Category: Confidence

Posted on

Looking Up

Today, I want to draw your attention to a time when Jesus “looked up”.

Jesus had left the area of Judea just days earlier because the Pharisees were trying to kill him. Now he learned that his dear friend Lazarus was very sick. He told his disciples that they needed to return to Bethany, and they reminded him that the people in that area were against him.

Jesus waited a couple more days and then he told the disciples we MUST go to Bethany, Lazarus is dead. When Jesus arrived he learned that Lazarus had already been in the grave four days. Martha came out to meet Jesus and told him if He had been there, she knew her brother would not be dead.

Do you get the picture? Jesus is grieving over the death of his dear friend. He is just a two mile walk from a town where a mob had tried to kill him just a few days ago and now his friend’s sister is blaming him for her brother’s death. WOW!

The story goes on from there. Lazarus’ other sister, Mary, and the mourners come to where Jesus is. Mary falls at Jesus’ feet and says the same thing, “If you had been here my brother wouldn’t have died.” And now comes the shortest verse in the Bible – Jesus wept.

I think he wept because he felt the grief of the loss of a friend; I think he wept because he was being blamed for that death; I think he wept because the people around him had no faith and hope. But he wept. And then he did something that we all need to do – He looked up!

“Jesus was still terribly upset. So he went to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone rolled against the entrance. 39 Then he told the people to roll the stone away. But Martha said, ‘Lord, you know that Lazarus has been dead four days, and there will be a bad smell.’

40 Jesus replied, ‘Didn’t I tell you that if you had faith, you would see the glory of God?’

41 After the stone had been rolled aside, Jesus looked up toward heaven and prayed, ‘Father, I thank you for answering my prayer. 42 I know that you always answer my prayers. But I said this, so that the people here would believe that you sent me.’

43 When Jesus had finished praying, he shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ 44 The man who had been dead came out. His hands and feet were wrapped with strips of burial cloth, and a cloth covered his face. Jesus then told the people, ‘Untie him and let him go.’” John 11:38-44

He looked up to the Father – he reminded himself that God the Father had not abandon him and that even in his grief, the Father was there to bring victory to the situation. He looked up and he thanked the Father for answered prayer. And He knew the purpose of all of this – so that the people would believe!

Jesus moved his attention from the circumstances around Him and looked to the One who changes things.

Jesus called Lazarus from the grave – His words, “Lazarus, come forth” brought the power of God to the situation and Lazarus came walking out of the tomb.

Awesome! Absolutely Awesome!

A kind and loving God brought an end to grieving and despair. He brought life to Lazarus and life to the hope and faith of the people who were there. He can and will still do the same today.

What is it in your life that is dead and needs to be resurrected? Your hope? Your faith? Your health? Your marriage? Your joy? Your finances? What???

Look up to the One who has life giving power – look up and thank Him for resurrection and then be bold like Jesus and call it forth from the grave. King Solomon said Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21.

Jesus was focused on looking up – we need to do the same!

Posted on

Don’t Stand Back

Did you ever see The Wizard of OZ as a kid? I did and it scared me – I didn’t like the flying monkeys or the wicked witch. But one thing that stuck out to me was the appearance of the wizard – all the smoke, the lights, the thunder…

It reminded me of the stories I had read about the children of Israel being protected by the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire that God used to lead them. By no means am I comparing the wizard to God the Father, just giving you a visual you can relate to.

However, the children of Israel had come to a place where God wanted to speak with all of them. God wanted them all to come close to Mt. Sinai and He wanted Moses to come up into His cloud as He spoke.

It had only been 2 months since they left Egypt. They have seen many miracles, some in the final days of their time in Egypt and others as they traveled to Mt. Sinai. It had been a miraculous journey. All that time the Lord spoke directly to Moses then Moses told the people what He has said.

