Author: Kristi Wilson

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Stand Up to Fear

I love that we have the story of Gideon in the Bible. He is the poster child of transformation. Going from fearful farmer to valiant warrior, all because he had an encounter with the Lord.

I think what I love most about this story is God’s faithfulness. He lovingly encouraged Gideon each step of the way. The Lord didn’t become impatient or frustrated, instead He gave continued instruction and showed His commitment to direct Gideon and deliver Israel.

After Gideon asked the Lord for proof of His willingness to lead him and Israelites, Gideon stepped out with the army but look where they went.

“ Early the next morning, Gideon and his army got up and moved their camp to Fear Spring. The Midianite camp was to the north, in the valley at the foot of Moreh Hill. 2 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army is too big. I can’t let you win with this many soldiers. The Israelites would think that they had won the battle all by themselves and that I didn’t have anything to do with it. 3  So call your troops together and tell them that anyone who is really afraid can leave Mount Gilead and go home.” Judges 7:1-3 CEV

They went to “Fear” Spring. God had a purpose for going there; remove fear from the camp. Everyone that was afraid was sent home. Twenty-two thousand soldiers left, only ten thousand remained.

Fear is persistent. It tries to wear us down, it’s goal is to defeat us and keep us from being who God created us to be.

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

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“ Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear.” I John 4:18 ERV

God was not only working in Gideon’s life but also in the lives of the men who remained. The men needed to be alert, ready for battle.

“Gideon,” the Lord said, “you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I’ll test them…6 Three hundred men scooped up water in their hands and lapped it, and the rest knelt to get a drink. 7 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army will be made up of everyone who lapped the water from their hands. Send the others home. I’m going to rescue Israel by helping you and your army of 300 defeat the Midianites.” Judges 7:3-7 CEV

Victory doesn’t come because of great numbers or worldly prestige. It comes from faith; trusting in God’s word and His purposes. It comes when we stand, firmly planted on God’s promises.

“ 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 1:9 CEV

Stand up to fear; we defeat it not in our own efforts but by placing our trust in our God who never fails!

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Get Honest

I suspect many of us will identify with Gideon in this morning’s reading. He was a man with all the same tendencies each of us have.

(I hope you have taken time to read Gideon’s story in the book of Judges.)

He was between a rock and a hard place, literally, when the Lord found him. He had a personal encounter with God and it changed his life. He wanted to serve the Lord with every fiber of his being.

He tore down the town’s worship center to a false god, he killed his father’s prize ox, he angered his neighbors, they wanted to kill him and now the surrounding nations had gathered to attack. He called his countrymen to battle but now what?

If you were in Gideon’s place what would you do?

Gideon got honest with God!

“The Lord’s Spirit took control of Gideon, and Gideon blew a trumpet as a signal for the men in the Abiezer clan to follow him. 35 He also sent messengers to the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, telling the men of these tribes to come and join his army. Then they set out toward the enemy camp.

36-37 Gideon prayed to God, “I know that you promised to help me rescue Israel, but I need proof.” Judges 6:34-37 CEV

Lord, I need proof! I can just hear the conversation, because it’s one I have voiced on a number of occasions. “I know you said I would deliver Israel from our enemies Lord, but remember just last week I was in the winepress threshing grain. I’m not an experienced warrior, in fact, I’m not really even a very good farmer. But…you told me to calm down, not to fear so here I am but, I need proof that You are really going with me on this”.

“… And that’s just what happened. Early the next morning, Gideon got up and checked … 39 But Gideon prayed to God again. “Don’t be angry with me,” Gideon said. “Let me try this just one more time, so I’ll really be sure you’ll help me. Only this time, let the skin be dry and the stone floor be wet.” Judges 6:38-39 CEV

And that’s just what happened, again.

The Lord loves an honest heart. He is a loving Father and wants His kids to trust Him. He wants us to be confident in Him and His word. It’s that confidence, (faith and trust), that drives out fear.

The Lord gave His word to Gideon and He wanted Gideon to know that He was going to follow through with His promise.

And that’s how He wants us to be, confident in Him.

” Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.

9 Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread?…11 As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

Be honest with our Father; He’s waiting to show us His goodness.

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Winds of Change

This will be short this morning because I am focused on what the Lord is teaching me from Gideon’s story.

A young man who felt he was the most insignificant person in his family and in his town. A man who was threshing wheat in the pit of a wine press. If you know anything about threshing, you know that in that day you needed a brisk wind to separate the wheat kernels from the chaff.

There is no wind in a wine press. Gideon’s fear kept him from being productive.

What changed?…God!

Jehovah Shalom. God is peace!

The first thing the Lord asked Gideon to do was this:

“Get your father’s second-best bull, the one that’s seven years old. Use it to pull down the altar where your father worships Baal and cut down the sacred pole next to the altar. 26 Then build an altar for worshiping me on the highest part of the hill where your town is built. Use layers of stones for my altar, not just a pile of rocks. Cut up the wood from the pole, make a fire, kill the bull, and burn it as a sacrifice to me.

27 Gideon chose ten of his servants to help him, and they did everything God had said. But since Gideon was afraid of his family and the other people in Ophrah, he did it all at night.” Judges 6:25-27 CEV

Pull down the altar of false gods. Then build God’s altar high on the hill for all to see. No longer was Gideon hiding in a wine press. He put God forefront for all to see. (Although he did it at night because he hadn’t completely conquered his fear.)

We all have false gods that need to be pulled down: fear, self-promotion, affluence, pride, independence.

“ But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV

The Lord wants to be first place in our lives. He wants to take us out of the wine press. He wants us to be willing to worship Him where everyone can see.

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The Lord is Peace

Dave and I live in a place where our front porch faces the mountains. We have an unobstructed view and get to enjoy the beauty of the sunsets. So peaceful. It is an amazing view!

Some nights, it’s a “take your breath away” beauty and others, it’s a simplistic “take a deep breath and relax” type of moment. For the last twenty years we have lived in homes that we have named Casa de Paz, House of Peace. God has truly blessed us and we don’t take it for granted.

This morning my Bible reading ended with these words, “The Lord is Peace”. Yes, that’s exactly what I experience most days.

Now, let me tell you what I was reading this morning. I am in the book of Judges, chapter 6, and today I began reading about Gideon. The Israelites were living under the harassment and attacks of the Midianites and had been for seven years.

Every year at harvest time they would come and steal the grain and other crops that the Israelites had planted. Gideon was the youngest son of the family and he was threshing wheat in a hole where he could hide and be undetected. That’s where the Lord found him.

“ The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, “The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.” 13 Gideon answered, “Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? ” Judges 6:12-13 CEV

Gideon saw himself as weak and defeated. God saw him as a strong warrior.

“ Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.” 15 Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel?…everyone else in my family is more important than I am.” 16 “Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you! Defeating the Midianites will be as easy as beating up one man.” 17 Gideon said, “It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord.” Judges 6:14-17 CEV 

The story goes on and Gideon asks the Lord for a miracle so he will know that this is truly the Lord speaking to him. When God proved Himself to Gideon, Gideon became even more fearful and was afraid he was going to die. Then the Lord said this:

“ Calm down!” the Lord told Gideon. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. You’re not going to die.” 24 Gideon built an altar for worshiping the Lord and called it “The Lord Calms Our Fears.” Judges 6:23-24 CEV

I had someone tell me once that “I’m not sure that I believe in God”. That came from an honest heart. I told them, “That’s ok. He believes in you and if you ask Him to show Himself to you He will. He wants you to believe”. That’s exactly what Gideon was saying to God and God calmed his fears.

In Hebrew this verse says Gideon called the place “Jehovah-Shalom”. God is our peace!

What is it that is robbing your peace? A physical enemy, an emotional distress, finances, health, relationships, bitterness or resentment?

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” II Corinthians 3:17 NLT

Let me repeat the words of the Lord. “Calm down! There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Learn the lesson that Gideon did, The Lord is Peace!

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Always Faithful

For days I have been encouraging you to stand strong on God’s word. He is faithful, He does not fail!

But sometimes, we get weary. Let me tell you about a man who never gave up even when circumstances seemed undaunting.

Let me tell you about a man who had a good heart and knew that he is destined for greatness. He had been assigned a place of leadership, however, the current leader was still actiively fulfilling the role.

The current leader became jealous and did everything he could to destroy his successor. Constantly he thought of ways to pursue and destroy this man. He enlisted the help of well-meaning by-standers.

The current leader’s pursuit was so relentless that this man with the good heart became exhausted by his efforts to avoid conflict.

He let God be his defense and his strength! He didn’t retaliate or bad mouth his pursuer. He did all he could to remain humble and pure of heart.

This is the story of David who was anointed king while Saul was still ruling. Saul sought to kill David and pursued him relentlessly. David avoided capture. Even when David had opportunity to kill Saul, he didn’t.

“The Lord put you within my grasp today in the cave, but I refused to kill you. I was merciful to you. I said, ‘I won’t hurt my master. Saul is the Lord’s chosen king.’… Now, I want you to understand this. I want you to know that I am not planning anything against you. I did nothing wrong to you, but you are hunting me and trying to kill me. 12 Let the Lord be the judge. I hope the Lord will punish you for the wrong you did to me, but I won’t fight you myself.” I Samuel 24:10-12 ERV

I don’t know who or what is pursuing you today – who is making it their personal vendetta to destroy you, but you can trust the Lord to be your strength and your defender.

“Praise the Lord! He has heard my prayer for mercy.7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trusted him with all my heart. He helped me, so I am happy. I sing songs of praise to him.8 The Lord protects his chosen one. He saves him and gives him strength.” Psalm 26:6-8 ERV

If you are going through a particularly tough time right now and feel like you are being harassed and attacked I encourage you to read I Samuel 18-31. Read how the Lord protected David through all of Saul’s plotting. These words in the Psalms will have greater meaning when you realize this is the situation that surrounded them.

God is always faithful!

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble.” Psalm 121:1-3 CEV

“So the Lord is waiting to show his mercy to you. He wants to rise and comfort you. The Lord is the God who does the right thing, so he will bless everyone who waits for his help.” Isaiah 30:18 ERV

God is always faithful; even to a thousand generations!

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Look Straight Ahead

Stay focused. That was the theme of the movie we were watching last night.

One of the things I appreciate about my husband is his agreement to watch Hallmark movies with me. Generally, every plot is the same, but he knows I enjoy them so he watches them without complaint.

Last night’s feature was about a young woman who had inherited her grandmother’s horse property. She decided to get back into competing in three different riding events. She needed to train extensively to be ready for the competitions.

There were many things vying for her attention; a fiancé, the care of the property, and a competitor who was out to destroy her confidence and her relationship. An elderly woman, with much experience, agreed to be her trainer. Each time the young woman would become distracted her trainer would remind her to stay focused. Concentrate on the one thing that was before her.

That storyline fits perfectly with this morning’s reading from Proverbs.

“My child, listen carefully to everything I say. 21 Don’t forget a single word, but think about it all. 22 Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you. 23 Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. 24 Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. 25 Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. 26 Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. 27 Don’t make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.” Proverbs 4:20-17 CEV

Jesus put it this way:

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.” Matthew 13:22 CEV

God’s word, His teaching is the source of true life. Worry gets us distracted and keeps us from looking straight ahead. We need to stay focused – trusting God and His word no matter the circumstances.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work…41 But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

It’s a necessity that we stay focused. Looking straight ahead at God’s word keeps our lives worry free and in line with His plan.

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The Value of Wisdom

I love reading the book of Proverbs. The insights that Solomon has written are invaluable and timeless.

He was a young man when his father, David, died and he became king of Israel. The Lord told him to ask for whatever he would like, and God would give it to him.

“Lord my God, you have made me the king in my father’s place, but I am like a small child. I don’t have the wisdom I need to do what I must do. 8 I am your servant here among your chosen people. There are so many that they cannot be counted. 9 So I ask you to give me the wisdom to rule and judge them well and to help me know the difference between right and wrong. Without such great wisdom, it would be impossible to rule this great nation.”

10 The Lord was happy that Solomon asked for wisdom. 11 So God said to him, “You did not ask for long life and riches for yourself. You did not ask for the death of your enemies. You asked for the wisdom to listen and make the right decisions. 12 So I will give you what you asked for. I will make you wise and intelligent. I will make you wiser than anyone who ever lived or ever will live. 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for. You will have riches and honor all your life. There will be no other king in the world as great as you.” I Kings 3:7-13 ERV

After this, the nations of the world would send their leaders to Solomon seeking his answers to their questions. He was renowned for his wisdom and with wisdom came wealth and peace.

The book of Proverbs gives instruction for the youth and the aged. There is no limitation as to who can benefit from wisdom.

“Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. 14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. 15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.

16 With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor. 17 Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. 18 Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.

19 With wisdom and understanding, the Lord created the earth and sky. 20 With his knowledge, he made the oceans and the clouds that produce rain.

