“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

We all face situations that can provoke anxiety. Thankfully, God knew that, so he prepared us for it on the front end. Prayer and continual gratitude are two components God has prescribed to fortify us, but there are additional components. Verse 8 of this same chapter directs God’s people to refuse to give safe harbor to lies.

Instead, whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy is what God directs our minds toward. Being in Christ, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, gives us the ability feast on what is true.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalms 133:1 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Psalm 133 is a celebratory psalm, written by David. He rejoices at the notion of brethren, family, and relatives dwelling together in unity. He’s actually contrasting it with the initial scriptural employment of the “brothers dwelling together” phrase recorded in Genesis 13:6. There, Abram and Lot couldn’t dwell together. Their separation precipitated what became the Sodom and Gomorrah saga.

In Psalm 133, however, David is rejoicing at the reality that there is enough room in God’s family for brethren to dwell together, and to flourish, all while maintaining genuine care for one another.

God’s kingdom is other-worldly.

“But they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1:21(b) (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Romans 1 explains how mankind’s enduring rebellion against God ultimately evinces a diminished mental capacity that defies logic. When you consider the fervent effort of twisted adults to confuse children, as young as three and four years, old about sexuality and identity or the effort to say that there are no differences between men and women or the all out assault on the God-ordained nuclear family, where married fathers and mothers rear their children in a loving and committed home, which happens to be the primary means of establishing a stable and thriving society it shows the battle we’re facing is spiritual.

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power.” Revelation 4:11(a) (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

“Worthy are you our LORD” is a part of the chorus that will be sung throughout eternity. We’re given a picture of the twenty-four elders, falling prostrate before Jesus, worshipping Him using this very declaration in Revelation 4.

The “worthy” declaration isn’t meant only for song. The worthiness of our God should be evident through His people’s lives. Too often, church-attenders sing of God’s worthiness on Sundays only defy His worthiness on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Sometimes, the denials even start Sunday nights.

What God desires is a people who’s songs and lives declare “He is worthy.”

“Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the LORD, valiant men.” 2 Chronicles 26:17 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Uzziah was a King of Judah who’d enjoy tremendous political and military success. He presided over a time of robust material prosperity and massive infrastructural innovation.

He was so successful that it went to his head. He sought not only the monarchy but the priesthood too. When his ambition threatened the integrity of God’s house, Azariah and eighty other priests of the LORD withstood him.

“Valor” is a term used in Scripture to convey courage in the face of war-like physical hostility.

That is exactly what we need today. Men of God. Men of valor.

“And have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” Colossians 3:10  (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

In Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians he addresses a church comprised of people who’d been saved in a pagan 1st century Roman culture. He explains to them the vigorous necessity of putting off the old man and putting on the new man.

He then directs them to the ultimate object of their renewal, their sanctification. It is critically important that we Believers remember, as we walk with our LORD in the sanctification process and face various challenges, that we are being made more and more like Jesus.

“Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.” Amos 5:23 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

The prophet Amos confronted Israel for ceremonial worship that was not reflected in their hearts or lifestyles. God said to them, “I reject your festivals. Take away from Me the noise of your songs.” Amos 5:21, 23.

Just because we offer something as “worship” doesn’t mean that God accepts it. He is looking for worship that emanates from hearts of contrition. Circumcision of the heart is our LORD’s desire.

We must strive to be a people who lift up holy hands in worshipful melody before the LORD that accurately reflects our heart conditions, demonstrable in how we live.

“Israel is a luxuriant vine; He produces fruit for himself. The more his fruit, The more altars he made; The richer his land, The better he made the sacred pillars.” Hosea 10:1 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Abundant resources present temptations commensurate with replete supply. God spoke through the prophet Hosea to rebuke Israel for using it’s material wealth to compound idolatry in the nation.

Good stewardship of abundance requires godly character, commitment and devotion. Without it, you'll have a person amply supplied to pursue all manner of wickedness. It is a wonderful thing to have abundant resources dedicated to fulfill God’s purposes.

Abundant resources, however, in the hands of the ungodly, creates weapons of mass destruction.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

One of Satan’s oft-repeated strategies is to dislodge God’s people from His promises. The way that strategy is executed is to get us to focus on the current trial or problem to the exclusion of God’s character, nature, and historical record.

The key to overcoming that scheme is to acknowledge God in every circumstance. “Acknowledge Him” in Scripture comes from the Hebrew word yāḏa, which means to carry forward into every circumstance the full scope and weight of God’s character and nature. The same God who has delivered us from the clutches of eternal darkness leads and guides us now by His Spirit.

“For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

One of the deleterious consequences of the digital age is that it has given rise to the overwhelming scourge of pornography. It is ensnaring men and women at heretofore unspeakably alarming rates.

But, I want to remind you that Jesus is still in the business of delivering people from the snare of the devil and the bondage of sin. He frees us also from its guilt and shame.

We must, however, accept the free gift forgiveness and set our course, in fellowship with like-minded Believers, to live in the freedom He’s secured for us.

Jesus sets captives free!

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:10 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

During the upper room discourse Jesus explained to His disciples that keeping His commandments flows from the heart of the one who loves Him. Then he added,

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11.

Fullness of joy is contained within in our obedience to Christ. Joy, unlike happiness, is an internal disposition regardless of what may be swirling around us externally. Maximum joy is the by-product of obedience to Christ.

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word.” John 17:20 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

During a portion of what is widely regarded as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, the Apostle John records the LORD praying not only for His disciples present with Him during the upper room discourse, but also for those who would become followers of His in the future. John 17:20.

Brothers and sisters, that includes you and me. As we face the various trials and the darkness of our day, it is encouraging to know that Jesus prayed for us. And that He currently intercedes for us. Romans 8:34. We are not alone. Be strong, in  our LORD the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10.

“For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus.” Esther 10:3(a) (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Mordecai is introduced to us in scripture as a Benjamite descendant of Kish who adopts and raises Hadassah after her parents died. He is faithful to God throughout his life and appeals to Queen Hadassah when wicked Haman initiates an Old Testament holocaust plan to annihilate the entire Jewish population within the Persian empire.

God sovereignly intervenes to deliver His people, working through Mordecai, Hadassah, and the Persian King. What often goes unnoticed is that through his faithfulness to God, Mordecai rose to become second in command over the entire Persian empire. Mordecai was to Persia what Daniel was to Babylon.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Apostle Paul penned these words while instructing Believers how to navigate anxiety. Much of what befalls us in terms mental or emotional distress usually stems from us, at some point, believing a lie.

That’s why the Apostle’s words here are so vital. As Believers, we have the unique ability to set our minds and emotions and not be set by them.

The LORD’s mental health prescription is to set our minds on what’s true. Feast on what’s true.

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” Luke 14:34 (ESV).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Dr. George Barna’s American Worldview Inventory has revealed results that are tremendously troubling. His research indicates that Evangelicals are more likely to be shaped by the prevalent American culture than to influence it.

Instead of being salt and light, Dr. Barna’s study indicates, that being lightly salted is the more likely reality. This proves what I’ve said repeatedly. America greatest and most desperate need is repentance. That work, the work of repentance, must start with the people of God.

Our nation needs revival, but the revival must start in our own hearts, our homes, and our churches.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2(a) (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

The LORD warned us that the last days would be evinced by the ubiquity of pernicious deception. Discernment is not an optional quality to retain. When Paul wrote to Christians in Rome, he exhorted Believers to refuse to conform to the world around them. Rather, be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

He continued, transformation whilst resisting worldly conformation was vital  to knowing God’s will. Reverend Charles Spurgeon said, “discernment isn’t merely distinguishing right from wrong, it includes distinguishing right from almost right.”

Sharp discernment is one of the benefits of living holy, set apart, lives.

“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

In this epistle to the gentile Believers in Galatia, Paul presents two notions that are fundamentally incompatible: man-pleasing or living to please the LORD. There is no middle ground.

We will either live to please men and consequently live tossed to an fro, unstable in all of our ways. Or, we will live a lifestyle of worship unto the audience of One and our Christ-centered devotion will be evident in every aspect of our lives.

Choose wisely. Live wisely.

“Josiah was eight years old when he became king. He did right in the sight of the LORD.” Excerpted from 2 Kings 22:1-2 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Josiah’s ascendancy to the throne in Judah followed 57 years of wicked monarchial rule. Josiah’s grandfather was Manasseh. He reigned in Judah 55 years. The Scripture records him as one of the most wicked kings in Judah’s history. Manasseh’s son, Amon, followed him as Judah’s king. He was wicked too, just like his Daddy. He reigned 2 years in Judah.

Then comes Josiah. Though he was Amon’s son and Manasseh’s grandson, he charted a different path.

No matter how wicked your family history may be, that doesn’t dictate your destiny. Like Josiah, chart a new path.

“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you.’” Genesis 12:1 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

Genesis 12 begins with God calling Abram to leave Haran, his relatives, and all that was comfortable and familiar to him and directing him to the Promised Land. One of the first things Abram encounters in the Promised Land is famine.

When God directs us, we should never assume His will comes without difficulty. However, the presence of difficulty doesn’t nullify God’s direction. Our faithfulness to Him should never be determined by surrounding circumstances. When God calls, follow Him. Rejoicing follows obedience.

“For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:7-8 (NASB95).

My name is Abraham Hamilton, III and this is The Hamilton Minute.

The Apostle James introduces us to the notion of a double-minded man as one who doubts whether God can grant the wisdom necessary to successfully navigate and overcome trials.

The one who remains steadfast, unwavering in their confidence in God, in the face of adversity is able to rejoice in the midst of trials because of the faith produced by intimate communion with God and full persuasion of His unyielding goodness.

The unstable man is “double-minded” as to whether God remains trustworthy at all times and in all seasons.