Day 274: Matthew 28:5

"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.'" ~Matthew 28:5, NIV

If your friend has died, the last thing you expect when visiting their grave is a pair of angels sitting over the hole in the ground. And yet that's what Jesus' friends found when they first came to mourn - angels.

Not a dead body, not a hopeless chasm, angels.

One of the most prevalent fears in life is death. But that's the last thing we have to be afraid of anymore - thanks to Jesus. The women in the above verse found out that Jesus really meant it when He said He would rebuild His temple in three days. And when He rose, it meant that we could rise too - if we believed in Him.

Death, that great fear, has no more power. The angels can say to us too, "do not fear", because our souls will rise up to Jesus should this event take us. So surely, the greatest terror in our lives has already been negated. Why then, should we give in to it?

Believe in Jesus. Learn to know Him better. And in return, you shall not perish, but rise to everlasting life.

For God so love the world.

Day 273: Ezra 10:4

"Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it." ~Ezra 10:4, NIV

God's people, ideally, should be a great source of courage and comfort for God's people. Ezra was following God's calling to reeducate the Israelites on the tasks and requirements and promises of the law when they returned to Jerusalem from being held in captivity.

Ezra saw great wickedness among them, and was weeping in front of God's house. When the people saw him, they knew what it was about - the harsh matter of Israelites intermarrying with other nations. They had just learned what God had to say on the matter, and felt sorely about it.

But they were determined to follow God's precepts so they wouldn't have to go into bondage again. So they told Ezra the above verse. "Get up, we'll support your service of God. It's not going to be easy, but we're behind you."

We as Christians have to follow this model. Every one of us is faced with challenges from this life, and God has called us to do seemingly impossible things. Missionaries are called to drop everything they're doing, and go overseas to preach God's word. Pastors are called to sacrifice themselves and teach the truth to God's people. The truth is never easy to hear, yet that is exactly what every one of us is supposed to tell this world.

We are the body of Christ, as Paul says. The body works together. So we must encourage one another to stand up and carry God's burden. And we can help one another carry those burdens as well, be that through finances, prayer, gifts, and simply words.

Today, you surely have quite the task ahead of you. It may not seem as monumental as Ezra's task, but it is no simple issue, and it matters. But you know what? You can do it. You don't have to be afraid, because our God is with you. And as Chris Tomlin says, if our God is with us, then what could stand against us?

Rise up, take courage; even if no one around you will support you, God will. And He is God. So step out, won't you?

Day 272: Psalm 37:5-6

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun." ~Psalm 37:5-6, NIV

Hey look! It's another if/then statement found in the Old Testament!

Let's go on a tangent for a moment. It would seem, with all of these "if you do this, then God will do that" moments, that we can control God by our actions, doesn't it? If we do all of the if statements, then shouldn't God fulfill all of the then statements?

Let's try to analyze this and see why we should expect the then statements to be fulfilled, but that it's not a prerequisite.

One, acting with the above kind of mindset is dangerous - people refer to it as "magic". It is essentially an attempt to manipulate external/supernatural forces in your favor, isn't it? And God strictly  forbids His people from using magic. So we can't do this.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the "then statement" isn't a given. It's more like a "then probably" statement. God wants us to fulfill the if statement because we love Him, not because we want His blessings.

He wants us to commit to Him and trust Him because we believe in Him, and because we want to serve Him and love Him as best as we can. He knows that if we do so that He will be able to do great works in our lives - and our reward will shine, and His forgiveness will be great over us. But we are not entitled to it. It is all, in the end, a gift that God can choose to give to us, or not.

Is God still good if He doesn't give it to us? Yes, yes He is. Is your dad still good to you if he doesn't let you have everything you feel entitled to? Yes, of course! A three-year-old feels entitled to many things, but we only give him what will make him a better human, right?

So make sure you analyze your motivations - commit your ways to Him because you love Him, and you don't want to dishonor Him by living in fear. Use your judgement; test for yourself the validity of your motivations.

Day 271: Proverbs 3:24

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." ~Proverbs 3:24, NIV

So remember yesterday how we described that Proverbs 3 is all about a life lived wisely? Well, we're back for more, because apparently a wise person doesn't have anything to be afraid of at night.

As we discussed, it's an if/then statement: if, "my son", you heed v21, and not let wisdom or understanding - essentially, good choices - out of your grasp, then you get v24. Choose well, and then? When you lie down, you will not be afraid.

God will give you peace in return for trusting, knowing and loving Him. True story!

Day 270: Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." ~Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV

The title of Proverbs 3 is "Wisdom Bestows Well-Being". There are a lot of suggestions for wise living within the 35 verses of the chapter, and I would like to emphasize the above two, which you've probably heard before.

So we have instruction, and then the reason why: trust in the Lord, submit to Him, because then He will make your paths straight.

And if we're following in God's path, there's really nothing to be afraid of, unless you're worried about rejection and hatred. But because you're going to face that no matter what path you're on, why not step into God's trail? It won't be easy, but it's His great destiny for you, His chosen hero.

Y'know, save the princess, make yourself into an infinitely better person, and glorify God the whole way? Choose to follow the path of a hero. Take up a challenge - trust in God's ultimate plan for you with all your heart, and watch in awe as He does amazing things through you.

Day 269: Psalm 13:5

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." ~Psalm 13:5, NIV

If you have time today, I recommend reading all of Psalm 13. David is crying out to God, asking Him "how long" will he be forgotten? All of his enemies are around him, jeering that his God is not there. David feels forsaken, alone, lost. He's on the losing side, God seems to be far away.

Yeah. That's what David's telling and asking God about. "No pressure, Sir, You're the ruler of the universe, not me, but You did say you wouldn't leave me. So where are You?" It's after telling God that that David makes the above proclamation: I trust in Your unfailing love.

Okay, so David's pretty cool. But his life had a lot of parts in it that I wouldn't want to take part in. Lions, tigers, bears, crazy kings, entire nations: he had a lot of enemies. And sometimes it seemed that God wanted his enemies to win.

Yet. David still trusted in God's divine plan. And look where it led him! You've probably heard how God has a plan for you. Well, funny thing, it's true. Even if it doesn't seem like it, God loves you with an immeasurable love, and His plan for you is incredibly awesome.

It may not seem like it. But it's true. You can trust Him. His people, maybe not on your own, but Him? Yeah.

Day 268: Judges 6:12

"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."" ~Judges 6:12, NIV

God has a plan for everyone. No matter who you are, what your talents are, or how many of them you have, He has a plan and it's the best thing that could ever happen to you. God's plan for Gideon was totally incredible.

And while you're in God's plan, He is with you. God knows us better than we know ourselves: He called Gideon a mighty warrior before Gideon knew it about himself. God knows you, and knows your situation before you do. And He wants to make it the best situation you know.

When God appears to you, it can be intimidating. He probably wants you to do something way out of your comfort zone. But He's not being unrealistic. He knows you better than you can possibly imagine.

So don't be afraid of God's plan, like Gideon was. Obey, and prove to yourself He is right.

Day 267: Esther 4:14

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" ~Esther 4:14, NIV

The story of Esther is perhaps one of the most incredible stories of courage ever. God brought her to a position of influence where she could save her people when the government of her day decided to crack down and annihilate the Jewish race.

God tasked Esther with the deliverance of her people - but He was with her the whole time. He gave her the wisdom of Mordecai. He gave her the support of her people. He gave her the favor of the king, and wisdom to know how to deal with the situation of potential death.

Esther had to trust God in everything, but she didn't do it off the bat. In fact, she requested that Israel pray and fast for her for 3 days.  We can learn a lesson - go to God with your troubles. Give Him a chance to help you. Ask Him to help you surrender your will.

And then go do it. And if you 'perish', metaphorically speaking? What of it? You were going to someday anyways. Better to do so doing God's will than not.

Day 266: Psalm 40:4

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods." ~Psalm 40:4, NIV

There's always going to be a couple of solutions to your fears. Either you can try and fix it up yourself, use the resources you think you have to give yourself security, or you can give up control of the situation and trust God will take care of you.

This verse above suggests that you trust God. In fact, it paints that option as a better alternative. "Blessed are those" who trust in the Lord!

It's God's will to make things turn out for the best. Trusting Him takes all the worry and responsibilities for yourself off of your shoulders. Sure, you have to follow God's purpose for you, but it's not up to you to make things work; all you have to do is obey!

And one step to obedience is by not worrying, but believing that God will use your actions to make things all right in the end.

Day 265: John 6:20

"But he said to them, 'It is I; don't be afraid.'" ~John 6:20, NIV

This story should sound really familiar, since we've already heard the story from some of the other gospels... (wait for it!) It's Jesus walking on the water.

Here we go again. He's just fed five thousand+ people with five loaves of bread and two small fish. He knows the people think He's the Messiah - but in their terms, as that King who will overthrow the Romans. He knows these people don't want God, they want a worldly gift. So He goes off to a mountain on His own to pray, sending the disciples off. 

They're on the lake, and so He decides to walk to meet them. Which is no big deal, except for, well, they're on the lake. Walking on water isn't something that's ever been done before, or ever since (that I'm aware of).

God wants to do a lot of stuff like that in your life. Maybe not literally bending the laws of physics, but things that haven't been done before. And it's pretty scary when that happens to you. But Jesus wants to reassure you, when that happens, that it's okay: it's His plan, His spirit prompting you.

This takes discernment, telling whether it's God telling you to do something or not. But take courage, and believe that when you step out in faith, God won't let you drown. Amen?

Day 264: Isaiah 11:2

"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—" ~Isaiah 11:2, NIV

A lot of times in old testament books, especially prophetic books, we can hear about the Messiah, the one to come and save Israel, the descendant of David that would rescue Israel. Isaiah 11 starts out talking about this Messiah - and we know he meant Jesus.

So when we read "the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him," we know it means that God's Spirit did rest on Him, and that thanks to His gift of the Holy Spirit, we can have that gift too. The Holy Spirit that fell on the day of pentecost and is now available to all who ask Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understand, of counsel and might, of the knowledge of the fear of the Lord - we can have that upon us too.

And that Spirit made Jesus who He was - fearless, God-serving, sinless, bold and absolutely certain of His message - we as Christ's followers and children of God are called to carry that same spirit about us. How else can we follow in His footsteps? How else can we experience the prince's peace?

How else if not by the same spirit, described in Isaiah that every Christian can have?

Day 263: Isaiah 10:24

"Therefore this is what the Lord, the Lord Almighty, says: 'My people who live in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrians, who beat you with a rod and lift up a club against you, as Egypt did.'" ~Isaiah 10:24, NIV

God has been promising to destroy Israel for a long while. But He doesn't want them to feel hopeless when it actually happens, because His plan encompasses all things. Therefore, God is telling them that He won't abandon them - He's disciplining them, not removing them from the family.

Don't be afraid of discipline, He's saying. In verse 25, He says that soon His wrath will end and the Assyrians will receive the destruction they meted out on others. Discipline only has to last as long as the one being disciplined hasn't learned the lesson.

Satan is not the source of all of your pains in this life. Sometimes God needs to screw your bolts in a little tighter so you can serve Him to your full potential. We call that discipline, and it is painful, but it's also something you shouldn't be afraid of - it's something to embrace, to make a change when it happens.

Day 262: Luke 12:4

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more." ~Luke 12:4, NIV

Jesus is talking to His disciples about the Pharisees when He drops this bomb. Jesus knew that the Pharisees were trying to kill Him, but He knew and told His disciples not to bother about them.

