Category: Worry & Fear

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Pulling Some Weeds

Well that certainly didn’t take long! Just yesterday morning I was talking with you about being more than conquerors and by afternoon I was feeling quite unnerved and almost defeated.

Ever have one of those days? On top of the world one moment and tempted to give up the next.

We shouldn’t be surprised, Jesus told us this would happen.

“The farmer is like someone who plants God’s teaching in people. 15 Sometimes the teaching falls on the path. That is like some people who hear the teaching of God. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the teaching that was planted in them.

16 “Other people are like the seed planted on rocky ground. They hear the teaching, and they quickly and gladly accept it. 17 But they don’t allow it to go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.

18 “Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, 19 but their lives become full of other things: the worries of this life, the love of money, and everything else they want. This keeps the teaching from growing, and it does not produce a crop[a] in their lives.

20 “And others are like the seed planted on the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce a good crop—sometimes 30 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 100 times more.” Mark 4:14-20 ERV

In the morning the good seeds of God’s Word were planted and by afternoon the worrying about life’s circumstances were trying to choke it out. It is important to recognize this immediately and get those weeds pulled out while they are small. We can’t  give them time to grow taller because then we’ll need a hoe and a lot more effort to remove them.

Sow, pun intended, last night I was able to go to sleep trusting God for His answers and perfect timing. I woke this morning full of gratitude and joy. I am very thankful for my dear friend Pam and Dave would gave me time to express my disappointment and then gave me wise, and I feel, godly counsel.

Today will be a day of resting in the Lord.  He brings peace to our hearts when we trust Him.

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 ERV

“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

So be patient, peaceful and wait for the Lord. Pull out the weeds and have a grateful heart!

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A Basket Case

Have you ever heard the expression “you’re a basket case”?

We generally say that to someone who is letting the circumstances of life overwhelm them. They begin to fall apart in the drama and chaos of their situation. This saying implies that their life is disjointed, in pieces. They need someone else to pick up the pieces and put them in a basket.

So now you know where that came from.

Worry!

The great destroyer. It destroys joy, peace, loving relationships, sleep, clear thinking.  I once heard someone say “if I didn’t have anything to worry about I’d be worried”.  A lot of people live this way but it’s not how God wants us to live.

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. ” Psalm 46: NLV

I had never thought about it before but Moses’ mother had reason to worry. The Egyptians had ordered all Hebrew or Jewish male babies to be killed.

Her son became a basket case, literally. His mother wove a basket made of reeds and sealed with pitch. She put Moses in the basket and set it close to the bank, in the bulrushes of the Nile River.  Her’s was not an action of fear or worry. No, it was a true trust in the Lord.

“And the mother and father of Moses hid him for three months after he was born. They did this because they had faith. They saw that Moses was a beautiful baby. And they were not afraid to disobey the king’s order.” Hebrews 11:23 ERV

I heard a teaching once about worry. It goes something like this.

A successful businessman was asked what he did when situations came up with his business dealings that were bigger than he could handle. He was sitting at his desk and  pointed to a box in front of him.

He said, “I put all my worries in the box. Then I pray about them and close the box. I never think about them again until the following Wednesday when I open the box and take them out. Most of them are no longer problems by then. They have been resolved without me worrying over them. If they haven’t been resolved I repeat the process and go on about my way until the next week.”

I’ve had the opportunity to share this story with a number of people personally and I’ve given them worry baskets. Recently I was in the home of one of these young mothers and I was pleased to see that she still has her worry basket hanging in her kitchen. It’s a visible reminder that God is big enough to handle our problems.

“The Lord will lead you. He himself is with you. He will not fail you or leave you. Don’t worry. Don’t be afraid!” Deuteronomy 31:8 ERV

So instead of seeing the term “basket case” as a negative I choose to look at it this way; any situation that would cause me to worry or be afraid is ready for the basket! I can trust God to handle it. He’ll do a better job than I can, just look at what He did with Moses.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

Get yourself a worry basket and go on to a life guarded by peace!

 

 

 

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About To Sink

Think about this. You’re an experienced fisherman and you know how to handle yourself on the sea. You know the capability of your boat, the right tack to take through rough waters and how to use the wind to your advantage.

But tonight a storm comes up, one you didn’t see coming. No problem, you’re experienced, probably one of the best seamen around. However, you’re tired.

You’ve spent all day at a conference, an open air meeting,  you’ve heard some things that could be life changing. Things you don’t want to forget and want to use daily to change the way you’ve been thinking and handling things.

