Category: Confidence

Posted on

True Freedom

This morning started a little differently for me. I woke at 2:30 and thought I should sleep just a little longer…Yikes! Woke at 4:50 am. My youngest daughter and I had committed to walking the “God Shed His Grace on Thee” 5k so I had enough time to change out of my jammies and into my walking clothes. We were out the door by 5:05.

We participated in a virtual 4th of July 5K. Walk done. Cool down in progress and now it’s time to share some thoughts on freedom with you. True Freedom.

On this day of independence, it’s important to remember that we are truly free through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are no longer held captive or enslaved by sin and/or the devil because the Son, Jesus Christ, broke the chains of bondage and set us free! Hallelujah!

“So if the Son makes you free, you are really free.” John 8:36 ERV

Our nation was founded by men who were seeking a better way of life; an opportunity to achieve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They trusted in God’s leading and direction in the founding of this nation.

Many of us have become disheartened, during the recent past months and years, by the events taking place in our nation. But one thing has not changed, God is still, and forever will be, Lord God Almighty who rules and reigns in mercy, truth and justice!

We can trust Him and Him alone! He is our hope, He is our peace, He is our joy, the Everlasting God!

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

Kingdoms and nations will rise and fail but the kingdom of God and the liberty that we have in Christ will remain forever. We should be grateful to live in this country that we have but the most important thing of all is that our citizenship is secure in heaven.

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” Philippians 3:20 NLT

Make today a celebration of freedom!

Posted on

The Worry Box

Have you ever heard the story of the “Worry Box”? I heard a pastor use it in his sermon a number of years ago. It goes something like this:

The head of a major corporation had an appointment in his office. During that meeting the corporate head wrote something on a piece of paper and then put it in a box on the corner of his desk. At the conclusion of the meeting he was asked by the other person about the box and what he had placed in it.

The corporate executive referred to it as his “worry box”. He went on to say that life gives us many opportunities to worry and if we take them all they could be paralyzing. So, he determined to worry only one day a week, Wednesday. Each time he was faced with something to worry about he would write it down and put it in the box until the following Wednesday. He said he soon found that each Wednesday when he opened the box many of the worries had been already taken care of. The Lord, prayer and time had handled them.

Several years back I was able to share this story with a friend and her young daughter-in-law. I gave the daughter-in-law a metal heart basket and I encouraged her to hang it in her kitchen or bedroom and place her worries in it. I hope she is still using it.

Sometimes we need visible reminders of Biblical principles. A worry box is just that.

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I Peter 5:7 NLT

Some weeks it seems that we could fill an entire yellow pad with the situations that are trying to unnerve us. We might need a bigger box. But, no matter how many things we put into the box our God is able to handle them all. He never puts a limit on His ability to help. We’ll never hear “daily limit, 5 items”. We have been given free access for whenever.

His word is clear: “So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

I read and saved this writing by Max Lucado about worry. I love how the Lord takes our worries and replaces them with trust and joy!

“Take your problems to Jesus. Don’t take them out on others. Temper tantrums never advance a cause. The moment you sense a problem, however large or small, take it to Christ. I can almost hear you say, ‘Max if I take my problems to Jesus every time I have one, I’m going to be talking to Jesus all day long.’ Now you’re getting the point!

The Bible reminds us not to “worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you’ll experience God’s peace” (Philippians 4:6-7).

An unprayed-for problem is an embedded thorn. It festers and infects—first the finger, then the hand, then the entire arm. Best to go straight to the person who has the tweezers. Let Jesus take care of you. He knows about thorns!“

At the start of this week, if need be, find a box, pen and paper and give your worries over to the Lord. He always manages our problems better than we do.

Posted on

How’s Your Heart?

Yesterday morning on my walk my mind seemed to be going several different directions at once. Does that ever happen to you? I was determined to collect my thoughts and focus on something positive and good.

I asked myself this question, “If you had to write your perspective of how life has changed for the first six months of 2020 what would you say?”. Hmmm. So let me ask, what would you say?

My life really hasn’t changed much. I still get up every morning, have my prayer time and Bible reading, write my blog and visit with my husband. I still go for a morning walk and take care of things around the house. I work in my flowers, develop the content for a new book, visit with friends and family through Facetime and phone calls.

I have learned to order groceries on-line and when I go out I wear a mask. I haven’t gotten to see the kids and grandkids as much as I’d like and we’ve cancelled a couple of camping trips but that’s about it. My heart is fixed; I am confident that God is in control. All of this mess has not caused me to fear. I know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that God will not or has not abandon me. He is faithful to a thousand generations.

The headlines and news casts scream doom and gloom. It seems to be the goal of the media to create fear, angst and hatred.

