Category: Fearless

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A Safety Line

Four years ago, Dave and I were on the way from our home in Rio Rico to Las Vegas. From Las Vegas we would fly to Chicago and then drive on to Indianapolis for the big Indy 500. This was a bucket list item for Dave.

But on our drive, we were met with a delay. We heard a helicopter whirling overhead and as we made the next bend in the road we saw why.

There, suspended in a safety harness, was a workman who was securing lines on an electrical tower. He seemed to be working confidently as the helicopter pilot held him in place. Attached to the safety harness was a steel cable keeping him tethered to the helicopter.

The helicopter pilot had to adjust to wind currents and the like, holding the workman secure.

We have a safety line from the Father. It’s called an anchor of hope.

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath.

So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. It goes behind the curtain. 20 Jesus has already entered there and opened the way for us. He has become the high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:18-20 ERV

Since God cannot lie His promises hold true. They are an anchor for us, an anchor of hope. Jesus is like that helicopter pilot. He is in heaven holding the line that keeps us secure.

Sometimes the winds of life blow fiercely; the earth beneath our feet starts to quake and our knees give way. Flooding torrents of opposition try to swamp us and take us under. But never forget our Father and Jesus, our Savior, hold the lines of our safety.

“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 of your concerns. God is our place of safety.” Psalm 62:7-8 CEV

“You are my Lord and God, and I look to you for safety. Don’t let me be harmed.” Psalm 141:8 CEV

Our God knew Daniel would face a lions’ den; He knew that Noah would need an ark. He knew that the widow only had a small cruse of oil and a little flour; He knew the disciples would be on the sea in a storm.

He knew!

And He said: “Descendants of Jacob, I, the Lord, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don’t be afraid. I have rescued you, I have called you by name; now you belong to me. 2 When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown. When you walk through fire, you won’t be burned or scorched by the flames. 3 I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, the God who saves you.” Isaiah 43:1-3 CEV

Everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus is a descendant of Jacob and these verses were written for us.

God’s word is our safety line and Jesus, Himself, is holding us secure!

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Encourage the Brave

I found this saying attributed to Alexander the Great and thought it was worth sharing. “An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep”.

God has placed within us all a spirit of boldness; sometimes we just need someone to encourage us.

Let’s look at three words. Courage, En courage, Dis courage.

Courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to push through it.

En-courage: to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident.

In the Bible the words strength or encourage are used interchangeably.

Discourage. to make (someone) less determined, hopeful, or confident.

When we become discouraged, we lose the ability to persevere and withstand difficulty. I want to encourage you in who you are today in Christ. Don’t let the enemy or the circumstances you are facing discourage you.

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. 7 Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful. 8 Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings. They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ. 9 God lives fully in Christ. 10 And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:6-10 CEV

Be strong, be grateful. Don’t listen to senseless arguments that discredit God. The power of God rests in Christ and since we are in Christ. As believers God makes His power available to us. He has made us free!

“You were spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were not free from the power of your sinful self. But God gave you new life together with Christ. He forgave all our sins. 14 Because we broke God’s laws, we owed a debt—a debt that listed all the rules we failed to follow. But God forgave us of that debt. He took it away and nailed it to the cross. 15 He defeated the rulers and powers of the spiritual world. With the cross he won the victory over them and led them away, as defeated and powerless prisoners for the whole world to see.” Colossians 2:13-15 ERV

Christ won the victory for us! Be encouraged with that today.

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Not Today!

This morning’s blog came with great emphasis in my heart this morning – no fear, not today!

All through the night a song from Sunday’s worship service kept running through my mind. It was published by Bethel Music, just last year, (I must give credit where credit is due), “No Longer Slaves”.

From my mother’s womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again to a family
Your blood flows through my veins

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

Fear can be paralyzing; fear can be demoralizing; it robs the richness of life – an abundant life that Christ came to give us.

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

“ God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

Every day we are bombarded with fearful reports. “There’s a storm coming; the crime rate is up; the newest COVID cases; inflation; shortage on the grocery store shelves…and the list goes on.

NO!! Not today! I will not be a slave to fear, I am God’s child and He is my protector and my provision.

Not today! I am with the Shepherd and He uses His rod to beat back my enemies!

“I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.” Psalm 23:4 CEV

Not today! God is with us; He will protect us!

“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

Not today! Christ is in control!

“Don’t be afraid! I am the first, the last, 18 and the living one. I died, but now I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and the world of the dead.” Revelation 1:17-18 CEV

Not today, dear friend – you are God’s child and He has promised to never leave you!!

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A Teenager, A Carpenter & A Shepherd

Sometimes I think we forget that the people we encounter through the pages of the Bible were real people just like you and me. They were subject to the same emotions that we experience. I find that very comforting.

This morning I was thinking about the angels that were used to deliver God’s messages to those who had the starring roles in the Christmas story – a teenager, a carpenter and some shepherds.

First let’s look at the message that Mary received.

“The angel came to her and said, “Greetings! The Lord is with you; you are very special to him.” 29 But Mary was very confused about what the angel said. She wondered, “What does this mean?” 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is very pleased with you. 31 Listen! You will become pregnant and have a baby boy. You will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:28-31 ERV

Don’t be afraid.

Then look at Joseph, the carpenter’s, encounter.

“ But after Joseph thought about this, an angel from the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to accept Mary to be your wife. The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-22 ERV

Don’t be afraid.

And finally, let’s see the message the shepherds received.

“ That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:8-12 ERV

Don’t be afraid. The message is clear – God never wants our lives ruled by fear. When we are fearful, we react without thinking, often irrationally. God wants us to think clearly, to listen well and to follow His leading in peace.

If any of these three had been moved by fear the outcome of the angels’ announcements could have been very different. Mary may have told the angel to find someone else to mother the Messiah. Joseph, fearing for his reputation, may have decided to follow through with his plan to separate himself from Mary and end their relationship. If the shepherds had been led by fear they may have stayed on the hillside and missed out on seeing the newborn King.

I’ve had to ask myself; how many times have I missed out on God’s leading in my life because I let fear lead and not God’s peace. When the Father reveals His leading in our lives, He will also fill us with His peace.

“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 15:13 ERV

Of the three, the teenager, the carpenter and the shepherd, who do you identify with most; the young woman whose life would be publicly and dramatically changed, the businessman whose reputation and livelihood could have been ruined or the shepherd who could have not gotten involved but missed out on the meet-up of a lifetime?

To all of us, who are being led by the Father, the message is the same “Don’t be afraid, I am with you”!

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Out In the Open

For the last several weeks it has been hunting season on the mountain. Deer, turkey, bear, antelope, mountain lion, elk and now duck. This is an area with an abundance of game.

For several days we traveled the road to town. It is so enjoyable because we would always see game in the open meadows or amongst the trees along the roadside. But about a week ago we noticed that the meadows were empty. It was hunting season and wildlife was scarce.

But two days ago they were back! The danger was gone and they felt safe to come out in the open.

I’m going to miss not being on the mountain! I’ve been reminded of so many of God’s truths in the last four months. These antelope brought another truth to mind. They retreated, they hid in the underbrush of the pine thickets during hunting season – they made it hard for their adversaries to find them.

In the Old Testament we find Scripture telling us that God is our hiding place. He protects us from our enemies.

” Show your wonderful love. Your mighty arm protects those who run to you for safety from their enemies. 8 Protect me as you would your very own eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 17:7-8 CEV

They hid instead of coming face-to-face with the enemy. But in the New Testament, we believers are instructed to “be bold”, unafraid, courageous as we face the enemy. Jesus told his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the presence of the Holy Spirit who would fill them with power to be witnesses.

And that they did!

They went from hiding in the days after Christ’s crucifixion to standing boldly in front of the crowds and proclaiming the resurrection and new life in Christ. Their adversaries had them beaten and imprisoned. They were maligned and persecuted. Their response, they prayed for more boldness.

“Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30 Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus. 31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God’s message.” Acts 4:29-31 CEV

Our reaction should be the same. When we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the power of God defending us. There is no reason to hide. Ours is not a defensive battle against our enemy, we are on the offensive – taking ground – enacting the victory!

“Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10-14 CEV

We stand at the start of the battle and we will still be standing, victorious, when the battle is over!

Come out in the open and let the power of God bring us to victory!

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The Times Are A Changin’

Yesterday morning as I was sitting here writing my blog I heard the birds singing, as always. This time I stopped and looked at my watch; it was 4:45. I remember when I came to the campground in June, the birds started singing at 4:18.

The times, they are a changing.

Stop right now, if you will, and do a mental recap on your summer so far. What have you accomplished since June 1? Have there been any moments worth remembering? Oh, I hope there have been.

You have traveled along with me this summer. We came for a simple two week camping trip starting on June 4 and then had plans to meet up with friends for a few days but all that changed. We were offered an opportunity to be camp hosts at our favorite campground in the mountains. A place we come to every year, a place of many memories.

Then two weeks after that we were evacuated due to threat of fire. Yes, you were with me then too. During our evacuation we met and became friends with other camp hosts. It was an interesting time but we were always on alert that we could be moved from the mountain at a moments notice.

The first bird just started to sing, it’s 4:47. The times they are a changing!

Two weeks ago we were allowed to come back to the campground and resume our duties. Campers came slowly at first but last weekend we were almost full and the same holds true for this weekend.

The rains came and we are still getting rain every day. The wild flowers are blooming, the fish are biting, the elk are grazing in the meadows. It’s beautiful.

And then there were the lightning strikes…just yesterday a large ponderosa pine was felled in one of the campsites because it had been badly damaged by a lightning strike on Sunday.

This is my recap of the summer! Not what I had planned in any way but exciting just the same. I have been able to share God’s word with new friends, and I have prayed with and for others. The thing that never changes is the word of God and the power of prayer.

Each day changes just a little. Plans need to be rescheduled or laid aside completely but the Lord is ever present and those little birds that sing each morning remind me of that.

“ Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. 30 Even the hairs on your head are counted. 31 So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 CEV

Maybe your summer hasn’t gone as planned. Maybe things have changed signifcantly. Maybe you don’t know what to do next or where to turn. Be like the birds – start your morning with a song.

“ 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. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

Trust the Lord. He has a plan and a purpose for you.

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Oh My!

Last night we had one of those rain storms with lightning that take your breath away! Oh my goodness.

For years when the lightning has seemed close, I judge it with the count-to-eight method to determine just how close it is. If you hear the thunder eight seconds after the lightning flash then the lightning was approximately one mile away, if it’s four seconds then the lightning is about one-half mile. You get the point…last night there was a strike and I didn’t even get to the count of one.

Oh my! It was beautiful but so loud and close. Praise God there was no damage and all in the campground are safe.

It’s easy to become fearful when things catch us off guard. That’s why it’s important to remind ourselves daily, sometimes hourly, that the Lord is our constant companion and that He has promised to never leave us or abandon us.

Right here, in the mountains in the midst of this amazing thunder storm the Lord was with me. Right there, in the midst of a hurricane or tornado the Lord is with you!

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you; don’t be distressed, for I am your God. I give you strength, I give you help, I support you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

We don’t need to be afraid on a busy freeway or flying from place to place. We can be at peace in the doctor’s office or in an operating room. There is no circumstance or situation that we face that God is not there and when we trust in Him we can have perfect peace.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

Practice peace and fear not. Live a life of trusting our heavenly Father. The result will be a fearless and peace filled life.

Oh my!

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And Now It’s Still

For the last hour we experienced a mighty, rushing wind. No, not the one from the book of Acts but the kind that comes sweeping across the plain and down the rock face.

It started at 2:30 am and now it’s 3:45 am and all is quiet. It’s still.

I was concerned. Do I go outside and fold down the chairs and table? Is it strong enough to blow the grill off the picnic table? Are all the compartment doors on the RV storage securely latched?

And now it’s still.

Dave’s back in bed and I’m here, contemplating the calm with all of you.

I remember when we bought our home in Montana. The sweet lady we purchased from gave me some excellent information. She said, “Kristi, you have never experienced one of our snowstorms. The wind will blow the snow sideways. It will blow in without warning. It looks like a blizzard is setting in, but wait. Wait thirty minutes and it will all be over”.

That first snowstorm came just like she said. The wind, the pelting snow and I waited. Thirty minutes, I watched the clock. And it was over.

Now it was still.

Life’s winds will blow. It can be disconcerting, distressing. But the storm will cease. It will pass.

“After sending the people away, they took Jesus with them in a boat. It was the same boat He used when He taught them. Other little boats went along with them. 37 A bad wind storm came up. The waves were coming over the side of the boat. It was filling up with water. 38 Jesus was in the back part of the boat sleeping on a pillow. They woke Him up, crying out, “Teacher, do You not care that we are about to die?” 39 He got up and spoke sharp words to the wind. He said to the sea, “Be quiet! Be still.” At once the wind stopped blowing. There were no more waves. 40 He said to His followers, “Why are you so full of fear? Do you not have faith?” Mark 4:36-40 NLV

And now it was still.

When the winds come it’s important we remember God’s promise – I will never leave you or forsake you. He won’t abandon us in our storms. He’s with us in the boat. Let’s take our cue from Jesus – He isn’t worried and we shouldn’t be either.

He’s in control and now it is still!

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Bloom Where You’re Planted

Some years back a clever person coined the phrase “Bloom where you’re planted”.

I appreciate the thoughts behind that saying. Many are discontent because of their circumstances; they feel they live in the wrong city or country, they don’t feel they work at the right place or attended the right schools. Life would be better “if only”.

But in all that reflecting, they are discontent and fail to produce beauty where they are.

I took the picture I’m using for this blog while we were hiking among the boulders in New Mexico. I almost walked by without noticing the little plant growing at my feet. There was new life sprouting from a mostly dead tree root. The root was under a rock. New forms of life were actually springing up between a rock and a hard place.

Maybe that’s where you find yourself – between a rock and a hard place. Things aren’t the way they should be and they definitely aren’t the way you would like them to be but remember this – you have life and Christ has promised to make that life abundant.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

When we rely on Christ and not our own knowledge and understanding we draw our strength and purpose for life from Him. Circumstances and conditions are subject to change. The one thing that remains eternal is the Father and His love for us. The Psalms say that everything that has breath should praise the Lord. This morning as I write I have breath, as you read this you have breath, so join me in praising the Lord.

“The dry desert will rejoice. The desert will be glad and blossom. 2 It will be covered with flowers and dance with joy. It will be as beautiful as the forest of Lebanon, the hill of Carmel, and the Sharon Valley. This will happen because all people will see the Glory of the Lord. They will see the beauty of our God.

3 Make the weak arms strong again. Strengthen the weak knees. 4 People are afraid and confused. Say to them, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid!” Look, your God will come and punish your enemies. He will come and give you your reward. He will save you.” Isaiah 35:1-4 ERV

I say the same thing to you that Isaiah said to the nation of Israel “Be Strong, Don’t be Afraid”. The Lord didn’t abandon them and He will not abandon us. Things are changing so rapidly in the world around us. Without the Lord there would be plenty of reason to feel weak and afraid but we aren’t without Him!

“God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. 2 Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. 3 They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 CEV

Find your strength in Jesus. Draw life from Him. Bloom where you are planted!

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Too Many To Count

When our youngest daughter was in first grade I had a job where I had to be clocked in my 5:30 a.m. That, of course, was way to early for her to be up getting ready for school so Dave would get her off to school each morning.

I would have her clothes laid out and her lunch made but he had to make sure she had breakfast and her hair brushed before he took her to school. Breakfast was no problem but the hair brushing was something entirely different. She had long blonde hair, almost to the middle of her back and she liked to wear it in a pony tail or a single braid.

The hair brushing routine is something they still laugh about to this day. Dave’s big hands were clumsy as he tried to pulled up all that hair and smooth it into a pont tail with no lumps or bumps. They finally fell upon a plan that worked for them both. Our daughter would lay down on the dining room table bench, hair hanging over the edge. He brushed it, gathered it together and got the pony tail holder in place.

Success!

A labor of love! A time a father and daughter will never forget. Something special for just the two of them.

Did you know that our heavenly Father wants times like that with us? Special times – initimate times – times that only the two of us can share. He knows the very number of hairs on our head; He saw us as we were being formed in our mother’s womb and considered us perfect. He has been there every day of our lives and has been as intimately involved as we have allowed Him to be.

“But now the Lord Who made you, O Jacob, and He Who made you, O Israel, says, “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. I have given Egypt as pay for your life, and have traded Cush and Seba for you. Isaiah 43:1-3 NLV

“but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book  everything I would do. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. 18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalm 139:16-18 CEV

A friend and I were talking at breakfast yesterday morning about the goodness of God. Our Father is always working on our behalf, even when we don’t see it. His plan is for our good and our benefit. We can trust Him!

We don’t need to be looking at others and wishing we had what they have because we have our Father’s promise. He will never leave us or forsake us. Our help comes from the Lord so we should be “fear free”; our God is greater than any man.

When we ask the question “where is God now, does He know what I’m going through?”, the answer rings clear.

“I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” Psalm 139:7 NLT

What is your situation today? Are your eyes filled with tears? Is your heart breaking? Do you feel lost and alone? Your Father knows the number of hairs on your head and He is with you in every situation. He has good thoughts of you – so many that they are to numerable to count!

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