But this storm…you’ve got to weather this storm, get some rest and then you’ll start applying what you learned tomorrow.

The weather started getting rough, the ship was being tossed (no, not Gilligan’s Island) and you’re taking on water. Everyone on board is doing what you tell them to do, they are all working together, except for that one guy who’s sleeping in the back of the boat.

That’s right. I said sleeping. He was the main speaker at the conference today and so I guess he must be exhausted but how can he sleep? The boat is filling with water, he’s getting wet and being tossed from side to side but still he sleeps. Doesn’t he care that you’re about to go under?!?!?!

Jesus! wake up. Don’t you care that we are about to sink?

“Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?” 39 Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm.” Mark 4:38-39 CEV

Jesus was at peace and didn’t let the storm affect him. He was trusting God’s Word.

“Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, 10 nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent. 11 For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways. ” Psalm 91:9-11 NLV

There are so many verses like this where God promises to be our protection and provision. Jesus knew He could trust God to be his protection. He wanted his disciples to have that same confidence.

“Jesus asked his disciples, “Why were you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?” Mark 4:40 CEV

He had been teaching earlier that day and told them that the Word is like seed and if you plant it, it will grow and bear fruit. But it has to be protected.

When they got in the ship, Jesus said to them, let us go to the other side. He didn’t say let’s go 1/2 way across and sink. Now here’s the kicker – handling our problems and applying “the Word” tomorrow when things are better and I can really meditate on it could be disastrous.

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. 19 But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. ” Mark 4:18-19 CEV

Jesus had sown the Word earlier in the day. He said,  “Let’s go to the other side”. Then thorns or the cares of this life, in the form of a storm, came immediately to choke the Word out. Jesus could sleep because He was care free. Peter and the others were panicked because they were care (worry) full.

What is causing you to be care full today? Find out what God’s word has to say about it,  remove the thorns.

Go to the other side in victory!

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Some Things Can Be Scary

We’ll be celebrating our Independence Day very soon. It’s always been a favorite of mine. I love the fireworks!

However, for those of us with pets at home it can be a scary time. When I worked for a vet we would be inundated with calls the week prior to the 4th from concerned pet owners who were wondering what they could give their pets to help them through the night’s festivities.

I remember a time when we were in Iowa for the summer and how Glory reacted. It was a nice display – I had a perfect spot from the porch of our RV. But Glory, our Australian Shepherd, was not getting the same enjoyment I was. Although the noise was slightly bothersome, it was the bright flashes of light that bothered her the most so we finished watching from inside, through the window. As long as she sat in my lap and I was patting her she was ok. She didn’t realize that nothing would harm her and that soon, very soon, it would all be over. Her perspective was skewed but she knew she would be ok because I would protect her.

It made me think of how unfounded my fears have been. Most things are only loud noises and flashing lights when put in perspective with God’s word and His goodness, grace, mercy and power. In a few short days I will be celebrating my 65th birthday. The years have flown and I feel the best is still ahead – the best years with my husband, my children, grandchildren, my friends, and my God!

There’s an old song – The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows!

Yes, I can say God is always faithful! Always! Me, on the other hand, I can use some work.

So many times I thought I knew best and have the perfect plan. I got out into a place of loud booming noises and flashes of light that frightened me. I was sure I would be destroyed. Then I would feel God’s reassuring hand and hear His voice telling me it would be ok, “I’m here”. I would cuddle in to Him and yes, it was soon over and I was ok.

Moses gave this instruction to the Israelites and to Joshua right before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Moses told them that he wouldn’t be going with them; he had led them for 40 years and now it was time for someone new to take charge. They were to follow Joshua.

“Be brave and strong! Don’t be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you. 7 Then Moses called Joshua up in front of the crowd and said:

Joshua, be brave and strong as you lead these people into their land. The Lord made a promise long ago to Israel’s ancestors that this land would someday belong to Israel. That time has now come, and you must divide up the land among the people. 8 The Lord will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don’t ever be afraid of your enemies.” Deuteronomy 31:6-8 CEV

In one translation these verses say have “good courage”. Good courage is God based. It will drive out fear. John wrote that perfect love casts out fear. When we are secure in God’s love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us, we will also be strong with “good” courage, even in the face of fierce battles and opponents that are big as giants.

In these three short verses, Moses tells the people and Joshua twice that God will ALWAYS be at their side. He will NEVER abandon them. Don’t be afraid of your enemies.

We all need to be reminded of this.

I don’t know what loud noises and flashing lights you are facing today. Let the Lord lead, have “good courage”. Hear His voice telling you He’s there and you can trust Him to protect you.