“There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness.” Luke 21:25-27 NLV

We can stand, unshaken, in the face of all that is going on around us. My heavenly Father is not surprised by the events and actions that are occurring around us so my hope is firmly planted in Him.

“He will never be shaken. The man who is right and good will be remembered forever. 7 He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him.” Psalm 112:6-8 NLV

If your heart begins to fear and you feel shaken remember these words: “God has said, “I will never leave you or let you be alone.” 6 So we can say for sure, “The Lord is my Helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me.” 7 Remember your leaders who first spoke God’s Word to you. Think of how they lived, and trust God as they did. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8 NLV

Trust God and guard your heart – He is faithful!

Posted on

Annoyed by Wrong Actions

A few years ago there was a world situation that really had me upset. I had been fussing about it for several days and my conversation was focused on it. (and right now, I can’t even remember the particulars of it) Anyway, it filled my conversation and my thoughts – I wasn’t praying about it, I was complaining. I had lost my focus and then I came across these verses.

“Don’t get upset about evil people. Don’t be jealous of those who do wrong. 2 They are like grass and other green plants that dry up quickly and then die. 3 So trust in the Lord and do good. Live on your land and be dependable. 4 Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you whatever you ask for. 5 Depend on the Lord. Trust in him, and he will help you. 6 He will make it as clear as day that you are right.  Everyone will see that you are being fair. 7 Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help. Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed. 8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil. 9 The wicked will be destroyed, but those who call to the Lord for help will get the land he promised.” Psalm 37:1-9 ERV

When I read these words I laughed out loud. My first thought was “Lord, I’ve been busted”. Instead of focusing on those who were doing wrong I knew the Lord wanted me to focus on Him. This situation was temporary and it was stealing my joy and my peace.

The instruction was clear. Trust the Lord, depend on Him, wait for God’s help, don’t be angry, be dependable. All of these are positive, righteous actions. The anger and complaining weren’t.

Two words jumped out at me. Be dependable! The people around me, those that composed my world of influence, needed me to be dependable. I needed to let God’s light shine through me so others could see the hope that lives in me.

“God once said, “Let light shine out of the darkness!” And this is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts to let us know that his own divine greatness is seen in the face of Christ. 7 We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 ERV

The Lord reminded me of these verses the other day. Yes, I had been complaining again and my attention was focused on people and not on the Lord. I could enter in with everyone else’s comments and complaints or I could be dependable and be a light for God’s goodness.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ve been there too. Let’s join our lights together as we “trust the Lord and do good”.

Posted on

Seeing Things Clearly

Last week I went in for a routine eye exam and the optometrist told me that my vision was improving. Good news. As I sat here this morning I was remembering the exam particulars. “Which is better, A or B? Do so see more clearly with 1 or 2? What is the lowest line you can read on A or B?”

To see things clearly makes all the difference in the world. But even more importantly than seeing things clearly with the natural eye is the ability to see things spiritually clear. There is a song that was written years ago for the musical “Cinderella”. The lyrics go something like this:

“In my own little corner
In my own little chair
I can be whatever I want to be
On the wing of my fancy
I can fly anywhere
And the world will open its arms to me”

The people who surrounded Cinderella told her she wouldn’t amount to anything but she had an inner vision. And that’s how I feel when I open the pages of God’s Word. I can see the Father’s vision of who I am. “I can be whatever HE wants me to be”! So can you.

Our heavenly Father has infused us with His nature, His power, His love. Jesus came to give us new life; a life that is free from fear, a life filled with joy even in adverse circumstances. We have been empowered by the Holy Spirit with the characteristics of our Father.

“From John to the seven churches in Asia. I pray that you  will be blessed with kindness and peace from God, who is and was and is coming. May you receive kindness and peace from the seven spirits before the throne of God. 5 May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. 6 He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father  as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.” Revelation 1:4-6 CEV

We have been appointed to the role of priests and kings in God’s kingdom. He has given us a book full of precious promises for life in this world.

“Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness, 4 through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want.” II Peter 1:3-4 ERV

From my “own little corner, on my own little chair” I can see what God has called me to be. I am His; He is my loving Father and He wants me to tell the world of His greatness.

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say, 10 “Once you were nobody.  Now you are God’s people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you  with kindness.” I Peter 2:9-10 CEV

Are things coming in to focus for you? Are you beginning to see who God has called you to be? Let’s leave the corner and share with others this wonderful life God has given us – in Christ, our life is so much greater than we first imagined.

Posted on

Hope!

What is hope? Well…hope isn’t crossed fingers or wishful thinking. Hope has substance, its basis is truth.

