In 2 Samuel 16:10-12, Shimei was very abusive toward David and his followers, yet David quietly tolerated the abuse and maintained his patience. David knew that instead of being provoked by the malice and falsehood of Shimei, he had to maintain a humble spirit, which in this case will turn criticism into shame, and that God will bring good out of his affliction. Romans 8:28 states that God works out all things for our good, not necessarily the way we want it, but to fulfill His purpose and our long range good. What is His purpose? “…..to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29)

Practicing self-control throughout needless criticism can be a tiresome experience and very exhausting, my advice, just ignore them, God will defend you against attacks and criticism if you are in the right.

As Christians we learn to accept pain and persecution, knowing that God is with us, all we have to do is read and study His Word, spend time in prayer, and do His work.

Maintaining your composer during times of persecution demonstrates to others who you are in Christ.

Following Christ is not always easy, and sometimes not all that comfortable. You may say, “I give up”, “I can’t do this anymore”, or “I can’t handle this”, well yes you can, and how do I know? (Philippians 4:13).

Although the cost may be high, the value of being Christ’s disciple is much greater and more rewarding than you can imagine (Matthew 8:19,20) . You may be going about your daily lives coping with limited finances, being laid off from work, car breaking down, illness in the family, and not to mention a considerable amount of responsibilities you may have. Now this does not in no way compare to the agony that Jesus went through (Luke 22:44), Jesus did not give in, He went ahead with his mission praying more sincerely.

What we can learn from Matthew 11:28-30 is to let God handle all our burdens. Jesus is asking all of us to place ourselves under His “yoke” (vv. 29), and He will give you rest, peace of mind, and healing.

We can not and should not carry our burdens alone. A relationship with God changes meaningless hard work into a spiritual productivity and purpose, so confess your inability to carry your burdens and God will either remove the difficulties or He may just lift the burdensome feelings that accompany your trials.

There are many people who have friends and family that they would like to spend more time with, yet when it comes time to socialize, it may be uncomfortable, or even intimidating sometimes. Now when it comes time to spend just a little time with God (in prayer) some people may not know how to pray, what to say or even how to act in the presence of God. God is always there and waiting for you to develop that one on one special intimate relationship with Him. Just as God chose Moses (Exodus 33:13) , and Moses in turn relied wholeheartedly on God’s wisdom and direction, God wants the same for you.

As Christians we battle against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” ( Eph. 6:12) To withstand attacks like these we must trust in the word of God, depend on God’s strength, put on His armor, and fight in the strength of the church.

Ephesians 6:10-17

“HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH“: Satan knows what the bible says and his lies sound like truth; yet however, only believers have God’s truth. Ask God for wisdom and understanding.

“PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS“: Our heart is the foundation of our emotions and our actions. The breastplate of righteousness is what protects our heart and ensures God’s approval.

“SHOD YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE“: The “shoes” that God gives us is the inspiration to endure and preach the true peace that is available in God, this is the “Good News” everyone needs to hear.

“TAKING UP THE SHIELD OF FAITH“: Satan attacks in the form of insults, setbacks, worries, regrets, pride, and temptations. With the “shield of faith” God protects us from Satan’s fiery darts (Eph. 6:16). Christians must have absolute trust in God and His plan for your life.

“TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION“: As Christians we are Satan’s greatest enemy, and he wants nothing more than to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our salvation. But the “helmet of salvation” is to protect our mind from doubt and unbelief.

“THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.”: In battle the only weapon of offense is the sword. When attacked by wickedness we must use the “word of God” and stand strong against the enemy. God has provided this power in His Holy Spirit with us and His armor surrounding us.

Put on the whole armor of God so you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil, and take unto you the whole armor of God so you are able to withstand Satan’s never ending attacks.

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs 11:24-25 KJV)

The world says to hold on to as much as possible, but Proverbs 11:24-25 says that God blesses those who give freely of their possessions, time, and energy. When we give, God supplies us with more so that we can give more. God provides us the possessions so that we will invest them in His kingdom work and be a blessing to others.