“Once more the Lord spoke to Moses: Go back and tell the people that today and tomorrow they must get themselves ready to meet me. They must wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the day after tomorrow, when I will come down to Mount Sinai, where all of them can see me.” Exodus 19:10 CEV

“On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud covered the mountain, a loud trumpet blast was heard, and everyone in camp trembled with fear. 17 Moses led them out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had come down in a flaming fire. Smoke poured out of the mountain just like a furnace, and the whole mountain shook. 19 The trumpet blew louder and louder. Moses spoke, and God answered him with thunder.” Exodus 19:16-19 CEV

“Then he said, ‘Moses, go and warn the people not to cross the boundary that you set at the foot of the mountain. They must not cross it to come and look at me, because if they do, many of them will die.” vs 21 CEV

Now I want to contrast this with what we find in the New Testament.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

The instruction goes from stay back to come boldly…all because of Jesus!

“So we are made holy because Christ obeyed God and offered himself once for all.” Hebrews 10:10 CEV

When we come to the Father based on what Jesus has done for us, dying for the forgiveness of our sins, we have complete access to His throne – to His presence and there we find a loving heavenly Father welcoming us to a place where we find grace and help.

This is a lesson for us today.

Don’t be afraid, don’t stand back but instead come running to the Father’s throne – crawl up on His lap, tell Him your need and He will be there to help!

Posted on

Wanting More

Yesterday’s question, if you had only one prayer request – what would it be, should have caused us all to ponder on what the most important thing in our lives is.

As we mature in our relationship with the Lord, we notice that our desires change. We can relax in knowing that we don’t need to strive to be in control; we can let Him lead, directing our path, setting our course.

“You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. 6 You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright.” Psalm 16:5 ERV

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.” Psalm 23:1 ERV

These are the words of King David. A man the Bible tells us had a heart for God. He wasn’t perfect. His failures are recorded in Scripture but so is his faith and trust in His God. The Lord promoted him, he became king of Israel. He was known throughout the world. However, his greatest desire was to live in the presence of God, that’s where he had all he desired and needed.

The Apostle Paul had a similar experience.

He had been one of the religious elite. He was a man of means. A well-educated man, on the chief religious counsel. A Roman citizen and highly respected by his peers.

” I was circumcised when I was eight days old, and I am from the nation of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a true Hebrew. As a Pharisee, I strictly obeyed the Law of Moses. 6  And I was so eager I even made trouble for the church. I did everything the Law demands in order to please God.

7 But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. 8 Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ 9 and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. 10 All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, 11 so that somehow I also may be raised to life.” Philippians 3:5-11 CEV

There are many situations where wanting more is considered greed or discontentment but it’s completely opposite when it comes to our relationship with Christ. Knowing Him is a true act of humility. Wanting more of Him, is desiring less of ourselves.

Jesus said this:

“The Lord answered, ‘Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42 CEV

Knowing Christ, wanting more of Him is what God desires for everyone of us!

Posted on

In Your Presence

Yesterday, I heard a wonderful teaching that captured my heart.

The pastor was teaching from Psalm 27, particularly verse 4:

“I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple.” verse 4 CEV

And then he asked, if you could only ask the Lord for one thing what would it be? Let me ask you the same question. If you only had one prayer, what would it be?

King David answered it this way: Let me live in your presence and see how wonderful you are each day!

What an amazing thought! Living each day in the presence of God, consciously. Oh yes, we can quote the verse that I will never leave you or abandon you, but do we really practice the presence of God on a daily basis?

Or do we just go about life and when things get too tough, too big for us to handle on our own, we call out to God?

This is by no means a condemnation; I didn’t receive it that way. It is an invitation to be in the Father’s presence constantly, learning from Him, experiencing the peace that only comes from Him.

“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:11 CEV

Another translation of this verse says “In your presence there is fullness of joy”.

I sat here this morning, being quiet before the Lord, enjoying the knowledge that He is here. He is closer than my next breath. The Father has invited me to seek His face, finding joy and peace.

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.” Isaiah 26:3 CEV

And then my heart began to sing.

