"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
This used to be one of my favorite verses and it had slipped from my mind until I started a new Bible study about 4 weeks ago. When I read it again, I had an "Aha!" moment. How did this get away from me? About 8/9 years ago, when I had a job I really disliked, this verse kept me going daily for about 9 months. I stayed at the job because the hours and the pay were great, and hindsight showed me how God used that time to draw me closer to Him. Most days it was only God and the radio that gave me any semblance of kindness/friendliness/common courtesy. I needed that connection, that scripture, to remind me that in Christ I was strong, loving and wise.
It's time for it again. What about you? I believe the Bible is the active living Word of God. I believe it is His truth to us His children. So, God did NOT give me a Spirit of Fear. This world and the evil in it has created the fear. It is insidious. It has wormed it's way into my heart and I am tired of it. I am created in God's image. He crafted me in my mother's womb. He knows every hair on my head. God gave me power, love and a sound mind. I want to step forth into each day with a passion for life and all it holds. I want to love God and the people I interact with each day using what God has supplied me with. You need to read that again. Under my own power--I will fail. Under my own power, I will get tired, discouraged, frustrated and be less than loving. Abiding in Him, connected, believing that He is my source AND acting as if He is my source will lead to me living the powerful, loving, and wise life that He created me for. Join me!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Without Fear
“ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV
Given our current temperatures, this scripture seemed appropriate. We know what it feels like when the heat saps our strength, and we sweat, our cheeks pink, our throats parched. We reach for the coolness of ice water and press the glass to our faces, necks and then we drink it down. The water refreshes and cools us. It perks up our wilted selves and we continue mowing the grass or trimming the hedges or watering the tomatoes.
This scripture tells us that when we trust in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, we are refreshed spiritually with his presence, his strength, and we need not fear what the heat does or how high the temperatures climb. Our daily challenges are no match for our source. When we are rooted in the Lord like this or put another way: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NKJV Then we bloom and grow, producing the fruit of our trust, our hope in the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJV
Given our current temperatures, this scripture seemed appropriate. We know what it feels like when the heat saps our strength, and we sweat, our cheeks pink, our throats parched. We reach for the coolness of ice water and press the glass to our faces, necks and then we drink it down. The water refreshes and cools us. It perks up our wilted selves and we continue mowing the grass or trimming the hedges or watering the tomatoes.
This scripture tells us that when we trust in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, we are refreshed spiritually with his presence, his strength, and we need not fear what the heat does or how high the temperatures climb. Our daily challenges are no match for our source. When we are rooted in the Lord like this or put another way: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NKJV Then we bloom and grow, producing the fruit of our trust, our hope in the Lord.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Mighty and Tender
"See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:10-11 NIV
These verses from Isaiah show a God who is both Mighty and also Tender. He comes to rescue us in His power, and then He tenderly holds us in His arms. So when I have days when I am weak from the daily battle, I know I can call upon the Lord God Almighty, the Warrior God, who will go ahead of me and fight my battles for me. Then, when the day is over I can climb up into His lap, next to His heart, and be comforted, cared for, protected and nurtured.
"I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Is 41:9b-10 NIV
...and I say thank you for choosing me. Thank you Lord for offering me your strength and your right hand. Amen.
These verses from Isaiah show a God who is both Mighty and also Tender. He comes to rescue us in His power, and then He tenderly holds us in His arms. So when I have days when I am weak from the daily battle, I know I can call upon the Lord God Almighty, the Warrior God, who will go ahead of me and fight my battles for me. Then, when the day is over I can climb up into His lap, next to His heart, and be comforted, cared for, protected and nurtured.
"I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Is 41:9b-10 NIV
...and I say thank you for choosing me. Thank you Lord for offering me your strength and your right hand. Amen.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Whom Do I Trust?
"I wanna live with a fearless heart
Courage that's coming from trust in God
It's constantly guiding me though the road may seem dark
I wanna live wanna live with a fearless heart"
I thought it was time to remind myself and you about this verse from Point of Grace. I've researched men and women in the Bible who exhibited courage. I have read the verses that say "Be not afraid" and expressed my understanding of those verses. The song verse above suggests that courage comes from Trust In God. And I thought, whom do I trust?
Trust implies an intimate relationship, a belief that the other person would answer the phone in the middle of the night, would even come get you if needed, someone who knows the best and worst about you and accepts you as you are. I am blessed to have a few of those people in my life. People I believe would give their all for me. Yet I have also trusted a few people who broke that trust. They broke my heart and my trust.
My trust in God was broken when despite my prayers for restoration in my marriage, my attempts at counseling and change, we divorced. I hate to even type it, but it was true. I was praying for the right thing and I believe God does not like divorce. Still, God honored my ex-spouse's right to choose for himself--free will. And though God has taken care of me, and I now love and am loved by a wonderful Christian man, those wounds heal slowly. Will God allow something like that to happen again?
A good friend pointed me to this verse:" Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."
People are fallible. We are not perfect--not by a long shot. As a people we try to love as God loves, and we long for that love in return, that surety, that guarantee, but there truly is only one source of unconditional love. God. I am not saying you should not trust people. I am saying that people have limits and even the best of us will fail. So where do I find that unconditional acceptance and love and trust? God. So then how do I heal a broken trust? And is the broken trust the source of my fear? I do believe God is good. So let's look at the character of God.
I thought it was time to remind myself and you about this verse from Point of Grace. I've researched men and women in the Bible who exhibited courage. I have read the verses that say "Be not afraid" and expressed my understanding of those verses. The song verse above suggests that courage comes from Trust In God. And I thought, whom do I trust?
Trust implies an intimate relationship, a belief that the other person would answer the phone in the middle of the night, would even come get you if needed, someone who knows the best and worst about you and accepts you as you are. I am blessed to have a few of those people in my life. People I believe would give their all for me. Yet I have also trusted a few people who broke that trust. They broke my heart and my trust.
My trust in God was broken when despite my prayers for restoration in my marriage, my attempts at counseling and change, we divorced. I hate to even type it, but it was true. I was praying for the right thing and I believe God does not like divorce. Still, God honored my ex-spouse's right to choose for himself--free will. And though God has taken care of me, and I now love and am loved by a wonderful Christian man, those wounds heal slowly. Will God allow something like that to happen again?
A good friend pointed me to this verse:" Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save."
People are fallible. We are not perfect--not by a long shot. As a people we try to love as God loves, and we long for that love in return, that surety, that guarantee, but there truly is only one source of unconditional love. God. I am not saying you should not trust people. I am saying that people have limits and even the best of us will fail. So where do I find that unconditional acceptance and love and trust? God. So then how do I heal a broken trust? And is the broken trust the source of my fear? I do believe God is good. So let's look at the character of God.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Living Fearless- In Small Doses
I went to see Alan, my fiance, in Charlotte this past weekend. We had a blast. He rented us a Harley Davidson motorcycle for Saturday and we spent the whole day out and about. If you've never ridden one, it's a total sensory experience. The sights, the smells, the sounds, the feel of the breeze, the smell of fresh cut grass, trees, flowers, the clarity of color without peering through tinted windows, his shoulders beneath my hands. We saw people out on horses and bicycles, at yard sales, and fruit stands. We saw grand and small country churches. We rode through two State Parks and walked around a small lake. Amazing!
"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." Psalm 37:3 NIV
And I almost didn't go. I almost called and requested he cancel the reservation. For fear of being hurt-getting injured--because with my dad's extended illness it crossed my mind that I needed to be more careful in case they needed me. Isn't that crazy? They are still taking care of me. I had to have minor surgery in March and it was them who drove me at 6:00 am to the hospital, waited for me, took me home and sat with me. Mom made me a grilled cheese sandwich and Dad took care of my pets. So wonderful, so faithful.
When my time on this earth is done, God will call me home. He knows the day and the time already. I don't need to be foolish, but enjoying a motorcycle ride with proper helmets, proper clothing, boots, and a skilled driver is not foolish. God created this world to be enjoyed. So I will trust and enjoy!
"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." Psalm 37:3 NIV
And I almost didn't go. I almost called and requested he cancel the reservation. For fear of being hurt-getting injured--because with my dad's extended illness it crossed my mind that I needed to be more careful in case they needed me. Isn't that crazy? They are still taking care of me. I had to have minor surgery in March and it was them who drove me at 6:00 am to the hospital, waited for me, took me home and sat with me. Mom made me a grilled cheese sandwich and Dad took care of my pets. So wonderful, so faithful.
When my time on this earth is done, God will call me home. He knows the day and the time already. I don't need to be foolish, but enjoying a motorcycle ride with proper helmets, proper clothing, boots, and a skilled driver is not foolish. God created this world to be enjoyed. So I will trust and enjoy!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
SOME DAYS...
...I've been writing about courage and feeling pretty good. But then some days I get blind-sided, I get knocked to the ground, and it's usually something unexpected. I know my weak areas--or most of them--and I've learned to stop and assess if I'm feeling off or out-of-sorts. Did I sleep? Have I taken my meds? Are Erin, Alan, Mom and Dad okay? Am I processing something unexpected? Have I prayed? Have I journaled? What is my spiritual temperature today?
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 1:8 NLT
I get focussed on one area of my life and my defenses weaken in another area. Before I know it, I am down on my knees, sad, angry or hurting. Then I retreat. And that's okay as long as I retreat to safety, a place to regroup and heal. My physical place is my bedroom. My spiritual place is God's lap. In those places I can allow my emotions to settle, my spirit to calm, and the stress to ease from my tense my body. Surrounded by books and deep in prayer, I can take a deep breath, rest, and prepare to join the dailiness of life again. But right now it's okay to be still and know that He is God and I am His child. He will protect and provide for He is good.
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 1:8 NLT
I get focussed on one area of my life and my defenses weaken in another area. Before I know it, I am down on my knees, sad, angry or hurting. Then I retreat. And that's okay as long as I retreat to safety, a place to regroup and heal. My physical place is my bedroom. My spiritual place is God's lap. In those places I can allow my emotions to settle, my spirit to calm, and the stress to ease from my tense my body. Surrounded by books and deep in prayer, I can take a deep breath, rest, and prepare to join the dailiness of life again. But right now it's okay to be still and know that He is God and I am His child. He will protect and provide for He is good.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
COURAGE PART THREE
How do I find courage to face each day and bring it into my world to share with others? What I've learned so far in this study of mine is prayer is a never-ending necessity and the first priority. And those prayers need to be directed to someone I know stands with me and will never leave me.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the army of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. " 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV
Though I am weak, He is strong. Though I am fearful, He is not. Though I am flesh and blood, He is Lord God Almighty. I can go into the day and handle whatever it brings because prayer draws me closer to Him. I can have the same confidence as the people in Judah. Prayer establishes a communication link, an open line, a portal from my heart to His. Before I finish the prayer He is already answering, responding, and meeting my needs. And that confidence is what I can share with others. I have walked the valley, seen my share of darkness, yet here I still am "fighting the good fight" as St Paul would say. Praise God indeed!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the army of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. " 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV
Though I am weak, He is strong. Though I am fearful, He is not. Though I am flesh and blood, He is Lord God Almighty. I can go into the day and handle whatever it brings because prayer draws me closer to Him. I can have the same confidence as the people in Judah. Prayer establishes a communication link, an open line, a portal from my heart to His. Before I finish the prayer He is already answering, responding, and meeting my needs. And that confidence is what I can share with others. I have walked the valley, seen my share of darkness, yet here I still am "fighting the good fight" as St Paul would say. Praise God indeed!
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