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Be Fearless

In this time, we must be fearless.
With crime and violence rising, economic woes increasing, and the very foundation of society crumbling, it is normal to have concerns. But despite all that we see, we must resist the urge to worry.

Jeremiah 51:25-26

anonymous female warrior with bow and arrows in mystery forest

The Bible declares that the Lord God Jehovah is creator of all things and that all things are within his power. No temptation has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience; but God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to resist. Also, nothing is that has not already been done, and that will not occur again. What this means is that God has already seen everything that will take place before it happens.

Genesis 1:1-2:7; Psalm 139:16; Isaiah 41:4; 44:7,24; 45:18;
Joshua 11:6,9; Matthew 24:25; Mark 13:23;
Luke 1:37; 18:27; 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:18

So choose a side. Are you on the side of the wicked, who will stumble and fall into their own trap? Or are you on the side of Almighty God, who can do all things?
Nothing is impossible for God.

Psalm 141:10; Proverbs 11:5; Malachi 4:1;
Matthew 19:26; Mark 14:36; Luke 1:37; 18:27

You may think, ‘I am alone.’

He who created time and life itself, can he not intervene in the walks of men? Why do you think that he can’t see you, when he knows the number of hairs on your head? After all, we cannot escape God. If we go to Sheol, he is there. If we go to Heaven, he is there.

Genesis 1:14-15, 20-25; 2:7; Numbers 11:14; Psalm 27:10; 125:2; 139:7-10;
Isaiah 40:27-31; Luke 12:6-7; John 14:16-18,23

I would rather spend a day acknowledging God’s presence all around me than a day ignoring him or pretending that he isn’t there.

Psalm 16:11

However, regarding fear.

God spoke and said “Do not fear.” He spoke again and said “Do not be afraid.” And again he said, “Do not worry.” He told us that there would be guaranteed hard times ahead.

But he assured us that our Father takes care of the birds, and we are much more valuable to him than those. He provides food, shelter, houses that we didn’t build, harvests that we didn’t sow. And what does he ask from us in return?

Exodus 14:13; Deuteronomy 6:10-11,13-24; 20:1-4; 31:6;
Joshua 1:9; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 20:15; Isaiah 41:10,13;
Matthew 6:25-26,31-34; 24:6-7,21-22

And about our safety. He says, nothing shall by any means harm you. You can tread on serpents and scorpions. Sleep with lions. Walk through Seas. Walk on water. Run and not faint.
We endure. We get up. We arise. We are healed. Dry bones live.

Exodus 14:21-22,29; Ezekiel 37:5; Daniel 6:16-22;
Psalm 107:20; Isaiah 40:31; 43:16; 53:5; Malachi 4:3;
Matthew 14:29; Luke 10:19; Hebrews 6:15; 2 Timothy 2:12

photo of man in military uniform

How could God say all of these things if he did not intend on protecting us? Even restoring us after tragedy?

Joel 2:25,32; Hebrews 6:17-18

art background brick brick texture

Pick a side.

You could choose the side of fear. Live every moment wondering if it will be your last. Be worried about how you will feed your family. Or even survive.

Proverbs 1:32-33; Matthew 6:31-34; Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 22:11

Choose God.

Proverbs 3:33-35; Isaiah 44:6; 45:22

Scripture References

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so.
21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:1,14-15,21,25-27 (NKJV)

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)

13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Exodus 14:13-14 (NKJV)

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
29 But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Exodus 14:21-22,29 (NKJV)

10 “So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, 11 houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full— 12 then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 13 You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him, and shall take oaths in His name. 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are all around you 15 (for the Lord your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the Lord your God be aroused against you and destroy you from the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 6:10-15 (NKJV)

1 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. 2 So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. 3 And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; 4 for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’

Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (NKJV)

6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)

6 But the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” 7 So Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom, and they attacked them. 8 And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who defeated them and chased them to Greater Sidon, to the Brook Misrephoth, and to the Valley of Mizpah eastward; they attacked them until they left none of them remaining. 9 So Joshua did to them as the Lord had told him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire.

Joshua 11:6-9 (NKJV)

13 I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’

Joshua 24:13 (NKJV)

11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the Lord will take care of me.

Psalm 27:7-10 (NKJV)

18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.

Psalm 83:18 (KJV)

19 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses. 20 He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalm 107:19-21 (NKJV)

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

Psalm 139:7-8 (NKJV)

8 But my eyes are upon You, O God the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute. 9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.

Psalm 141:8-10 (NKJV)

32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Proverbs 1:32-33 (NKJV)

33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

Proverbs 3:33-35 (NKJV)

5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.

Proverbs 11:5-6 (NKJV)

9 That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us.

Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (NKJV)

27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:27-31 (NKJV)

10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Isaiah 41:10,13

16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters,

Isaiah 43:16 (NKJV)

6 “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. 7 And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them. 8 Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.’ ”

Isaiah 44:6-8 (NKJV)

18 For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:18 (NKJV)

20 “Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, You who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, Who carry the wood of their carved image, And pray to a god that cannot save. 21 Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. 22 “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:20-22 (NKJV)

4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV)

25 “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, Who destroys all the earth,” says the Lord. “And I will stretch out My hand against you, Roll you down from the rocks, And make you a burnt mountain. 26 They shall not take from you a stone for a corner Nor a stone for a foundation, But you shall be desolate forever,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 51:25-26 (NKJV)

4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ”

Ezekiel 37:4-6 (NKJV)

16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed. 18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” b23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

Daniel 6:16-23 (NKJV)

25 “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. 26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. 27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.
32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.

Joel 2:25-27,32 (NKJV)

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV)

21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 10:21-22 (NKJV)

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.

Matthew 24:6-8,21-25 (NKJV)

27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Mark 10:27 (NKJV)

23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

Mark 13:23 (NKJV)

“For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Luke 1:37 (NKJV)

17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10:17-20 (NKJV)

6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7 (NKJV)

But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Luke 18:27 (NKJV)

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:15-18 (NKJV)

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

John 14:23 (NKJV)

No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].

1 Corinthians 10:13 (AMP)

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Hebrews 2:14-18 (NKJV)

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

Hebrews 6:13-18 (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.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NKJV)

10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

Revelation 22:10-11 (NKJV)

“Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org”

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Set Colds on Fire

The Wrath of the Common Cold

One of the marks of the winter season is bouts of illness. Cough, runny nose, congestion, headache, sore throat, sinus pressure, and nausea. The symptoms are unpleasant enough to ruin your day and keep you in bed, but generally not serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor or hospital. Many times, if you do visit the doctor for relief, you will leave with a prescription for rest, waiting it out, or over-the-counter decongestants and pain medicine.

We have generally accepted the inconvenience of the common cold and flu, but are we required to suffer from the symptoms?

Someone lying down on the living room couch, covering themselves with a blanket

Defining Colds

The common cold is caused by any one of several viruses that cause inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat.
Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of the common cold. Most rhinovirus infections are mild, but they can cause severe illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other underlying medical conditions.

Cold viruses are spread through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can enter another person’s body if they breathe them in; through close personal contact; or if they touch a surface contaminated with the virus and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the common cold may include:

Cough
Sneeze
Runny Nose
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Post-nasal drip
Watery eyes
Headache
Body Aches
Fever
general feeling of being unwell

Colds can produce similar symptoms to flu and other respiratory infections.

Woman holding a tissue and blowing her nose into it, she feels unwell

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that most people with rhinovirus or common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. You can relieve your symptoms by: taking pain and fever medications; using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough; drinking plenty of liquids; and staying home to rest.

Symptoms typically last about seven days but can persist up to two weeks.

A Biblical Perspective

When challenged with sickness, we should address the root of the problem. Our first approach should be to stand on God’s promises of health and healing.

The Bible says:

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].

3 John 2, AMP

God’s will is for us to be healthy in our bodies and to prosper in our souls. God is so passionate about our well-being that he sacrificed his son Jesus to receive judgment for the sins of mankind so that we would not be subject to the curse of sickness.

Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
and he carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.
We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:4-6, CSB

Prayer Against Colds and Upper Respiratory Infection

Father God, 

You breathed life into man, and our nostrils are the gateways for your life-giving spirit. 
I loose myself from all sickness, disease, inflammation, and irritation affecting my nose and sinuses. 
I reject this infection in Jesus’ name. Sickness and disease will not dwell in my body.

Spirits of infirmity, release your hold on me. I command any demon affecting my nose, sinuses, throat, chest, lungs, and eyes to leave me now in the name of Jesus. I am loosed.
I cancel all witchcraft against my body in Jesus’ name. The blood of Jesus covers me.

Father, as I inhale, fill me with your presence. Fill me with life, power, glory, and strength. 
I command my immune system to be strengthened and function properly. 
Father, I thank you for healing and restoring my respiratory system. I am healed by the stripes of Jesus.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pray against any specific symptoms that you have, as the Lord leads you.

The Lingering Symptoms

When we pray in faith according to the will of God, our healing is established in the spirit but it may take time to manifest in our physical bodies. After prayer, we treat the symptoms while staying in faith to allow God to heal our bodies.

In the book of Genesis, God tells mankind that he has provided us with plants and herbs for food. When we treat our bodies, we should use the herbs that God provided. God created our bodies. He is the divine physician.

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.

Genesis 1:29, NKJV

Whenever I feel unwell, I evaluate my nutrition, cutting processed and unnatural foods out of my diet and increasing my intake of whole foods and water. I tend to avoid medication, only taking it when symptoms become unbearable.

This winter season, I have suffered several bouts of cough, sore throat, congestion, mucus, and fatigue. When I start to feel cold-like symptoms, I use a home treatment plan of rest, citrus fruit, honey, ginger, and vitamins.

I have found that the most effective treatment for cold symptoms is cayenne pepper.

Cayenne Pepper: A Whole Food Treatment

a bunch of cayenne peppers on the stalk

What is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annum) is a medium-hot chili pepper in the nightshade family. It is a thin, long pepper (3 – 5 inches) and curved. As it ripens, the fruit color changes from green to red. Cayenne peppers originated in Cayenne, French Guiana. They can be eaten fresh or dried and are used to make chili powder and to flavor spicy sauces. The spice is produced by drying and grinding the ripe fruits.

Cayenne powder is sometimes labeled as red pepper. It is a culinary spice frequently used to add heat to foods without altering the flavor. You may already cook with cayenne and have some in your kitchen.

Cayenne has a pungent spicy flavor which is caused by capsaicin, a chemical compound common to hot peppers.

The pungency of hot peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which is a subjective assessment that relies on the capsaicinoid sensitivity of people. SHU represents the number of times the concentration of capsaicinoids needs to be diluted before it’s no longer detectable by trained taste testers.

The SHU is a subjective measurement of the amount of capsaicin in a pepper. The SHU value of a particular pepper can vary depending on the temperature, the type of soil, and the location where the pepper is grown. For this reason, SHU is expressed in ranges.

Pure capsaicin is rated at 16,000,000 SHUs.

The table lists some pepper varieties and their SHUs.

Pepper VarietyAverage SHUsSimplified Scoville Scale
Bell Pepper0Neutral
Sweet Paprika100 – 500Mild
Poblano1,000 – 1,500Warm
Jalapeno2,500 – 8,000Strong
Cayenne30,000 – 50,000Scorching
Thai50,000 – 100,000Torrid
Habanero100,000 – 350,000Volcanic
Ghost Pepper855,000 – 1,044,427Explosive
Trinidad Scorpion Butch T1,200,000 – 2,000,000Dangerous
Table: Scoville Heat Units of Selected Pepper Varieties

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is used as a crisis herb for shock, heart attack, anesthesia reactions, and bleeding topically or internally. It’s also an excellent pain reliever, decongestant, and expectorant.

Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin K. It is also a source of antioxidants and other compounds that protect our cells against damage from harmful substances in the environment. Fresh peppers have a higher concentration of these nutrients than do the dried and powdered forms.

When used for health benefits, the entire pepper should be used, including the seeds.
Many benefits of cayenne pepper are due to its capsaicin content.

Some frequently reported benefits of cayenne and capsaicin are below.

Health BenefitDetails
Pain ReliefCayenne pepper relieves headaches, sore throat
Cayenne pepper can be used topically for arthritis pain, toothaches, sore joints
Respiratory SystemCayenne pepper improves respiration
Cayenne pepper clears sinuses
Cayenne pepper clears nasal or chest congestion
Cayenne pepper works as an expectorant for removing phlegm and mucus congestion from the lungs
Circulatory SystemCayenne pepper improves circulation
Cayenne pepper improves the elasticity of veins and arteries so that they can respond to increases or decreases in blood pressure
Improves DigestionCayenne pepper improves digestion generally by stimulating saliva and enzyme production.
Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries by natives of Central and South America for diarrhea and other digestive complaints
Stops BleedingCayenne pepper stops external bleeding with topical application to minor cuts and scrapes
Cayenne pepper stops internal bleeding
Reduces Inflammation
Suppresses Appetite
Boosts Metabolism
Prevents Stomach UlcersCayenne pepper prevents and accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers
Lowers Cancer Risk

How Cayenne works in the Body

Capsaicin is highly stimulating to the body. When you eat a hot pepper, capsaicinoids create a hot, burning feeling in your mouth. The capsaicin attaches to heat-sensing receptors in the mouth, releasing neurotransmitters that travel to the brain, triggering a false alarm that your mouth is on fire. This bodily response can produce sweating and watery eyes but it does not cause physical harm.

As a chemical irritant, capsaicin will produce a similar response whichever way it comes into contact with your body, whether through your skin, eyes, hands, or nasal passages. Despite the initial burning sensation, capsaicin reduces the sensation of pain by interacting with neurotransmitters and blocking their ability to send more pain signals to the brain.

An excerpt from Mechanisms and Clinical Uses of Capsaicin states:

“Capsaicin is unique among naturally occurring irritant compounds because the initial neuronal excitation evoked by it is followed by a long-lasting refractory period, during which the previously excited neurons are no longer responsive to a broad range of stimuli. This process known as defunctionalisation has been exploited for therapeutic use of capsaicin in various painful conditions.”

Cayenne can desensitize nerves by binding with pain receptors and inhibiting their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. It also interferes with substance-P, a neurotransmitter that functions in pain signal transmission.

How to Treat Symptoms with Cayenne Pepper

Consult your physician before using cayenne pepper to treat any health condition.

A dried cayenne pepper on top on bright red-orange powdered red pepper

In general, you should take herbs at the first sign of illness, take them frequently during the illness, and keep taking them for a couple of days after you think you’ve recovered.

The best method for taking cayenne pepper depends on your personal preferences. You can consume cayenne as a spice in your food, make cayenne tea, or blend it into a smoothie. You should not cook the cayenne, as heat can break down beneficial compounds and reduce its effectiveness.

For cold & flu symptoms, mix 1/2 – 1 tsp of cayenne powder into a cup of water or juice and consume. I have found cold beverages to be easier to tolerate than warm or hot beverages.

Cayenne is very potent, so start by taking a small amount (less than 1/2 tsp) to test your tolerance level. When taking cayenne orally, you will likely experience an immediate burning sensation which will subside over a short time.

When consumed orally, cayenne rapidly reduces nasal congestion and thins mucus in the throat. It also relieves sore throat pain.

I do not recommend using cayenne pepper to treat bacterial infections or viruses. If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve, then consult a physician.

Safety Considerations

People on blood thinners should talk to their doctor before using cayenne pepper.

Cross-reactions can occur in those allergic to members of the Solanaceae family of plants (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes, paprika, Jimson weed).

Cayenne shouldn’t be taken in large amounts during pregnancy. Do not use cayenne while nursing.

When chopping fresh cayenne peppers, you should wear kitchen gloves. Cayenne has a potent heat and you can easily burn yourself if you touch the chili’s interior membrane and then rub your skin or eyes.

I have had a few mishaps with cayenne powder in the kitchen. I can attest that cayenne powder can easily become airborne and burn your eyes and throat. Avoid using cayenne in a windy environment. Do not inhale cayenne by accident or on purpose, even to ‘test’ the hotness of it.

Wash your hands after handling cayenne.

Do not allow children to handle cayenne powder.

It is important to understand that capsaicin is not water-soluble. So, if you burn your mouth or skin, then rinsing with water will not provide relief. A better option is to use milk or citrus juices, which will help to break down the capsaicin compounds and relieve the burning sensation.

In Conclusion

For cold and flu symptoms such as congestion, mucus, and sore throat, cayenne pepper is an effective alternative to synthetic over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants. Cayenne and other hot peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that stimulates the body and provides numerous health and first-aid benefits.

We should take advantage of the whole foods that God has provided to care for our bodies. While we can treat individual symptoms of sickness and disease when they occur, a better approach is to consume immunity-boosting foods to strengthen our whole body.

Other immunity-boosting foods that you can research and add to your diet are:
Pineapple
Ginger
Lemon
Himalayan Pink Salt
Turmeric
Zinc
Vitamin D

A platter of healthy fruits: grapefruit, kiwi, blackberries, melon, raspberries, blueberries

Medical Disclaimer

The statements in this article are my opinion, based upon a review of recent research in nutrition and health trends. I am not a nutritionist or medical practitioner. If you have a health concern or existing medical condition, I advise you to consult a physician or nutritionist before making significant lifestyle or nutritional changes.

References

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. lockman.org

Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Alimentarium. “The Scoville scale”. https://www.alimentarium.org/en/story/scoville-scale. Accessed 6 January 2024.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “capsaicin”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Dec. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/science/capsaicin. Accessed 6 January 2024.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “cayenne pepper”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Nov. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/plant/cayenne-pepper. Accessed 6 January 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Common Cold”, 27 June 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/colds.html. Accessed 8 January 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Common Human Coronaviruses”. 13 February 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/general-information.html. Accessed 7 January 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Rhinoviruses”. 8 March 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/rhinoviruses-common-cold.html. Accessed 8 January 2024.

Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006–. Capsicum. 2021 May 17. PMID: 30000884.

HomeGrown Herbalist. “Cayenne Powder”. https://homegrownherbalist.net/product/cayenne-powder/. Accessed 6 January 2024.

Jones, P., Dr. “How To Be A Really Hot Herbalist…Use Cayenne Pepper!”. 23 August 2023, https://homegrownherbalist.net/how-to-be-a-really-hot-herbalist-use-cayenne-pepper/. Accessed 7 January 2024.

Jones, P, Dr. “Kitchen Medicine: Amazing Herbal Remedies In Your Spice Drawer!” 2019, https://homegrownherbalist.net/freestuff/. Accessed 6 January 2024.

McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH. “Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health”. Open Heart 2015;2:e000262. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2015-000262

National Institute of Standards and Technology. “How Do You Measure the ‘Heat’ of a Pepper?”. 27 June 2022, https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-you-measure-heat-pepper. Accessed 6 January 2024.

Sharma SK, Vij AS, Sharma M. Mechanisms and clinical uses of capsaicin. Eur J Pharmacol. 2013 Nov 15;720(1-3):55-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.10.053. Epub 2013 Nov 5. PMID: 24211679.

This is the Season to Repent

God says,

Repentance is what I require in this season.
When you come to me with a pure heart, I see you.
I hear your cries. The sweet smell of incense as you repent.
You are forgiven and washed clean.
Through my son I have given you the door. Hear my knock and come.

Tell this to the people: Repent while there is still time.
I am waiting. I receive you and you are mine.
Repent for the time is near. There is still work to do.
Be undistracted, uncompromising, and unhindered.
Repent and heal. Repent and build. Repent and prosper.