People can be hope-full or hope-less. I choose to be in the first category. Hope gives us a solid footing when the sandy beaches in life seem to be shifting.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and 6 my God!” Psalm 42:5-6 NLT

A young shepherd by the name of David lived a hope-filled life. His older brothers, men of esteem, were in a hope-less situation. The armies of Israel were being taunted by a giant named Goliath. Goliath challenged Israel to send him just one man to fight, if the Israelite won then the Philistines would surrender but if he lost they would be taken captive.

You know the story. The Israelites were shaking in their boots. All but David. He went out to face the giant, his hope was in God and God delivered the giant and the Philistines into the hands of the Israelites.

The same God who filled David with hope is reaching out to us.

“And Isaiah says, ‘Someone will come from Jesse’s family. He will come to rule over the nations, and they will put their hope in him.’ 13 I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 ERV

When we put our hope in Jesus and what He has done for us we are filled with joy and peace. We can trust Him; He makes us hope-full. We aren’t operating on quarter-full or half-full hope but we can be hope-full.

“I will never give up hope or stop praising you. 15 All day long I will tell the wonderful things you do  to save your people. But you have done much more than I could possibly know. 16 I will praise you, Lord God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save.” Psalm 71:14-16 CEV

The best way I know to stay filled with hope when things seem hopeless is to recall the times when the Lord did something wonderful for you. God has a way of filling our lives with large and small blessings; these are signs of His presence and His love. These also bring hope when we are discouraged.

Following Christ does not mean an absence of problems or what appears to be “hope-less” situations. To the contrary, it’s in those situations that we can have the greatest hope. It’s there we can see God’s loving hand of deliverance and strength.

“We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are very happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. 3 And we are also happy with the troubles we have. Why are we happy with troubles? Because we know that these troubles make us more patient. 4 And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope. 5 And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us.” Romans 5:1-5 ERV

If you are in a situation that is draining your hope, making you hope-less put your hope in God’s word, in His promises. Doing this will make you hope-full!

Posted on

Congratulations Class of 2020!

I want to take this morning to say congratulations to all who are graduating this year. You did it!

Each one of you are unique and have talents and abilities that no one else does. Your perspective, sense of humor, compassion, strength and skills have made you one-of-a-kind. As parents, grandparents, educators, family and friends we want to encourage you as you continue on this road of life.

God made you complete; an individual who will add to this world and not take away from it. The person you are now and in the process of becoming is as distinctive as your fingerprints. Without you we would all be missing out.

Parents, from the time our graduates were born we guided them in their development. It was our job to nurture them and help them see their God-given talents. As this door on their education closes and they step out into a waiting world we know there is nothing common about them. They have a calling, a plan and a purpose that is exclusively theirs.

“‘I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.’ This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.'” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Trust God to direct your path; as you pursue His plan your lives will be filled with peace, protection and wisdom. He has designed this day from the beginning of time and He desires nothing but good for you.

Any plan that God designs is excellent. Trust Him with your future. You are valuable to your heavenly Father; it makes no difference your profession. We need you – trades persons, educators, first responders, professionals, ministers, musicians, bankers, clerks, artists, designers, homemakers – we need you all.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT

We are celebrating you, the graduates, today. College, High School, Trade School, Junior High and yes, even kindergarten. God’s love and provision is never limited – not by age, class, race, gender or education. He has made a promise to each and everyone of us – He will never leave us or abandon us – never!

Go with God! Follow His path.

Congratulations!

Posted on

A Must Share on Peace

Yesterday morning when I read these verses I knew they were a must share.

“Only God gives inward peace,  and I depend on him. 6 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure. 7 God saves me and honors me. He is that mighty rock where I find safety. 8 Trust God, my friends, and always tell him
each one of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Psalm 62:5-8 CEV

ONLY GOD!

The search for peace, at times, seems to be as illusive as the hunt for the loch ness monster or abominable snowman. Many spend there life searching for it but so few find true peace.

I’ve been reading about the life of David, first as a shepherd and then as king. His transition from the pasture to the palace was a rocky one, to say the least. We often think that when we have a call of God on our life that the road ahead will be smooth and unhindered. Not so my friend, not so.

David was anointed king while Saul was still reigning. Saul hated David and pursued him relentlessly through the deserts. David and his men hid in caves and even took refuge in the towns of the enemies of the Israelites to avoid Saul’s obsessive attacks. There were several times when David could have easily killed Saul but he refused. He told his men, who were encouraging him to take Saul’s life, that he would not touch the king that had been anointed by God. David depended on the Lord to protect and bring him to power in His timing.

I have been reading all this for the last several days, there are chapters and chapters written on Saul’s pursuit of David. So, when I read Psalm 62 yesterday morning and saw David’s words of praise for the peace and protection that the Lord had given him I was greatly impressed. All of the threats, the struggles, the hunger, the danger brought David to pen these heartfelt words “Only God, God alone, God saves, Trust God”. He had one focus, Only God.

These are the words that start this chapter: “Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for him. 2 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure. 3 I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me?
4 You want to bring me down from my place of honor. You love to tell lies, and when your words are kind, hatred hides in your heart. 5 Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.” Psalm 62:1-5 CEV

I don’t know what your life’s circumstance is but I feel certain that some of you have experienced personal attack, unprovoked aggression. May I encourage you to do what David did – focus on God and God alone.

Only God gives inward peace, depend on Him.

Posted on

Can You Smell the Smoke?

I love camping but most of you already know that. Being out in the woods, fishing, hiking, counting the stars all make for a great camping trip but there’s one thing I can’t really enjoy – campfire smoke. Oh, I like cooking over an open fire and roasting marshmallows over the coals but not the smoke.

That smell will stay in your clothes and hair until you take a good shower and do the laundry. It would be strange to be around fire and not have that lingering smoky smell. You could almost say it would be a miracle.

A miracle, indeed.

In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar commanded a statue of gold in his likeness to be built. All the people who lived in the country were to bow down and worship the statue when they heard music playing. Everyone did as there were told except for three young Jewish men who were prisoners in the country, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Those in authority told the King that these three wouldn’t bow and it made him furious. He called them in and gave them strict warning that next time they heard the music they were to bow.

The music played but the men didn’t bow. They were brought before the King again. He ordered the furnace to be heated hotter than it had been for melting gold for the statue; the men were bound and thrown into the fire. In his first warning the King had told them they would be thrown into the furnace if they didn’t bow.

“…O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

Let me paraphrase. King we don’t have to take a lot of time to think about our answer. If you throw us in the fire our God will deliver us. If you don’t throw us in we still aren’t going to serve your god or worship your statue.

At this response, they were thrown in. Nebuchadnezzar was watching to make sure they died. What he saw instead were the men walking around in the fire and that there was a fourth man in there with them!

Hallelujah!! God showed up in grand fashion.

“Nebuchadnezzar went closer to the flaming furnace and said to the three young men, ‘You servants of the Most High God, come out at once!’ They came out, 27 and the king’s high officials, governors, and advisors all crowded around them. The men were not burned, their hair wasn’t scorched, and their clothes didn’t even smell like smoke. 28 King Nebuchadnezzar said: ‘Praise their God for sending an angel to rescue his servants! They trusted their God and refused to obey my commands. Yes, they chose to die rather than to worship or serve any god except their own. 29 And I won’t allow people of any nation or race to say anything against their God. Anyone who does will be chopped up and their houses will be torn down, because no other god has such great power to save.'” Daniel 3:26-29CEV

These men were slaves in a foreign country. They took a very unpopular stand – they refused to worship any god other than God the Father. They were persecuted and their lives were threatened but the stood strong. They went through a fiery trial and came out, not even smelling like smoke.

If you’re going through a fiery trial of persecution for your stand for the Lord Stand strong! Don’t bend, don’t compromise, don’t bow – God will show up and walk in the fire with you.

He will bring you out and you won’t smell like smoke!

Posted on

Made Right – Ready for Use

I know everyone has bought an item at one time or another and found one of those “inspected by” tags. Do you ever wonder who “inspected by No. 46” is? And if you find a flaw in the product, were they having a bad day and just didn’t do their job right? I know it’s silly but I wonder about those things.

However, I have never wondered if God was having a bad day when He told the Holy Spirit to put His seal of approval on us – we are made right and ready for use.

“It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.” Ephesians 1:13-14 MSG

This signet that Paul is talking about was the seal which was placed on every document that came directly from the king or ruler. Hot wax was pour on the parchment and the king’s ring was pressed in to it, leaving an impression to authenticate His approval.

We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit; this marking says we have been made right and are ready for use.

“So that one sin of Adam brought the punishment of death to all people. But in the same way, Christ did something so good that it makes all people right with God. And that brings them true life. 19 One man disobeyed God and many became sinners. But in the same way, one man obeyed God and many will be made right.” Romans 5:18-19 ERV

Made right! When God the Father sees us, He sees that we have been made right! No junk or second rate product here. We are completely new in our life with Him.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” II Corinthians 5:17 ERV

We’re not good enough to do this on our own. No, we have to accept what Jesus has done. There was a time when we were so strapped financially that we couldn’t pay the electric bill. There wasn’t enough money and we didn’t know what we were going to do. A dear friend offered to pay it for us. We could have refused His offer but we didn’t and the bill was marked “paid in full”. Jesus paid the price for our sin and God has marked the account “paid in full”.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” II Corinthians 5:21 NLT

Because of Jesus we have been “made right” and are ready for use!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress