Category: Peace

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Content With Life

I started my morning by looking at pictures that reflect contentment – so many images of serenity. I was content just looking at them.

Scenes of waves on a beach, a boat on a lake, a kitten curled up by the fire, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, big pillow-y clouds in a rich blue sky. If you were to photograph contentment what would your image be?

With some of the images there were quotes. Succinct sayings to convey the meaning of contentment.

  • 1. “To be content doesn’t mean you don’t desire more, it means you’re thankful for what you have and patient for what’s to come …
  • 2. “Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.”. Bilal Zahoor.
  • 3. “Contentment is an attitude that says, I will be satisfied with what God has given me.”. Anonymous.
  • 4. “Contentment comes from many great and small acceptances in life.”. Anonymous.

All too often we lose the joy and peace of today because we are striving to obtain more for our tomorrow. Perhaps, we are so busy reflecting on our losses of the past we forget to enjoy blessings of the present. These will both rob us of our contentment.

There is nothing wrong with ambition; with setting goals and having a vision. Those are good traits as long as we are letting the Lord be the one who sets our course and we are following Him.

I asked you what your picture of contentment would look like. When I asked that I had to stop because I was imagining what Daniel might have pictured – his would be sleeping among the lions. Peter’s image might be the inside of a prison cell and Jesus might take a picture of a boat on a rough and stormy sea. Paul and Silas would no doubt draw the inside of a dungeon during an earthquake and Jonah would possibly sketch the contents in the belly of the great fish.

Strange images, right? Not what you or I would choose to put on a the pages of a “serenity calendar” but these were places of contentment. In each of these places the occupants sensed the power and the presence of Almighty God. There they were content. The Apostle Paul said this:

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

My heart is stirred to focus on God’s goodness and His peace. The world seems more out of control than it has ever been, yet, in this world Jesus says we can have peace.

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 ERV

We all know that things do not bring happiness or peace. We have examples of people everyday in the news who seem to have it all and they are miserable. Again we have the words of the Apostle Paul:

“…These people think religion is supposed to make you rich. 6 And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have. 7 We didn’t bring anything into this world, and we won’t take anything with us when we leave. 8 So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes.” I Timothy 6:5-8 CEV

Lest anyone thinks that I am saying that we should all be paupers, I’m not. Our lives in Christ are to be full and abundant. When we are focusing on our relationship with the Father, He provides for all our needs and we can be content.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

I pray that we all find contentment in each day. Living in peace and enjoying the Father’s goodness.

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The Bucket List

A few years back a movie was released with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, Bucket List. I’m not a big fan of either actor but had heard about the movie and it was on TV so Dave and I watched it. The premise: What do you want to do before you die, what would make life feel complete. And not long after the movie’s release people began to ask “what’s on your bucket list” and to say “that’s on my bucket list”.

I’ve never made a bucket list. Imagine that. Sixty-six years old and no bucket list. I don’t believe it’s because I am not adventurous or that I’m unimaginative. No, quiet the contrary, but God has filled my life so full that there is nothing that I still need to do to feel my life is fulfilled. I have a wonderful husband, loving children and grandchildren, I get to share God’s word with you each day and I have a home I enjoy. I am blessed!

Oh yes, there are some things I would like to do – a Cinderella night with Dave, catch a marlin and go on a resort-style vacation but I live enjoying each day and what is in it.

Years ago I dealt with some issues of low self-esteem and loneliness. I needed to be needed. During that dark time the Lord showed me that what I needed was more of an awareness of His love and constant companionship. Jesus and I became a team; everything I needed was in Him. I guess you could say He became my bucket list. His name is at the top, the middle and the bottom.

In the 1980’s, a worship chorus was being sung in churches everywhere. It echoed what I felt in my heart.

“Lord, you are more precious than silver. Lord, you are more costly than gold. Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares to you.

Lord, your love is higher than mountains. Lord, your love is deeper than seas. Lord, your love encompasses the nations, and yet, you live right here inside of me!”

There are many mornings, like today, when I wake up and those are the words that I going through my heart and my head. Yes, that is my bucket list – there is nothing that I desire that compares to the Lord.

“And let God All-Powerful be your gold. Let him be your pile of silver. 26 Then you will enjoy God All-Powerful, and you will look up to him.” Job 22:25-26 ERV

“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.” Proverbs 3:13-15 ERV

In the book of James we are told to ask the Lord if we lack wisdom and He will give it to us generously. His Word is THE source of wisdom and it is provided to us freely.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom.” James 1:5 ERV

Now there is nothing wrong with compiling a bucket list as long as we don’t base our happiness and joy on the items we place there. Jesus said He came to give us an abundant and overflowing life. Just make sure that the first item on the list is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and our relationship with them. That truly is what makes life complete.


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Lions and Bears – Oh My!

We just got home from another camping trip to the mountains. This was our second trip this summer – the White Mountains of Arizona are beautiful and so relaxing.

However, they are also the natural habitat for many different kinds of wildlife. This trip we saw elk, deer, turkeys, the ever-present chipmunks and squirrels and a couple of skunks (but I’ll tell you about them a bit later).

For several days before we left I was reading systematically through Psalms and Proverbs. I was really impressed with the verses in those two books that promised safety and protection to “those who serve the Lord”. Now, I’m been walking with the Lord long enough to know that when there’s a reoccurring theme to my reading God is trying to tell me something.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 CEV

“You, Lord God, are my protector. Rescue me and keep me safe from all who chase me.” Psalm 7:1 CEV

“But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster.” Proverbs 1:33 CEV

“They will help you to live  a long and beautiful life. 23 You will walk safely and never stumble; 24 you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly.” Proverbs 3:22-24 CEV

“Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice.” Psalm 5:11 CEV

“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. 2 Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.” Psalm 91:1-2 CEV

“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 4:16 CEV

“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

These verses were planted in my heart before we left for camping and through my daily reading I was reminded of the Father’s faithfulness and protection. I knew the Lord was preparing me for a situation that might cause me to fear or to feel unsafe and so I began praying protection over Dave and I and our camping trip. I also prayed over our oldest daughter, Kim, her husband, Austin and our youngest grandson, Sam, who would be joining us on the weekend.

When we arrived at the campground on Tuesday afternoon we were excited to get camp set and begin enjoying our time in the mountains. The camp host gave us the customary reminder that there are bears in the woods although none had been spotted for quite some time. But then she said something I had not expected…3 male mountains lions had been spotted close to the campground the day before. We needed to be alert when out walking, especially if we had small children or small dogs. We should also keep all our food locked away in our vehicle during the night.

At that instruction I felt fear begin to grip my thoughts. We were in a tent – this was not good news. Now I knew what the Lord had been preparing me for – I needed to trust Him to be my safety.

The first night I slept very little. Most of the night I was quoting the Scriptures above and reminding myself that the Lord was my safety and protection. I heard every sound and my body was on alert. During the day there was no worry or fear – none. The second night I was able to sleep better and found a greater sense of peace and rest.

On Thursday it was even better. Friday I was able to get a text out to a friend and asked her to pray with me over the situation. I know her to be a prayer warrior and knew she would join me. It was that day that the Lord gave me these verses:

“You let us rule everything  your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power— 7  the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, 8  the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. 9 Our Lord and Ruler,  your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!” Psalm 8:6-9 CEV

The Bible isn’t just words on a page to me. The verses above, and all the verses from cover to cover, as God’s promises to me that He is my protection, my safety, my salvation, my healing, my joy, my peace, my wisdom and my strength. Regardless of the circumstances my strength comes from trusting Him and knowing that He will never lie to me – if the Father promises to be my protection then that’s exactly what He will do!

Kim, Austin and Sam arrived on Friday morning. It was Sam’s first camping trip and we had a wonderful time. Nature walks, discovering old dead trees, seeing wild turkeys, fishing, making s’mores and so many other things. We took over 300 pictures in two days to document all the fun.

Friday night I went to bed confident in God’s protection. Sam wanted to sleep in the RV that night so we read stories, had prayer time and everyone was ready for bed. Now, to the skunks. I had forgotten to put Glory’s dog food up and at 10pm Dave and I both heard a noise in the camp. We looked out with our flashlights but couldn’t see anything. Dave softly yelled and whatever it was ran off. Then about 2am we heard something else – this time we were able to see that it was a couple of skunks. They were not going to be run off and we weren’t going to disturb them. It was only when we got up in the morning that we discovered they had found the container of dog food, gotten the lid off and eaten to their hearts contentment.

We knew they would be back on Saturday night for a second helping so Sam slept in the RV again instead of the tent. It was an interesting end to our camping. We also learned that the lions had been chased out of the area – hunting season started and they, the lions, weren’t staying around with all the hunters and their dogs who were arriving.

Fear is real! The purpose of fear is to break our confidence in God’s word. I’ve heard it said that fear is a fact that we have to deal with but that God’s word is truth and truth is greater than facts – truth changes facts. Facts must submit and conform to truth.

Jesus told the disciples who were on a ship about to sink to “fear not”. The truth was Jesus had said that the boat would go to the other side of the lake. Fear saw the waves and felt the wind, the facts, but God’s word, the truth, calmed the waves!

I would love to say that I live “fear free” but I have to deal with it as much as anyone. However, I have learned that God’s word makes me an overcomer in fearful situations when I let the peace of God rule my heart.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

I’m not sure what “lion” is bringing fear into your life – it may be a health issue, finances, relationships, your job, physical danger or some world crisis – but I do know that our command from the Lord is to “fear not” so commit the situation to Him and His peace will guard your heart.

One final word on our camping trip – we were not foolish in our actions; we were alert to our surroundings, we didn’t allow Sam or Glory to run off unattended, we had bear spray and we also had other forms of protection and we covered every circumstance with prayer.

God is ALWAYS faithful and He can ALWAYS be trusted!

“We are still alive because  the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my God, and I trust him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 ERV

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Midst of the Storm

Have you been some place where you watched the storm clouds roll in? You can see them coming across the canyon, above the city or building on the horizon. Does the wind begin to blow, do the birds stop singing or does the air become completely still? You know it’s coming and it’s time to brace for the “big one”.

When we were in Iowa we would receive tornado warnings, the coastal areas get hurricane watches or tsunami warnings, the mountains get blizzard reports. Here in Arizona we get flash flood warnings and thunderstorm alerts. They can be terrifying.

And then there are those storms that come with no warning. You look out the window and there it is.

Have you noticed how there are times when life’s storms come quickly and rob us of our peace and rest? It’s important that we know God’s word and His promises during those times so that we can continue to have peace in the midst of the storm. Maybe you are experiencing something similar to what these sailors went through.

“Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. 28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,  and he saved them from their distress.
29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. 30 What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!” Psalm 107:26-30 NLT

In this case the Lord calmed the waves, stopped the storm and brought them to safe harbor. The Bible also tells us about a time when Jesus was in the midst of a storm; He was sleeping through it. That is until the disciples woke him during their panic.

“While they were sailing, Jesus slept. A big storm blew across the lake, and the boat began to fill with water. They were in danger. 24 The followers went to Jesus and woke him. They said, “Master! Master! We will drown! Jesus got up. He gave a command to the wind and the waves. The wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 25 He said to his followers, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed. They said to each other, “What kind of man is this? He commands the wind and the water, and they obey him.” Matthew 8:23-25 ERV

Our goal is to be like Jesus and to be able to “sleep” in the midst of the storm – knowing that the Father has this handled. Peter was in the boat with Jesus that night and he was scared! However, just a few months later Peter had learned He could trust God no matter the circumstances and when he was beaten and thrown into prison he slept. The angel that came to rescue him had to bump Peter to wake him up. Peter was resting in the Lord in the midst of his storm.

Paul and Silas sang in the midst of their storm. Singing at midnight in prison after having been beaten and during an earthquake showed the confidence that they had in God.

Sometimes I have been like the sailors in the boat who have panicked and cried out to God in the storm. At other times I have been like Peter and even Paul and Silas and have been able to rest and sing during life’s storms. I definitely prefer the rest and singing part.

What’s your storm? It may be cancer or other health issues; possibly it’s financial, marital, rebellious children, or personal attacks. Don’t be overwhelmed by the rough seas or the storm clouds. Storms will come but if we stand on God’s word we can be at peace!

“Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 ERV

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Not Without Hope

Today we will attend the memorial service of a long time friend. Don was a wonderful man. He had a generous heart and he never met a stranger. He loved the Lord and was committed to telling people how much Jesus loved them. His wife is a dear lady with the same love of Jesus and together they shared their faith by singing country gospel music.

As Christians, when we lose a friend or loved one to death it’s only a brief separation. We have God’s promise that we will see them again once we get to heaven.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the One Who raises the dead and gives them life. Anyone who puts his trust in Me will live again, even if he dies. 26 Anyone who lives and has put his trust in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NLV

It’s hard to say good bye because our hearts are wanting to keep that person close. We don’t want to lose that touch of a hug or the sound of their voice. But for them, death is like standing in a doorway. At one moment they are on this side and then with one step they cross over to the heavenly side. Although life on earth ceases, as Jesus said, they never die. They simply walk into life in heaven.

In heaven there is no sorrow, no tears, no pain! What a glorious thought.

We have hope – hope of heaven, hope of the Lord’s return, hope of eternal life.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14 NLV

We grieve certainly but not like those who have no hope! We put our hope in God and in Him we find comfort, joy and peace.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLV

Thank you Father for filling us with hope!

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Good Ole Days

I was reminded this morning of a country song that the Judd’s made popular in the 1980’s. To some of you reading this the 80’s may seem like the “olden days”.

Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)

“Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Sometimes it feels like
This world’s gone crazy
Grandpa, take me back to yesterday
When the line between right and wrong
Didn’t seem so hazy

Did lovers really fall in love to stay
And stand beside each other, come what may?
Was a promise really something people kept
Not just something they would say?
Did families really bow their heads to pray?
Did daddies really never go away?
Oh, Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days…”

In today’s world, we have better living conditions, better advancements in health care, better education than the generations before us. But we also have more stress, more acts of violence, more fear and less family stability.

In the “olden days” people prayed for rain and the success of the crops, families worked and played together, communities gathered together to help a neighbor in need and children were educated by teachers who prayed and used the Bible as the core curriculum in reading.

Truth was the foundation for society, government and the family.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. ” John 14:6 ERV

The word “the” is a defining force. Truth isn’t subjective, it’s an absolute. You are either telling the truth or it’s a lie. If you leave facts out to skew the story or sway the outcome, it isn’t truth. Remember the days when people in court had to place their hands on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? People swore or affirmed their statement by the Bible because it was and is the only standard of truth that has never changed since it was written.

“The way”. Our life’s a journey and we can chose the path but when we follow paths of our own making we become distracted, confused and even lost.

“Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose life or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the Lord your God and obey him. Never leave him, because he is your life. And he will give you a long life in the land that he, the Lord, promised to give to your ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ERV

I love that verse. When we chose “the way” and “the truth” we gain life. And when we don’t, we face an enemy who seeks to destroy us.

“Everyone who came before me was a thief or a robber, and the sheep did not listen to any of them. 9 I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:8-10 CEV

When Kaci was very little she woke up one night crying. I got up and took her to the living room to rock her back to sleep. She didn’t want to be there – she strained and leaned in my arms, wanting me to take her to another room. I did and her actions were the same. Wanting to go from the living room to the family room to the kitchen and then the dining room and finally back to the living room.

No matter which room we were in, she wasn’t content. When we arrived back in the living room (only about 10 minutes had past), she snuggled into my chest and fell asleep. I remember saying to her, “This is where we started. I knew this was the best place for you. Why couldn’t you trust me and see that?” And then I heard God speak in my heart and ask me the same question.

Oh!

Why don’t you trust Me to know what’s best for you and to have you in the right place?

WOW!

I wish I could say that I never had to learn that lesson again but that wouldn’t be the truth. However, the longer I walk with Him the easier it is for me to see that I am on a path of my own making and not where He wants me. I quickly come back to the place of comfort and peace.

I encourage you to join me, make your foundation “The Way”, committed to “The Truth” and finding “The Life” that is abundant and everlasting! Return to the Good Ole Days.

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Importance of Light

Have you ever gotten up in the middle of the night in a new place and everything was pitch black? You walked carefully across the room, stubbing your toes more than once, wishing there were a night light that could give you some assistance in your journey. I have. As a child Dave was a sleep walker and would wake up lost, so needless to say, we have night lights in our home. Very helpful indeed.

But what about those times when you need a “night light” walking through life?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.” Psalm 119:105-106 KJV

It would be silly to ask someone for help or directions when we don’t know the way and then ignore what they say. The same holds true for mental and spiritual direction in our lives.

When we have God’s word to light the way and give us direction we shouldn’t be second guessing or ignoring the instruction we receive.

“If we live in the light as He is in the light, we share what we have in God with each other. And the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, makes our lives clean from all sin. ” I John 1:7 NLV

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

“I am under an agreement with You, O God. I will give You gifts of thanks. 13 For You have set my soul free from death. You have kept my feet from falling, so I may walk with God in the light of life.” Psalm 56:12-13 NLV

When we walk in the light of God’s Word our way is smoother! Walk well today!

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Heart Smart

So many advertisements and commercials encourage us to be “heart smart”. They focus on proper eating habits, exercise, refraining from smoking and living stress free.

I agree that we need to protect our hearts but it won’t come from eating a certain cereal, taking a low grain aspirin everyday, or any other thing that man can advertise. To be truly heart smart take a good dose of Scripture everyday.

“Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” I Kings 8:61

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39.

if you really want to do something to keep your heart healthy keep it centered on God’s Word!

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Calming Our Fears

As we get closer to Independence Day I was reminded of the first year we had our miniature Australian Shepherd at the fireworks display.

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

It made me think of how unfounded my fears have been. Most things are only loud noises and flashing lights when put in perspective with God’s word and His goodness, grace, mercy and power. Things that filled my heart with fear when I was in my thirties no longer hold me in their grasp.

There’s an old song – The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows! Yes, I can say God is faithful!

Always!

Me, on the other hand, I can use some work. So many times I thought I knew best and have the perfect plan. I got out into a place of loud booming noises and flashes of light that frightened me. I was sure I would be destroyed. I would come back and cuddle in close and I would feel God’s reassuring hand and hear His voice telling me it would be ok, “I’m here”. And yes, it was soon over and it was ok.

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

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 30:6-8 KJV

Be of “Good” courage. That’s a lot like “Good” success. Good courage is God-based and it will drive out fear. John wrote in I John 4 that perfect love casts out fear. When we are secure in God’s love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us, we will also be strong with “good” courage even in the face of fierce battles and opponents that are big as giants.

Look at what Moses says in verse 8: He WILL be with thee, He WILL NOT fail or forsake thee, fear NOT!

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

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Standing Trial

I’ve never been on trial in a courtroom. It must be a desperate feeling to know that you are innocent and have to prove that.

I was reading a few days back some words the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy.

“The first time I defended myself, no one helped me. Everyone left me. I pray that God will forgive them. 17 But the Lord stayed with me. The Lord gave me strength so that I could tell the Good News everywhere. He wanted all those who are not Jews to hear that Good News. So I was saved from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me. He will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord’s. Amen.” II Timothy 4:16-18 ERV

Paul was on trial a number of times. Each time he was falsely accused and people had been paid to lie so that Paul would be convicted. He says here that everyone left him BUT the Lord stayed with him. Being alone can be a hopeless feeling BUT having the Lord with you brings strength, peace and victory.

Look at Paul’s words – I was saved – He brings me to safety. Praise the Lord!

As I said, I have never been on trial in a courtroom but I have been on trial in the court of public opinion. I’ve had people speak against me, try to defame me and ruin my reputation. Some of the lies cut so deep and the wounds were so severe that I wondered if I would recover.

BUT the Lord stayed with me!

“When men bring you into the synagogues before the leaders and other important men, don’t worry about what you will say. 12 The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12 ERV

The Holy Spirit is with us at all times and He is our teacher, our comforter and our counsellor. We can trust Him to be our defense.

I’m not sure what you are going through but someone needs to hear this this morning because you feel as if you are on trial and life’s witnesses have lied about you. Be encouraged.

The Lord stayed with you!

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