“There is nothing worth more
That will ever come close
No thing can compare
You’re our living hope
Your presence Lord
I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of love
When my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
Your presence Lord

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord

There is nothing worth more
That will ever come close
No thing can compare
You’re our living hope
Your presence Lord
I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of Love
When my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
Your presence Lord”

I encourage you to take time to sit in the Father’s presence and embrace His beauty; experience His joy and peace! There’s nothing, absolutely nothing, more wonderful than being in His presence!!

Posted on

Pure & True

Reading the Bible is much like a treasure hunt for me. I know that God’s word is packed full of nuggets and I want to find each one.

This morning, I found one that I want to share with you.

“They took advantage of the poor and stole what little they had. But the Lord knows what they did, and he says,
    ‘I will rescue those who are poor and helpless, and I will punish those who hurt them.’

6 The Lord’s words are true and pure, like silver purified by fire, like silver melted seven times to make it perfectly pure.” Psalm 12:5-6 ERV

God’s word has been tested, as if by fire, and it is pure. Purer than silver that has completed the refining process. There is no imperfection in His word. He does not alter His promises.

God cannot and will not lie.

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERv

“His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb. 11 His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them.” Psalm 19:10-11 ERV

“ Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

“Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8 ERV

God’s word will last forever. It is pure, it is true, it is trustworthy!

Posted on

Peter – The Rock

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

Strengths: Outdoorsman, Co-owner of a fishing fleet. Tough, outspoken. Born leader. Loyal, committed. Determined. Repentent. Teachable, Usable.

Weakness: overconfident, speak first think later. self-promoting. folds under pressure. proud.

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

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

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

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

12 Jesus is the only one who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save anyone. We must be saved through him!’” Acts 4:8-12 ERV

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

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

What made the difference in Peter?

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

Now let me ask you a question. Are there things in your past that you are ashamed of? Times that you feel you have failed, not just failed yourself or your family, but times that you have failed God? Those failures don’t disqualify you from service. They are stepping stones.

Stepping stones for service. If Peter hadn’t of failed, he still would have been self-confident, prideful and not felt he needed a Savior. He wouldn’t have been willing to yield his life to the Holy Spirit. He was willing to let go of his past and become a rock of determination.

We need to do the same. Take our past to the cross of Jesus, leave it there. Then let the Holy Spirit transform us in the same way He did Peter and the other disciples.

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

Posted on

Even When, I Trust

All through Scripture we have the words “be not afraid, fear not, be anxious for nothing” and sometimes it seems it would be easier to climb Mt. Everest than to not be afraid.

Other than Jesus, I think the Apostle Paul in the New Testament and King David in the Old Testament probably encountered more fear-filled situations than anyone else in Scripture. Every town that Paul preached in broke out in a riot and had someone planning his death. King David was pursued by more armies than I can count, even his own son sought to murder him.

That makes these two experts in the “fear not” department.

While reading in the Psalms this morning I found these words.

“Have pity, God Most High! My enemies chase me all day. 2 Many of them are pursuing and attacking me, 3 but even when I am afraid, I keep on trusting you. 4 I praise your promises!
I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me.” Psalm 56:1-4 CEV

All day long, David was on the run. Armies by sheer number were greater than his band of 400 mighty men. ” even when I am afraid, I keep on trusting you.” His life was in literal danger and he made the determination to trust God even when he was afraid.

“When I pray, Lord God, my enemies will retreat, because I know for certain that you are with me. 10 I praise your promises! 11 I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me.

12 I will keep my promises to you, my God and bring you gifts. 13 You protected me from death and kept me from stumbling, so that I would please you and follow the light that leads to life.” Psalm 56:10-13 CEV

What are the enemies that are pursuing you?

Take a note from David’s playbook . “I know for certain that you are with me”!

I just heard someone say, “That’s all well and good Kristi but I’m not certain that God is always with me”. I’m glad you said that.

“A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23 CEV

He came to be with us and when he went back to heaven the Holy Spirit came to live in us and be God’s representative in our lives.

“But I tell you I am going to do what is best for you. This is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.” John 16:7 CEV

Sad to say but one of the biggest fears today is that of not having enough. Not enough money to pay our bills, not enough time, not enough food, not enough health, not enough peace.

” Don’t fall in love with money. Be satisfied with what you have. The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us.” Hebrews 13:5 CEV

Jesus said. “ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.” John 10:10 CEV

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Psalm 23:1 CEV

Is there something that has you fear-filled today? Say with King David and with me, “Even when, I will trust”!

Posted on

He Loved Us First

As we near the end of this month I will take a couple more days of sharing with you about God’s love. Of course, that’s really what I do each day – I really find nothing in the Bible that doesn’t focus on God’s love because God is love.

Even when the Bible gives us correction, it comes from God’s heart; He corrects us because He loves us – but that’s for another day.

“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.

11-12 My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!

13-16 This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.

To Love, to Be Loved

17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

19 We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.

20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.” I John 4:7-21 MSG

God’s love for us is unconditional. He loved us before we knew Him. His amazing love sets us free from fear – free for the daily attacks and free from fear of eternity!

Posted on

My God is the Lord Almighty

This morning, I will be sharing something I wrote a few years back. The Lord brought this to my attention, and it struck a chord in my heart. I trust it will for you too.

For years I have had a wonderful fascination with clouds. I’m not sure when it began or why, but I know I have taken hundreds, if not thousands, of photos with nothing but clouds.

When we left the Big Sky Country of Montana and moved back to Arizona eleven years ago, I was concerned that I wouldn’t have a view where I could enjoy the clouds. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the path of my morning walk took me to wide open space with an unrestricted view of the sky.

Then when we moved from Rio Rico to Queen Valley our porch faces the mountain and again I have an unobstructed view of the desert landscape and sky.

I didn’t have that while we were in Florida last week. Yes, the full sky view was gorgeous while we were at the beach but that was only momentary. So, coming home and seeing the big, beautiful, fluffy white clouds was a welcoming site. It was also a vivid reminder of the Father’s hand of protection.

“21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. 22 And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 NLT

When the Israelites left Egypt, the Bible tells us the Lord guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night. This cloud shaded them from the scorching sun and the fire pillar kept them warm at night. The cloud also rested between them and their pursuers when they crossed the Red Sea.

Protection and direction.

My thoughts center on that when I see a cloud of this magnitude. I’m captured by the greatness of our God who promises to be our shield and our defense. I don’t like cloudless skies.

The Bible tells us about another cloud – a cloud we should all be looking for.

“16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT

When the Lord returns to gather the believers and take them to heaven, He will come in the clouds! Dave used to tease me and tell me that I would probably be photographing clouds on the day of the Lord’s return. I really can’t imagine anything more wonderful!

As I stare at those cloud-filled skies my heart is at peace, I am comforted by a sense of my Father’s presence. “Where are you leading me today, Lord? I don’t want to miss out on anything you have planned for me.”

My God is the Lord Almighty and He leads me on a right path.

Posted on

Being First

You all know that we just returned from spending the week in Daytona. The big question of the week was “who will be first”.

There were practice races, qualifying races, and then the main event. There were races for the ARCA cars, Trucks, Xfinity cars and the Cup Cars. Each series would have a winner. In fact, the car to cross the finish line first wasn’t always the one who took home the trophy. There were two races where the winners were disqualified, and another car and driver were given credit for the win.

How disappointing that must have been!

Don’t we love being first?

It is such an honor – being the first to get a phone call or text with really important news – getting the first piece of cake on your birthday – the first dance at your wedding – the first lick of an ice cream cone – the first ride on a motorcycle – the first kiss… I could go on and on.

The Lord also desires to be first.

“Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command.” Matthew 22:37-38 ERV

This isn’t an egotistical desire. No, God wants us to place Him first because He knows the great plan that He has for our lives. His plans are for our good.

He knows that when we lose focus and become distracted by other things we will be like Peter, in yesterday’s verses, looking at the waves and feeling the wind and we will begin to sink.

However, when we seek the Lord first, when we make Him first place in our lives, He fills us with joy, hope, peace, and faith, a true abundant life.

“ Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. 33 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 6:31-33 CEV

When we make the Lord our first love we will never be disqualified; He always causes us to triumph.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress