Category: Fearless

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

Father Knows Best

As a follow up to yesterday’s blog, Getting to Know the Father, I thought it was important to share these thoughts with you.

“Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you not to worry about your life!” Luke 12:22 ERV

Now I tell you it just doesn’t get much plainer than that!

Not a suggestion or a nice idea. Not an impractical concept but a direct admonition from Jesus, himself. Plain – simple – truth!

I love that the Lord knew we would have multiple opportunities to worry each and every day, yet His instruction is that we do the exact opposite. How can this be?

Well, He knew something we all should be learning daily. He knew how much the Father loves and cares for us.

Take yesterday for instance. It started out to be a pretty normal day but at 10 a.m. everything changed. Strong winds started and shortly after we could smell smoke and could see it in the air. We didn’t know where it came from at first, but it was close.

Immediately one of the ladies I work with, and I grabbed hands and prayed. We prayed for protection of the homes in our community and safety for our residents. Within a few minutes we received a “ready” notice and then within another 20+ minutes we received the order to evacuate.

As we went from home to home to give the evacuation order many of our neighbors told me that they were praying too.

“God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield.” Psalm 91:3-4 ERV

We were so thankful for the quick response of the local Fire Department, and the added support of other departments nearby. Within a few hours the fire was extinguished, and we were able to return to our homes.

“Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. 23 Life is more than food or clothing. 24 Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. 25 Can worry make you live longer? 26 If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?

27 Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. 28 God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! 29 Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink.” Luke 12:22-29 CEV

“If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?”

This must also mean that we don’t have to worry about the finances that we need to buy the groceries, our clothing or a place to live. Our Father knows our needs and we can trust Him.

Remember the old television show Father Knows Best? Well, in this case He does and we need to trust Him!

We can’t trust and worry at the same time. They are contrary to one another. So, I encourage and implore you trust and worry not!

Posted on

A Shadowed Valley

At present I have several friends who are walking through the shadowed valley. They aren’t camping there, but they are walking through. This is for them and for you.

David, before he replaced Saul as king of Israel, faced daily pursuit from his enemies, physical pursuit. These are his words when he was hiding in a cave from Saul and his soldiers.

“I cry out to the Lord. I beg the Lord to help me. 2 I tell him my problems; I tell him about my troubles. 3 I am ready to give up. But you, Lord, know the path I am on, and you know that my enemies have set a trap for me. 4 I look around, and I don’t see anyone I know. I have no place to run. There is no one to save me. 5 Lord, I cry out to you for help: ‘You are my place of safety. You are all I need in life.’” Psalm 142:1-5 ERV

Maybe you are voicing the same words to the Lord. Maybe you have been tempted to give up. Maybe you feel surrounded by your enemies. King David’s enemies were physical people, but not all enemies are.

Some are emotional, or circumstantial; others are financial or relational; still others may be illness or physical, enemies come in all sizes and forms. But there is not one of them that is too big for our God.

We all need to come to a place that we repeat what David said.  ‘You are my place of safety. You are all I need in life.’

Let me remind you of some of King David’s other words about enemies.

“Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. 5 You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies.  You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over.” Psalm 23:4-5 ERV

Surrounded by enemies, no matter what they are, I will not be afraid because the Lord is with me. In fact, the Lord has prepared a banquet and has invited me to sit down and enjoy a life-refreshing meal of good things. I am His honored guest.

He stands near with his rod and staff to defend and protect. He is our place of safety!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, ‘You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.’ 3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases.” Psalm 91:1-3 ERV

The Father wants us coming to Him to find safety, protection and deliverance from our enemies, from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. He wants us to put our total trust in Him. Even when those enemies seem to be circling us like a wolf pack surrounding a sheep – He says do not fear. I am with you. I will never leave you!

“You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day. 6 You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon.” Psalm 91:5-6 ERV

“The Lord says, ‘If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help. 15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.’” Psalm 91:14-16 ERV

There is no fear in life’s shadowed valleys because the Lord is with us and we have His promised protection and salvation!

Posted on

In Times of Trouble

I want to take you back to the words that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, spoke in the book of John.

“ The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV

We see destruction and death on a daily basis. What do we do, how do we replace fear with trust in times of trouble?

“ God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.” Psalm 46:1-3 NLV

I think of the Israelites when they were escaping Egypt. They were so excited to be leaving a land of bondage and heading toward the land God had promised them. But in short order, fear set in. There was the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army was closing in from behind.

