Category: Strength

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Stuck, Really Stuck

Dave and I have been watching a show made for Australian television that focuses on a ranch run by women and the struggles they face. They have both cattle and sheep. It seems they are always out on a muster. At least once of twice a season they come across a sheep that has gotten stuck in the deep mud at the edge of the creek. It takes a lot of hard work to get them out. That happened again when we were watching the program last night and it made me think of a verse in Psalm 40.

I shared with you from the middle of Psalm 40 yesterday. These verses at the beginning of the chapter had a greater impact after watching the struggle of both the shepherd and the sheep on that show.

“I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings. 3 And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord. 4 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who makes the Lord his refuge and trust, and turns not to the proud or to followers of false gods.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey [Your law, a more valuable service than] burnt offerings and sin offerings [which] You do not require. 7 Then said I, Behold, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me; 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; yes, Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:1-8AMP

It amazes me how often King David talks about being in a miry pit (adverse circumstances) or facing enemies (personal or spiritual ones) and how over and over again he thanks the Lord for delivering him out of them all. It’s always something to sing about. David drew on his work as a shepherd as a correlation to the way the Lord provided for him when he faced troublesome times. He saw the Lord’s deliverance on more than one occasion; he lived it daily.

God was always faithful! And David was always ready to do what God had asked of him – he delighted to do God’s will. He had learned that in doing God’s will there was protection, peace and provision. It was a place of blessing.

The Apostle Paul’s greatest desire was to share the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ with others. He was always ready to share when given the opportunity and he prayed for opportunities. Paul faced many obstacles on his missionary journeys. He was thrown into prison, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, lied about, mistreated constantly but he said the hardship couldn’t compare to being able to share the Gospel.

“He answered me, “I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people.” I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ’s power in me. 10 I receive joy when I am weak. I receive joy when people talk against me and make it hard for me and try to hurt me and make trouble for me. I receive joy when all these things come to me because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10 NLV

Paul knew that Christ would be his strength. He knew that there was no situation where he was weak that the Lord wouldn’t strengthen him. Maybe you feel like you’ve been stuck in some pretty deep mud. Immobilized by your circumstances. Don’t lose hope! God is there and He will bring deliverance and strength.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

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Recovering From A Storm

Our last few days have been anything but quiet! You all know how much I enjoy the peace and tranquility that I have here in our neighborhood. It has been disturbed in a big way.

Some of you will remember we had a huge hail storm back in October. The hail was the size of golf balls and it pelted us for almost an hour. The trees and shrubbery were stripped of their leaves, cacti had holes shot through them and the cars were dimpled with hail marks. Window screens were shredded and one of our sky lights were broken. It was a hard storm.

What we didn’t realize until a couple months ago was damage had been done to our roof. First one neighbor and then a few others called their insurance companies to have adjusters come assess the effects of the storm. It was quite wide spread in our area. When we called, we found that our roof needed to be replaced because of the damage that had been sustained from the hail.

Two days ago the workers came and began stripping away the old roof. Our home is a flat roofed, Santa Fe style home. They spent all day peeling away the damaged roofing material. Yesterday they came and began laying the new roof. The banging, pounding, deconstruction and reconstruction was almost deafening. There isn’t a picture in the house that is hanging straight. Little bits of dirt and dust that had lived in the vents for thirteen years was now on my furniture and floors. David even put pillows under some of our hanging lights in case they fell.

After the workmen left yesterday I sat in the living room enjoying the quiet. The peace had returned. However, they will be back again today to finish the job. Sitting here my heart was filled with empathy for those who live in areas that are ravaged by floods, tornados, hurricanes, fires and devastating earthquakes; those who face complete loss while I only experience a few days of inconvenience.

These storms may destroy physical property and possessions but many experience the loss from storms that devastate their emotions, their sense of inner peace and their spiritual well being. In these cases it’s important to remember the one who can repair the damage and restore the peace.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. The Lord has chosen me to tell good news to the poor and to comfort those who are sad. He sent me to tell the captives and prisoners that they have been set free. 2 He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, 3 those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’

4 Then the old cities that were destroyed will be rebuilt. Those ancient ruins will be made new, as they were in the beginning.” Isaiah 61:1-4 ERV

This was written about Jesus and told what He would do when He came to earth. He came to heal, deliver, comfort, bring freedom and rebuild. He came to restore us who have suffered loss and destruction.

“You, Lord God, bless everyone  who cares for the poor, and you rescue those people in times of trouble. 2 You protect them and keep them alive. You make them happy here in this land, and you don’t hand them over to their enemies. 3 You always heal them and restore their strength when they are sick. 4 I prayed, “Have pity, Lord! Heal me, though I have sinned against you.” Psalm 41:1-4 CEV

“I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning 19 start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the Lord, will heal you and give you peace.” Isaiah 57:17-19 CEV

I don’t know what storm you have been through. I don’t know the destruction that has come to your heart but God does! He comes with a promise of comfort, healing, restoration – peace. If, when, we come to Him he promises to give us peace and rest.

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:28 ERV

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Pray for Our Leaders

Years ago I had the sweetest thing happen. I had been teaching a ladies morning Bible Study at our church. We had such a wonderful group of women attending, one was a young newly wed. She had recently given her life to Christ. She was so hungry to learn from God’s word.

That particular morning I had made a comment similar to this. “If you listen you can hear God’s voice anywhere; while you’re cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes or hanging out the laundry.”

She came up to me when the Bible Study was over and said she wanted to tell me what she learned that morning. She said that she had never considered the fact that I had to do housework. She had only imagined me studying – reading my Bible and praying but not doing housework. We both got a good laugh and I asked her if she thought the Lord sent angels to clean for me. We laughed again.

I think there are quite a few people out there who never really think that their pastors or leaders face life’s challenges like normal people. They somehow think that because they are pastors or teachers that life is easier for them.

No!

I was reminded of all this while reading in Acts today. The Lord ministered to Paul with these words.

“During the night, Paul had a vision. The Lord said to him, “Don’t be afraid, and don’t stop talking to people. 10 I am with you, and no one will be able to hurt you. Many of my people are in this city.” 11 Paul stayed there for a year and a half teaching God’s message to the people.” Acts 18:9-11 ERV

Paul was out on the trail, going from city to city, preaching the message of Jesus. It caused no small stir in most of the towns he went too. He was dragged into court, thrown into jail, beaten with whips, and stoned on many different occasions. His calling was not without opposition and challenges. Paul needed the Lord’s encouragement and also the prayers of those he was ministering too.

Don’t be afraid, don’t stop, I am with you! Those were the Lord’s words.

I’m also reading in the book of Joshua each morning. The Lord said the same thing to him.

“Joshua, I will always be with you and help you as I helped Moses, and no one will ever be able to defeat you.

6-8 Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law[b he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.

9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5-9 CEV

Be strong, be brave, don’t be discouraged. I am with you!

We need to be praying those words for the ones in authority and leadership. Our prayers bring them strength.

“First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 2 You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior.” I Timothy 2:1-3 ERV

Pray for our pastors and their families. Pray for those who are in a place of authority and leadership. Ask the Lord to bless them. They face the same daily struggles we do. They have challenges with raising families, budgets, automobile and home repairs; life in general. Then they also have the responsibility to hear from the Lord and share his message with us.

The Lord probably won’t send an angelic cleaning lady but our prayers can help lighten the load.

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I’ve Been Thinking

It’s kind of a standing joke at our house when either Dave or I make this statement; “I’ve been thinking”. Sometimes what comes next is sweet, sometimes its expensive and it always means things will probably change.

Thinking…

Thinking is just another word for considering. As I was thinking about what to share this morning this passage in Hebrews came to mind.

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:1-3 ERV

You know Jesus had to get past considering the persecution in His future and look to the joy that was waiting on the other side! Remember when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed “if it’s possible let this cup pass from me”? Jesus was 100% man and knew He was going to be separated from God, carrying the sins of the entire world (past, present and future) and in His humanity this caused Him the greatest stress, even to the point of sweating blood.

How was He able to willingly lay down His life and not give in to calling the angels to rescue him or even striking everyone with blindness so he could escape such an ordeal? He looked to the joy that was beyond the cross. He considered or thought on the victory to come. The joy of His creation no longer living subject to Satan, the joy of providing salvation for us through His death, the joy of renewed relationship as it was in the garden when God first created man – the joy of victory!!!

