Category: Fearless

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My Rock & Defense

“I love you, Lord! You are my strength. 2 The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place high in the hills.” Psalm 18:1-2 ERV

Have you ever stopped to look at the life of Peter?

Strengths: Outdoorsman, Co-owner of a fishing fleet. Tough, Outspoken. Born leader. Loyal, Committed. Determined. Repentant. Teachable, Usable.

Weaknesses: Overconfident, Speak First Think Later. Self-Promoting. Folds Under Pressure. Proud. Impulsive.

Peter cut off a soldier’s ear in the Garden when they came to arrest Jesus. He denied Christ three times in the courtyard. He was one of the first to run to the tomb and find it empty but then he went back to the disciples, and they locked themselves in. Fearful.

50 days later he was in the upper room when the Holy Spirit filled the 120 with God’s power. He spoke boldly to the crowds, pointing out that they were the ones responsible for killing Jesus. But he preached forgiveness and over 3000 repented at the first preaching.

Then in Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested for preaching Jesus. No denial here. In fact, Peter spoke boldly to the religious leaders.

“Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and you older leaders, 9 are you questioning us today about what we did to help this crippled man? Are you asking us what made him well? 10 We want all of you and all the people of Israel to know that this man was made well by the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You nailed Jesus to a cross, but God raised him from death. This man was crippled, but he is now well. He is able to stand here before you because of the power of Jesus! 11 Jesus is the ‘stone that you builders thought was not important. But this stone has become the cornerstone.’” Acts 4:8-11 ERV

This man who had denied knowing Jesus to a servant girl now stood before the rulers and proclaimed openly that he was a follower of Christ.

“So the Jewish leaders called Peter and John in again. They told the apostles not to say anything or to teach anything in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, ‘What do you think is right? What would God want? Should we obey you or God? 20 We cannot be quiet. We must tell people about what we have seen and heard.’” Acts 4:18-20 ERV

What made the difference in Peter? The Holy Spirit!

Jesus said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit baptized them. Power to be witnesses, power to be bold, power to heal the sick, power to preach!

Are there things in your past that you are ashamed of? Times that you feel you have failed, not just failed yourself or your family, but times that you have failed God? Those failures don’t disqualify you from service.

If Peter hadn’t of failed, he still would have been self-confident, prideful and not felt he needed a Savior. He wouldn’t have been willing to yield his life to the Holy Spirit.

We need to let go of the past and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with power.

Thank you, Father, for changing my life from self-confident to God-confident. Thank you for seeing me as usable and trusting me with Your message of love and forgiveness!

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Finish Strong

In my quiet time this morning the Lord reminded me of the importance of finishing strong.

Yesterday I told you about Caleb’s stand and how he said, “God is well-able”. It wasn’t just a slogan; it was his life’s mantra.

“Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 12 So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” Joshua 14:10-12 NLT

At 85, Caleb was still strong and still determined to see the will of God accomplished in his life. He didn’t care about the giants. He didn’t give up on God’s promise. Never give up on a God-given dream or promise.

“ For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[a] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 NLT a.2:9 Or in him dwells all the completeness of the Godhead bodily.

If the Father has made you a promise or given you a dream He has also given you the power and the plan to see it come to pass.

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NLT

We give thanks to God who gives us the victory over life’s situations because of our relationship with God through Christ Jesus. It may not always look like we are victorious but when we give Him thanks, we will see the circumstances change.

Jesus didn’t look victorious when they laid him in the tomb. Peter didn’t look victorious when he was sinking in the sea of Galilee. Daniel didn’t look victorious when he was thrown into the lion’s den. Paul didn’t look victorious when he was stoned and left for dead. At 85, Caleb probably didn’t look like a fighting man in his prime.

But…Thanks be to God who gave them the victory and He has given us victory as well. Paul said in Romans 8 that God calls us overcomers and more than conquerors. So, we will stand strong in doing the work that God has called us to do.

We have victory in Christ Jesus so let’s finish strong and give thanks.

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I Am With You

Yesterday we came to our granddaughter’s home and had the privilege of spending the day with her family. We’ll be here until tomorrow morning and then we’ll head home. It’s been an amazing visit.

During these times with family I am reminded so much of the Father’s great love.

Last night we went to dinner and when we left the restaurant our great granddaughter reached up and grabbed Dave’s hand. She’s 3 1/2 and knows that we don’t cross the sidewalk without holding a grown-up’s hand. Her dad took this picture and sent it to my phone.

I love it.

It begs the question, when we are in a potentially dangerous situation whose hand do we hold?

“‘Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you.'” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLV

Don’t be afraid – I am with you!

How comforting that is! I am with you. The promise of the Father’s presence causes our hearts to rest.

The other day I shared a verse from Psalm 16 where the writer expressed his feelings about being in God’s presence. He said “in Your presence is the fullness of joy”. Not partial or temporary joy but the fullest expression and experience of joy. When we are in the Father’s presence there is nothing that can disturb our joy and our peace.

I don’t know if you’re old enough to remember a song that was written and released in 1970 but it was called “The Man From Galilee”. This was the chorus:

“Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water

Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea

Take a look at yourself, and you can look at others differently

Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee”

When we walk hand-in-hand with Christ our perspective changes. We realize there isn’t anything that is too big for God to handle.

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.” Psalm 46:1-3 NLV

Enjoy the simplicity of childlike faith – let the Father take your hand and walk this life together.

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Sound the Alarm

What do a beeping smoke alarm and the early morning hours have in common? Nothing good!!!

Why is it that smoke detectors always seem to wait until the wee hours to chirp or in this case beep intermittently? Trying to tell us it’s time to change the battery but it’s unsettling to say the least…

Isn’t that the way it is with “warning” devices? They interrupt the normal flow – they come with annoying sounds that set us on edge and that is their purpose. A warning has to be something loud or out of the ordinary so that we stop, look and listen!

The same is true in spiritual things. God gives warnings.

He sent Moses to the pharaoh; Noah preached to the world before the flood; Daniel’s dream foretold the fall of the Medo-Persian empire; Jesus came preaching salvation and the end of the age!

“Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him in private and asked, ‘When will this happen? What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?’

4 Jesus answered: Don’t let anyone fool you. 5 Many will come and claim to be me. They will say that they are the Messiah, and they will fool many people. 6 You will soon hear about wars and threats of wars, but don’t be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but that isn’t the end. 7 Nations and kingdoms will go to war against each other. People will starve to death, and in some places there will be earthquakes. 8 But this is just the beginning of troubles.

9 You will be arrested, punished, and even killed. Because of me, you will be hated by people of all nations. 10 Many will give up and will betray and hate each other. 11 Many false prophets will come and fool a lot of people. 12 Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others. 13 But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved. 14 When the good news about the kingdom has been preached all over the world and told to all nations, the end will come.” Matthew 24:3-14 ERV

“The Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe. They will obey spirits that tell lies. And they will follow the teachings of demons. 2 Those teachings come through people who tell lies and trick others. These evil people cannot see what is right and what is wrong. It is like their conscience has been destroyed with a hot iron.” I Timothy 4:1-2 ERV

Things are happening all around us; things around the world and even in our own country and states are alarming. However, we have no need to fear or be in distress.

“Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!” Luke 21:27-28 ERV

The good news is this. The warning signs are given so we won’t lose hope, so we won’t give up. The alarms are sounding. It’s time to look up, the day of His coming is soon!

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How Soon We Forget

It’s good to reminisce. It brings special memories to the forefront of our minds. Some things we should never forget. God’s faithfulness comes to the top of my list.

The wonderful things the Lord has done for us in the past sometimes get lost in our memory when we focus on the problems of the present. It’s a form of spiritual amnesia.

The Israelites had lived in slavery to the Egyptians for four hundred years. The Lord sent Moses to lead them from captivity. The power of God was seen in the ten plagues that fell on the land of Egypt. Finally, Pharoah let God’s people go.

But it didn’t take long for him to reconsider his decision.

“When the Israelites saw the king coming with his army, they were frightened and begged the Lord for help. 11 They also complained to Moses, ‘Wasn’t there enough room in Egypt to bury us? Is that why you brought us out here to die in the desert? Why did you bring us out of Egypt anyway? 12 While we were there, didn’t we tell you to leave us alone? We’d rather be slaves in Egypt than die in this desert!’

13 But Moses answered, ‘Don’t be afraid! Be brave, and you will see the Lord save you today. These Egyptians will never bother you again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you won’t have to do a thing.’” Exodus 14:10-14 CEV

They forgot that God was defending and protecting them but thank God, He didn’t. He told Moses to keep moving forward. Then Moses was to stretch out his rod and the Red Sea would part so they could walk across on dry ground. And the rest is history. This miracle was something Moses would remind them of for the next forty years.

For a number of years, I worked in an animal hospital. Each year we would see the same dogs for porcupine quill removal. The first year I assisted with the quill removal I was amazed at how the dog’s chest, mouth, and muzzle was filled with quills. Some cases were so severe that we would have to sedate the dog to get them all. Then Doc said an interesting thing, “we’ll see this dog back again next year for the same thing”, and sure enough we did. You see there was a partial memory loss, amnesia. The dogs remembered the porcupine but forgot the horrible experience of the quills.

Pharaoh quickly forgot the pain of the plagues and only saw that his work force of slaves was fleeing. The Israelites forgot their 400 years of slavery and God’s deliverance and could only see the trouble of the pursuing Egyptians.

But, Moses remembered GOD! Today I encourage you to remember God.

“God gave his Law to Jacob’s descendants, the people of Israel. And he told our ancestors to teach their children, 6 so that each new generation would know his Law and tell it to the next. 7 Then they would trust God and obey his teachings, without forgetting anything God had done.” Psalm 78:5-7 CEV

Let’s not forget those big and small things God has done for us in the past. They are the foundation of faith we stand on for our present and our future.

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Held in Bondage

A new day! A fresh start – opportunities, potential, promise all lay ahead of you today. How will you spend the time that God has given you today?

If there are obstacles in your way do what Moses did:

“And the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” Exodus 8:20 NKJV

Speak to that situation that is trying to keep you enslaved and tell it the Great I AM has freed you from its power. You have been moved to a place of victory through your relationship with Christ.

Is there a particular fear or apprehension that has you weighed down? Has anger and bitterness kept your emotions locked in chains?

“Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us, 4 because everyone who is a child of God has the power to win against the world. 5 It is our faith that has won the victory against the world. So who wins against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5 ERV

Joshua told us we would have good success if we kept our thoughts centered on God’s word day and night. Our faith strengthens when we are focused on His word.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

King David told us to rise early and seek God.

“Show me your faithful love this morning. I trust in you. Show me what I should do. I put my life in your hands! 9 Lord, I come to you for protection. Save me from my enemies. 10 Show me what you want me to do. You are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me over level ground.” Psalm 143:8-10 ERV

Don’t despise getting up early. It’s God’s time of preparation, getting us ready for the day and a walk of victory!

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Of Great Value

We have been watching a pair of dove build their nest in the palm tree just outside our window. It’s well hidden from view, but we know it’s there. Many times a day the pair come with twigs in their beaks, sit on the palm frond and then disappear toward the trunk of the tree.

Just last week Dave had told our neighbor that he would be cutting some of the dead fronds from trunk and dispose of them for her but now that has to wait. The nest, eggs and bird couple need their home protected.

Yesterday it seemed like every bird in the neighborhood had joined the avian chorus and was providing us with a concert. A concert which would rival Handel’s Messiah. Before daybreak the birds are singing, throughout the day their chorus wafts on the breeze and each evening as the sun starts to set they repeat their melodious refrain.

“ Jesus said to His followers, “Because of this, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you are going to eat. Do not worry about your body, what you are going to wear. 23 Life is worth more than food. The body is worth more than clothes. 24 Look at the birds. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They have no grain buildings for keeping grain. Yet God feeds them. Are you not worth more than the birds?…Do not give so much thought to what you will eat or drink. Do not be worried about it. 30 For all the nations of the world go after these things. Your Father knows you need these things. 31 Instead, go after the holy nation of God. Then all these other things will be given to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock. Your Father wants to give you the holy nation of God.” Luke 12:22-32 NLV

“Are we not worth more than the birds?” “Do not be afraid, little flock.”

Words to live by! Of course, we are worth more than the birds. But even if we consider ourselves to be as insignificant as one of the feathered chorus, we are admonished to live fear free – we are part of the Father’s flock and He promises to care for us.

All of creation is a living example of how the Father cares for us; the seed in the ground, the birds in the air, the lilies of the field, the oceans with their tides, the changing seasons and even the heavens declare the glory of God.

Often when I stop to think about the way God provides for His creation I remember a little chorus we sang in Sunday School.

“The birds up in the treetops sing their song, The angels chant their chorus all day long. The flowers in the garden blend their hue, So why shouldn’t I, why shouldn’t you Praise Him too?”

It’s a simple theology that requires childlike faith.

Listen for the song of the birds, join their chorus and thank the Father that He provides for us!

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Open The Door

I opened the door this morning and experienced the birth of a new day. Sitting inside I could only see part of the beauty that filled the sky.

I’m so glad I walked out!

Have you ever been in a place where you knew the Lord was opening a new door for you? But instead of walking through it you hesitated, not sure what would be waiting for you, you paused, needing to be reassured that this was a good thing.

I have held back at times, wondering if this “new thing” was really God’s doing or just my wishful thinking. Even now, I am wondering about some new opportunities that lay before me.

Opening the door and walking out means leaving the familiar – experiencing new challenges, new victories. When thoughts like this come, I find one of my favorite Psalms gives me encouragement and direction. You may find it a bit long but it is filled with hope and promise.

“I will tell of your greatness, my God and King.
    I will praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day.
    I will praise your name forever and ever.
3 The Lord is great and deserves all our praise!
    No one can fully understand his greatness!
4 Each generation will praise you
    and tell the next generation about the great things you do.
5 Your majesty and glory are wonderful.
    I will tell about your miracles.
6 People will tell about the amazing things you do,
    and I will tell everyone how great you are.
7 They will talk about your goodness
    and sing about your justice.

8 The Lord is kind and merciful,
    patient and full of love.
9 The Lord is good to everyone.
    He shows his mercy to everything he made.
10 Lord, all you have made will give thanks to you.
    Your loyal followers will praise you.
11 They will tell how great your kingdom is.
    They will tell how great you are.
12 So others will learn about the mighty things you do,
    about the glory of your kingdom—how marvelous it is!
13 Your kingdom will never end,
    and you will rule forever.

The Lord can be trusted in all that he says.
    He is loyal in all that he does.[a]
14 The Lord lifts up people who have fallen.
    He helps those who are in trouble.
15 All living things look to you for their food,
    and you give them their food at the right time.
16 You open your hands
    and give every living thing all that it needs.
17 Everything the Lord does is good.
    Everything he does shows how loyal he is.
18 The Lord is near to everyone
    who sincerely calls to him for help.
19 He listens to his followers and does what they want.
    He answers their prayers and saves them.
20 The Lord protects everyone who loves him,
    but he destroys all who do evil.
21 I will praise the Lord!
    Let everyone praise his holy name forever and ever! Psalm 145 CEV

The Lord hears us when we call, he protects us, he is loyal and will always be there to help – the door is open!

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Wrapped in Peace

Last night Dave grabbed my phone and captured this beautiful end to a raining afternoon. I didn’t see the shots he took until this morning. They brought a smile to my face and a sense of peace to my heart.

The image made me wonder how many skies like this Peter saw on the Sea of Galilee and many times Jesus looked up at the end of a long day and saw the rays of the sun shining through the clouds?

Peter would see the clouds and think like a fisherman. He would be focused on the natural while Jesus was about His Father’s business and the lives that needed to be changed.

I don’t know Peter’s thoughts or concerns, but I do know that Jesus was always intent on doing what the Father had sent him to do, to serve mankind and tell them (us) of the Father’s love.

He would draw away from his disciples in the evening and then again in the early morning hours to pray. He was always aware of the Father’s presence, and He was wrapped in the peace that only comes from above.

One particular night Jesus had sent his disciples off in a boat and He stayed by himself to pray.

“At once, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 23 Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later in the evening, he was still there.

24 By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. 25 A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. 26 When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.

27 At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:22-27 CEV

The disciples had seen miracles that day but out in the boat the miracles and power of God had been forgotten. They were focused on their desperate situation and fear had set in. Jesus spoke words of protection and peace.

Don’t be afraid!

Peter was emboldened by Jesus’ presence and said, “Lord if it’s you let me walk on the water too”. Jesus said, “Come on”. Peter stepped out of the boat and started walking toward Jesus but then he looked at the waves and felt the wind. He was no longer trusting in the one who said “Come” and he began to sink.

Jesus took him by the hand and they joined the other disciples in the boat. Peace was restored.

How many times do we start out on a course that God has designed for us and become frightened by the circumstances around us?

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

Take your worries and concerns to the Father in prayer. Our Father who fills the sky with His beauty will wrap you in His peace!

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A Strong Heart

This morning my Bible reading took me to two different stories in the Old Testament. The main character of the first story was David and the second story had a female heroine named Esther.

Both of these people displayed strength of character, they had strong hearts.

David was just a young man when he went to visit his brothers on the battlefield. The entire army of Israel stood paralyzed by fear because of one man, Goliath. Enter David. He had a confidence in the Lord, his God. He knew God could and can do anything, so instead of letting fear control him, he moved forward with a heart full of faith and defeated the enemy.

“ David said to the Philistine, “You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Esther was a young Jewish girl who had been taken captive to Persia, along with many of her countrymen. Through a series of God-directed events, she became the queen. An evil man, Haman, had persuaded the king to write an edict condemning all the Jews to death. Esther asked all the Jews to pray for her so that she would have favor when approaching the king to have the edict overturned.

“ Then Esther sent this answer to Mordecai: “Mordecai, go and get all the Jews in Susa together, and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days and nights. I and my women servants will fast too. After we fast, I will go to the king. I know it is against the law to go to the king if he didn’t call me, but I will do it anyway. If I die, I die.” Esther 4:15-16 ERV

Esther was granted an audience with the king and she explained the plot that had been conspired against her people. Haman was hanged and the plot against the Jews was reversed. It happened because a young woman had a bold heart and a desire to honor God.

Both David and Esther could have been totally consumed by fear and their stories would have had an entirely different ending. BUT…they didn’t. They trusted in the Lord, their God.

“Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:13-14 KJV

Keep me from the presumptuous sin of fear – don’t let it control me! What a challenging prayer. Let my heart meditate on You, Lord. You are my strength and the One who saves me.

These were the thoughts of both David and Esther.

Lord, may these be our thoughts today. May we overcome fear by meditating on You. Strengthen our hearts this day!

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