Real Fears . . .Real God!

Fears . . . Real fears . . . like losing one's health, losing out on a scholarship, a child's future . . . being stuck in a relationship or even losing one . . . not enough money at the end of the bills every month . . . salvation of our family and friends . . . . is God really real?

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:4-7)

Real Fears need to be shared with a real God! Real fears are no match for a real God. In fact, in our biggest fear we can see our lack of real faith in God. They will keep us awake at night and cause us to lose focus in the day. We will focus on overcoming the fears and lose focus upon God . . . the one who promises to carry us through the fears. (Psalm 23:4)

As we reveal our utmost fears to God, He will build our faith to overcome . . . and we shall overcome, one day!  No Jesus . . . No peace. Know Jesus, know peace . . . which will blow your mind . . . and blow your fears away!

https://youtu.be/pfgf-R7bPsw 

Re-Lenting

RELENT.......what does it mean? Here are some synonyms:
yield, relent, soften(verb) give in, as to influence or pressure . . . mince, render, ease up, grant, give way, pay, moderate, cushion, give, buffer, weaken, afford, knuckle under, give in, cede, concede, succumb, soften, move over, generate, return, dampen, buckle under, damp, yield, bear, break.

All these words are appropriate for believers as we face LENT once again. Every year, forty days before we celebrate the Death, Burial and Resurrection of our Christ, we RE-lent. We yield to God, give in to God, succumb to His grace and mercy!

Why "Lent"" What is it? Why practice it? Is it legalistic or appropriate? Check this out:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/lent_1.shtml

Forty days is significant in the bible! (https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Forty-Days) Most importantly, it prepares us to properly recall and celebrate all Christ did for us on this earth and is still doing today!

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,  and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and,‘ In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.(Matthew 4:1-11)

Time to get alone and focus on God and His Word. Re-Lenting!

I Surrender!

Not my will, but Yours be done God! What a Dangerous Prayer! I surrender to You God! Uh oh . . .

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.(Psalm 139:23-24)

These words alone can correct us, convict us and change how we view ourselves . . . and even change how others view us! Left to ourselves, our heart is deceitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). We need an heart exam now and then!

We all have a sin nature and we sin! (Romans 3:23) It needs to be exposed and controlled. No better way than a review of our intentions with He Who knows us best!!! Will we surrender unto Him?

C'mon man! It is not a safe life.

Prayer gives the believer access to the All-Powerful, Ever-Present, Great I Am, Creator of the world and all we pray for is a good day, a safe trip, "A" on a test, a win in a game, or a good night's sleep . . . maybe even a blessed, strengthening and nourishing slice of pizza or salad? C'mon man!

 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

What if I prayed with an authentic and transparent heart  . . . risked it all with God? Prayers should challenges more, disturb us more, even shake us at times!

God make my family more like you! Challenge us to serve more and without complaint . . . to give more even when we don't believe we can. Heal the cancer Lord! Change his heart God! Change my attitude toward __________(fill in a name). God we need a financial miracle only YOU can do and we are trusting YOU, not the banks or others. God, I will do whatever YOU say and go wherever YOU lead me in order to honor YOU!

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must

believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.(Hebrews 11:6)

It is not a safe life. Dangerous prayers bring out real faith! Trusting God can be dangerous. God is able!!!!

Here am I, SEND ME!

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said:“ Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.”  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:1-8)

These verses changed my life! Sitting in the church pew, newly saved, eyes wide opened and heart on fire some twenty-eight years ago, I heard these verses clearly . . . . "Here am I, SEND ME!"

I had seen and heard from God. As He spoke to Isaiah, He was speaking to me! I walked down and told the waiting minister that God had called me to serve Him full time! I knew my calling and I was answering. Jesus said " follow Me" and I responded with a "yes!"

Twenty-eight years later the answer is still "yes!" The fire is still burning! God is still speaking . . . still working . . . still meeting needs. Hundreds of souls saved . . . thousands touched by His love in our home, on the streets, on mission trips on the mainland and over the seas.

Until He calls for me, I cannot . . . . I will not  . . . . Quit! God be glorified!!!

no fear

 “Death is swallowed up in victory."“ O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. ( 1 Corinthians 15:55-58)

Yes, we all will stand before God (Romans 14:12). There is no fear of judgment upon our death if we are a faithful believer in Christ. Our limited time on earth is a test of our faith: pass the test and we achieve eternal peace...rest in heaven.

Death is something that many people fear yet we all will experience. A true believer should not fear dying. How we might die can be fearful however! Jesus Christ did not fear death. However, He did not want to die by crucifixion (Luke 22:42), Yet He came to earth knowing that He would die in order for us to live. He knew the reward awaiting Him.....the joy of His Father and the restoration of His glory! (John 17:5)

We too have the promises of God to look forward to in glory....crowns in fact to receive and then present to our Savior! We have the PROMISE of an everlasting relationship with our Lord and Savior! (Romans 8:33-35)

Do not fear death! There is great reward on the other side....just be ready! Are YOU ready?

Contentment . . . What is it actually?

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.(Philippians 4:10-14)

Contentment  . . . What is it actually? No matter what it is. It keeps us from being disgruntled, angry, and bitter individuals. When we are discontented, we become petty and bitter. It causes all kind of problems. We don't trust others. We always want more. We want different.

Paul tells us in this passage that he has learned to be content in all circumstances. This is accomplished only when we trust in God to take care of our needs. We can be content when we can rest in the promises of God.

We all have heard it before: What God has for me is for me! It's true. God does have a specific plan for each of His children. However, we must come to know and trust Him more than anyone!

People come and go. At times, we are surrounded by friends and family who care. Other times it seems as if the entire world is against us. God never changes! He loves and cares with a never-ending agape love! Can we strive to be content with that?

Danger Ahead!

Danger Ahead! Prayer  . . . real prayers can be dangerous! If we believe in a miracle-working God, then why are our prayers so simple, safe and predictable each day? I challenge us all to stop playing it safe! Let's commit to some gutsy, fiery, desperate, even frustrated prayers. Let's be real with God, can we?

Oh yeah . . . One more thing . . .Be sure to listen and well as talk to God!

 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men......Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, my God of mercy.          (Psalm 59:1-2, 16-17)

David was being watched by Saul's men outside his home. They waited to kill him! David turned to God and had confidence that He would save Him!

What is it we really need God to do? I dare you . . . I am daring myself . . . to ask! Dangerous territory ahead!

Marriage notes

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might [g]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, [h]of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.  (Ephesians 5:22-33)

Valentine weekend....thoughts of good times, struggles, even failures and successes. However, through it all we have been committed to one another as God has been faithful to us!

I have found a good wife and she has indeed blessed me! God has given me more than I deserve. I am still striving to love her as Christ loved the Church and to honor God as a living sacrifice.

Thank you God...thank you Tamara...still in love with you!

So what is L O V E? 💞

So we will hear this word all day today and throughout the weekend . . .L O V E. So what is L O V E? 💞

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:9)💕

We have been studying this verse all month in my high school classes. As I work with high school students who think they are in L O V E  with someone or other, I remind them that as CHRISTians, in our relationships, choosing someone without knowing if they know Christ, is a dangerous and unGodly road to travel.

Do not be ☒unequally yoked☒ together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with

darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

God IS L O V E! Believe the Word for what is says! No one who does not know God intimately cannot L O V E anyone  . . . . even themselves!

💘Happy Valentines Day!!!💘

led up by the Spirit

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.  Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from

the mouth of God.’ ”(Matthew 4:1-4)

We all have heard to account: Satan tempts Jesus after He was led into the wilderness and fasted fourty days!  First of all, this is a spiritual battle and not about food! We know the Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to fast. He was Spirit-filled and Spirit-controlled! He was prepared for battle, weapons ready, armor fixed.

Satan could not attack the Spirit. Yet he did attack the flesh. However, the flesh was protected by the Word and the It's armor. Do we put on the armor of God daily?

(Ephesians 6:10-18) Do we read His Word and prepare for battle?

Our flesh may be weak, but walking in and with the Spirit, we will win!

Live in Faith, not Fear

Anxiety can cause fear. Fear will keep us from being open and vulnerable with others. We become disconnected, lonely, depressed, defensive and open to the lies of the enemy! Yet the Spirit of God frees us from fears . . .

 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

Paul guided young Timothy to trust in the Lord and to not fear doing things as he was taught. This world will have us seek independence and a "me first " attitude. Trust God at His Word. Stay connected to the Body. Be open to share weaknesses and strengths alike. Allow God to work . . .Live in Faith, not Fear

genuine, authentic relationships

As CHRISTians, we should have some genuine, authentic relationships. We don't need a lot of friends, but those we have should be real! They should not be artificial, or surface, but heart-to-heart and from the gut level. . . . honesty, hurts, confessions, weaknesses, and celebrations all shared. Not only are we lacking genuine relationships within the Body, but many do not even value being a part of the Body! Church life is not valued or even desired much anymore. It has become a duty!

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.(1 John 1:5-10)

Let's come out of our darkness and allow the Light to shine upon us and our fellow relationships with fellow believers.  We must face our fears and courageously risk our pride. To have friends we must be friendly! (Proverbs 18:24)

The only way we can grow spiritually is through open and candid relationships.

Free to Share Christ Anywhere!

 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.(Acts 28:28-31)

Paul, now in Rome, was still a prisoner, yet free to share Christ!  Even under Roman guard, he was allowed to live in a rented home and entertain guests. Folks came from surrounding areas to hear him. Some believed, some did not. This did not stop Paul from sharing however. He was clear . . . Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies and the only way to salvation and forgiveness of sin!

Paul was very clear that just as manyJews rejected the Savior, many Gentiles would now accept Him! Thank God!!!! Today, we are free to share Christ anywhere He leads us. Though we might one day, today we are not sharing in chains. Some may reject Christ, but some will accept Him as Lord and Savior!

Let's not ever shy away while we are yet free to share. Let's live Christ out loud with confidence . . . and if we are bound, lets be bound by nothing but the Holy Spirit!

Be prepared to lead.....you can't always be in the background!

Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.  And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,  saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be

brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’  Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.  However, we must run aground on a certain island.”(Acts 27:20-26)

Paul was a prisoner, along with others on the ship. They were under Roman soldier's leadership and rule. However, when the weather got rough, Paul sought God and heard from Him. They ALL would be safe if they followed the directions given by God. Paul, a prisoner of Rome, stepped up and led the Roman guards!

Everyone is not a leader. Some are born. Some learn how to lead through education and experience. However, whether one is known as a leader or not . . . accepted as a leader or not . . . paid as a leader or not . . . at some point in one's life, everyone will need to lead! Be prepared to lead.....you can't always be in the background!

Same ole . . .same ole . . .some thing never change!

Same ole . . .same ole . . .some thing never change! The same royal family (Herod's) tried to kill the infant Jesus, killed John the Baptist and now ruled over Paul! Satan never quit and he is still seeking those whom to destroy today! (John 10:10)

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” (Acts 26:28-32)

Ultimate decisions, power, still lies with God, not man! If says It God says it will happen, it will. If He allows it, it will take place. However, it will be in His timing and according to His planning, no matter what man or the devil says! We worship a God that still is in control. He rewards those who stick with Him and continue to pursue His will! (Hebrews 11:6)

Leaders today, politicians included, realize there is a God! Yet many continue to consider Him, yet rule with the crowd! After all, we must be politically correct and not offend anyone, right!?!?!

Satan has the world wrapped around his finger. Same ole, same ole . . . some things never change! Will we stand for Christ as Paul did?

What "they say" or what "God knows" about us?

We live a culture where many have an identity crisis! Many live for what others think and say about us . . . Do you?  

So Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”  Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!” (Acts 25:10-12)

One day we all will stand before a judgment seat . . . God's! What will He have to say about you and me? What will it matter that what they say?

God's opinion about us is all that really matters! No matter what people may say or think, it is what God knows about us that counts! Like Paul, we must stand confidently before man and allow God to defend us!