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Licking the Spoon Good

Are you like me and love to cook? I so enjoy being in the kitchen whether it’s making a meal or baking a dessert or cinnamon rolls?

I remember when the kids were little. They would get a spoon to lick or a pinch of dough. I think they enjoyed it as much as I did.

But it wasn’t a “once” only taste. Each and every time I was baking they asked for a taste. Licking the spoon was a favorite kitchen activity for me, the kids, Dave and then the grandkids.

That’s the way I feel about God’s goodness. I know I use Psalm 34 frequently in my teachings but it’s one of those chapters that are “lick the spoon” good. I can almost taste the sweet compassion and tenderness of the Lord.

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

So here is an open invitation to experience the goodness of God. David says “Taste and see”! God is inviting us to sample his character. Just a little taste, try a little and you’ll like it. Once we’ve tasted of the Lord we’ll keep coming back for more.

“I will praise the LORD at all times. I will never stop singing his praises. 2 Humble people, listen and be happy, while I brag about the LORD. 3 Praise the LORD with me. Let us honor his name.
4 I went to the LORD for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear. 5 If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face. You will have no need to be ashamed. 6 As a poor, helpless man I prayed to the LORD, and he heard me. He saved me from all my troubles. 7 The LORD’s angel builds a camp around his followers, and he protects them. 8 Give the LORD a chance to show you how good he is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on him!” Psalm 34:1-8 ERV

God is asking us to let Him work in our lives and promising that we will find Him faithful. He’s saying we can trust my goodness – it will deliver us for “all” our fears – I will be there to protect and provide.

What is it that causes fear in our life? The thought of financial ruin, physical disease, losing a family member, fear of natural disasters? Go to the Lord and He will protect, deliver, set your heart at ease and we don’t have to be ashamed in asking for His help. He wants to show we just how good He is!

“Learning respect for the Lord is good. It will last forever. The Lord’s judgments are right. They are completely fair. 10 His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:9-10 ERV

Grab a spoon. Taste and See!

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The River of Life

This morning I found myself praying for my children and grandchildren as I do each morning. Praying for their health and safety. Praying that they will have wisdom, peace of mind and joy.

 

Trusting the Lord to reveal the depth of His love to them – showing them that His Mercy is new everyday and that there is no end to His loving kindness to them!

I feel a bit like the mother of Moses. The Pharaoh had given a vicious order. All the Hebrew boy babies were to be killed. He feared that the Hebrew slaves would increase in population so greatly that they would rebel against him and his rule.

Moses mother made a basket of reeds and tucked Moses safely inside and placed it in the  Nile River but she had someone standing close by to ensure his safety.

“A man from the Levi tribe married a woman from the same tribe, 2 and she later had a baby boy. He was a beautiful child, and she kept him inside for three months. 3 But when she could no longer keep him hidden, she made a basket out of reeds and covered it with tar. She put him in the basket and placed it in the tall grass along the edge of the Nile River. 4 The baby’s older sister  stood off at a distance to see what would happen to him.

5 About that time one of the king’s daughters came down to take a bath in the river, while her servant women walked along the river bank. She saw the basket in the tall grass and sent one of the young women to pull it out of the water. 6 When the king’s daughter opened the basket, she saw the baby and felt sorry for him because he was crying. She said, “This must be one of the Hebrew babies.”

7 At once the baby’s older sister came up and asked, “Do you want me to get a Hebrew woman to take care of the baby for you?”

8 “Yes,” the king’s daughter answered. So the girl brought the baby’s mother, 9 and the king’s daughter told her, “Take care of this child, and I will pay you.” Exodus 2:1-9 CEV

Moses mother had to trust God to keep her son safe. There were all sorts of perils to deal with. Crocodiles, snakes, the basket sinking or the baby being found by an Egyptian soldier.

It’s a hard thing to put our kids in this river called “life”. So many dangers but we can stand back watching, praying and planning to protect. Thank God that this isn’t a job of our own effort.

“16 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

Jesus is the one we can trust to provide that much needed salvation from life’s dangers. In common speech He’s been there, done that, nailed it. We don’t send our kids out on their own. They are under the watchful protection of a loving heavenly Father.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7

As we send them out the door this morning or perhaps they are grown and live far away, we can put our trust in the Lord. He provided for little Moses and He’ll do the same for our children.

Thank you Father for blessing me and trusting me with these lives and thank you that You, in Your great love, are faithful and well able to protect them and give them victory.

