Find out what the Bible says about worry on our season finale
of Liberty at Home. Friends, Easter nights and
countrymen, lend me your ears. It's time for yet another
edition of Liberty at Home and our final edition for the 2020
five, 2026 season. I'm your host, Pastor Adam
Rivero from the Liberty Baptist Church over on Route 138.
And today, as always, we're broadcasting from Easton
Community Access Television, and it will be September before I'm
back here within the friendly confines of Studio 1 to record
another episode. But more on that in a minute.
First, let's get to today's devotion, which comes from
Philippians chapter #4 we'll be in reading in verse #4 where it
says rejoice in the Lord Alway. And again I say, rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men.
The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in
everything, by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, If
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things, those things which he had both learned and received
and heard and seen in me do, And the God of peace shall be with
you. Worry is like sitting in a
rocking chair. It gives you something to do,
but you don't get very far. 85% of things we worry about never
happen. If you want to test your memory,
try to remember what you were worried about one year ago.
Now look, we've all heard these expressions before, or at least
very similar ones. Yet it's still the fact that
we're worried about a great many things.
In fact, it's even likely we worry about how much we worry.
According to a study by the American Psychological
Association in 2017, three out of four Americans report
experiencing at least one symptom of stress in last month.
We're a stressed out nation, and worst of all, we know it.
Yet despite this, it seems like nothing changes.
Now in Philippians chapter 4, Paul is closing the epistle by
speaking about the issues of anxiety and contentment.
Paul knew a thing or two about stressful situations as he was
at that moment in prison as an innocent man.
Yet in verse four he gives the command to rejoice in the Lord
Alway. And again I say, rejoice.
He follows this up by saying in verses 6 and seven, Be careful
or be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with Thanksgiving, let your request be named known
unto God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The joyful and peaceful spirit he describes is obtained through
prayer and Thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior.
Verse #8 follows and is one of the more well known verses in
Scripture where Paul admonishes the brethren.
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report. If there be any virtue and if
there be any praise, think on these things.
You know, we're pretty particular about what we put
into our bodies. Well, we may not actually be as
careful about the portion sizes, but as a general rule, we are
mindful of what we eat. We would never share from the
plate of a stranger, nor do we graze over food that we find
laying on the ground. We know that by being particular
about what we put into our bodies, our overall health and
Wellness benefits from this discernment.
Well, I'm here to tell you today that if we want to protect our
mind from worry and anxiety, we must also be equally diligent
about the things we think about. We must fix our mind and dwell
on things that are true. Instead of spending all day
worrying about the what ifs of life, we must concentrate on the
things that are honest and not believe the lies of those who
are unfairly critical of us. It's imperative we contemplate
on things that are just and pure and lovely and have a good
report. And maybe most importantly of
all, we must reject thoughts that are contrary to these good
things. Just as the wrong kind of food
can poison the body, the wrong kind of thoughts can poison the
mind. Now understand, I'm not talking
about the power of positive thinking.
I'm not describing vapid visualizations, mindless
mantras, or even the heresy of the Word of Faith teaching.
No, I implore you to train your mind upon the things that are
pleasing to the Lord as you do. Paul says that no matter what
state of life you're in, you can be content and unshackled from
the cruel taskmaster that is anxiety.
Well, with this episode of the book, Season 3 is now complete.
We'll be taking a hiatus from May until August, but in the
meantime, you'll be able to catch some repeats of Liberty at
home right here on ECAT. If you live in town.
And whether you live in Easton or not, you can always find the
101 episodes of our YouTube channel on ecat.
Just search for our playlist, which can be found on the church
website under the media tab. But before we're done, you know
what I have to do. I have to take this final
opportunity, just for a little while at least, to invite you to
Liberty Baptist Church, located 800 and Washington St. in the
South side of Easton. For more information, including
all the ways you can connect with us, visit our website,
mylibertybaptist.org. This is Adam Rivero signing off
from another season of Liberty at Home, reminding you that
where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty.
ECAP viewers, we'll see you in September.