21 My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning. 22 They will bring you a long life filled with honor. 23 As you go through life, you will always be safe and never fall. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful. 25 You have no reason to fear a sudden disaster or the destruction that comes to the wicked. 26 You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:13-26 ERV

The book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters. I like to read one chapter each day and then ask the Lord for wisdom for the day. The book of James tells us when we ask for wisdom the Lord gives it freely.

We can add value to our lives each day when we seek God’s wisdom!

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Yes and Amen!

One more morning blog on the promises of God.

The little chorus I sang as a child goes like this. “Every promise in the book is mine, Every chapter every verse every line. All are blessings of His love divine. Every promise in the book is mine.”

The Apostle Paul put it like this:

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20

Somebody needs this this morning. I just love it when God wants to minister to someone and He decides to use me to bring the message.

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet? Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day. He had that dream as a 17 year old and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3

Then there’s Abraham who had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had this promise from God and had to wait 25 years to see if come to pass. During that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful. At age 100 he saw God’s promise come to pass.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain and he needed to build an ark and collect two of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching, waiting for his neighbors to repent because God was going to send the rain and it had never rained before. The neighbors never repented but God sent the rain. Promise kept.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the past and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes and it’s just about here.

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Hold His Hand

Just a few words of encouragement this morning. Not knowing who you can depend on or turn to in difficult times. Here’s some direction.

“ The Lord says, ‘You people are my witnesses and the servant I chose. I chose you so that you would help people believe me. I chose you so that you would understand that ‘I Am He’—I am the true God. There was no God before me, and there will be no God after me. 11 I myself am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. 12 I am the one who spoke to you, saved you, and told you those things. It was not some stranger who was with you. You are my witnesses, and I am God.’ (This is what the Lord himself said.).” Isaiah 43:10-12 ERV

“I drew a picture of you on my hand. You are always before my eyes” Isaiah 49:16 ERV

“I, I am the one who wipes away all your sins. I do this to please myself. I will not remember your sins. 26 But you should remember me. Let’s meet together and decide what is right. Tell your story and prove that you are innocent.” Isaiah 43:25-26 ERV

“The Lord will save his people. They will return to Zion with joy. They will be very happy. Their happiness will be like a crown on their heads forever. They will be singing with joy. All sadness will be gone far away. 12 The Lord says, ‘I am the one who comforts you. So why should you be afraid of people? They are only humans who live and die like the grass.'” Isaiah 51:11-12 KJV

“For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:11-12 KJV

“ I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father is the one who gave them to me, and he is greater than all. No one can steal my sheep out of his hand. 30 The Father and I are one.” John 10:28-30 ERV

Do you see the reoccurring theme?

The Lord promises “I, even I”; “I am the Lord”. These words are similar to what the Lord said to Moses when he asked how he should answer pharaoh when pharaoh asked who gave Moses his authority and the Lord said, tell him I AM has sent you.

Our Father God is the great I AM! He is I AM – everything we will ever need. And here in these verses He is repeating I, even I, am and will always be your Saviour, your deliverer, whatever or whomever – I, even I, am He!

Today you have the invitation to walk hand in hand with I AM!

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The Importance of Being “In”

Have you ever thought about the difference between “with” and “in”?

If you have water in a glass and you take it to the table it is “with” you. But you can leave that room and leave the water behind. However, if you drink the water it is “in” you. It gives life to your cells and nourishes your body.

All through the Old Testament we find that God was “with” them. When Jesus came one of his names was Emmanuel, God “with” us and wherever Jesus went He took God with Him.

Once we accept Jesus as our Saviour the Scriptures says that we are “in” Him.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:6-10 KJV

His fullness fills us with His life, His love, His character. Wherever we go we take Christ in us. We bring His nature, His life to every circumstance and person we come in contact with.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault. 5 And before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it. 6 And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves.” Ephesians 1:3-6 ERV

There is no need to beg God for be “with us”. We need to be aware, vitally aware, He is always “in us”.

“This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God’s holy people. 27 God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth, which is for all people, is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory. 28 So we continue to tell people about Christ. We use all wisdom to counsel every person and teach every person. We are trying to bring everyone before God as people who have grown to be spiritually mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:26-28 ERV

He lives “in” us so that we can take Him to the world! Let the Lord shine through you today.

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