“10 When Pharaoh came near, the people of Israel looked and saw the Egyptians coming after them. And they were filled with fear and cried out to the Lord…13 But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid! Be strong, and see how the Lord will save you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today, you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you. All you have to do is keep still.’” Exodus 14:10-14 NLV

The recurring theme throughout all the Bible is fear not, be not afraid. Why? How? The Lord will save you! In times of trouble we are never alone; God’s presence is always with us.

“I will give You thanks with all my heart. I will sing praises to You in front of the gods. 2 I will bow down toward Your holy house. And I will give thanks to Your name for Your loving-kindness and Your truth. For You have honored Your Word because of what Your name is. 3 You answered me on the day I called. You gave me strength in my soul.

4 O Lord, all the kings of the earth will give thanks to You when they have heard the words of Your mouth. 5 And they will sing of the ways of the Lord. For the shining beauty of the Lord is great. 6 For even if the Lord is honored, He thinks about those who have no pride. But He knows the proud from far away. 7 Even if I walk into trouble, You will keep my life safe. You will put out Your hand against the anger of those who hate me. And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will finish the work He started for me. O Lord, Your loving-kindness lasts forever. Do not turn away from the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138 NLV

Focusing on God’s goodness, giving thanks, trusting His word builds trust and quiets fear.

The words in verse 7 are very similar to the words in Psalm 23 verse 4.

“Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLV

“ I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

Keeping our hearts strong and free from fear comes when we have hope and know that the Lord is with us, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

In times of trouble, we put our hope and trust in the Lord.

Posted on

Clear Vision for the Future

I was remembering this morning what it was like being an eleven-year-old who couldn’t clearly see the blackboard from my desk in the classroom. It seemed like my vision had deteriorated in just a matter of weeks.

I went from getting A’s to C’s almost overnight. It was an observant teacher who told my mom she thought I needed my eyes checked. A trip to the optometrist revealed I was acutely nearsighted.

It’s hard to recall what was more troublesome, not being able to see clearly or being an pre-teen girl who now had to wear glasses, thick glasses. Choosing to see clearly won out over embarrassment.

Sitting here this morning an old hymn began filling my heart. This hymn was taken from a Irish poem in the 6th century and translated to English in the early 1900’s. It has to be read slowly to absorb the meaning because the old English can be hard to understand.

 “Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
all else be nought to me, save that thou art—
thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

2 Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
thou my great Father; thine own may I be;
thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.

3 High King of heaven, when victory is won,
may I reach heaven’s joys, bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.”

If we are truly seeking clarity for soul and spirit, we need to be focused on Christ. Day or night, waking or sleeping our minds can be filled with His word.

“God has raised you with Christ to a new life. So you should want more and more the things that belong to heaven. That is where Christ is now. He sits there at God’s right side. 2 So think about the good things that are there in heaven above. Do not think only about things that are on the earth. 3 Remember that your old nature has died. God is keeping your new life safe with Christ.” Colossians 3:1-3 EASY

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

Some think of the Bible as being restrictive, filled with impossible demands and negative teachings. Not so!

Those people are vision impaired. The Bible is a love letter from a Father to His dearly loved children giving them instruction for success, joy, wisdom and courage.

“The Lord, your God, is with you. He is strong. He will save you. He will be very happy about you! He will quietly love you. He will sing, because he is so happy about you!” Zephaniah 3:17 EASY

As we go into the new year, may I suggest that we have our spiritual vision tested. Let the word of God bring life into focus so we can see the future clearly.

Be thou my vision Lord of my heart!

Posted on

A Hundred Billion Times

The last couple of nights Dave and I have spent time sitting on the porch at the fire ring. Our conversation always centers on how much God has blessed us.

The life we’ve had, our family, the experiences that have molded and shaped our lives. The friends, the breath-taking moments and the mundane, He has always been present.

Last night friends joined us and told us they will probably be going to Portugal next fall for a destination wedding. How wonderful! Since you’re there you must go to Greece. Greece for us was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Not for all the touristy reasons. It was the sense of the presence of God. I know I’ve told you before, but the most remarkable part of our trip was engaging in conversations with the locals and listening as they told the stories of the cathedrals and the godly influence of their communities.

Those are the stories that we recounted to our friends.

The presence of God – “the heavens declare the glory of God and the earth shows His handiwork”. (Psalm 19:1)

“ Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it. 19 When we love others, we know we belong to the truth, and we feel at ease in the presence of God. 20 But even if we don’t feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if we feel at ease in the presence of God, we will have the courage to come near him. 22 He will give us whatever we ask, because we obey him and do what pleases him.” I John 3:18-22 CEV

These are the words of the Apostle John. Feeling at ease in the presence of God – that is what we experienced while we were in Greece.

In the wee hours this morning, my heart began to sing.

“God of Your promise
You don’t speak in vain, no syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science, follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You say
Every painted sky, a canvas of Your grace
If creation still obeys You, so will I
So will I

If the stars were made to worship, so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence, so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness, so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high, so will I
If the wind goes where You send it, so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence, so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times!” So Will I (100 Billion X)

This is a song we sing frequently in Sunday worship but when it comes rolling out of my heart at 2 a.m. it has a greater depth of meaning.

In just a few days our nation will have a celebration of Thanksgiving. The focus wasn’t football or parades, not family gatherings, or food; it was a gathering of people who had survived immeasurable hardships, and they were giving thanks to God Almighty.

Make a resolve this Thanksgiving, if all of creation will praise You, so will I!

Posted on

Lessons from Autumn

Raised most of my life in the desert “Fall” never had much impact on my life. However, a few years ago when we first began to camp host in the White Mountains, I was awed by the beauty of this natural change.

The air gets brisk, the leaves begin to change – yellow, red, gold. And then they begin to fall leaving the branches bear and preparing to face the cold winter. But fear not, they will not die; they are just going through a stage of dormancy. They come back next Spring with new life, green and luscious.

Nature doesn’t fear change; it embraces it.

We go through changes. It can seem like our leaves are falling off and we are being left without a covering, but nothing could be further from the truth. God is our covering; He is our provider.

Why do we try to handle these changes on our own and then in futility say, “there’s nothing left to do but pray”. Prayer should be the first thing we do and then we should rest from worry while God works it out.

Psalm 138 is a short Psalm, only 8 verses but two major points are made.

1. The Lord places His word in the ultimate position of authority; it is ranked even higher than His name.

2. He promises to perfect those things that concern us.

So we should eagerly trust His word and let Him handle things!

“I will give You thanks with all my heart; I sing praises to You before the [pagan] gods. 2 I will bow down [in worship] toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word together with Your name. 3 On the day I called, You answered me; And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life. 4 All the kings of the land will give thanks and praise You, O Lord, When they have heard of the promises of Your mouth [which were fulfilled]. 5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of the Lord [joyfully celebrating His wonderful acts], For great is the glory and majesty of the Lord. 6 Though the Lord is exalted, He regards the lowly [and invites them into His fellowship]; But the proud and haughty He knows from a distance. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8 The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever— Do not abandon the works of Your own hands.” Psalm 138 AMP

Our heavenly Father makes a much better God than we do. He is asking for permission to intervene in our lives. He won’t force Himself on us. He won’t twist our arm until we give in and let Him help. But He will wait patiently and be there when we call.

Like the aspens, He has a plan for our future. Somethings must fall away and then new growth, new life will come.

Trust His word, rely on His strength, find peace in His provision and give thanks!

Posted on

He Heard Me

Have you ever been speaking to someone and you know they aren’t listening? It happens quite frequently. It’s hard to get someone’s undivided attention. I know I’m guilty of only half listening at times; my mind wanders or I’m distracted with what I’m reading or working on.

Did you know God is never distracted? He listens intently when we talk to Him, He’s there when we cry for help and He’s ready to answer when we ask for His direction and wisdom.

“I will always praise the Lord. 2 With all my heart, I will praise the Lord. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. 3 Honor the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name. 4 I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the Lord. You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles.” Psalm 34:1-6 CEV

I’m not sure what fears and troubles are plaguing you today but our Father does.

Ask for His help; He is here to save you from every distress. He is faithful; He can be depended on!

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

He’s listening and ready to help!

Posted on

Free Indeed

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

” So if the Son makes you free, you are really free.” John 8:36 ERV

On this day of independence, it’s important to remember that we are truly free through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are no longer held captive or enslaved by sin and/or the devil because the Son, Jesus Christ, broke the chains of bondage and set us free! Hallelujah!

Our nation was founded by men and women who were seeking a better way of life; an opportunity to achieve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They trusted in God’s leading and direction in the founding of this nation.

We are blessed with a great heritage of those who have fought for our freedom and with founding fathers who established our nation using the Bible as the base and foundation of our governing laws.

Many things have changed since the founding of our nation but one thing that has not changed is God is still and forever will be, Lord God Almighty who rules and reigns in mercy, truth and justice!

We can trust Him and Him alone! He is our hope, He is our peace, He is our joy, the Everlasting God!

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

Keep your hearts free from fear. When God reigns He brings peace and with Him is ultimate victory.

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress