Tag: FearNot

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What Today May Bring

Have you ever heard of a “blessing basket”?

They were given on special occasions from one neighbor to another. It may have been a birth or a death, a marriage or a new home. They were expressions of love – always filled with good things. Food, candles, spices, wine, warm clothing…

I sat quietly for a long time this morning. Praying for family, friends, life’s circumstances and wondering what today might bring.

Do you ever do that? Just sit and wonder how it will be today?

After about an hour the Lord began to fill my mind with His word and He said give your readers a blessing basket.

“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

“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God. 23 An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.” Proverbs 10:22-23 MSG

“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 ERV

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

“ 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

“ Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68  Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.” John 6:67-69 CEV

I don’t know what the day may bring but I do know that the Lord will lead us and when we follow Him we will take the right steps, have words of life, avoid fear, and have renewed strength.

God’s blessing are rich! Enjoy the blessing basket.

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Fall for Jesus

I love this time of year. Autumn, Fall, Harvest. It’s great!

Instead of focusing on the “scary” things, we can enjoy the rich harvest that God has produced in our lives.

Many have been haunted by their pasts and it can leave them paralyzed to face the future. We have all done things that if brought to light would either embarrass us greatly or ruin our reputation and cause close friends and family to walk away from us.

But that is the fear that the Lord came to free us from.

“But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” Isaiah 43:1-3a AMP

Do you see the first line of these verses, “in spite of past judgements for sins”?

The Lord redeems us from our past and gives us hope for the future! He knows all that we have done and are going to do and He loves us! He wants us to stay close to Him so that He can be our constant source of peace and joy. He wants us to keep our thoughts so focused on Him so that we can’t be plagued by our past. Now that’s freedom!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 CEV

When we fall at the feet of Jesus, we are washed of our sins and enjoy a harvest of His unconditional love and forgiveness.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

“16 “This is the agreement I will make with my people in the future, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts. I will write my laws in their minds.” 17 Then he says, ‘I will forget their sins and never again remember the evil they have done.’ 18 And after everything is forgiven, there is no more need for a sacrifice to pay for sins.” Hebrews 10:16-18 ERV

Our heavenly Father doesn’t like people trash talking His kids! Everything is forgiven.

When we fall in love with Jesus, He gives us an abundant life!

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Don’t Look Around – Look Up

Don’t look around, look up!

For years, I have loved looking at the clouds. There’s just something about them that draws me in. The landscape below may be barren and mundane but there’s a majesty in looking up.

There’s a good Biblical lesson in that.

When Daniel was in the lions’ den he wasn’t counting lions, he was looking up to the One who delivers.

When David was facing Goliath, he wasn’t looking around at all the soldiers who weren’t joining the battle, but he was looking up to the Rock of his salvation.

When Peter was on the sea he was looking at Jesus who was walking on the water of his storm but when he looked around at the waves he began to sink.

I’ve been reading through some of the smaller books in the Old Testament, Ezra and Nehemiah. Some Jews had been released from captivity and sent back to Jerusalem with a specific task, rebuild the wall around the city.

Ezra and the Jews faced so many interruptions, malicious reports and threats of danger. They didn’t complete the job, but they made a good start. Enter Nehemiah. He also faced threats. Listen to his advice:

“Our enemies were saying, ‘Before those Jews know what has happened, we will sneak up and kill them and put an end to their work.’ 12 On at least ten different occasions, the Jews living near our enemies warned us against attacks from every side, 13 and so I sent people to guard the wall …14 Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!’15 Our enemies found out that we knew about their plot against us, but God kept them from doing what they had planned. So we went back to work on the wall.” Nehemiah 4:11-15 CEV

“…the wall was completely rebuilt. It had taken 52 days. 16 When our enemies in the surrounding nations learned that the work was finished, they felt helpless, because they knew that our God had helped us rebuild the wall.” Nehemiah 6:15-16 CEV

Where’s your focus today? Are you looking around at your circumstances or are you looking up to your Savior and your God?

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble…7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

I think we often spend so much time wondering what other people will think, seeking approval or others’ opinions instead of looking up and seeing what the Lord has to say. It’s good to get advice but it should be godly advice.

Don’t look around at the circumstances. Look up and trust the Lord!

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Don’t Be Afraid in the Darkness

I feel this is the message of Psalm 23. Yes, I am still in Psalm 23.

Do you have a loved one, a dear friend, that maybe you haven’t seen in ages and then you get together and catch up on all that has been going on in your life and theirs?

That’s where I have been the past several days by camping out in Psalm 23 with my dear friend, Jesus.

I’ve heard the Shepherd say, “Come lay down in the pasture. Get a cool and refreshing drink. Sleep, rest. Be still. I am filling your life with goodness, up to the very rim and more – I’m running your cup of life over with My love”.

Then my heart has said, “Lord, there are dangerous things happening all around me. Hurtful, heartbreaking situations, physical dangers and emotional unrest”. Then comes this reminder.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:4-5 NLT

King David, before he was king, was a shepherd. He cared for his sheep, and he let his experiences be life lessons to teach him about the loving care of the Good Shepherd.

The Lord knows a lot about dangerous and frightening situations. Just ask Noah (the ark builder), David (the giant slayer), Daniel (the lion tamer), Peter (the water walker), Paul (the shipwreck survivor) and oh yes, Jonah (the fish bait).

These were all everyday people – there was nothing special about them except their willingness to obey God.

“ I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. 19 And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe. It is the same as the mighty power 20 he used to raise Christ from death and put him at his right side in the heavenly places. ” Ephesians 1:18-20 ERV

The last few weeks I have had several people very close to me face some pretty tough stuff. As I was praying for each of them the Lord kept bringing me back these verses in Psalms and Ephesians.

In the darkest valley, don’t be afraid. Know the blessings God has for you. Know the mighty power of God.

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

The Lord wants us to meet with Him, in the quiet places, away from the distractions where we can remember His power, His strength, His unfailing love. He wants us to be worry-free, completely trusting Him and filled with joy because His love never fails.

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Time for a Cuddle

Here I am – back in my quiet place. You know the one – the one in green pastures beside still waters!

“Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10 That’s what I am hearing this morning.

Be still! I remember when our youngest daughter, Kaci, was just around a year old. She awaken in the middle of the night and I got up with her and took her to the living room to rock her. She shared the bedroom with her sister and I didn’t want to wake her too.

When I got to the living room I sat down on the couch and began to rock back and forth, thinking the rocking motion would lull her back to sleep. She really wanted none of that. She began to lean her body in the direction of the family room and kitchen. (You know that kind of lean, the one little kids have when they want you to take them somewhere, their body language before they can talk.) I told her softly that there really wasn’t anything in there and she just needed to cuddle in and sleep. Her body continued leaning so I got up, with her in my arms and walked into the family room, then to the kitchen, through the dining room and back to the living room – all the while being led by the leaning of a child.

Once back in the living room we sat down on the couch again. As I began the rocking motion that I had tried to comfort her with just minutes before, she settled in and went to sleep. I looked at her smiled and thought, “This is where we started, why couldn’t have we done this the first time?”

With that I heard the Lord minister to me; “How many times do I take you somewhere and you only insist on leaning/leading to another place? I patiently give in to your will and then we go full circle and end up back where I had you at the start. I take you back and there you find peace.”

Wow! Lord what a graphic lesson. There have been times when I thought I knew best – I thought I want to be any place but here and so I good from place to place, room to room and come back to find “Be still and know that I am God!”

This doesn’t mean we take a fatalistic approach and just give up on our dreams and desires. What it does mean is that we can trust God with our dreams and let Him bring them to pass.

Thanking God today for His mercy – for allowing me to come back to the place of peace where I can “Be Still and Know that He is God!”

Just cuddle into the Father’s arms and find rest!

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Quiet Streams

I’m still camping spiritually this morning. Yesterday, I showed you the tent that I call home while on this earth. And this morning I want you to see the camp site.

It’s beautiful. Lush green pastures beside a quiet stream.

I can lay down in the lush green meadow grass after I’ve eaten my fill and rest. Then I can rise and walk to the edge of the stream to drink from the cool, refreshing water. Oh yes, it’s a beautiful site.

A place where all worries and fears can be handled by the Shepherd.

“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.” Psalm 23:1-2 AMPC

What is it I came here wanting, needing? Peace, hope, rest for my weariness, confidence, security, help, wisdom…

“ And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 AMPC

“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 AMPC

“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:16 AMPC

“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” Proverbs 16:9 AMPC

Today, September 11th, is a hard day for many of us. A day of remembrance, a day we will never forget. Or maybe today is just another day, like so many recently, that is filled with moments over an unknown future.

“ 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

He is worthy of all our praise because He has done and is doing great and mighty things on our behalf.

Join me at the campsite the Lord has led me too. Join me in green pastures, beside still waters and find rest for your soul.

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No Matter Where

I love how you can see God’s work all around – each day there are new reminders of His amazing love. The songs of the birds at the ocean are different from the ones in the desert but they are sweet just the same.

The sound of the waves coming to the shore is as exciting as the sight of the sunrise or sunset that captivate me each day at home.

The earth is truly filled with the glory of God!

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. 2 Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. 3 They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. 4 Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun. 5 It rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like a hero eager to run a race. 6 It travels all the way across the sky. Nothing hides from its heat.

7 The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people. 8 The Lord’s instruction is right; it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly, and they give us light. 9 Worshiping the Lord is sacred; he will always be worshiped. All of his decisions are correct and fair.

10 They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb. 11 By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded. 12 None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sinwithout knowing it.

13 Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault.” 14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalm 27 CEV

May your day be filled with seeing the Lord’s majesty and filling your heart with wonder, No matter where you are!

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It Is Finished

When I went to bed last night the words of this song came to mind:

It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there’ll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord

Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging
Not all prisoners of war had come home

These were battlefields of my own making
I didn’t know that the war had been won

Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages
He had fought all the battles for me
And the victory, victory is mine for the claiming
And now praise His name, I am free

It is finished, the battle is over
It is finished, there’ll be no more war
It is finished, the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord,

When Jesus said those very words on the cross all the angels in heaven and demons in hell knew what He was saying:

“A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:29-30 NLT

Jesus was talking about the work He had been sent to do, reconciling God and man, paying the price for sin, bringing salvation to all. He was talking about sin’s authority in our lives. It is finished – our lives being subject to fear, sin, sickness and separation.

“ 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

“The fact is, it was our suffering he took on himself; he bore our pain. But we thought that God was punishing him, that God was beating him for something he did. 5 But he was being punished for what we did. He was crushed because of our guilt. He took the punishment we deserved, and this brought us peace. We were healed because of his pain. 6 We had all wandered away like sheep. We had gone our own way. And yet the Lord put all our guilt on him.” Isaiah 53:4-6 ERV

It is finished – the condemnation and shame.

“ So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 NLT

“‘Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. ‘” Isaiah 43:1-3 ERV

I want to assure you, I want you to have confidence in what Christ did for each of us on the cross.

“ So be humble under God’s powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. 7 Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7 ERV

God has provided all we need to live victoriously in this life. The enemy’s power has been broken.

It is finished!

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Let Everyone Praise

Been going through some pretty tough stuff lately? Me too, in fact yesterday I forgot to stay under the shadow of His wings. I got caught up in my own emotions. But Dave and two dear friends reminded me that I can always trust the Lord and that He is always available to hear my prayers. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Dave, Danna and Heather.

Did you see last night’s sunset? What about this morning’s sunrise; the smile on a child’s face or the tiny, delicate fingers of your sleeping baby’s hands?

Maybe it was the blue, gentle ripples on the lake’s surface; the green of the forest trees; a hawk soaring on the breeze or a prairie flower in all its beauty?

Perhaps you saw love in the eyes of your spouse; did you hear joy in the words “you can go home tomorrow” or “it’s benign, nothing to worry about”?

Whatever it was or whatever it is, do you hear and see the love that the Lord has placed all around you? He did this just for you!

He wanted you to be aware that He cares about you and His love is measureless, unconditional and free to all. He doesn’t want you wrapped up in worry and fear that you can’t control.

We are to praise Him for His greatness. Sometimes we praise with hearts flooded with joy and sometimes with tear-stained cheeks but still we praise!

“Shout praises to the Lord! Shout the Lord’s praises in the highest heavens. 2 All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise.

3 Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. 4 Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise. 5 Let all things praise the name of the Lord, because they were created at his command. 6 He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done.

7 All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the Lord! 8 Sea monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord! 9 All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, 10 every wild and tame animal,
all reptiles and birds, come praise the Lord!

11 Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, 12 every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the Lord! 13 All creation, come praise the name of the Lord.  Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth. 14 Like a bull with mighty horns, the Lord protects his faithful nation Israel, because they belong to him. Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 148 CEV

Everything in heaven, on the earth and under the earth are called to praise. Why? Because the things God has created and provided tell of His goodness.

Enjoy what the Lord has done for you today and tell him thank you. I’m going back to rest under the shadow of His wings and will praise Him that His mercies are new every morning.

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Build on a Firm Foundation

When I went to bed last night I had an idea of what I would be sharing with you this morning but that all changed. I must have awaken at least 3 or 4 times with the words of this song rolling out of my heart and my head.

“Holy, there is no one like You
There is none beside You
Open up my eyes in wonder
And show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love to those around me

I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken
And I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken”

The main thing that stuck with me all night long was “I will build my life upon Your love It is a firm foundation. And I will put my trust in You alone and I will not be shaken.”

There is so much worry and anxiety in the world. People, good people, are being overwhelmed by everyday stress, not to mention the state of our world condition.

This last weekend the Lord reminded me of His peace. We had two very windy nights. I was concerned about the stability of the roof top tent. I know what it’s like to have high wind in an RV and also in a ground tent, so those concerns were not unfounded. However, they were unnecessary.

The tent was solid. Solid as a rock!

That’s the image the Lord brought to mind with the words, “a firm foundation”.

“ ‘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...’ 28 When Jesus finished speaking, the people were amazed at his teaching. 29 He did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like someone who has authority.” Matthew 7:24-29 ERV

“ 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

“…for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5b AMP

The Lord is as deeply concerned about our mental well-being as He is about our spiritual. He died for our entire person, spirit, soul and body. He does not want us to be overwhelmed.

“ Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy].

5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.” Isaiah 53:4-5 AMPC

Whatever gusts of worry and distress blow at you today, remember that Christ and His amazing love has given you a firm foundation and you do not need to be shaken! Trust the foundation!!

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