take care of them. To be direct in speech, some are just, as the saying goes, sorry folks. Concerning people of this sort, “…that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The apostle Paul admonishes all responsible people, “For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:5).

    There are times when people need help. Sometimes this assistance is spiritual in nature, and many times physical and material aid is needed. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) said, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” I find Dickens’ quote very encouraging. As one studies the Sermon on the Mount, it is quickly apparent that Christians are to do that which is good unto their fellow man. Jesus said, “But I say you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44).

    As a Christian, I am thankful that I can rest my burdens on my God and my Savior. “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22).