Boldness

 

Be bold

 

Who's in control?

 

A healthy fear...

 

Anxious? Fearful? Unsure? Seek His PEACE minute by minute.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Let's face it, whether we are old or young, we face many challenging situations in this world. Our young people are stressed with grades, athletics, scholarships, relationships, and career choices. It is not like it was when I was young!

We as adults are facing situations concerning our communities, families, politics, jobs, and finances. Again, this is not our grandparents' world anymore!

So how do we function and not lose it? We first must know the Savior! Then as we discuss our situations with Him, we find confidence and peace . . . and His peace goes way beyond human understanding.

Like the Jews in the wilderness, His peace must be sought daily . . . throughout the day. It will help us to remain calm in the chaos. We can be confident rather than unsure.  We can face the day rather than backing down and running from reality.

The Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of the world will be with us and give us His peace! Seek Him . . . trust Him!

Super man? No . . . Super God!

Look! A bird? . . . a plane? . . . No . . . it's Super God!

“I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, Your anger has turned away and You have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense . . . He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:1-2)

No one . . . absolutely no one . . . is stronger, wiser, or more powerful than our God! All the superheroes and brainiacs combined could not match the strength and wisdom of our God. Yet we as mere mortals still try to solve every riddle and perform every task in our own strength!

Trusting God allows us to overcome fears, anxieties and weaknesses. It takes practice. It begins with the little everyday things and grows to a trust with the largest, life-changing challenges. 

God knows. God cares. God can!

Waiting for the next big story?

Terrorism . . . natural disasters . . . gun violence . . . Covid scares . . . what next? How else will those in the media world continue to focus upon fear-inducing subject matter. Many today are so focused upon the news that we are living in fear every minute of the day . . . almost waiting for the next big story.

Yet we who trust in the Lord and His promises . . . we who know the future . . . we can rest in Him and know He is still in control. We have read the prophecies. We know what is going to happen to the world, those who trust in its promises, yet we also know what our future holds. 

Rather than seeing the world as doom and disaster, we see the things non-believers cannot. We see sun bursting upon the horizon in the morning and the soothing beauty of a sunset. We hear the calls of the grackles and sweet melodies of the sparrows. We observe nature and see God still at work . . . providing and protecting for even the smallest of creatures. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled; Though the mountains shake with its swelling. (Psalm 46: 1-3)

We have eyes to see and ears to hear the things of God. We also have the duty to share this Good News rather than spread the propaganda of the media! So what is the next big story?

Summer 2023....trusting the road ahead

Why do we fear the road ahead? Why are we hesitant to go around the corner? If we follow closely with the Holy Spirit as our Guide, we will find the journey not only safe, but rewarding. Even the bumps in the road can be rewarding! We will never know His plans for us if we keep following our own. Even when Paul was in prison, he found opportunity to walk with the Lord and be fruitful!

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:2-6)

Like the disciples, at times we feel lost and going no where fast. However, they asked Jesus for direction! He had a simple answer: Follow Me!

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:5-7)

Nothing is coming up that God hasn't already seen and handled. Let's walk with Him today! Trust the road ahead . . .His road!

Some doubted . . . some still do! Why?

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” — Matthew 28:16-20

After Easter . . . Jesus has risen from the tomb. He has appeared to hundreds. Yet many still doubted. Many lived in fear of rejection, isolation and even death.

But what about us today? Here in the U.S. we have freedom to worship, to pray, to speak about Jesus, and to attend church. Yet many choose not to do so. many live in fear of peer pressure, job restrictions and rejection from society. Few who call themselves CHRISTian even attend a church! Why? Is it doubt? Is it fear . . . or both?

Let's tell our fears to go to . . . . JESUS!

 New challenges ahead . . . expect them and meet them head on! Courage is facing fear with a confidence that only Jesus can supply. His Spirit is within us to face down any fear with courageous actions. 

Let's tell our fears to go to . . . . JESUS!

Let's not ask God to bless our plans, but let's do what God is already blessing! Let's keep our hearts and minds focused upon His will and courageously get out of our boat and onto the water . . . onto the water, not into or under the water! Keeping our focus upon His will will keep us from going under! That takes courage!

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14: 28-30)

The world will stress us and depress us. Jesus will rest us! We will be able to navigate life courageously! Go to Jesus fears . . . I am walking with courage today!

Too many opinions and too much advice, without a lot of facts!

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%202%3A14-16&version=NKJV)

The world is simply crazy. We never know what will happen next or who will be giving us what advice and when. There are simply too many opinions and too much advice, without a lot of facts to back things up!

Yet as we read in the above passages, we who are in Christ are spiritually discerned. We should be thinking differently than the world. We have the Holy Spirit within us which allows us to discern things. We do not have to panic at every news story or run from every challenge we face. In fact, we face challenges with courage and faith!

We need to be visible and active in a world that needs Jesus!

You will not fear !

 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day . . . (Psalm 91:1-5)

I watch the news and see of a storm edging up the East Coast of our United States, I cannot help but recall all the folks we have served over the years after storms and disaster have ravaged their homes . . . New Orleans, the Carolinas, and Caribbean Islands. We have witnessed streets swallowed up by flood, homes dangling from cliffs, roofs torn off homes, entire homes ripped apart, and families forced to live in shelters and even deal with the unexpected and horrible loss of loved ones. Sadly, many were improperly served or left uncared for entirely! 

Though the present storm is a minor one with simply some heavy rain, it causes me to recall the spirit of those we have served over the years. I am left with indelible marks of faith and courage from victims of these devastating event. So many have told stories of how God kept them and how they yet still trust and love Him! After all they have been through, their joy in the God they serve is even greater!

So no matter the struggle today, no matter how big or how small, find comfort in the God who never sleeps not slumbers! Do not fear . . .

Fear not, for I am with you!

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name;

You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you;

Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.

Fear not, for I am with you . . . . (Isaiah 43: 1-5)

The school year is winding down for colleges and high schools. Seniors are preparing to move on to unfamiliar territories. Underclassmen and teachers are pondering going back into classrooms after more than a year of isolation and fears of Covid-19.  Businesses are reopening and employees are considering a new work environment or stay at home jobs. Many of us are actually planning family travel and vacations.  There are some real questions . . . real fears  . . . real concerns.

Oh, but listen to our God and Savior: He gives us some real promises and assurances. 

Fear not . . .I have redeemed you . . .I will be with you . . . I am the Lord your God . . . Fear not . . . I am with you!

As things are opening up and opportunities await, we who are called by the name of Christ must be bold and confident! His promises are still "yes and amen". (2 Corinthians 1:20) 

Am I approachable?

 Am I approachable . . . .hummm . . . . What a question in this world of isolation, separation and lack of genuine relations. We wear masks, we keep our distance, we do not touch, we text and email, we even are careful to disinfect. We wear sunglasses into the night and have tinted car windows. We keep our shades down and curtains drawn at home. "No touch delivery please!"

Sadly, many of us have become very comfortable with this isolation and distance. I wonder how Jesus would handle the distance? 

Take a close look at the life of Jesus and how he dealt with the unapproachable.

Blind people and those who were disabled came to Jesus at the temple. There he healed them. (Matthew 21:14)                                                                                                                                            

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them.” (Matthew 19:14)

A man who had a skin disease came and got down on his knees in front of Jesus. He said, “Lord, if you are willing to make me ‘clean,’ you can do it.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing to do it,” he said. “Be ‘clean’!” Right away the man was healed of his skin disease. (Matthew 8:2-3)

Give, and it will be given to you. A good amount will be poured into your lap. It will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same amount you give will be measured out to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Even in this pandemic, we can look at ways to be personable, friendly, approachable. There are ways to meet the needs of those around us. . . . conversation, prayer, picking up and delivering groceries or medicines, water for the sanitation workers, a generous tip, smile, and friendly note for the delivery person, even prayer! Invite folks to church as we socially distance worship . . . in the House of God! Yes, there are churches walking by faith today!

Maybe it once again time to ask: "What would Jesus do?"

Walking by fear or faith? Jesus leading the way.

 Walking by fear or faith?

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. (Mark 10:32)

Who are we following? How are we following them? Are we being led around as blind leading the blind, depending upon the latest news, forecasts, or trends? Are we simply throwing away our lives on, can't miss odds, concrete locks, parlays and propositions offered by the world?

In an uncertain time, with a fearful and not-to-clear future, it is safe to allow the One who has been to the future and back to guide us. Jesus followed the leading of the Father despite human fear and a dangerous future. 

I am asking God to lead me during these challenging days. What about you? Do you believe the words of the psalmist?

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)  

The Covid-19 crisis is not "created equal".

The Covid-19 crisis is not "created equal". We are all not "in the same boat". The novel coronavirus has impacted us all in vastly different ways. Some people lost jobs, while careers in healthcare ramped up dramatically. Some houses are buzzing with kids home from school with no activities to attend, while other homes are unbearably quiet and lonely. Some of us are living in extreme fear, and others are unburdened by the threat of health issues. Most of us are living through some of the most challenging days as a Nation as we deal with social injustices finally being addressed out in the open.CHRISTians and non-Christians alike suffer from its impact. Some, strangely enough, have flourished during the past year!

If you find yourself in the minority . . . do just fine, thank you very much, remember these words: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

If you are angered and upset over the social challenges we are facing as a Nation, live out this verse: ”Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” (1 John 4:20)

If you are struggling as parents, students, even teachers, with virtual learning and when it will be safe to return to schools, be hopeful and trust God: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)

Finally, if you are challenged with the loss of loved ones, illnesses, even job loss and feel abandoned and lost, hear these words: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Vaccine or no vaccine, that is the question!

 Vaccine or no vaccine, that is the question!

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)

Vaccine or no vaccine, that is the question! I must admit, I have struggled with the idea of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. Because of HIStory, side effects, and just not believing everything that is reported, I have had doubts. Plus I have already tested positive and have the antibodies! However, because I am a teacher, I feel as though I have a responsibility to students and parents to know I am doing all I am able to do to create a safe school environment. 

In today's society, it is hard to see how God is using our authorities as His ministers for our good. Yet as long as the mandates do not dishonor the Lord, I can follow them.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5: 27-29) 

There are so many lies and false promises. So I trust God . . . to keep me safe from the virus and safe from the vaccine . . . either way, I place my trust in God! At some point it comes down to this basic fact!

 

Fear anything? Where is YOUR Faith?

Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:22-25)

Fear anything? Where is YOUR Faith?

When asked by the Baltimore Ravens News if he was afraid of anything on the field, Jackson responded by shaking his head no. But surely something must scare him like heights, snakes, roller coasters or 300-pound defensive linemen?

"I fear God," he told the publication, adding that he prays before every game. (CBN News: 12/30/19) “I give Him all His praise, the glory, the honor ... When you feel like you’re bigger than the Lord, that’s when all that success die. It goes away.” Ravens QB Lamar Jackson @Lj_era8 talks about how God keeps him humble. (12/18/19)

As we approach the "big game", I can appreciate the many top athletes who not only know Christ, but are not afraid to say it and live it out in their daily lives. As a Ravens fan, I love the fact that many, from the coach on down, express their faith publicly, not for show but as a genuine lifestyle. Many athletes do in fact!

In a day when many are in fear in real life, not because of a 300-pound man chasing them or a 100 mph fastball bearing down on them, but real life fears such as Covid-19, social injustices, and job securities, we need the example of believers living out loud for Jesus Christ!

Do you fear anything today? Where is YOUR faith? In WHOM is your faith?