Daily prayer: Father, we thank You for the foundation we have which is an anchor for our soul, a hope both sure and steadfast. We'd like the world to believe in and comply with the teachings of Scripture so that our sojourn here is smooth with others affirming our decision to walk in Your ways, but Scripture cautions us otherwise. If we are to share in Your glory we will also share in Your sufferings. But it's not in vain, for in our suffering perseverance is developed, character is built and unending hope will anchor our faith. Our foundation is unshakeable as we anchor it in Your remarkable provision for our sins forgiven, our abundant life provided right here on earth, and our future eternal bliss in heaven. We are a blessed people, so much so, that words fail to express our gratitude! Amen.

Brooksyne's Note: Today's message is so very important for every believer, especially those young in the faith.  I remember speaking with a young man who was a newer believer in the Lord. He was raised in a Christian home with godly parents, but chose to walk in rebellion and got caught up in drugs and all the devastation that goes with it.  I asked him how his Christian walk was going. He grimaced somewhat and then very honestly shared, "Pretty good until something happens." His girlfriend recently broke up with him which tempted him to go back to the old vices and destructive attitudes. I reminded him, "If it isn't your girl there will always be something else." He smiled and said, "That's just what my mom said."

And it's true. That's why the firm foundation of God's Word must be the anchor for our soul; not our spouse, our job, our title or our family name. I concluded my conversation with the young man by asking what he does when he's tempted to go back to his old ways. Thankfully, he has a couple of solid believing friends he met as he was recovering from his sinful lifestyle and he calls on them. I also reminded him of how blessed he was to have a praying mom.

Whatever you need to do, believing friend, to keep standing on the foundation of God's Word be sure you do it. As the hymn writer wrote, "His hope, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay." Read the Word, sing the Scripture, pray and be accountable to a godly brother or sister in the Lord. Never, ever give up!

Bible teacher Ray Pritchard has an interesting comment on "nevertheless" writing that...

Even in days of moral decline,
the Lord says to us, “Nevertheless.”

Do false teachers seem to abound?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Are perilous times upon us?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Do we fear for the future?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Are we worried for our children’s safety?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Do we wonder how the church will survive?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Do we see some falling away from the faith?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Are we tempted to despair?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Could persecution come to us?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Do evildoers rise to power?
The Lord says, “Nevertheless.”

Now with the stress caused for many by the coming election we can add,
"Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm!"