Category: Confidence

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Don’t Limit God

Words of the Day: Fret Not, Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest, Cease & Inherit!!!

Now just reading these words without explanation should put a spark in your step today – Psalm 37 is filled with God’s promise to you – Don’t limit Him today.

Did you realize you can limit God? In the Gospels it says that Jesus went about healing and doing good but in His own home town He could do no mighty work because of their unbelief.

In Psalms it says that the children of Israel limited God. We can be guilty of the same thing today.

Make up your mind and establish your heart – don’t limit God! He is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient and all-loving. He desires to show Himself strong on your behalf.

“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.” Psalm 37: 1-8 NKJV

Make today the day you take the limitations off God’s power to work in your life.

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Let God Make Changes

There is always some well-meaning person who wants to make rules and regulations for us to live by and those rules are supposed to make us more holy.

In yesterday’s blog we read that the blood of Jesus has blotted out all the handwriting (the accusations, words of condemnation, guilty-of-sin actions) that were against us. Instead of judgement we receive redemption.

When I grew up, we had all sorts of rules that we needed to live by; no dancing, no playing cards, didn’t say gosh darn it because that was swearing and my freshman year in college, we had to sign a statement that we wouldn’t attend movies. My mom remembers that she couldn’t use scissors on Sunday when she was a young girl.

Holiness is never about what we do; it’s about our relationship with Christ who lives within us. I don’t do things for my husband to be a good wife; I do things for him because I love him and want to show him that love – and I hope that makes me a good wife.

Paul tells us that God blotted out the handwriting against us and follows it with how we should act and react to those who would like to set man-made rules for us to live by.

“So don’t let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about Jewish customs (festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath days). 17 In the past these things were like a shadow that showed what was coming. But the new things that were coming are found in Christ. 18 Some people enjoy acting as if they are humble and love to worship angels. They always talk about the visions they have seen. Don’t listen to them when they say you are wrong because you don’t do these things. It is so foolish for them to feel such pride, because it is all based on their own human ideas. 19 They don’t keep themselves under the control of the head. Christ is the head, and the whole body depends on him. Because of Christ all the parts of the body care for each other and help each other. So the body is made stronger and held together as God causes it to grow.

20 You died with Christ and were made free from the powers that influence this world. So why do you act as if you still belong to the world? I mean, why do you follow rules like these: 21 “Don’t eat this,” “Don’t taste that,” “Don’t touch that”? 22 These rules are talking about earthly things that are gone after they are used. They are only human commands and teachings. 23 These rules may seem to be wise as part of a made-up religion in which people pretend to be humble and punish their bodies. But they don’t help people stop doing the evil that the sinful self wants to do.

Chapter 3 Your New Life

You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 2:16 – 3:4 ERV

If you ask the Lord to show you what things in your life don’t please Him, He will tell you. Be honest enough to tell Him you are willing to change those things but that you need His help. Since we know that all of God’s power lives in Christ and we live in Christ there will never be a power shortage when it comes to change.

The Apostle Paul also tells us “There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1

When God prompts us to change it comes with encouragement and not condemnation.

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Rejected to Redeemed

By now you all know that I love words. What writer doesn’t? But I am intrigued by the way simple words tell a story.

You can image how excited I was this morning when my heart began coupling words with the prefix “re”. I’ll have you look at a few of those words with me.

Rejected.

“He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, ‘He is a nobody.’ 4 He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. 5 He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well.” Isaiah 53:3-5 CEV

Redeemed.

“ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ” Galatians 3:13 NKJV

He was rejected so we could be redeemed!

Repent. Receive.

“ Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:38-39 NLT

When we repent we receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives instruction and comfort.

Rescue. Reward.

“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 9:14-16 NLT

The Lord promises to be our rescuer, our protector, and the One who rewards us with long life and salvation.

Now for one more “re”. Rejoice.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NLT

Rejoice in that fact that He was rejected so we could be redeemed. Rejoice that when we repented of our sins, we received the Holy Spirit. Rejoice that the Lord rescues us and rewards us with life.

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Good Afternoon Small Fry

This morning Dave and I were up early and out the door to get the storage shed cleaned up and reorganized before the temperatures rose too high.

Sorting through things and then back home to make a big pot of pozole. I just love the taste of a good pozole.

I dished up a couple of big bowls to share with neighbors. Dave delivered one and I delivered the other. Talking with my friend, she said she had wondered if I was feeling ok because there was no morning blog. I laughed and told her it was a busy morning. We sat and talked, sharing the good things the Lord has been doing in both our lives. In the course of our conversation, she mentioned something about fry – you know, the kind of fry that are baby fish.

It brought back the memories of writing this blog four years ago while we were in the mountains.

I hope it ministers to you.

Do you understand the meaning of “small fry”?  It was reiterated to me yesterday morning.

Dave and I went out fishing first thing.  It was just after daybreak. The hatch of water bugs was in full harvest.  At first, we thought we stepped into a swarm of mosquitos. No, not that. We were in a hatch of what appeared to be small dragon flies.

As they landed on the water’s surface the trout began to boil. It had been a long time since I had seen such a sight.  Everywhere there were ripples, the trout were coming to the surface to feed on the new hatch.

As we cast our bait we hoped there would be one or two trout that chose it over the freshly hatched bugs sitting on the surface of the water.

At shore’s edge, we observed the hunger of the small fry. Did you know that young fish are called fry? 

These little guys, less than 3 to 4 inches long, would come to the surface of the water to feed. Up they’d come, gulp, flip their tails and be gone. 

Does it shock you that I would think of a story in the Bible to relate to this adventure? 

Jesus met Peter, James, John and Andrew on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after they had had an unsuccessful night of fishing. 

“Master,” Simon answered, ‘we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.’ 6 They did it and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart. 7 Then they signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. The men came, and together they filled the two boats so full that they both began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this happen, he knelt down in front of Jesus and said, ‘Lord, don’t come near me! I am a sinner.’ 9 Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught. 10 His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too. Jesus told Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.’” Luke 5:5-10 CEV

This was a net breaking, almost boat sinking load. But what I find interesting is that nowhere is there any mention to the size of the fish. Surely, some of the fish were small fry.

This is so much like Jesus. 

He never makes a distinction between large or small, rich or poor, educated or plain. In fact, Paul says that the Lord uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

This should be so encouraging. 

If you feel like a small fish in a big pond guess what?  God knows you’re there. Are you a small fry?  Not to worry, God has jobs that only small fry can fill.  You won’t find a whale in a mountain lake.

Father, let us realize that you have a specific job for each one of your children. We don’t need to be envious of the bigger fish in the lake. You are willing to use those of us that are small fry!

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Freely – By Grace

I want to expand a little further on justification, just as if I never sinned, that we were talking about yesterday. This is such an amazing part of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, it is a tangible act of God’s goodness.

“ For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:23-24 NLT

Imagine if you will, a wrapped gift sitting on a table. The gift tag says “For You”. Would you open it? Would you believe that you are the one it’s addressed too?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17 NKJV

We have been invited to open the box. The free gift is ours! It was purchased, at a very high cost, and given in love.

“ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:7-10 NLT

We can’t brag about how good we’ve been and how worthy we are to receive such a gift. But, what we can brag about is the love and the grace of our heavenly Father. This gift is His plan and His design, bringing us into right relationship with Him.

This wonderful gift is personal but inclusive for all.

“ He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” I John 2:2 NLT

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2 NLT

This free and lavish gift is for our daily lives and our eternal salvation. The gift is ours. We have been justified – freely, by His grace!

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Just in Time

For the last number of days, I have been mulling over the word justified.

I remember a definition that we were given for that word when I was in Sunday School. Justified = just as if I never sinned! Wait here for just a moment and let that sink in.

It took me years to come to grips with that. Because of Christ, I am justified. For years it seemed I tried to measure up to standards that were placed in front of me. These are the things a good Christian does and these are the things they should never do.

It seemed to me that my success as a Christian was doomed. I couldn’t measure up.

“we know we cannot become right with God by obeying the Law. A man is made right with God by putting his trust in Jesus Christ. For that reason, we have put our trust in Jesus Christ also. We have been made right with God because of our faith in Christ and not by obeying the Law. No man can be made right with God by obeying the Law.” Galatians 2:16 NLV

Obeying the rules, following the do’s and don’ts won’t put us right with God. We are justified by what Christ has done for us.

“20 No person will be made right with God by doing what the Law says. The Law shows us how sinful we are.

21 But now God has made another way to make men right with Himself. It is not by the Law. The Law and the early preachers tell about it. 22 Men become right with God by putting their trust in Jesus Christ. God will accept men if they come this way. All men are the same to God. 23 For all men have sinned and have missed the shining-greatness of God. 24 Anyone can be made right with God by the free gift of His loving-favor. It is Jesus Christ Who bought them with His blood and made them free from their sins. 25 God gave Jesus Christ to the world. Men’s sins can be forgiven through the blood of Christ when they put their trust in Him. God gave His Son Jesus Christ to show how right He is. Before this, God did not look on the sins that were done. 26 But now God proves that He is right in saving men from sin. He shows that He is the One Who has no sin. God makes anyone right with Himself who puts his trust in Jesus.” Romans 3:20-26 NLV

We are justified, made right with God, by putting our trust in Jesus!

All in, all done. Christ paid the price for all our sins. He has given us new life, and He is our example on how we should live.

“Do as God would do. Much-loved children want to do as their fathers do. 2 Live with love as Christ loved you. He gave Himself for us, a gift on the altar to God which was as a sweet smell to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLV

By God’s goodness and love, we have been justified. For me, this message came just in time!

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More Than Good

As I was going about my normal routine yesterday morning, I realized that some of you may be thinking that I have a “Pollyanna” approach to the Gospel. And you’re right, I do.

Not that I ever discount the hard times, the struggles, the anxious moments in life but in each of those moments and in each moment of every day I can see and choose to focus on the goodness of God.

Here’s why.

“ Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romas 2:4 NLT

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV

It is the kindness and goodness of God that draw us to Him. It’s His love and compassion that give us the hope and comfort we need so badly.

His goodness and love are His core and direct all He does. He wants us to share that with the world.

God, our heavenly Father, is just and righteous. He abhors sin but loves everyone who does sin. In fact, He had Jesus take all our sin on Himself so that we could be clothed in His righteousness.

“17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new…21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:17, 21 NKJV

When we realize the length that God, the Father, went to in providing the forgiveness for our sins we are/will be overwhelmed by His goodness and love. We lose the desire to sin in light of His goodness.

“So do you think we should continue sinning so that God will give us more and more grace? 2 Of course not! Our old sinful life ended. It’s dead. So how can we continue living in sin? 3 Did you forget that all of us became part of Christ Jesus when we were baptized? In our baptism we shared in his death.4 So when we were baptized, we were buried with Christ and took part in his death. And just as Christ was raised from death by the wonderful power of the Father, so we can now live a new life.” Romans 6:1-4 ERV

Our Father wants us to live the best life, a life set free from the power of sin. He has provided us with a new life; it is a gift of His goodness!

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Look for the Good

Getting up this morning did you give thanks to the Lord? Or did you complain about what your day has in store?

Do you have a vehicle that runs – maybe even more than one? Praise the Lord! Do you have a job to go to? Praise the Lord.

Do you have people in your life that are abrasive and aggravating? Or folks who are loving, kind and fun to be around? Then Praise the Lord! The aggravating help you appreciate the loving.

Were you able to have a hot cup of coffee and even some breakfast? Praise the Lord.

Ok, so do you see where I’m going with this? There is always something to Praise the Lord for.

“I will tell of your greatness, my God and King. I will praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day. I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 The Lord is great and deserves all our praise! No one can fully understand his greatness!…Everything the Lord does is good. Everything he does shows how loyal he is. 18 The Lord is near to everyone who sincerely calls to him for help.” Psalm 145:1-3, 17-18

“Thank the LORD for his faithful love and for the amazing things he does for people. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty. He fills those who are hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:7-8

What is it in your life that you consider good?

Health, friends, family, career, cash in your pocket, a nice car, your boat, a new horse, an old well-trained horse, a shot gun, the right to bear arms – what? If it’s good, it’s a gift from God so make sure you thank Him today and that you look at all you have to be thankful for instead of wasting precious time being resentful for something “more” you think you should have.

“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. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18

Let praise be the start and the end of your conversations today.

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Unconventional Goodness

What does the goodness of God look like?

This morning I read about the miracle of Jesus healing a deaf man. If I had been there personally I would have thought it looked very silly. You tell me what you think…

“ Jesus left the region around Tyre and went by way of Sidon toward Lake Galilee. He went through the land near the ten cities known as Decapolis. 32 Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk. They begged Jesus just to touch him.

33 After Jesus had taken him aside from the crowd, he stuck his fingers in the man’s ears. Then he spit and put it on the man’s tongue. 34 Jesus looked up toward heaven, and with a groan he said, “Effatha!” which means “Open up!” 35 At once the man could hear, and he had no more trouble talking clearly.

36 Jesus told the people not to say anything about what he had done. But the more he told them, the more they talked about it. 37 They were completely amazed and said, “Everything he does is good! He even heals people who cannot hear or talk.” Mark 7:31-37 CEV

I believe I know why Jesus took this man away from the crowd. I can just hear their comments – “Oooo yuk! What’s He doing? I don’t want him spitting on me!” Jesus moved the man from a place of public opinion to a place where faith would be honored.

Jesus was definitely unconventional. The Apostle Paul said that God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

Each one of us has a miracle story. A time when there is no other explanation for what we experienced than calling it a miracle. Sometimes we feel reluctant in telling others because we feel foolish or wonder what others may think.

God working in our lives is a testimony to others. Our stories build faith and hope. Our stories bring glory to God.

I like what the man who was blind said to those religious leaders who were interrogating him about the circumstances of his healing.

“The day when Jesus made the mud and healed the man was a Sabbath. So the people took the man to the Pharisees. 15 They asked him how he was able to see, and he answered, ‘Jesus made some mud and smeared it on my eyes. Then after I washed it off, I could see.‘…25 The man replied, ‘I don’t know if he is a sinner or not. All I know is that I used to be blind, but now I can see!’” John 9:14-25 CEV

Each one of us has a miracle story that the world needs to hear. The world is looking for hope, looking for peace, looking for love. It is the goodness of God that draws people to Him.

Share your miracle and be a light of goodness to the world!

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I Will Stand

Yesterday’s blog was “God Can” and in fact, He already has. He’s given us all the promises we need for this life and when we give our lives to Him, He has given us an eternal life with Him in heaven.

“ We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3&4 CEV

It was another very early morning. Time to get up and pray. Pray for those who are weary and struggling. Pray for those who need the determination to stand.

When I finished praying, I was reminded of a time when I struggled with weariness. I wanted to give up. I was ready to quit. We had a “Scripture Scroll” on the wall in our living room. Each day or two we could wind the scroll, and another Scripture was there for the reading. I had expressed my frustration and weariness to Dave. I was crying, I wanted sympathy.

We prayed together and as he walked out of the living room he read the verse on the scroll.

“Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 CEV

“That’s not fair”, I blurted out. He rolled the scroll and read again.

“But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! 58 My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 CEV

He was silent and let that sink in. I was frustrated and felt as if he was using Scripture against me. I hadn’t realized yet that God was using these little verses to encourage and strengthen me. He rolled the scroll one more time.

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

This time instead of tears there was laughter! Ok Lord, I get the point. Thank you for the power of Your word and the instruction it gives me for daily living.

Now these next verses weren’t on the scroll but they should have been.

“ To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. 11 Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks. 12 Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:10-13 CEV

To end this blog (letter) I leave you with this list that gave me strength all those years ago:

  1. Do not grow weary and faint
  2. Be Steadfast and Immovable
  3. Do not give up or faint
  4. Be strengthen by Christ
  5. Stand

Jesus gave His all to give us the victory. Because of Him we have great and precious, unbreakable promises. Because of Him – I will stand!

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