“O, victory in Jesus, my Saviour forever. He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ‘eer I knew Him and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing blood.” These are the words of an old hymn with a dynamic message.

“Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps. He helps the people who are from Abraham. 17 For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. 18 And now he can help those who are tempted. He is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18 ERV

Yes, Jesus truly knows what it’s like to be tempted and experience the testings of daily life and He did it all for us. He is the example of living victoriously.

CONSIDER JESUS!

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A Promise Doesn’t Change

Today we continue with the story of Balaam and Balak. Yesterday I left you with a talking donkey.

Balaam, the man of God, the man with the talking donkey, still needed to meet with King Balak. Balak was determined to have the Israelites cursed. This was his only hope to keep his kingdom and power.

Read Numbers 21-24 for the full story.

Balak took Balaam to several locations where he could see the Israelites’ camp. It was vast. Each time Balaam was supposed to make a statement proclaiming a curse on them. Each time Balaam’s words brought blessing and Balak’s anger. Each time Balaam told Balak that he could only say what God had told him to say and that he could not curse what the Lord had blessed!

It’s here in Numbers 23:19 that we find my favorite verse in the Bible.

“Balaam went back and saw him and his officials standing beside the offerings. Balak asked, “What did the Lord say?”

18 Balaam answered: ‘Pay close attention to my words—
19 God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.

20 “My command from God was to bless these people, and there’s nothing I can do to change what he has done. 21 Israel’s king is the Lord God. He lives there with them and intends them no harm.” Numbers 23:17-21 CEV

Do you see this? God doesn’t tell lies, He doesn’t change his mind and He ALWAYS keeps his promises! If this verse isn’t true, if God changes his mind and can lie, then we can’t have confidence in anything else in the Bible. But, this verse is true! God keeps his word.

Amazing!!

Have you ever had anyone tell lies about you or try to destroy you by ruining your reputation? This king wanted these people cursed, he wanted to annihilate them and have the Israelites wiped from the face of the earth. He seemed to be stronger and better equipped than Moses was. But…God had blessed them and so the king could do them no harm.

How encouraging are these verses to us? God, the Father, who gave blessings to the Israelites has also made promises and given blessings to us. He doesn’t change His mind and He doesn’t lie. Our enemies may want us cursed but God is on our side.

“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

“Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have. God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” 6 So we can feel sure and say, “The Lord is my helper;  I will not be afraid. People can do nothing to me.” Hebrews 13:5-6 ERV

“People will make weapons to fight against you, but their weapons will not defeat you. Some people will say things against you, but anyone who speaks against you will be proved wrong.” The Lord says, “That is what my servants get! They get the good things that come from me, their Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 ERV

God’s word is filled with His promises. Promises He made and will not break. Blessings He will keep forever. God’s word will never fail us, we can be confident of that.

“Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our Lord, you keep your word
    and do everything you say.” Psalm 145:13 CEV

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Proper Focus

About two weeks ago I ordered new glasses. I didn’t think much about it because the optometrist told me my prescription hadn’t really changed. Only a slight difference, he said. I got the new specs on Thursday and I am still adjusting to the clarity I have now. It has certainly been surprising what a small change can do.

A small change in our spiritual sight can bring about big changes too. God’s word has a way of helping us bring things into proper focus.

O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good!! End of sentence, end of paragraph, end of story! To keep our peace and our joy we MUST keep our focus – God is good.

“Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit.” I Thessalonians 5:17- 19 ERV

Let’s focus on the verses above. It took me a while to understand them. Growing up I would hear verses like this and they would be followed with a comment like “we just never know what God’s going to do so we have to be thankful for whatever it comes our way”.

No!

No, I don’t have to be thankful for the things that our enemy, Satan, sends to destroy me. I don’t have to be thankful for murder, devastation, corruption, health crises or relationships that implode.

But… I do need to be thankful that no matter what comes, I have Jesus in my life and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I can be thankful because this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. I can and will be thankful because Jesus said, in this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Focus Kristi, focus.

When my life is in Christ Jesus, it doesn’t matter what comes my way, I can give thanks knowing that I won’t be going through it alone. God has sent the Holy Spirit to guide me through victoriously. Yes! I can be thankful and I can be at peace because my mind is stayed or focused on Him and on the truth that He is good!

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

It’s Monday morning – choose to give thanks and keep your heart focused on God and His goodness.

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Keeping Your Battery Charged

Every morning I pick up my laptop and share what the Lord has put on my heart for that day. After I post, I look at what others have posted overnight, read through emails and then do some research.

Inevitably, I will receive this message. “Power supply at 10%. Plug into power source.” And if I don’t heed the warning, I will get another one in a few minutes telling me I only have 7% of my power and if I ignore that warning the laptop just shuts down.

Yesterday I ignored those warnings with my phone and it shut down completely. I had to plug it in and wait until it was recharged before I could make a couple of calls and receive some texts that were important to me.

Do you ever feel that your battery is running low? Your power is in short supply and you’re about ready to shut down? I’ve been there many times and that weariness is my warning that I’m operating on stored power and need to reconnect to the power supply.

This morning I was reading in Luke. Jesus had just commemorated the Passover with his apostles. They had asked him about which one of them would have a greater position in His kingdom. They were looking to operate on their own power. Jesus warned them that they were going to face some of the biggest tests of their lives and then He led them out to pray.

“Jesus left the city and went to the Mount of Olives. His followers went with him. (He went there often.) He said to his followers, “Pray for strength against temptation.” Luke 22:39-40 ERV

Jesus knew what was coming. He would be arrested, falsely accused, beaten and crucified. He came to pray! He came to draw strength from the Father and He wanted the disciples to do the same.

“Then Jesus went about 50 steps away from them. He knelt down and prayed, 42 ‘Father, if you are willing, please don’t make me drink from this cup. But do what you want, not what I want.’ 43 Then an angel from heaven came to help him. 44 Jesus was full of pain; he struggled hard in prayer. Sweat dripped from his face like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 When he finished praying, he went to his followers. He found them asleep, worn out from their grieving. 46 Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation.’” Luke 22:41-46 ERV

Jesus knew they needed to be connected to the power supply, the Holy Spirit. It was essential. All through His ministry Jesus didn’t do any miracles or teaching until He had spent time in prayer and been empowered by the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t want us to attempt anything on our own either.

We need to be connected. After Jesus rose from the grave and before He went back to heaven He gave the disciples one final instruction that would provide them with all the strength they needed.

“You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations. 49 Remember that I will send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.” Luke 24:47-49 ERV

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to give testimony of what God has done in our lives. Starting first with those closest to us and spreading out from there. Our family, our friends, neighbors, work mates…

Thank you Father for reminding me that my power is draining and that I have a power source with unlimited supply. I desire to stay plugged in to You today!

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Thrill of Victory

My day didn’t start out as I had planned. I actually slept in this morning and had no real motivation to get moving. Dave asked if I had written my blog yet and I told him no, but I knew before the day was out the Lord would give me something to share.

Here it is!

We’ve spent several days this week with Joshua. The Lord told him to be courageous and strong. He had a big task before him. His first triumph was at Jericho. All that marching and trumpet blowing brought success.

But then…

This is what happened to the children of Israel after they defeated Jericho. The Lord told them all of the spoils they took when they defeated Jericho were His. Achan, one of the men, took some gold, silver and a fine robe and hid them in his tent.

A few days after Jericho, Joshua got the army together and they went to battle to defeat the next city which was Ai. Ai was a smaller city than Jericho and they were riding high from their victory only to be defeated.

“Joshua sent about three thousand soldiers to attack Ai. But the men of Ai fought back and chased the Israelite soldiers away from the town gate and down the hill to the stone quarries. Thirty-six Israelite soldiers were killed, and the Israelite army felt discouraged.” Joshua 7:4-5 CEV

Now Joshua goes to the Lord and he’s upset. He tells the Lord how all his enemies will hear about this defeat and they will be emboldened to fight the Israelites. They, their enemies, will feel that God isn’t fighting for them or with them any more.

Disobedient -> Defeated -> Discouraged. Have you ever been there? Joshua couldn’t understand how God could abandon them like this.

God showed Joshua who had stolen items that were supposed to be destroyed. Achan was brought before Joshua and he admitted his disobedience and his deception. Achan was killed for stealing what God said should have been destroyed.

Joshua has to pick up from there and go on. Back to Ai – and this is what the Lord says.

“The Lord told Joshua:
Don’t be afraid, and don’t be discouraged by what happened at the town of Ai. Take the army and attack again. But first, have part of the army set up an ambush on the other side of the town. I will help you defeat the king of Ai and his army, and you will capture the town and the land around it. Destroy Ai and kill its king as you did at Jericho. But you may keep the livestock and everything else you want.” Joshua 8:1-2 CEV

God reminds Joshua of the original command; don’t be afraid, don’t be discouraged. Stand strong, be courageous. So they go against Ai again and this time they are victorious!

When we face defeat because of our own disobedience God wants us to deal with our disobedience and listen to Him. When we do we can go back and defeat the enemy. It would have been easy for Joshua to pick another city to fight against to gain the land but the Lord sent him back to the same city, the same king but this time the results were different.

“Finally, the Lord told Joshua, “Point your sword at the town of Ai, because now I am going to help you defeat it!” Joshua 8:18 CEV

Joshua met an angel before the battle at Jericho and asked the angel of the Lord whose side he was on – his answer rang clear. I’m not for you or for your enemy, I’m on the Lord’s side.

“One day, Joshua was near Jericho when he saw a man standing some distance in front of him. The man was holding a sword, so Joshua walked up to him and asked, “Are you on our side or on our enemies’ side?”

14 “Neither,” he answered. “I am here because I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua 5:13-14 CEV

The instruction is plain; be obedient, fight the battle, win the victory!

“What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32 CEV

Get up -> Go forward -> Get the victory!

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Strong & Courageous

I am not one who likes to hear “take it easy, sit, rest, don’t overdo”. It’s only been a week since my procedure and I’m mentally ready to be back at it but physically my body and my surgeon are saying “not yet”. Y’all need to be praying for Dave – he’s the one that has been tasked with keeping me in line.

So, is it any wonder that these verses came alive to me this morning?

“I have given you every place where the bottom of your foot steps, as I promised Moses… 5 No man will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. I will be with you just as I have been with Moses. I will be faithful to you and will not leave you alone. 6 Be strong and have strength of heart. For you will bring the people in to take this land which I promised to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and have much strength of heart. Be careful to obey all the Law which My servant Moses told you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left. Then all will go well with you everywhere you go. 8 This book of the Law must not leave your mouth. Think about it day and night, so you may be careful to do all that is written in it. Then all will go well with you. You will receive many good things. 9 Have I not told you? Be strong and have strength of heart! Do not be afraid or lose faith. For the Lord your God is with you anywhere you go.” Joshua 1:3-9 NLV

Do you see the point the Lord is making in His instruction to Joshua? Be strong and have strength of heart, in other words, be courageous. It’s repeated three times in six verses.

What a message!

Joshua was tasked with leading the children of Israel, well over a million people, across the Jordan River and into the land God had promised Abraham they would possess. This would be no easy task. Some folks think that when we follow the Lord life will be lived on easy street. Not at all. We will have tests, trials, struggles and challenges but we never have to face any of those things on our own.

Look at verse nine above – “For the Lord your God is with you anywhere you go”. In the book of Hebrews we have God’s promise that He will never leave us, we won’t be forsaken or abandon. We will never be without the Lord’s help. With a promise like that we can stand strong and be courageous! We’re not in this alone.

Our strength of heart, courage, comes when we stay focused on God’s word. The Lord is telling Joshua to meditate, ponder, strongly think on His word day and night. Don’t deviate from what the Word says. Follow the course that God has planned, listen and obey. This instruction comes with a promise of “be careful to do all that is written in it. Then all will go well with you. You will receive many good things.”

Fear is one of the biggest obstacles that we battle. It starts very early in life – taking the first step, jumping into a swimming pool, learning to ride a bike. The thing that helps us overcome these fears is a loving parent standing there and saying “don’t worry, I’ll catch you”. Love gives victory over fear.

The words “fear not” are used 71 times in the King James Bible, “courageous/courage” 30+ times, “be strong” 40 times, and “trust in the Lord” 26 times. If we focused on only two of these verses each day we would have three months worth of instruction on worry-free living. We should take time to hear what our loving Father is saying to us.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV

The Lord knew that I would be going through this time of recovery and rest. He knew it would be challenging to say the least. It gives me lots of time to pray and to meditate on His word. I expect to be stronger and more courageous than ever when my time of rest is over. I will keep my mind focused on Him.

I’m praying for you! Be strong and courageous.

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Good Bones

I like to watch those home improvement shows on television. Some of those houses are in bad shape. You would think the best thing would be to tear down the entire structure and start over. But that’s when you hear the host of the program say “this house has really good bones”.

Good bones.

Years ago I became aware of a verse in the Bible about bones. Before I give you that verses I want to share this experience I had last May while we were at the Indy 500. Each morning I would get up and take my coffee and my Bible then go outside the RV to have my morning quiet time. Dave and Koy were sleeping inside and I didn’t want to disturb them.

I loved it. Sitting in the camp chair I could enjoy my coffee, read my Bible, pray and listen to the cars going through their morning tune-ups over at the track. Not really quiet but it was my time with the Lord. One morning I left my Bible on the outside table while we went about our day. That afternoon we had a brief rain shower. Things under the awning got damp but not really wet. Koy wanted to know if he should move my Bible inside but I said it was ok.

Later that day my Bible began to expand, literally! The pages got fatter as they began to absorb the moisture. When it dried out it never did shrink back to the previous size. Now, when I pick it up to read if I squeeze it together it crackles. It is daily reminder to me of this verse.

“The Lord is far from the sinful, but He hears the prayer of those who are right with Him. 30 The light of the eyes makes the heart glad. Good news puts fat on the bones. 31 He whose ear listens to careful words spoken will live among the wise.” Proverbs 15:29-31 NLV

Good bones, fat bones.

Good news puts fat on the bones. Another version of this verse says “a good report maketh the bones fat”. Each day when I pick up my Bible and open it to where I’m going to read I say “Thank you Father. The Good News in this book is making my bones fat. Just like the pages of this Bible got fat, when I read the words of this book they are making me strong, healthy and giving me wisdom.”

I truly believe that. God’s word is our good news. In fact, it’s the best news ever. Where else will we find unconditional love, unending mercy and infinite grace? Where else we find direction, peace and complete forgiveness? There is nowhere on the face of the earth, there are no other books that contain life-giving words and there are no computer programs or data updates that bring us into a loving relationship with Almighty God.

“My soul will be happy in the Lord. It will be full of joy because He saves. 10 All my bones will say, “Lord, who is like You? Who saves the weak from those too strong for them? Who saves the poor from those who would rob them?'” Psalm 39:9-10 NLV

“Because of Your Word and Your own heart, You have done all these great things to let Your servant know. 22 For this reason You are great, O Lord God. There is none like You. And there is no God but You, by all that we have heard with our ears.” II Samuel 7:21-22 NLV

It’s time for self-assessment. If I compare myself to a fixer-upper I must admit that I have some rehab work that needs to be done. There’s some selfishness that needs to be scrubbed off the walls and some spots of pride that have stained and discolored the countertops. There are other issues that the Lord needs to replace, I’m still under construction. But…I have good bones!

The framework, the support beams, have been furnished by the Holy Spirit and they are strong. I am His dwelling place.

“Do you not know that your body is a house of God where the Holy Spirit lives? God gave you His Holy Spirit. Now you belong to God. You do not belong to yourselves. 20 God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 NLV

My foundation is solid, it’s built on the rock of God’s word. God has placed His light in my soul and He causes me to shine with His glory.

“It was God Who said, “The light will shine in darkness.” He is the One Who made His light shine in our hearts. This brings us the light of knowing God’s shining-greatness which is seen in Christ’s face.” II Corinthians 4:6 NLV

The good report, God’s Good News, is putting fat on my bones. Yes, I’m going through some renovation but I’m so glad to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. I have strong bones!

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