Do Not Fear, Only Believe

 "I have seen (as far as it can be seen) many persons changed in a moment from the spirit of horror, fear, and despair to the spirit of hope, joy, peace; and from sinful desires, till then reigning over them, to a pure desire of doing the will of God."  - John Wesley

We're all familiar with fear. It's a perfectly natural emotion that has enabled us as a species to survive throughout time. Most of the time, whenever we think of fear we associate it with frightening, even life-threatening situations.

But fear can also arise in normal circumstances, such as speaking in front of an audience, asking someone out on a date, walking into the dentist's office, meeting your in-laws for the first time, taking a test, and so on...

The Bible talks a lot about fear. And why not..? The men and women in scripture were made of flesh and blood, and they had the same hopes, dreams, and emotions, as you or I. Even Jesus' own disciples were no strangers to fear (Matthew 26:56).

The lesson about fear, both, for the people in the Bible and us today, is that we don't have to let it control our lives. Fear is natural and we can't do anything about that. However, we can change how we deal with it (Psalm 56:3).

When Joshua took over the reins of leading Israel from Moses' hands he certainly had much to be afraid of. After all, he was given a pretty big responsibility! In fact, he knew it was too big to handle by himself, and so did the LORD (Joshua 1:1-3).

Moses knew too well what Joshua would be in for, so he encouraged him thusly, "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8).

We never have to face fear alone, either. The LORD will help us, too! "I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." When we find ourselves weak in the knees, stumbling, trembling, and fainting with fear, He reassures us to, "Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6).

In life, it's one thing to promise, and another thing to follow through. We don't ever have to worry when we let the LORD help us with our fears. "The LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon you," especially... when you need Him most (Numbers 23:19).

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:6; Proverbs 29:25; 1 Peter 5:7 

Prayer: In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Amen.  - Psalm 56:4 (ESV)

Stay blessed,

Kate

Be A Doer in Christ!

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."  - Philippians 4:9 

Hearing is one of our most important senses. Imagine the world without being able to hear the soft patter of rain against a window, a beautiful piece of music, a bird's song, or the soft cooing of a baby.

Those of us who are blessed with hearing often take it for granted. It becomes so natural that we don't notice it until it has been diminished, or even taken away. Even so, many of us who do have it, in many ways, don't use it fully.

For example, there's the person who professes to hear God speak, but doesn't listen. We may hear them proclaim that God has spoken to, or instructed them in some way or another. But did they really listen to Him?

I like to use the old idiom "the proof is in the pudding" as a guideline as to whether they truly listened to God or not. The proof lies in the end result of their claim. In other words, is there sufficient evidence that they put God's words into action?

Jesus was speaking to a crowd of his disciples, as he did on many occasions, when he told them, "As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like" (Luke 6:47).

It's quite obvious from this statement that he didn't want them to just sit there on there hands and listen to what he had to say, no, he was looking for people to put his words into action. After all, what good is fruit if it just hangs on the tree?

We, too, must ask ourselves if we are simply hearers and not doers of His words (James 1:22). Jesus provides us with an excellent example using the two wise and foolish builders in Luke 6:46-49. Just saying we believe is not enough, we must demonstrate it.

Jesus never meant for us to just hear his words. A solid foundation of faith is based on digging into His word, and then building on it. A strong faith is not gained through osmosis but by work and effort. Be a doer, not just a hearer!

Scripture: Isaiah 30:21; Luke 11:28; Hebrews 2:1; Proverbs 19:20; Matthew 4:4

Prayer: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, amen.  - Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV)

Bless you always,

Brielle

God Can Turn Fear Into Victory

"Only he who can say, "The Lord is the strength of my life" can say, "Of whom shall I be afraid?""
- Alexander MacLaren

We live our lives with much uncertainty whether we chose to do so or not. So while there may be certain things we can do to help alleviate the fear caused by it, there still remains a large amount outside of our control.

And these are what cause us the most consternation or fear. A sample list might include: the fear of losing our job, divorce, bankruptcy, the future, and the fear of death. Undoubtedly, all are things that can keep us awake at night.

Moses, Joshua and Israel had experienced many trials along the way to Canaan. They relied on God's help to see them through all of them. Probably the biggest fear the people had was that they would die in the desert from lack of provisions.

Of course, God always heard their cries (and Moses' complaints) and provided what they needed in the end. We also see two things that were problematic along the way to the promised land: a weak faith, and fear.

This is evident when the search party returns from their survey of Canaan (Numbers 13:1-2; Deuteronomy 1:22). Of the twelve spies that were sent, only one supported the LORD's plan for conquest of the land upon their return (Numbers 13:31-32).

The rest took advantage of the people's fears and weak faith and tried to dissuade them from going through with it and head back to Egypt (Numbers 14:3). Even after all that God had done for them up to that point they were still skeptical.

Doesn't that sound like so many of us? We talk a big talk, but when it comes right down to it, we're afraid to let God take care of us. No one is denying that we have a lot to fear in life, that's just a part of it, but only a part of it.

There's so much to thankful for, too, including being thankful that we have a loving God who provides and cares for us. He loved us so much that he sent His Only Begotten Son to earth to die for our sins (John 3:16).

Because of what he did for us, even death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). Our fears, whatever they may be, can control and corrupt us if we let them. But only God can take the worst of our fears and turn them into victories, if we let him (Isaiah 41:10).

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 56:3-4; Philippians 4:6; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 56:3

Prayer: Dear Lord, though life may bring on many fears, I can face any and all in full confidence and fortitude knowing that You will fight for me, and with me. Amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy

Why Not Be Glad in the LORD..?

"The Lord gives his people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him."  - Dwight L. Moody

A group of friends were talking with one another when, after a short, lively exchange one of them made an observation. "Doesn't anyone know anything more positive that we could talk about?"

Sadly, all to often what we hear are mostly topics about sadness, sickness, death, destruction, greed, and hate in our world. Someone once said that bad news gets more attention than good news, and I tend to agree.

Habitual skepticism, or negativity can be a hard habit to break once it has ingrained itself into our hearts and minds. We feed on it from others, and they in turn feed on ours. It's probably why antagonism, adversity, hostility, and distrust are so rampant now.

The world is always looking for true happiness. Some may delve into alcohol, drugs, sex, money, and fame in search of it, only to find that these bottomless pits of self-gratification can never be filled (1 Timothy 6:9).

The Bible tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.," and to, "Be not wise in your own eyes;" We cannot climb out of the valley of negativity without help (1 Peter 4:12).

True joy, gladness, and peace of mind is available to any and all through Jesus Christ. "For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name." There are many who will say that they don't need Christ to be happy. I don't believe it..!

Our feeble human minds cannot even begin to fathom the gladness that overflows the eternal soul when we accept Christ into our lives. "Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory," (1 Peter 1:8).

There is no room for negativity in the heart of the faithful believer of Jesus Christ. The heart, soul, and mind rejoices continually. So, let the darkest negativity attack your life. No matter, He has promised you that, "no one will take your joy from you." 

Scripture: Psalm 64:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; James 5:13; Psalm 118:24; John 15:11

Prayer: Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Amen. - Psalm 32:11 (ESV)

Stay blessed,

Kate

When We "Cry" to God...

"When we pray for the Spirit's help ... we will simply fall down at the Lord's feet in our weakness. There we will find the victory and power that comes from His love."  - Andrew Murray

When you hear the word "cry" what comes to mind: misery?..hopelessness?..helplessness?.. anguish?.. heartache?.. weakness?.. exhaustion?.. affliction?.. adversity?.. Here, its implications are not so good.

Okay, now let's look at other side of this. The word "cry" doesn't always have be perceived negatively. It can also used to signify a joyful, jubilant, festive, cheerful, delighted, and elated emotional experience.

As you have just seen, "cry" is a very flexible word, capable of being used, both, in a positive and negative manner. In fact, Scripture uses it on numerous occasions, making full use of its versatility.

I'd like to concentrate our focus today on just one single application of the word; that is, how "cry" is used in reference to prayer. For example, when one cries out to God, it can be either good or bad.

Naturally, we should always be humble, earnest, diligent, sincere, and expectant as we submit our supplications to Him. But life's situations are in constant fluctuation, and our prayers must adapt accordingly (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

During times of tragedy and/or suffering, for instance, we raise the level of our prayers to "urgent" and "needing immediate attention." Here, the seriousness of our petitions are clearly evident; we literally "shout out" to God (Luke 18:1; Romans 8:26).

During happy, delighted times the nature of our "cry" to God takes on a different tone or nature. Our cry, or cry out to God is jubilant, contented, and thankful. Our cry or shout out to God reflects an indebted and satisfied heart (Colossians 4:2).

How wonderful that one little word can mean mean so many different things when placed at the foot of God's throne. Even more, He hears our cries no matter how they are sent. We can rest assured that our cries to God are never in vain! (Mark 11:24; 1 John 3:22)

Scripture: Psalm 5:1; Psalm 17:1; 1 Kings 8:28; Psalm 5:2; 2 Samuel 22:50

Prayer: Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name, amen.  - Hebrews 13:15

Blessings always,

Cyndy

That They May Repent...

"It is the greatest and dearest blessing that ever God gave to men, that they may repent; and therefore to deny or to delay it is to refuse health when brought by the skill of the physician - to refuse liberty offered to us by our gracious Lord."  - Jeremy Taylor

To feel or express sincere regret or remorse about our wrongdoing is something many were taught as children. Our parents or caretakers may have employed various methods to encourage and reinforce this.

The intention always was to learn and correct bad behavior, and turn it around. This applies to "repentance" in the Bible. Basically, it's "changing" one's decision or opinion, and actions toward sin (Luke 3:8–14; Acts 3:19).

The stakes involved with repentance of sin are quite high, though. Our eternal, spiritual deliverance is on the table. Are you willing to gamble with yours? Make no mistake, however, this is no game (Luke 13:3).

Where does repentance begin? It starts with admitting that you are a poor and miserable sinner. As mentioned above, admission of wrongdoing is not easy, but it is a necessary starting point. Nervous..?? Don't worry, you're in good company (Proverbs 28:13).

We all come into this world sinners, there are no exceptions. As worthless sinners, we have no righteousness of our own. In this woeful and depraved state we are at the mercy of sin; we are helpless as a ship lost at sea without a rudder.

It isn't easy to admit when one is wrong. Let's face it, no one enjoys having to face up to their weaknesses, flaws, or deficiencies. But we must lay it all out before God if we are to show our true repentance of sin (1 John 1:9).

You see, in order for us to receive heaven's kingdom we must be blessed. And without our repentance of sin, it's just not possible. God can't repent for us, and why should he? It's our sin, not His.

Fortunately for us, God is patient. He knows that some are hesitant to step forward, and is willing to work with us. On the other hand, our time here is limited and uncertain. The clock is ticking. Don't put repentance off another day!

Scripture: Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; Matthew 3:8; Matthew 4:17; Ezekiel 18:21

Prayer: Dear Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you! I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin, amen.

Stay blessed,

Becky Lynn

Resolute in God

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;"  - Psalm 57:7

Who hasn't experienced poor quality, construction, and service at one time or another. Adding to our frustration and disappointment, guarantees and promises, even though freely offered, are often not always so easily made good.

The fear of broken promises, false hopes, or being left hung out to dry may be why so many are hesitant to commit themselves to Jesus Christ. If we get nipped by enough dogs we are slow to approach one in the future.

It's quite natural to have doubts and fears, especially when asked to believe in something we cannot perceive or understand with our natural senses. Satan uses this to his great advantage in order to confound, isolate, and turn us from God (1 Timothy 5:15).

And while Satan may do whatever he can to stir things up, we must understand that we are ultimately responsible for our own faith, or not. If our belief in God is strong and resolute it presents a formidable defense against Satan's attacks.

How can we bolster our faith? We can begin by going straight to the source; turn to God for help (James 1:5-8). We don't have to wait for a catastrophic event to occur before we seek Him out. God's wisdom is always just an earnest prayer away.

The Bible that may be collecting dust on the shelf is also invaluable when seeking to ease mistrust or uncertainty. It is a storehouse of nourishment for the soul and should be read, studied, and listened to habitually (Psalm 119:130; Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 7:24).

Unconditional faith is not easily handed over. We base our fears, however, on worldly standards that do not apply to God. When we place our unwavering trust in His merciful and gracious hands, it is secured by God's eternal word (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Psalm 112:7; Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 10:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:5 

Prayer: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever, amen.  - Psalm 136:1-4 (ESV)

Bless you,

Brielle

Faith Enough to Believe

"So often we have a kind of vague, wistful longing that the promises of Jesus should be true. The only way really to enter into them is to believe them with the clutching intensity of a drowning man." - William Barclay

What's the point of believing in something, that is, having faith, if there isn't an end result or goal in mind? Faith is not something to be taken lightly, or used as a convenience.

No, faith requires discipline, fortitude, and a whole lot of energy. Faith is a freedom from doubt. That's probably why it's so easy for some to ridicule others who take their faith seriously (Proverbs 1:22).

As our faith in Christ grows, certain things start to fall into place or become settled in our hearts and minds. Any questions or doubts about gospel truths gradually fade. Instead, we learn to embrace, and lovingly accept them (Romans 10:17).

Gradually, over time, something amazing occurs. Our soul strengthens, both, in faith and in knowledge of Jesus Christ. Then we are ready to freely, and unashamedly, announce our trust in Christ to the world. 

Saint Augustine said, "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."  The apostles of Christ were great examples of this quote in action. They gave up all for Christ and the truth of the gospel message (Matthew 19:21).

Our faith, if it is devoted and sincere, should follow a path of development and maturity. The power of the Holy Spirit provides what we need to reach our fullest potential as faithful disciples. The rest...is up to you!

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 2:8; Galatians 2:20; John 6:47; 1 Timothy 1:14

Prayer: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope,  amen.  - Romans 15:13 (NLT)

Stay blessed,

Becky Lynn

Our Patience and the LORD

“You're trying to eat grass that isn't there. Why don't you give it a chance to grow?”   - Richard Adams, Watership Down

We live in an impatient society. Our attention spans have grown shorter than ever before, and so has our tolerance for pausing, resting, or just sitting tight. Patience has been elbowed aside by our unwillingness to wait.

Some say that this current generation is more impatient than any prior generation. Perhaps much of it has to do with our world of smart phones and other devices and services that feed our expectation of instant gratification.

Many seek a quick and easy shortcut to God, too. They constantly search for a time-saving route to heaven. The reality is that the path to the great white throne is best traveled by persistence and patience. Scripture tells us as much...

"The race is not to the swift" (Ecclesiastes 9:11). "But the one who endures to the end will be saved"  - Matthew 24:13 (NLT). "To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;" - Romans 2:7 (ESV). 

The faith of a mature Christian can only be tempered and increased by patience, there is no other way. "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" - James 1:4 (KJV).

A chief marketing officer for a major bank said, "Patience may be a virtue, but it's no longer a reality." But I disagree. It is reality through Jesus Christ! For one to believe in Him with all of their heart requires intensive patience.

Daily reading and studying of the Bible requires patience. Earnestly listening to a Sunday sermon requires patience. Waiting for God to answer prayer requires patience. Expectation and preparedness for Jesus' return requires patience.

Though the world around us may be moving faster all the time, we must learn to wait for the LORD! Only He brings us hope, salvation, and eternal life. Let us wait with compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Scripture: Isaiah 30:18; Romans 8:25; Galatians 6:9; Revelation 14:12; James 5:11 

Prayer: I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope, amen.  - Psalm 130:5

God bless you,

Lauren

Approach God In Righteousness

"Forgiveness is negative. Righteousness is positive. Forgiveness is you may go. Righteousness is you may come."  - Tim Keller

Most have heard the phrase, "Practice makes perfect." It's often used when we want to get the point across that only by the regular application of a skill or activity will a person reach proficiency at it.

There's a lot to be said about doing something repetitively under we finally get it right. We learned how to walk, talk, hold a fork, even tie our shoes in this fashion. Much of our formal education was based on constant practice.

However, there is one thing that we could never attain on our own no matter how many times, or how long we might exercise or repeat it. I am referring to human righteousness as per the Bible standard (Romans 3:23).

You see, perfection, the sort found in God, is totally unattainable by any of us. To acquire it we would have to match his perfection attribute to attribute, attitude to attitude, behavior to behavior, and word for word.

God set the bar pretty high. Thankfully, there's hope and a chance for all of us to gain true righteousness; or God's perfection. This is made possible to us through the purging of sin by Jesus Christ, and by the Holy Spirit who resides in us.

When Jesus was on the cross he took on our sins, all of them, and exchanged them for God's perfect righteousness. And by this unconditional and compassionate act you and I can one day stand in God's presence, sinless (Psalm 11:7).

Imagine, on that glorious day, God will not only see us cleansed of our sin, but the holy righteousness of Jesus will be distinctively evident in us, as well. Take a minute and let this soak in. It's all pretty amazing!

Thus, as a result, we are now righteous in God's eyes. You and I are not only welcomed, but treated as righteous by Him. This, all because of what Jesus did for us. Once we were held to standards that were impossibly out of reach, but no longer (Philippians 3:9).

We are the recipients of this, both, priceless and costly gift of righteousness from the most merciful and graceful God. The vile and impure have been transformed; the dejected and desperate are now sinless and righteous. Hosanna!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; John 3:16

Prayer: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, amen.   - Ephesians 1:3

May God lead your path,

Lee

Video - Billy Graham: How to Be Happy

In this excerpt from 1979, Rev. Billy Graham expounds on what it means to be happy. Now, here's a good word that we could all use!  ~Eve

Are You The Real Deal?

"Many of those who once were so passionately in love with Christ now run about pursuing their own interests. They're burdened down with stress and problems, chasing after riches and the things of this world."  - David Wilkerson

Having riches doesn't necessarily have to do with money or financial gain, although that is the most common definition. It can also mean anything that we put ahead of Christ in our lives.

A young, rich man asked Jesus what he must do in order to be able to inherit eternal life in Mark 10:17. He was obviously serious about what he had to ask, showing great respect for Jesus by kneeling in humble submission at his feet.

Also, by acknowledging his familiarity and compliance with the commandments (Mark 10:19-20), he made it quite clear that he was an earnestly, devoted believer in God;

At this point, everything seemed to be looking in order for the young man. But then Jesus, as they say, got to the real nitty-gritty, or heart of the matter. His true commitment was about to be tested.

We, too, may look pretty darn good on paper. We read our Bibles, attend church regularly, are members of Bible study groups, and assist in youth ministry, as good church members should.

So, in essence, we are then no different than the young man, here. Just check this and that off the list and we're looking pretty good, right..? Nothing could be more wrong!

In Mark 10:21, Jesus lays out a most critical element he was lacking. Would he be willing to cut the cord that held him back? And instead grasp the promise of heavenly wealth over earthly wealth.

One point I'd like to make clear though. Jesus never said it was wrong to be rich or wealthy. No! Where things take a terrible turn is when we are seduced and corrupted by it (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Luke 12:13-21).

The question posed to the young man applies to us, as well. Are we willing to make Jesus number one in our lives and hearts over all else? It is an interesting question, and one that only some can agree to.

Few would argue that we place great importance on many earthly things. But, they all have one thing in common, they can be taken away at a moments notice, including our very lives! (Luke 12:20)

The young man could not follow this requirement. I'm certain that he thought long and hard about it, never dreaming that it would come down to this. On face value, he met most of the criteria, but this one thing tripped him up.

Following Jesus is like that. It seems easy, but it involves a lot of effort and takes a whole lot of faith. A big part of following Jesus is giving your life over to him. You have to be all in, or nothing.

Mark 10:22 tells us that he couldn't do it. His heart was too deeply rooted in his possessions. Jesus used this opportunity as a great lesson. "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"  (Mark 10:23).

Is your heart too deeply committed to things of this earth? Jesus never meant for us to pitch all that we have in the trash heap. He just needs to know if we are willing to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. To trust him unconditionally.

Are you willing to walk the extra mile for Christ? To do whatever he asks of you? To prove that you have faith in him and the promise of eternal life in heaven? Are you the real deal, or just another wannabe?

Scripture: Proverbs 22:2; Ecclesiastes 5:10-12; Luke 16:13; Matthew 16:26; Matthew 6:19-21

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I humbly submit myself to You; let me be Your instrument for doing good in this world, and be an example for others to follow, amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy

Video - J. I. Packer: What is Repentance?

In this brief, but informational video from the renowned evangelical theologian, J. I. Packer, we are given a wonderful lesson on repentance. Definitely worth the watch!  ~Eve