” 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.” Jeremiah 29:11 ERV

 

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The Lion and The Chihuahua

This morning I was reflecting on our move to Arizona. It was 4 years ago this month.  I know I have shared some of this story with you before but I wanted to share with you the Lion and the Chihuahua struggles that we faced in bringing us to this place.

Roaring lion or barking Chihuahua! The struggles we face on a daily basis can be one or the other.  Oh my goodness, one brings fear and the other is just an annoyance that doesn’t go away.

Before I go any further let me interject here, I have a friend that loves her little Chihuahuas and I am in no way casting dispersions on them but just relaying a lesson the Lord taught me years ago and apparently one I needed to be reminded of this morning.

“6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” I Peter 5:6-8 CEV

We were in the process of packing up the house in Montana and getting ready to make our move home, back to Arizona. We were so excited and each chore was met with joy and anticipation. However, there was one “care” that I found myself throwing over on the Lord continually. We were moving ourselves with a U-Haul big truck and our Excursion was too large to tow so we needed a third driver.

The logistics were complicated and just when we thought we had them figured out they changed! That’s the Chihuahua I’m talking about. The little details kept changing.

For the past 6 years we had been anticipating this move; that long wait was our roaring lion. The enemy roaring at us, telling us it was never going to happen, telling us we had missed God and it wasn’t His will that we move. Those words roared in our ears but we took our stand on God’s word and stood, stood firm, stood steadfast and immovable. Now we were moving!

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

Lion conquered but now for the Chihuahua.

Years ago we were holding a Camp Meeting at a ranch in Northern Arizona. When we arrived at the ranch, our friends weren’t there and we were greeted by their little dog that lived under the porch. He came out making the most ferocious bark that he could muster. As I took a step toward him, he took off and went back under the porch.

This was a scene that repeated itself a number of times over the next 20 minutes. Finally, frustrated I scolded him harshly and told him to hush. He ran back and stayed under the porch until his owners came.

In that situation, I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart. He said, you know that little dog is a good example of the devil. He’ll yep and bark and annoy but he can’t win. The victory has been given to you through Christ Jesus! You need to stomp your foot and tell him to get back “to where he came from”. Don’t let him distract you from what you were called to do.

You see the verse doesn’t say the enemy IS a roaring lion. It says he’s LIKE a roaring lion. Don’t be scared off by the growl.

So that morning of our moving preparation  we stomped our foot and sent the adversary running. God knew every detail and step that we needed to take with this move and weren’t  going to be distracted, worried or frustrated by the enemy’s yapping!

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” I Peter 5:7-8 AMP

You may have much bigger problems and struggles than we did with our move. Yours may be health issues, financial issues or a marriage that’s falling apart. The principles of God’s word work for all of us. So read on and see the promise of victory.

“But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. 10 But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 11 God will be in control forever! Amen.” I Peter 5:9-11 CEV

Let me give you the ending our of story. Our son and his girlfriend were able to meet us in Salt Lake and drive our Excursion the rest of the trip. They were also able to stay with us for a few days in Arizona and help unload the moving van. What a blessing!

Victory – Grace filled victory!

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Over, Under, Around or Through

Those of you who had young children in the 70’s, or perhaps you were a young child then, know that phrase well. It came from the characters on Sesame Street.

 

It was repeated continually to teach kids the directional concepts of over, under, around or through.

So many times we look for ways to get over (above) our circumstances instead of being under them. We would like to go around difficulties but are never too anxious to go through them.

A while back I did  a search on the word “bridge”. I wanted to share with you some wonderful thoughts about Jesus being our “bridge over troubled waters” (yes, our church youth choir actually sang that when I was in high school). But there is no bridge in Scripture.

And then I got to thinking about times in the Bible when people would have needed a bridge. Crossing the Jordan, The Red Sea, Sea of Galilee. You know what I found – God either parted the water or gave power to walk on it.

Some may be looking for a bridge. Looking for something to help you cross a river of circumstances in your life. I want to offer you a new prospective. Instead of looking for a way over, look for a way through.

“But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 43:1-3 TLB

The Father has victory for us if we keep our eyes on Him.

“At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.” Matthew 14:27-29 CEV

The first thing you will hear from the Lord is “don’t worry, don’t be afraid”. In other words I can hear Jesus saying, “I’ve got this!” Peter’s problem came when he got his eyes off Jesus and on the circumstances. We must keep our focus and not become distracted from God’s promises.

But if we do, like Peter, we call out for help and Jesus will grab ahold of us and bring us to safety.

So instead of trying to build a bridge today go through and see what God will do!