What was death to Jesus anyways? He was the first to raise to life eternal, and He knew it. We believe that Jesus is alive and that He will bring all mankind back to life - a life in Heaven or Hell. What is pain anyways but a temporary stimulus that something is wrong?

Don't be afraid of Pharisees in your life. What can they do to you? If your soul is safe, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Day 261: Luke 2:10

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'" ~Luke 2:10, NIV

Most people in the Western world are at least aware of the Gospel. They may or may not know that the word literally means "Good News" and they may or may not believe that Jesus was good news. But to shepherds out at night, a part of a people that had been waiting centuries for the Messiah?

The fact that an army of angels told them not to be afraid and that they had good news was probably a relief as well as a cause for excitement among the shepherds outside of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus' birth. God's promise to bring a Messiah was finally being fulfilled. And while the new covenant wouldn't be finished until Jesus died and came back to life, the fact that God eradicated the old covenant is indeed, good news.

Sometimes good news comes in bad packages - like losing your job or moving to another country. An army of angels appeared to the shepherds that night, and they probably thought that God was going to punish them for some wrong of Israel's. Terrifying. But no, losing you job gives you an opportunity to get a new, better one, moving to a new country means you get to learn a new language and meet new, incredible friends.

And throughout all of it, God tells you "don't be afraid, this is just the next step."

Day 260: Exodus 20:20

"Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.'" ~Exodus 20:20, NIV

So after the Israelites escaped from the Egyptians, God had them take a stop at Mount Sinai. From there, he was going to give them some guidelines to make them His holy nation, the greatest nation to walk the planet. (Needless to say they never managed it. It would have been awesome if they had managed to live in that promise for more than 40 years, but unfortunately humans will be human...)

But that's just the thing. He Himself gave the instructions. The whole mountain was smoking, lightning struck, and there was a sound like a trumpet going on behind the scenes. If you'd just escaped from the Egyptians and had seen that, I bet you'd be scared witless too. The Israelites cowered in fear, and Moses told them the above.

After witnessing that, I bet the Israelites figured it would be impossible to sin. But it wasn't. See, we humans have a standard attitude in life, and while circumstances fluctuate that standard, we always return to it. Living in Christ is to change the standard - a long process that doesn't happen perfectly in a day. In any case, fear here is probably reverence and respect, and is one effective way to keep from sinning. Think about it, if you respect someone, you will defer to them, yes? And if they are God and deferring means not sinning then you wouldn't sin, right?

In any case the point of this article is to remind you that God in His glory didn't disintegrate His people by speaking directly to them. He shook them. And even when God is bumping the table upon which your snowglobe of a life sits, it doesn't mean He's trying to hurt you.

He's just trying to make you the best person you can be.

Day 259: Psalm 14:6

"You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge." ~Psalm 14:6, NIV

Bad things happen, and David knows it. He had a lot of things to deal with in his life. Being the youngest in the family, being a shepherd, being anointed King when there already was a king with mood swings, having enemies on every corner... He knew both spectrums of society.

He also knew the full range of humanity, from the best to the worst - heck, he could even see it in the king's family. Bad guys are afraid of losing what they have, so they take, take, take from those who don't have anything.

But we can always have one security, and that is God. Rich or poor, no matter what evildoers do that gets in your way, you can always go to God for safety and security.

Day 258: Hosea 10:3

"Then they will say, 'We have no king because we did not revere [fear] the Lord. But even if we had a king, what could he do for us?'" ~Hosea 10:3, NIV

Remember back to Samuel when the people had a king because they didn't fear the Lord? When it was a sin to ask for a king, but God forgave them anyways? In Hosea, God is telling them they'll be singing the same tune, but a little differently.

They received kingships because they didn't trust God, but now they don't have kings because they didn't trust God. And even with a king that didn't trust God... "what could he do for us?"

What's the conclusion, then? Well, it's actually pretty simple to say, near impossible to do: trust God. If Israel had just obeyed Him and believed His promises, none of the above would have ever happened. They wouldn't have a king. If they did, he would be like David and Josiah, and lead Israel to God. When your whole world has fallen apart, like Israel did without a king after David, it's easy to say you have nothing.

But the fact of the matter is you always have God, and you can always choose to trust Him with your situation.

Day 257: 1 Kings 2:2

"'I am about to go the way of all the earth,' he said. 'So be strong, act like a man.'" ~1 Kings 2:2, NIV

King David ruled in Israel for 40 years before old age took him and left Solomon on the throne. Before he died, though, he gave Solomon instruction - most notably in this verse, to be strong. The cultural norm of a "man" in those days (I am presuming) was probably pretty different from the one we have today - to be a man didn't necessarily mean to be imposing and able to take care of oneself. Really, being a man probably meant obeying God to the utmost of their ability, leading with God's wisdom, following in God's steps, and treating all with respect and dignity.

But you know what? A man like that probably was imposing, and rarely had to worry about taking care of himself, because following God entailed everything in that definition. And besides, God took care of him too.

In verses 3 and 4, David continues to instruct Solomon to follow God's ways and to bring justice on earth where possible. "Do this," David says, "so you may prosper, and God may keep His promise to bless my descendants forever."

God gave a promise, and if Solomon and his descendants had followed through courageously obeying God, blessings could have rained down on the whole earth. Not so, unfortunately, because they lost their focus on God - on the one who gave them everything they had. Look up to God, and for pete's sake, be a proper man!

Day 256: Psalm 46:2-3

"Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." ~Psalm 46:2-3, NIV

These verses are the second half of an implied if/then statement. If this or that happens, therefore we will not fear. It's not if/then as and English statement, however, but it's a Mathematical if/then implication.

Because in math, when you say "if", you really mean, in English terms, "when". When ax^2+bx+c = 0, then delta always is equal to -4ac, x1 is always equal to -b plus the square root of delta divided by 2a. x2 is always equal to -b minus the square root of delta divided by 2a.

In Math, if/then is a law. In English, it's a conditional. The first verse says God is our refuge and strength. If God = our very present help, then when the earth divides by 0, we won't fear. Because we believe God to be all-powerful and all-loving, we won't fear when the earth shatters beneath our feet.

It can be a simple law of nature, to not fear because of who God is, but we're quite rather human and it doesn't work that way. Therefore implies a choice. Because we know this, therefore we will act on this knowledge. We will choose to believe what we know.

Everyday it always comes down to this - will you believe God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving? And if you do, will you act in relation to that belief? If you do, there is nothing to fear in the whole world.

Day 255: Isaiah 12:2

"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 12:2, NIV

Dear God,

today, I'm having a hard time believing you are my salvation. I don't want to trust an omnipotent person - someone who knows exactly where my weak spot is. But... choices. To trust and not be afraid. To be myself, to give it all. You, you were Israel's strength, defense. You can do the same for me.

If only I let you. So help me, so truly help me to trust you, dear God. Thank you that you love me, regardless of my distrust of you. Won't you change this heart, please?

Help me choose life?

Day 254: 1 Samuel 12:20

"'Do not be afraid,' Samuel replied. 'You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.'" ~1 Samuel 12:20, NIV

So in 1 Samuel the people of Israel decide that they want a king like all of the other nations around them. They bother and bother and bother the local prophet Samuel about it. God's not too happy, because it means the people don't trust Him enough to be their "king", and it makes them like the nations around them, which makes it hard for us current historians to tell Israel apart from those other nations archeologically.

But eventually God says yes. Then the people realize what madness has overtaken them, and they become terrified. God was their king, and they spurned Him. But Samuel comforts the people as we can be comforted today.

Don't be afraid, even though you have messed up; keep doing good and serve God with all of your heart.

See, the fact of the matter is that we have all messed up big time. If God were not merciful, we should have been smitten off the Earth like Sodom and Gomorrah. But that's just the thing. God is merciful. So even though we don't deserve peace, through Jesus we can have forgiveness, pick ourselves back up again and go at serving God with all that we are.

Even though we should be hopeless cases, God doesn't see us that way. He just wants to know us so He can bless us. But that can only happen at our choice, thanks to (or because of) free will. So don't be afraid because of your miffs. Take courage, because God loves you.

Day 253: Genesis 26:24

"That night the Lord appeared to [Isaac] and said, 'I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.'" ~Genesis 26:24, NIV

After Abraham's death, Isaac moved back to Philistia where his father had lived and reopened the wells there for his abundant flock. He also dug a new well, but the local shepherds fought with his servants over the ownership of the water. So he had his servants dig a new well, and the local shepherds argued over that one too.

Finally, he digs a third one, and there's no quarrel. But I bet he wondered if the shepherds weren't going to come around and quarrel over that one too. Then he traveled some distance (for respite, I would guess). And that's when God gave the above.

He starts be reminding Isaac that He is God, and then gives Him a command and a twofold promise - don't be afraid, I am with you and I will bless your children.

In the New Testament, an apostle writes that everyone who accepts Christ is now a child of Abraham's promise. Well right up there we have an encouragement and two promises. God Himself tells us through Isaac not to be afraid, and then promises to always be with him and to bless his descendants.

We are the descendants. God promised Isaac He would bless us. And one of those blessings can be courage, if you accept it.

Day 252: Psalm 115:9

"All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—he is their help and shield." ~Psalm 115:9, NIV

This is a nice verse. Restated, it seems to be, "Hey you! Remember to choose the winning side, even if you're afraid!" Trusting in the Lord though, that's a tough one to actually make real. No matter what the psalmist says, I kinda don't really want to (or choose to, really) believe it.

I mean, how can I, when I'm so utterly petrified? Of course I am a true mess and am so terrified by the thought that "What if I do trust Him and He's a hoax?" A thought from the devil, doubtless, because it seems clear to me that all the other things I can trust in are fakes as well.

Which leaves me living in fear - the very thing God commands against in so many other instances. God was Israel's help and shield. Why shouldn't He be the same for me? Really, there's no reason not to trust Him. Even if He's just an invisible train of thought, isn't trusting that, even if unsubstantiated, better than living in constant fright?

The crux of the matter, then, seems to come down to you. Are you willing to trust something so wholeheartedly, something that truly is, often, unsubstantial, that you lose all fear? It doesn't have to be God, are you willing to have such blind faith in anything? And the answer is generally no. That's why people are still afraid. That's why Christians in all of their blasphemy are terrified beings.

We say we've given our lives to Christ, but a lot of us don't even really mean that. We've fallen for a placebo, a fake understanding of what it means to believe and follow Him that isn't necessarily true. We think if we do the movements and pray and give to charity and invest in the Church and get involved that we're following Christ.

But that's not the way it works, is it, God? To follow Christ, isn't it to trust Him with all that you are and to live like the above, but by faith instead of by works? To hear Him and obey Him, isn't that what it means? Yeah, I wish I had that. Instead, I only have fear. Terror. What if I'm not good enough. What if He's not good enough.

The fact of the matter is that all I can whimper is "so help me God" and struggle on. I can't even admit I'm so terribly messed up and broken that what I'm doing isn't working and I need Him so much more than I'll ever say. I have to keep face for my parents, my family, my friends, my church. But I'll be honest with you, God. I feel as though I can't trust you. That you would betray me, just like everyone else. And I don't know how to let go of that assumption.

I really mean it when I ask "so help me". So please. Help.

Day 251: Isaiah 46:9

"Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." ~Isaiah 46:9, NIV

Have you noticed the trend over the past couple of days? Yeah, we're talking an awful lot about keeping out focus on God through our fears, aren't we? It's important when you're in the middle of a big mess to remember that. Just like the verse above says!

Remember the former things, those of long ago. Believe, remember all of those Bible stories! Believe, remember all of the history lessons you got in Church! Remember even what God has done for you and your family, friends, pastor. Every act of God reveals His character, and while that is pretty much set in stone as a stereotype, knowing Him as Him for yourself is different than knowing Him as a character in a story. Personalize His actions. Let Him do something for you - trust Him.

The verses leading up to this one describe how Israel left God for idols made out of the gold or silver in their pockets. Often times when we're in trouble we look elsewhere for help, somewhere other than God. It might be our pocketbook, it might be our family, it can be anything that isn't God. But remember, He is God, and there is no other. There's nothing in this world like Him.

So get to know Him and His actions, and let that focus outside of yourself give you courage.

Day 250: Deuteronomy 10:17

"Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." ~Deuteronomy 10:16-17, NIV

In Deuteronomy, God has already explained to the Israelites His blessings and curses as based on their obedience. He's also told Joshua to be strong and courageous in leading the Israelites, in following His commands.

These verses are a more general appeal to the Israelites to follow Him for His blessings, but also for His righteousness. "Circumcise your hearts" God says, "cut off all unrighteousness from within you." Why? Because He is God, mighty and awesome, and He had a promise for the Israelites and a plan to make them prosper that could only be fulfilled through righteousness.

The fact of the matter is that those who obey God's word will live in the fullness of His promise. And if His word says to believe and follow Christ, then what should we do? And if we do that, then shouldn't we be certain that no evil meant to befall us can or shall befall us?

Shouldn't we remember who our awesome and mighty God is?

Day 249: Psalm 46:10

"He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'" ~Psalm 46:10, NIV

You've probably heard this verse before - or at least the 'be still' part. I may have even talked about it earlier this year in Psalm 119. The application is the same. God knows our prayers, our problems, our conflicts and the dangers therein. He knows how small we are, and how fragile.

He knows this, and He knows how incomprehensible He is to our mind. To all of our fears, doubts and insecurities, He says fear not - but He also says "here, have some perspective. Be still and know who I am."

This is the God who is exalted by all peoples, who strikes terror into the hearts of His enemies and adoration in the hearts of His followers. This is the God who set the laws of physics and started our world spinning. This is the God whose creation tells unspeakably of His goodness and glory. This is the God whose side you've joined.

Take a moment to ignore the problems you're facing, the fears inside, and remember who God is. Focus on Him - this is the act of worship, and also a key to losing your fear. Focus on Him, and all else kinda fades away as irrelevant. So today, sit down in silence, and contemplate/allow Him to show who He is.

God.

Day 248: Psalm 125:1

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." ~Psalm 125:1, NIV

Simile. Metaphor. Hyperbole. 8th grade English. You learned about poetry, and found many methods by which a poet can get their point across to the masses. And for some reason, we decided that these methods produced beauty, images to be treasured.

We've got a pretty simple example in the above verse. Trusting in God makes you similar to Mount Zion. Why is this a good thing? Because Zion is a mountain which "cannot be shaken, but endures forever." Now science can disprove this claim with a simple explanation of tectonic plates and/or volcanoes, but that's really not the point.

And that's the thing about the Bible - it's not a science textbook. It's God's word to man, written by men over the centuries. It's a totally different kind of literature from a textbook. Yes, every word of His is true, but not the way that every word in the textbook is presumed to be true.

I mean, since when do we take similes, metaphors, and especially hyperbole seriously? I'm so hungry I could eat an elephant, right now, because I haven't had breakfast. Do you believe I could really eat an elephant? (That's a lot of meat, not to mention unethical.) Of course not! So while those who trust in God are like Mount Zion, does that make them a mountain? NO.

It makes us like mountains. Mountains are pieces of scenery and beauty that don't change. Throughout your lifetime, probably, that mountain to the south will always be there the way it is now. It's a landmark in your life. And so is trusting God. It's a spiritual landmark that can, and will help guide you if you let it. You could run to the plains of the north, but there's only uncertainty there. The mountain of trust will always be there so that you can travel in the right direction. And if you're trying to overcome fear, that right direction is towards the mountain.

Trust God. You will become immoveable - unless someone has the faith of a mustard seed, but seriously, how many mountains have you seen being tossed into the sea lately?

Day 247: 2 Peter 2:9

"if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment." ~2 Peter 2:9, NIV

I know, I'm a terrible person, I only reproduced the conclusion of a four-verse sentence chock full of ideas and arguments. "If this is so," implies that the reader knows what 'this' is, and here we are missing it. Well firstly, I recommend taking the time to go find 2 Peter chapter 2 verse 4 and reading to this one. Secondly, you can read a summary.

2 Peter 2 is talking about false teachers. Peter confirms that there will definitely be false teachers, but also that they are condemned. In verse four he begins an argument around this - "if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell" is one example of "this" being so in our final verse. If God really condemned the angels who fell short, then we can know that God knows how and will rescue the upright from falling and will send liars to condemnation. In verse five he continues this argument - "if He did not spare the world but flooded it, saving only Noah and seven others for their uprightness" is true, then surely God knows how to protect those who serve Him honestly. In verses six and seven, "if God really decimated Sodom and Gomorrah, but rescued Lot, (who in verse eight is declared righteous)" then doesn't He know how to save us from our pining too?

You're going to go through trials, but you can be sure that just as God was just and good throughout history, just as He saved His people from falling in trials before, so He will to you now. God is the justice system; He's not unfair and even if you didn't deserve your situation, He'll use it for your ultimate good. I can guarantee it.

There is example after example in the Bible where this is proven, and surely even in your own life you can see it! So just keep on believing it. God delivers His children. Hold on.

Day 246: Psalm 112:1

"Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands." ~Psalm 112:1, NIV

I've mentioned before that the awesome thing about worship is that it forces us to change our focus. Praising God for His goodness makes us look past all the rough patches in our circumstances and see that it's temporary, that He's still good, and that these things take time.

And in that, we can see that there are benefits to trusting God in everything, to ignoring our fears. This verse tells us not only to look past ourselves in praise, but also that we who can find it within ourselves to surrender to Him are blessed. Obeying God's call to worship isn't so He can be fulfilled by us - we can't do anything for Him. Worship is to God, but mostly for us.

Crazy, but it's for us to see how small and puny we are and how great He is, regardless of situation. And we get a blessing when we can look up at Him instead of at our feet. God blesses those who love Him, and loves all no matter what. He wants to cultivate a proper spirit within us so that we His children can be more like Him. And He gives hope. Delight. A promise to never leave us.

Day 245: Numbers 13:30

"Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.'" ~Numbers 13:30, NIV

Sometimes when you take a survey of life as the Israelites surveyed the Promised Land before Moses died, you might find some interesting things. Good things, yes, like bunches of grapes so heavy you need two people at each end of a beam to carry it, there might be parts of life in general that are overflowing with milk and honey.

But as we all know, life is neither simple nor safe. The Nephilim live out there in your big world. The descendants of Anak live in the cities. Just looking at them might make your knees quake.

After your survey, you might decide that living life isn't for you - at least not this kind of life. You may decide to stay in the corners, to blend in, to stay quiet. You might let those dwelling in the metaphorical land to scare you.

But here's a kernel of truth - just as God promised His people that land, so when you accepted Jesus did He promise you a different kind of life. And when your doubts and fears want to overrun you, you need to take a stand like Caleb did above, and tell the multitude of thoughts in your head to beat it, because "I can certainly do it."

You can certainly, with God's ever-present help, seize control of yourself, take a movement of faith against the giants, and overcome your fear. God wants you to take over the promised land, whatever it means for you. Maybe it's a new job. Maybe it's moving across the ocean. Maybe it's saying hi to that one girl in the corner.

But if you let your fear and self-doubt beat you, you're going to end up wandering in a spiritual desert in punishment. You should go up and take possession of your destiny, because that's what God wants of you. He's given you a promise with salvation. Now it's time to make good.

It's time to be brave like Caleb and Joshua exemplified.