Be a vessel of my light in this world.
I will not extinguish the lamp stand of a repentant heart.
Heed my word in James. There are many trials. How have you handled them?
Repent from your sins and pass the test.
Move forward. There is still time.

Scripture References

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NKJV):

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

James 1:2-25 (NKJV):

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

James 4:1-10 (NKJV):

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

James 5:7-18 (NKJV):

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV):

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJV):

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 5:5-11 (NKJV):

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

“God resists the proud,But gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:8-18 (NKJV):

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

1 John 1:5-10 (NKJV):

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

1 John 2:3-6 (NKJV):

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV):

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

Glorify Him

From the mountain tops to the valleys

Glorify him.
In the rivers, the oceans, the deserts glorify him.
For the Spirit of God is in all places and He must be glorified.
The fire of God dwells within us. It burns for Him.
The fire cannot be extinguished, it is eternal. Glorify him.
Lift up the name of God.

He who gave us life!
He who gave us water!
He who gave us salvation.
He heals our bodies. He hears our prayers. He knows our every movement.
Glorify him.
Every day of our lives, he must be glorified.
God is the embodiment of everything we have ever needed.
He is the past and the present. He is everything and he is all things.
Glorify him.

From your belly comes a mighty roar.

The Lord God, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah has called us to himself.
Said Christ, when I am lifted up I will draw all men onto myself.
He has been crucified and glorified. Now we all crave him.
Even those that cannot see him, they don’t know him. But they crave him.

Observe if you will an unbeliever.
They gaze at the stars, they search for an answer. From where will their answer come?
They search for a higher power. Is it around them? Above them or within them?
Is it in the trees, in the oceans, or in the skies? Maybe it is the sun.
They seek Him but can’t find him. So they choose something else.

Rescue them from the pit of hell!

God must be glorified.
He is the irreplaceable, unmatchable supreme being of the universe and everything beyond.
He created us in his image, and created the world to support us.

Understand, that we are God’s first love.
Glorify Him. Seek him with all your heart. He wants to be found.
God reveals himself to us in the world around us. Why does he hunt us down and woo us?
Because God yearns for us as we yearn for him.

If you are chosen, look at the unchosen.
They seek a savior. They slave for food, for water, for shelter.
They fear sickness and death. They wonder, from where will their help come?
Glorify God in their presence. Show them the light that shines in darkness.

The name of God must be lifted up high.

He is the highest of the high. How can he not be exalted?

It is time for us to Glorify God. All is for his Glory.
Even his son, Jesus Christ has been exalted for the glory of God.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11, NKJV

Scripture

Genesis 1:26-28 (NKJV):
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Deuteronomy 4: 14-24 (NKJV):
“Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day. Furthermore the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, and swore that I would not cross over the Jordan, and that I would not enter the good land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance. But I must die in this land, I must not cross over the Jordan; but you shall cross over and possess that good land. Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

2 Samuel 22:47 (NKJV):
“The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let God be exalted,
The Rock of my salvation!

Job 33:4 (NKJV):
The Spirit of God has made me,
And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Psalm 21:13 (NKJV):
Be exalted, O Lord, in Your own strength!
We will sing and praise Your power.

Psalm 22:22-24 (NKJV):
I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
You who fear the Lord, praise Him!
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard.

Psalm 34:1-3 (NKJV):
I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 50:14-15 (NKJV):
Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

Psalm 86:8-10 (NKJV):
Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
All nations whom You have made
Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name.
For You are great, and do wondrous things;
You alone are God.

Psalm 118:25-29 (NKJV):
Save now, I pray, O Lord;
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.
God is the Lord,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Amos 3:7-8 (NKJV):
Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
A lion has roared!
Who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken!
Who can but prophesy?

Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV):
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV):
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Matthew 24:23-28 (NKJV):
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.
“Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

John 12:23-33 (NKJV):
But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”
Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

John 17:1-5 (NKJV):
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Acts 17:24-28 (NKJV):
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV):
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NKJV):
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NKJV):
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.