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Follow Through the Storm

Continue following today.  Yesterday we saw that the disciples who were called obeyed immediately. They left all but not everyone that came to Jesus had the same response.

 

 

“When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he told his followers to go to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you any place you go.”

20 Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes to live in. The birds have nests. But the Son of Man has no place to rest.”

21 Another of Jesus’ followers said to him, “Lord, I will follow you too, but let me go and bury my father first.”

 

22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and let those who are dead bury their own dead.”

23 Jesus got into a boat, and his followers went with him. 24 After the boat left the shore, a very bad storm began on the lake. The waves covered the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The followers went to him and woke him. They said, “Lord, save us! We will drown!”

 

26 Jesus answered, “Why are you afraid? You don’t have enough faith.” Then he stood up and gave a command to the wind and the water. The wind stopped, and the lake became very calm.

27 The men were amazed. They said, “What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the water obey him!”  Matthew 8:18-27

Here are two men who came to Jesus and had good intentions on following Him but they were hindered by their own limitations.  I say the first man was put off by the lack of personal comfort.  He had just seen Jesus do many miracles of healing. He saw that others were following Jesus and was moved with a desire to be part of those who followed but when Jesus told him that He really had no permanent home, or prominent national headquarters (my words not the Scriptures) he reconsidered the cost and followed no further.

The second man was also a man of good intentions but family life caused him to draw back. And so he too was left on shore when Jesus had His followers get into the boat to cross the sea.  The difference between the two groups – immediate obedience vs life’s circumstances.

Now notice when the “followers” were in the boat and the storm came the “followers” weren’t great men of faith. They feared for their lives.  Jesus on the other hand, rested in the midst of the storm because He was following  His Father’s plan. He lived a life of faith. Following Jesus and living a life of faith doesn’t mean you will never go through a storm. It does mean that you will be victorious in the midst of it.

I heard one Bible teacher say that Jesus didn’t tell his followers  “Let’s get in the boat and go half way across and drown.” He said, “Let’s go to the other side”.  When Jesus calls you to follow, you can be assured He’s a good leader and you will be safe with Him.

Honestly, I have been a part of both groups. There was a time I wanted to follow Jesus because I knew it was right and good but I wanted to follow on my own terms. There can only be one leader! And I’m not Him.

Don’t let life or circumstances deter you from following today. Get into the boat and go to the other side!

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Facing Your Fears

“ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

There is an age old conflict that we all face from time to time. I would like to say that once we’ve successfully conquered it, we never face the battle again but that’s just not true.

Discouragement!

“Why don’t things work out for me the way they do for others? Why am I going through this again and again? Why can’t I get the answers I need? Why do I feel so discourage?”

Discouragement comes when “WE” have been dealing with a particular situation for a prolonged period of time. Even the Scriptures say that “hope deferred makes the heart sick”. And sometimes we get heart sick – now how do we get well?

When King David was dis-couraged, he en-couraged himself in the Lord. It’s possible that after some of his trials, he was inspired to write Psalm 42.

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face? 3 Day and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, “Where is your God?” 4 Sorrow floods my heart, when I remember leading the worshipers to your house. I can still hear them shout their joyful praises. 5 Why am I discouraged?
Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, 6 and you are my God. I am deeply discouraged as I think about you from where the Jordan begins at Mount Hermon
and from Mount Mizar. 7 Your vicious waves have swept over me
like an angry ocean or a roaring waterfall. 8 Every day, you are kind,
and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the living LORD God. 9 You are my mighty rock. Why have you forgotten me? Why must enemies mistreat me and make me sad? 10 Even my bones are in pain, while all day long my enemies sneer and ask, “Where is your God?” 11 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42 CEV

King David asked all the questions of himself that we ask and his conclusion was this; I will praise YOU because YOU are my God.

Courage is the ability to stand strong under adverse and difficult circumstances.

Dis – courage means to take courage away. (Comes from looking at the hopelessness of a situation. Looking at our limited power and resources.)

En – courage is the ability to infuse with courage. (Comes from looking at our God who is infinitely bigger than our situation and His miraculous power and unlimited resources.)

Look at what the Apostle Paul says about adverse circumstances:
“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? 33 If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? 34 Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. 35 Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? 36 It is exactly as the Scriptures say,
“For you we face death all day long. We are like sheep on their way
to be butchered.”
37 In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:31-39 CEV

So face today as the deer who is thirsty – come looking for God.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 KJV

You will be filled! Filled with Courage. Filled to stand strong facing your greatest fears.

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