"And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, 'Don't despair, for you have another son.'" ~Genesis 35:17, NIV
Jacob was tricked into marrying two wives, and because his heart was impure, God blessed the one he didn't love with many sons. But Rachel, the wife Jacob did love, only ever had two sons, and this verse describes the birth of her second.
She died after giving birth to him.
The hope of people way back in that day was that someday, their name would live on through their children. That was their immortality, their certainty. Jesus hadn't risen from the dead yet; life was their first and only chance. Having a son was more honorable, because the son carried the father's name, and thus the family "lived on" after death, as it were.
With this cultural background, the midwife told Rachel "don't despair". Today, we have an even stronger hope thanks to Jesus, an even more compelling reason to abandon despair.
Our families will not last forever, but those who believe and serve Jesus shall live forever, serving a loving God.
And remember: every valley has a bottom. And once you've hit the bottom, life climbs on the up and up. So don't let despair control your heart as you sink into a valley. We were not called to live our short lives in anguish. There's hope.
Please don't despair.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Day 304: Psalm 62:5
"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him." ~Psalm 62:5, NIV
Gotta love David. Even in the roughest times, he always chose to trust that God would rescue him. How do I know? I'd say the above verse (and many, many others) proves my point.
He tells his soul to find rest in God. And rest in Him generally breeds faith, peace, fearlessness etc. David chose to say no matter the circumstance, "my hope comes from Him" and surely God gave the old King hope!
When we choose to seek what is godly and not of ourselves, He rewards it (so long as our hearts are pure of course). Jesus' death is the only source of hope for life beyond this world. Think about it - in the darkness of the world (death, destruction, curses) Jesus still shines. He promises this isn't "it", that He's got more for those who believe.
And even if you think talking about Jesus is comparable to talking to a pink unicorn who gives candy to all of its followers, face it: without a life after death, what good is anything you do on this world? Trends have shown that it is going to pieces (cheers for entropy!), so what good is anything you do to prevent it from doing so, unless there's a greater purpose than running around as a bag of atoms?
Maybe I'm just deluded, but hey, at least I have hope :) You can choose to hope, no matter the circumstances. I would just encourage that hope to be placed in God, the only thing that actually has merit.
Gotta love David. Even in the roughest times, he always chose to trust that God would rescue him. How do I know? I'd say the above verse (and many, many others) proves my point.
He tells his soul to find rest in God. And rest in Him generally breeds faith, peace, fearlessness etc. David chose to say no matter the circumstance, "my hope comes from Him" and surely God gave the old King hope!
When we choose to seek what is godly and not of ourselves, He rewards it (so long as our hearts are pure of course). Jesus' death is the only source of hope for life beyond this world. Think about it - in the darkness of the world (death, destruction, curses) Jesus still shines. He promises this isn't "it", that He's got more for those who believe.
And even if you think talking about Jesus is comparable to talking to a pink unicorn who gives candy to all of its followers, face it: without a life after death, what good is anything you do on this world? Trends have shown that it is going to pieces (cheers for entropy!), so what good is anything you do to prevent it from doing so, unless there's a greater purpose than running around as a bag of atoms?
Maybe I'm just deluded, but hey, at least I have hope :) You can choose to hope, no matter the circumstances. I would just encourage that hope to be placed in God, the only thing that actually has merit.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Day 303: Psalm 61:4
"I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings." ~Psalm 61:4, NIV
Dear God,
As David surely knew, I trust You are the only one who gives full wisdom, courage and strength to people. I need that. But at the same time I need to know that I matter, that I'm not just a blob of atoms running around with no purpose.
I know when David felt that way, he would come before you, and I think that's why he says he wants to dwell in Your presence forever. Because You are good, and Your goodness radiates from whoever remains close to You.
And because You are good, You remove all evil from those who stay close to You. If fear is an evil, and I consider it as such, for it prevents me from coming as close to you as I could, won't You banish it?
Won't You protect me if I come to you?
Please do, for I am drawing close - and draw me closer!
Amen.
Dear God,
As David surely knew, I trust You are the only one who gives full wisdom, courage and strength to people. I need that. But at the same time I need to know that I matter, that I'm not just a blob of atoms running around with no purpose.
I know when David felt that way, he would come before you, and I think that's why he says he wants to dwell in Your presence forever. Because You are good, and Your goodness radiates from whoever remains close to You.
And because You are good, You remove all evil from those who stay close to You. If fear is an evil, and I consider it as such, for it prevents me from coming as close to you as I could, won't You banish it?
Won't You protect me if I come to you?
Please do, for I am drawing close - and draw me closer!
Amen.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Day 302: Deuteronomy 3:2
"The Lord said to me, 'Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.'" ~Deuteronomy 3:2, NIV
When the Israelites left Israel, they had instructions to move into their promised land and take what God had given them through His promise to their ancestor, Abraham. The Israelites had to wait forty years to fulfill this promise, however, because the people were afraid of the natives in the land.
After forty years they were ready to try again, and God reminds them of their past failing, and urges them not to repeat it. He also reminded them of their success, and commanded them to go forth without fear.
We are the same way, I'm sure - haven't you disobeyed once and had to pay for it later? And haven't you succeeded once, and when God tells you to do something similar, can't you call upon that memory?
God doesn't want us to live in fear, He wants us to take His promises and live out His purpose for our lives. Don't be afraid of that.
When the Israelites left Israel, they had instructions to move into their promised land and take what God had given them through His promise to their ancestor, Abraham. The Israelites had to wait forty years to fulfill this promise, however, because the people were afraid of the natives in the land.
After forty years they were ready to try again, and God reminds them of their past failing, and urges them not to repeat it. He also reminded them of their success, and commanded them to go forth without fear.
We are the same way, I'm sure - haven't you disobeyed once and had to pay for it later? And haven't you succeeded once, and when God tells you to do something similar, can't you call upon that memory?
God doesn't want us to live in fear, He wants us to take His promises and live out His purpose for our lives. Don't be afraid of that.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Day 301: Nehemiah 6:11
"But I said, 'Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!'" ~Nehemiah 6:11, NIV
Nehemiah was faced with a prophesy that told him people were going to come kill him. The prophet told him to go into the temple - God's sacred place - even though he wasn't a priest, for sanctuary.
Nehemiah knew two things: going into the temple would be an act of cowardice (he had been assaulted for doing God's work before, as we may remember from yesterday), and the prophesy could not have been true.
He had been given God's promise, a burden to carry. He could have run - it was the self-preserving thing to do - but it was not God's will for him. And neither is it God's will for his children, us.
God has a purpose for you, and it isn't to run away. He wants you to become His strong child, wise in His ways. There is a time for escape (Paul did it, Jesus did it) and there is always a time to stand for what you know to be true.
Choose your battles wisely, but don't run - just don't fight them all. And know the truth, so that lies don't intimidate you.
Nehemiah was faced with a prophesy that told him people were going to come kill him. The prophet told him to go into the temple - God's sacred place - even though he wasn't a priest, for sanctuary.
Nehemiah knew two things: going into the temple would be an act of cowardice (he had been assaulted for doing God's work before, as we may remember from yesterday), and the prophesy could not have been true.
He had been given God's promise, a burden to carry. He could have run - it was the self-preserving thing to do - but it was not God's will for him. And neither is it God's will for his children, us.
God has a purpose for you, and it isn't to run away. He wants you to become His strong child, wise in His ways. There is a time for escape (Paul did it, Jesus did it) and there is always a time to stand for what you know to be true.
Choose your battles wisely, but don't run - just don't fight them all. And know the truth, so that lies don't intimidate you.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Day 300: Nehemiah 4:14
"After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.'" ~Nehemiah 4:14, NIV
Nehemiah was burdened by God, at a time when Jerusalem was in rubble because of the Babylonians, to rebuild the wall around the city. He got express permission from the king of Babylon to do so. However, the people from around Jerusalem, in neighboring countries, hated this idea.
They tried everything they could to stop Nehemiah and God's people from completing the wall, even attacking the workers themselves. Nehemiah was warned of the attack beforehand, and that's where this verse comes in.
Nehemiah of course had everything straight - he knew God had charged him with building the, wall, and build it he was going to. He knew God was with them, and that no one could stand against them.
Nehemiah was burdened by God, at a time when Jerusalem was in rubble because of the Babylonians, to rebuild the wall around the city. He got express permission from the king of Babylon to do so. However, the people from around Jerusalem, in neighboring countries, hated this idea.
They tried everything they could to stop Nehemiah and God's people from completing the wall, even attacking the workers themselves. Nehemiah was warned of the attack beforehand, and that's where this verse comes in.
Nehemiah of course had everything straight - he knew God had charged him with building the, wall, and build it he was going to. He knew God was with them, and that no one could stand against them.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Day 299: Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." ~Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
A lot of times when we think of this wording, we remember Moses telling it to Joshua before Moses dies and Josh leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. But here, actually, it's way before Moses dies, and he's telling the whole Israelite community to follow God.
This promise applied to all of God's chosen people. And it applies to all of God's people.
God wants you to boldly serve Him and He wants you to do great things in your life. He promises to be with you, so why should you be afraid? Obey, see and know He is true.
A lot of times when we think of this wording, we remember Moses telling it to Joshua before Moses dies and Josh leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. But here, actually, it's way before Moses dies, and he's telling the whole Israelite community to follow God.
This promise applied to all of God's chosen people. And it applies to all of God's people.
God wants you to boldly serve Him and He wants you to do great things in your life. He promises to be with you, so why should you be afraid? Obey, see and know He is true.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Day 298: Matthew 1:20
"But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" ~Matthew 1:20, NIV
Would all people frightened by supernatural activity please raise their hands? I mean seriously, some things just aren't meant to happen. And sometimes people lie about some things happening. It can be hard to quite know what's okay and what's not, and the unknown is a terrifying thing.
That's pretty much Joseph's situation - something crazy has happened, and he doesn't know if his fiancee is lying to him or if God is actually doing something crazier than turning the sky green.
Note: if you are ever wondering if something is from God or not, just ask Him. He won't get mad at you, and chances are highly in favor of Him answering you like He did Joseph's unspoken query.
Another thing that we can take from Joseph's story is the simple fact that God's plan is always for the very best, and you don't have to be afraid of it. Even if it's scary, even if it makes you want to curl up in a ball, give it a chance, because you'll definitely be better off trying and finding out it's okay than not and missing out.
After all, didn't the angel tell Joseph to fear not in taking Mary as his wife? Wasn't that God's plan? And didn't it end with the birth of one of the most influential beings in history?
Would all people frightened by supernatural activity please raise their hands? I mean seriously, some things just aren't meant to happen. And sometimes people lie about some things happening. It can be hard to quite know what's okay and what's not, and the unknown is a terrifying thing.
That's pretty much Joseph's situation - something crazy has happened, and he doesn't know if his fiancee is lying to him or if God is actually doing something crazier than turning the sky green.
Note: if you are ever wondering if something is from God or not, just ask Him. He won't get mad at you, and chances are highly in favor of Him answering you like He did Joseph's unspoken query.
Another thing that we can take from Joseph's story is the simple fact that God's plan is always for the very best, and you don't have to be afraid of it. Even if it's scary, even if it makes you want to curl up in a ball, give it a chance, because you'll definitely be better off trying and finding out it's okay than not and missing out.
After all, didn't the angel tell Joseph to fear not in taking Mary as his wife? Wasn't that God's plan? And didn't it end with the birth of one of the most influential beings in history?
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Day 297: 1 Chronicles 22:13
"You will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged." ~1 Chronicles 22:13, NIV
Before David died, he gave Solomon, his heir, some very express instructions about governing the land. First and foremost, the boy was to follow all of the principles of his father, namely that of following God with all of his heart. One of his greatest achievements was to be the one thing David had not been allowed to do, but in order for that to happen, he had to be of a certain manner.
As long as Solomon followed the decrees of the Lord as given through Moses, David knew the boy would have success. It was the only reason he had gotten the throne in the first place, and the only cause for God's promise that David's line would go for generations of great kings, the greatest of whom was Jesus.
His words to Solomon can be of courage to us to. While we don't have the responsibility of leading a nation into greatness, we are called to be God's witnesses. And there certainly is a measure of success that can be achieved - but only through dedication to our God. The laws of Moses may be slightly outdated for us now, but we still must love the Lord our God with all our heart, and love our neighbors as ourselves.
How can we go about this?
By heeding David's words and being strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged by anything. If David, a man after God's own heart said this, how can we not choose to obey it?
Before David died, he gave Solomon, his heir, some very express instructions about governing the land. First and foremost, the boy was to follow all of the principles of his father, namely that of following God with all of his heart. One of his greatest achievements was to be the one thing David had not been allowed to do, but in order for that to happen, he had to be of a certain manner.
As long as Solomon followed the decrees of the Lord as given through Moses, David knew the boy would have success. It was the only reason he had gotten the throne in the first place, and the only cause for God's promise that David's line would go for generations of great kings, the greatest of whom was Jesus.
His words to Solomon can be of courage to us to. While we don't have the responsibility of leading a nation into greatness, we are called to be God's witnesses. And there certainly is a measure of success that can be achieved - but only through dedication to our God. The laws of Moses may be slightly outdated for us now, but we still must love the Lord our God with all our heart, and love our neighbors as ourselves.
How can we go about this?
By heeding David's words and being strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged by anything. If David, a man after God's own heart said this, how can we not choose to obey it?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Day 296: Joshua 4:23-24
"For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God." ~Joshua 4:23-24, NIV
In the Old Testament, people built monuments to remember great deeds. We read about it all the time - Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and on and on. In great trials, God always came through, and the wise Israelites wanted to remember that.
Even now, we have monuments and memorials - statues that commemorate an event. But how often do we build them to remember what God has done for us?
And if we don't remember what God has done for us, how will we trust Him to do things in the present? We have the Bible to remember what He's done in the greater past, but who will remember the lesser past?
God fulfills His promises all the time, and if you can't remember, maybe you need to start building monuments as they occur. Because if you can look back and see what God has done, won't you believe He can do all things? And if He can do all things, what the devil are you worried about?
In the Old Testament, people built monuments to remember great deeds. We read about it all the time - Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and on and on. In great trials, God always came through, and the wise Israelites wanted to remember that.
Even now, we have monuments and memorials - statues that commemorate an event. But how often do we build them to remember what God has done for us?
And if we don't remember what God has done for us, how will we trust Him to do things in the present? We have the Bible to remember what He's done in the greater past, but who will remember the lesser past?
God fulfills His promises all the time, and if you can't remember, maybe you need to start building monuments as they occur. Because if you can look back and see what God has done, won't you believe He can do all things? And if He can do all things, what the devil are you worried about?
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Day 295: Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." ~Psalm 27:14, NIV
It's interesting, that in the middle of the Bible there's this huge book full of poems. And like all good poems, they're incredibly varied, with obvious and less obvious messages behind each one.
I'd say this verse is pretty obvious.
God is our refuge, and He is the giver of courage. We've got to be willing to trust Him - to wait for Him, if that is His will, to do His works in us, to give us His courage. Be strong and take heart in your situation, and let God guide you as you wait.
It's interesting, that in the middle of the Bible there's this huge book full of poems. And like all good poems, they're incredibly varied, with obvious and less obvious messages behind each one.
I'd say this verse is pretty obvious.
God is our refuge, and He is the giver of courage. We've got to be willing to trust Him - to wait for Him, if that is His will, to do His works in us, to give us His courage. Be strong and take heart in your situation, and let God guide you as you wait.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Day 294: Psalm 62:2
"Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." ~Psalm 62:2, NIV
Jesus said a lot of things about Himself. But the funny thing is that David also said a lot of things about Jesus without ever knowing who He was. God was David's rock, and yet Jesus is now our rock, and His death was our salvation.
Jesus' promises, His ever-present help through the Holy Spirit, it builds a fortress around us within which we cannot be shaken.
In my understanding it's all nice and jolly to say it, but unless you make it true, it has no value for defeating fear. If you choose to run to God with your terrors, and if you choose to ask the Holy Spirit to take away your fear, then you have no fortress.
And that's one of the greatest tools you have. But it all starts with your choice.
Jesus said a lot of things about Himself. But the funny thing is that David also said a lot of things about Jesus without ever knowing who He was. God was David's rock, and yet Jesus is now our rock, and His death was our salvation.
Jesus' promises, His ever-present help through the Holy Spirit, it builds a fortress around us within which we cannot be shaken.
In my understanding it's all nice and jolly to say it, but unless you make it true, it has no value for defeating fear. If you choose to run to God with your terrors, and if you choose to ask the Holy Spirit to take away your fear, then you have no fortress.
And that's one of the greatest tools you have. But it all starts with your choice.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Day 293: James 5:16
"Therefore
confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may
be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." ~James 5:16, NIV
The context of this verse is the "prayer of faith", as described to be capable of asking for and receiving anything. Our fears can stem from many things - nature, nurture, spirit... But prayer brings faith, prayer hands the issue off to God so you don't have to worry about it anymore.
And while the Bible does tell us to pray for ourselves (ask and you shall receive) we are the body of Christ, and in a body, if one cell is sick, there's damage to the whole body. You are important to the body, and it's up to God through (disclaimer: not always) the body to take care of you.
It's also our responsibility as the body to take care of each other, and prayer is the "least" we can do - yet look at what James says! Prayer is powerful and effective. So it's not a small thing to do, and isn't it so simple? And can't we banish each other's fears by asking God to do so? And don't we foster a loving, caring atmosphere that growth easily comes to when we do so?
And don't we break down barriers that humans erect when we do so?
The context of this verse is the "prayer of faith", as described to be capable of asking for and receiving anything. Our fears can stem from many things - nature, nurture, spirit... But prayer brings faith, prayer hands the issue off to God so you don't have to worry about it anymore.
And while the Bible does tell us to pray for ourselves (ask and you shall receive) we are the body of Christ, and in a body, if one cell is sick, there's damage to the whole body. You are important to the body, and it's up to God through (disclaimer: not always) the body to take care of you.
It's also our responsibility as the body to take care of each other, and prayer is the "least" we can do - yet look at what James says! Prayer is powerful and effective. So it's not a small thing to do, and isn't it so simple? And can't we banish each other's fears by asking God to do so? And don't we foster a loving, caring atmosphere that growth easily comes to when we do so?
And don't we break down barriers that humans erect when we do so?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Day 292: Proverbs 29:25
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." ~Proverbs 29:25, NIV
One of my favorite things about the Proverbs is that you don't need as much context (in most verses) for them to make perfect sense. The context for me is often more confusing in the Proverbs, since they don't always seem to follow a rhyme or reason. Regardless, it's pretty simple to sum up the above verse.
A snare is a trap; it catches you and suspends you from doing anything and often times also hurts you. Fearing humans - literally being afraid or "respecting" them to the point where you have no opinion - is one such a trap. For one, humans will always let you down, eventually. For two, they're not always right, and living your life in accordance to them is dangerous in that respect.
But God is a different matter, He will never let you down (unless you expect something of Him that He doesn't intend to do, and He only ever intends to fulfill His perfect plan to love you), He will never let you go, He wrote the difference between right and wrong and He is the opposite of sin. He is a safe person to trust your heart to, your possessions to, your life to, because He loves you so much that He will only ever do what needs to be done to make you an incredible person.
One of my favorite things about the Proverbs is that you don't need as much context (in most verses) for them to make perfect sense. The context for me is often more confusing in the Proverbs, since they don't always seem to follow a rhyme or reason. Regardless, it's pretty simple to sum up the above verse.
A snare is a trap; it catches you and suspends you from doing anything and often times also hurts you. Fearing humans - literally being afraid or "respecting" them to the point where you have no opinion - is one such a trap. For one, humans will always let you down, eventually. For two, they're not always right, and living your life in accordance to them is dangerous in that respect.
But God is a different matter, He will never let you down (unless you expect something of Him that He doesn't intend to do, and He only ever intends to fulfill His perfect plan to love you), He will never let you go, He wrote the difference between right and wrong and He is the opposite of sin. He is a safe person to trust your heart to, your possessions to, your life to, because He loves you so much that He will only ever do what needs to be done to make you an incredible person.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Day 291: Hebrews 2:13
"And again, 'I will put my trust in him.'" ~Hebrews 2:13, NIV
So in Hebrews James is discussing how Jesus confidently came to His father and called us His children, His sisters, His brothers. He is quoting Isaiah, but even as He does so He says "I will put my trust in Him."
If He is our father and our "brother" and Savior Jesus chose to trust Him, how much more can we? And those words that had been in existence for hundreds of years before suddenly came to pass - and what joy is in that!
Again, (because it's not a one time procedure or a single example in the contextual passage,) I will put my trust in Him who created me to make me whole.
So in Hebrews James is discussing how Jesus confidently came to His father and called us His children, His sisters, His brothers. He is quoting Isaiah, but even as He does so He says "I will put my trust in Him."
If He is our father and our "brother" and Savior Jesus chose to trust Him, how much more can we? And those words that had been in existence for hundreds of years before suddenly came to pass - and what joy is in that!
Again, (because it's not a one time procedure or a single example in the contextual passage,) I will put my trust in Him who created me to make me whole.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Day 290: 2 Timothy 1:12
"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day" ~2 Timothy 1:12, NIV
Paul, after changing ways on the road to Damascus, was one of the most fantastic apostles in the Bible. He gave everything to God's cause, and as he tells Timothy in the verse above, he suffered for it.
But he didn't mind, because he trusted that God was able to guard his soul, his life, that which he had entrusted unto God. What's a little struggle in light of eternity?
When we give God our will, He takes it and gives back so much more: He gives us fulfillment, purpose, His love. We don't have to be afraid of surrendering ourselves: just believe He is good and that His plan is great.
Paul, after changing ways on the road to Damascus, was one of the most fantastic apostles in the Bible. He gave everything to God's cause, and as he tells Timothy in the verse above, he suffered for it.
But he didn't mind, because he trusted that God was able to guard his soul, his life, that which he had entrusted unto God. What's a little struggle in light of eternity?
When we give God our will, He takes it and gives back so much more: He gives us fulfillment, purpose, His love. We don't have to be afraid of surrendering ourselves: just believe He is good and that His plan is great.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Day 289: Mark 5:33-34
"Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.'" ~Mark 5:33-34, NIV
The context of these verses is powerful - a leader asked Jesus to come heal his daughter, and Jesus acquiesced. On the way to the leader's house, Jesus was surrounded by a huge crowd. A woman who had been sick for nigh 2 decades, in faith, came up and grabbed His cloak. She was instantly healed: she knew it, and Jesus knew it.
But He didn't know who had been healed, so He asked "who touched me?" Ask that in a moving crowd of people and see the response. It's ridiculous. But Jesus stopped everything in order to give glory to God with the woman's faith.
She knew what happened, and was afraid. And sometimes we are too, when God blesses us beyond belief. But God intends for us to live in a life of blessing, and wants us to reach out to Him with faith and child-like trust in His goodness.
Jesus frees us from our suffering. And He wants us to go in peace and share that fact. We aren't to cower in the corners anymore, we are to stand tall and walk in that knowledge.
Another thing to note is that God takes the time for everyone. He might be "in the middle" of something, but that's never been a reason for Him to ignore His people - even the lowliest of us. He loves us all with an immeasurable love that put Him on the cross for our sins.
Amen.
The context of these verses is powerful - a leader asked Jesus to come heal his daughter, and Jesus acquiesced. On the way to the leader's house, Jesus was surrounded by a huge crowd. A woman who had been sick for nigh 2 decades, in faith, came up and grabbed His cloak. She was instantly healed: she knew it, and Jesus knew it.
But He didn't know who had been healed, so He asked "who touched me?" Ask that in a moving crowd of people and see the response. It's ridiculous. But Jesus stopped everything in order to give glory to God with the woman's faith.
She knew what happened, and was afraid. And sometimes we are too, when God blesses us beyond belief. But God intends for us to live in a life of blessing, and wants us to reach out to Him with faith and child-like trust in His goodness.
Jesus frees us from our suffering. And He wants us to go in peace and share that fact. We aren't to cower in the corners anymore, we are to stand tall and walk in that knowledge.
Another thing to note is that God takes the time for everyone. He might be "in the middle" of something, but that's never been a reason for Him to ignore His people - even the lowliest of us. He loves us all with an immeasurable love that put Him on the cross for our sins.
Amen.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Day 288: Psalm 91:2
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.'" ~Psalm 91:2, NIV
Humans are funny creatures. Not everything we say is true, but the things we say, think or believe often become true. What we believe is often not true, but by knowing the truth we can choose to believe it.
And even if we don't believe it yet, at least not at that gut level of certainty we all so desire, we can make it true. That's why the author of Psalm 91 starts his psalm with a declaration of truth, and then a statement declaring his declaration of truth.
It doesn't matter if you believe it now, what matters is that the above verse is true. Jesus, God: they are a safe place to be, the one thing in life you can trust. By choosing to say that, by choosing to believe it, you make it true for yourself. And with that truth, all fears tends to just vanish into smoke...
my God, in whom I trust.'" ~Psalm 91:2, NIV
Humans are funny creatures. Not everything we say is true, but the things we say, think or believe often become true. What we believe is often not true, but by knowing the truth we can choose to believe it.
And even if we don't believe it yet, at least not at that gut level of certainty we all so desire, we can make it true. That's why the author of Psalm 91 starts his psalm with a declaration of truth, and then a statement declaring his declaration of truth.
It doesn't matter if you believe it now, what matters is that the above verse is true. Jesus, God: they are a safe place to be, the one thing in life you can trust. By choosing to say that, by choosing to believe it, you make it true for yourself. And with that truth, all fears tends to just vanish into smoke...
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Day 287: Psalm 62:10
"Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." ~Psalm 62:10, NIV
If you're not going to trust in God, then take a little bit of the advice here, and don't trust in stolen goods either. Because sure, it might work, but this world isn't SO corrupted that you're going to get away with it. The hope you put in criminal activities is, as said above, "vain." For nothing.
When things like that work out, it's always temporary. Riches won't fill the emptiness in your heart anyways.
Only Jesus can do that. And if you're trusting in God, well, then you've probably already got that emptiness filled. If not, maybe you should talk to Him about that and see what lie you've believed.
Trust me, it's easier to do than you think.
If you're not going to trust in God, then take a little bit of the advice here, and don't trust in stolen goods either. Because sure, it might work, but this world isn't SO corrupted that you're going to get away with it. The hope you put in criminal activities is, as said above, "vain." For nothing.
When things like that work out, it's always temporary. Riches won't fill the emptiness in your heart anyways.
Only Jesus can do that. And if you're trusting in God, well, then you've probably already got that emptiness filled. If not, maybe you should talk to Him about that and see what lie you've believed.
Trust me, it's easier to do than you think.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Day 286: Isaiah 30:15
"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." ~Isaiah 30:15, NIV
We humans like to think we have everything figured out. We play the parts, and people either fall for it, or are too uneducated to challenge it. This only contributes to our assumption that we've got it.
But God spells out what "got it" actually means in the above verse, and then accurately growls that we "have none of it".
How can we be delivered? "In repentance and rest." By repenting that we can't do everything on our own to Jesus, and allowing Him to forgive and wash away our sins, first off. And then rest. Everything we do comes from God, so why struggle in your own strength to do things? Isn't it better to rest in the shelter of His love, and act in His greatness? According to the Holy One of Israel, yes, yes it is.
How can we be strong? "In quietness and trust." There is a place for preaching God's love, but really, our most powerful witness isn't telling people that they're going to hell. It's our life of trusting that God really has saved us and there's nothing we can do to save ourselves. It's quiet. It's something people observe about us, not something we tell them about us.
Thanks to Jesus, we can fully understand what this verse means - it's an explanation of the intended way of life as God designed it after the fall. It's a delivered life, it's a fearless life. It can be yours.
We humans like to think we have everything figured out. We play the parts, and people either fall for it, or are too uneducated to challenge it. This only contributes to our assumption that we've got it.
But God spells out what "got it" actually means in the above verse, and then accurately growls that we "have none of it".
How can we be delivered? "In repentance and rest." By repenting that we can't do everything on our own to Jesus, and allowing Him to forgive and wash away our sins, first off. And then rest. Everything we do comes from God, so why struggle in your own strength to do things? Isn't it better to rest in the shelter of His love, and act in His greatness? According to the Holy One of Israel, yes, yes it is.
How can we be strong? "In quietness and trust." There is a place for preaching God's love, but really, our most powerful witness isn't telling people that they're going to hell. It's our life of trusting that God really has saved us and there's nothing we can do to save ourselves. It's quiet. It's something people observe about us, not something we tell them about us.
Thanks to Jesus, we can fully understand what this verse means - it's an explanation of the intended way of life as God designed it after the fall. It's a delivered life, it's a fearless life. It can be yours.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Day 285: Job 11:15
"Free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear." ~Job 11:15, NIV
So we've heard Job's story a lot this year. A poor fellow who got picked on by Satan, his friends tried to give him some good news. And while they were 100% wrong about his situation, they weren't wrong about the future.
In v14, Zophar is telling Job that when he puts sin away, "free of fault, he will lift up his face". Well, that wasn't possible back in those days - but today it is.
Today, thanks to Jesus' death and payment for our sins, we truly can have forgiveness and lift up our face towards heaven, free of fault. And with that kind of ability, we can stand on any ground without fear. Because we're innocent.
Because we're loved. So while Zophar's words may not have made sense to Job, today that have been - can be - fulfilled.
So we've heard Job's story a lot this year. A poor fellow who got picked on by Satan, his friends tried to give him some good news. And while they were 100% wrong about his situation, they weren't wrong about the future.
In v14, Zophar is telling Job that when he puts sin away, "free of fault, he will lift up his face". Well, that wasn't possible back in those days - but today it is.
Today, thanks to Jesus' death and payment for our sins, we truly can have forgiveness and lift up our face towards heaven, free of fault. And with that kind of ability, we can stand on any ground without fear. Because we're innocent.
Because we're loved. So while Zophar's words may not have made sense to Job, today that have been - can be - fulfilled.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Day 284: Acts 27:24
"'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'" ~Acts 27:24, NIV
Paul was captured by the Jews in a synagogue, and taken to a trial. At that trial, he appealed to Caesar - requiring that he be safely taken to Rome where his appeal could be heard. The journey was made partly by boat, and the captain made some rash decisions to try and speed up the process.
So Paul, the ship and crew are stuck in a terrible storm, so bad that the captain threw all of the supplies overboard and the ship was still being tossed about like a ragdoll.
An angel came to Paul in a dream, though, and told him the above verse. Paul was promised his trial with Caesar, and God rescued the lives around him, too.
Paul was an example on that ship. He was one of the only Christians, and this steadfast faith and courage changed many lives on his trip to Rome. But I suspect even he had to be reminded to not be afraid in devastating circumstances.
God has everything under control, and He has a perfect plan. God wants us to shine for Him in the dark places, and He can make anything happen, even save our lives.
Paul was captured by the Jews in a synagogue, and taken to a trial. At that trial, he appealed to Caesar - requiring that he be safely taken to Rome where his appeal could be heard. The journey was made partly by boat, and the captain made some rash decisions to try and speed up the process.
So Paul, the ship and crew are stuck in a terrible storm, so bad that the captain threw all of the supplies overboard and the ship was still being tossed about like a ragdoll.
An angel came to Paul in a dream, though, and told him the above verse. Paul was promised his trial with Caesar, and God rescued the lives around him, too.
Paul was an example on that ship. He was one of the only Christians, and this steadfast faith and courage changed many lives on his trip to Rome. But I suspect even he had to be reminded to not be afraid in devastating circumstances.
God has everything under control, and He has a perfect plan. God wants us to shine for Him in the dark places, and He can make anything happen, even save our lives.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Day 283: Isaiah 44:8
"Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." ~Isaiah 44:8, NIV
In v7, God challenges the Israelites to find a god like Him. If there is one, they are to tell God about it. Then we come to the above verse, where God tells them to come boldly before Him.
He was right, anyways. There is no God like Him who reached down to us so that we might be saved instead of asking us to reach up to the unreachable. There is no God who loved His people so much that He was willing to sacrifice a part of Himself to become one of us, much more to die and break through the gates of hell.
Do not be afraid to come before this God who loves you so much, nor to obey Him. All history witnesses to Him. All creation witnesses to Him. Could such perfection in balance and form come from chance?
And even if it could, is there any god like Him? And since there isn't, can't we come boldly, with respect to our Father?
In v7, God challenges the Israelites to find a god like Him. If there is one, they are to tell God about it. Then we come to the above verse, where God tells them to come boldly before Him.
He was right, anyways. There is no God like Him who reached down to us so that we might be saved instead of asking us to reach up to the unreachable. There is no God who loved His people so much that He was willing to sacrifice a part of Himself to become one of us, much more to die and break through the gates of hell.
Do not be afraid to come before this God who loves you so much, nor to obey Him. All history witnesses to Him. All creation witnesses to Him. Could such perfection in balance and form come from chance?
And even if it could, is there any god like Him? And since there isn't, can't we come boldly, with respect to our Father?
Monday, October 08, 2012
Day 282: Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." ~Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
As we know, God uses His prophets to communicate with His people. And one of the things the prophets were saying way back before Jesus was a warning of conquest.
Beware the Babylonians. Beware the Assyrians. Beware your sins make this happen!
And so much of the prophetic books in the Bible are filled with fire and brimstone, and generally fear-inspiring things. It's not what a person wants to hear. But always, no matter how bad the picture is, God always promises a future restoration.
It won't always be fire and brimstone, in fact, God wants to bless His people. He promises that for restoration, the mighty warrior who saves will always be with you. His love will not hurt you, it will make you better.
God's love is in restoration mode. He doesn't want you to live in fear, He wants you to step out and to boldly preach His name and His love. He promises to be with you as you do so.
As we know, God uses His prophets to communicate with His people. And one of the things the prophets were saying way back before Jesus was a warning of conquest.
Beware the Babylonians. Beware the Assyrians. Beware your sins make this happen!
And so much of the prophetic books in the Bible are filled with fire and brimstone, and generally fear-inspiring things. It's not what a person wants to hear. But always, no matter how bad the picture is, God always promises a future restoration.
It won't always be fire and brimstone, in fact, God wants to bless His people. He promises that for restoration, the mighty warrior who saves will always be with you. His love will not hurt you, it will make you better.
God's love is in restoration mode. He doesn't want you to live in fear, He wants you to step out and to boldly preach His name and His love. He promises to be with you as you do so.
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Day 281: Psalm 9:10
"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." ~Psalm 9:10, NIV
Dear God, please help me to learn to know You better than I know how now. The more I know You, the more I believe I'll trust You, and the more I believe I'll trust You, the better equipped and prepared and willing I will be to serve You as You intended me to.
The promises in Your word are completely specific when they say You will never leave nor forsake me. I ask that You would make me ever more aware of that fact, of Your presence by my side throughout my life.
Teach me how to seek You, so I might find You, teach me how to witness for You, so I might share Your love with those around me.
Thank You for Your unfailing love and Your desire to use me, as impossible as it sounds. Take away this fear, and teach me to follow You.
Amen.
Dear God, please help me to learn to know You better than I know how now. The more I know You, the more I believe I'll trust You, and the more I believe I'll trust You, the better equipped and prepared and willing I will be to serve You as You intended me to.
The promises in Your word are completely specific when they say You will never leave nor forsake me. I ask that You would make me ever more aware of that fact, of Your presence by my side throughout my life.
Teach me how to seek You, so I might find You, teach me how to witness for You, so I might share Your love with those around me.
Thank You for Your unfailing love and Your desire to use me, as impossible as it sounds. Take away this fear, and teach me to follow You.
Amen.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Day 280: John 12:15
"Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." ~John 12:15, NIV
Jesus did a lot of things, and most of them were predicted in scripture. On Palm Sunday, He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey's colt to fulfill scripture in Zechariah that gave courage to Israelites.
The King is of course the Messiah, who would make a new covenant. Because Jesus fulfilled all the scripture regarding the Messiah, all of the promises concerning Him came to pass as well - and life everlasting, at that.
If Jesus gave hope to Israelites hundreds of years before He was born, can't He do so now for us, hundreds of years after His death? If the promises were fulfilled, then won't His promise to love us, to never leave nor forsake us also be fulfilled in our lives?
Jesus did a lot of things, and most of them were predicted in scripture. On Palm Sunday, He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey's colt to fulfill scripture in Zechariah that gave courage to Israelites.
The King is of course the Messiah, who would make a new covenant. Because Jesus fulfilled all the scripture regarding the Messiah, all of the promises concerning Him came to pass as well - and life everlasting, at that.
If Jesus gave hope to Israelites hundreds of years before He was born, can't He do so now for us, hundreds of years after His death? If the promises were fulfilled, then won't His promise to love us, to never leave nor forsake us also be fulfilled in our lives?
Friday, October 05, 2012
Day 279: 1 Samuel 17:32
"David said to Saul, 'Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.'" ~1 Samuel 17:32, NIV
Ah, David... speaking the word of God even in his youth. We all know the tale of Goliath. A giant serving the Philistines, he was massive and inspired unparalleled terror in the soldiers of Israel. David had come to visit his brothers, but when he saw what a disgrace this Philistine was being to God's people, he stepped up to the plate.
Sometimes we have to be the difference. We have to be the change. We have to decide that we will not be afraid, that we will take courage, and we, with God's help, guidance, and assurance, can do something.
When we see something that terrifies others, it is our responsibility, to an extent, to give them what hope we have. Our talents, our strengths, we as the body must all pool them together to make something stronger. And if there's a bacteria in the way, well, let the white blood cells go kill it!
David was such a cell. He saw a threat, received the resources he needed to go destroy it, and then did. Just as the whole body can become sick because of a few bad cells, so a whole nation, a whole people can stop dead in their tracks because of fear.
Counteract that. It's your choice to be the change - if it takes courage, then take it. Be like David, go tell others what you're going to do, and get fired up for your God. Then do it.
Ah, David... speaking the word of God even in his youth. We all know the tale of Goliath. A giant serving the Philistines, he was massive and inspired unparalleled terror in the soldiers of Israel. David had come to visit his brothers, but when he saw what a disgrace this Philistine was being to God's people, he stepped up to the plate.
Sometimes we have to be the difference. We have to be the change. We have to decide that we will not be afraid, that we will take courage, and we, with God's help, guidance, and assurance, can do something.
When we see something that terrifies others, it is our responsibility, to an extent, to give them what hope we have. Our talents, our strengths, we as the body must all pool them together to make something stronger. And if there's a bacteria in the way, well, let the white blood cells go kill it!
David was such a cell. He saw a threat, received the resources he needed to go destroy it, and then did. Just as the whole body can become sick because of a few bad cells, so a whole nation, a whole people can stop dead in their tracks because of fear.
Counteract that. It's your choice to be the change - if it takes courage, then take it. Be like David, go tell others what you're going to do, and get fired up for your God. Then do it.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Day 278: Luke 1:30
"But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God." ~Luke 1:30, NIV
The story of Jesus starts at the beginning of time - but for brevity's sake, it might as well start right here. A young woman is out tending her business when an angel shows up. She falls in fear, and the angel reassures her that he is not judgement.
In fact, he says she's found favor with God.
Our story with Jesus could generally go the same way. We're out living our lives however we want, when at some point or another we realize that really, we need Him. We see Him through judgement, and fall in fear. But Jesus and I can both attest, He's not coming for judgement yet.
In fact, you decision to follow Him is what puts you on terms with God. And if you courageously obey what He says, He finds favor with you. But even when you mess up, He still loves you. And when judgement comes, you truly will have nothing to fear, for Jesus has made you clean in God's sight.
Jesus Himself died for you so you might not live in fear. So what are you afraid of?
The story of Jesus starts at the beginning of time - but for brevity's sake, it might as well start right here. A young woman is out tending her business when an angel shows up. She falls in fear, and the angel reassures her that he is not judgement.
In fact, he says she's found favor with God.
Our story with Jesus could generally go the same way. We're out living our lives however we want, when at some point or another we realize that really, we need Him. We see Him through judgement, and fall in fear. But Jesus and I can both attest, He's not coming for judgement yet.
In fact, you decision to follow Him is what puts you on terms with God. And if you courageously obey what He says, He finds favor with you. But even when you mess up, He still loves you. And when judgement comes, you truly will have nothing to fear, for Jesus has made you clean in God's sight.
Jesus Himself died for you so you might not live in fear. So what are you afraid of?
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Day 277: Psalm 91:5
"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day." ~Psalm 91:5, NIV
So Psalm 91 is talking about how great God is, how His people have Him by their sides at all times and how good He is to them. This is just another element of the whole Psalm that describes God in relation to His people - when they are in accordance to Him.
When we harmonize to God's persona, we don't fear the terror of the unknown, nor that of the plausible but highly unlikely. To know God better is to be in tune with His desires, love and passion.
To be in tune with God is to be so focused on Him and His plan for you that all the other things of life sort of fade out of the picture to the point where they don't matter. What fear can there be at that point?
So Psalm 91 is talking about how great God is, how His people have Him by their sides at all times and how good He is to them. This is just another element of the whole Psalm that describes God in relation to His people - when they are in accordance to Him.
When we harmonize to God's persona, we don't fear the terror of the unknown, nor that of the plausible but highly unlikely. To know God better is to be in tune with His desires, love and passion.
To be in tune with God is to be so focused on Him and His plan for you that all the other things of life sort of fade out of the picture to the point where they don't matter. What fear can there be at that point?
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Day 276: Isaiah 8:12
"Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it." ~Isaiah 8:12, NIV
Y'know how Paul reminds us that we are not of this world, and the God's people should not be doing the same things that the world is doing? It wasn't a new, revolutionary concept. As the verse above demonstrates, God said this even to Isaiah.
Don't do what these people do. And don't be afraid of the things they are afraid of. Death? No fear. Suffering? Doesn't Peter (or was it James? Paul?) say that suffering is a blessing from God? Losing everything valuable to us? God asks us to lay it all down before Him anyways.
God gives His people the strength, patience, and courage we need to face our fears. He gave it to Isaiah. He gave it to Paul. And He'll give it to you, if you let Him.
Y'know how Paul reminds us that we are not of this world, and the God's people should not be doing the same things that the world is doing? It wasn't a new, revolutionary concept. As the verse above demonstrates, God said this even to Isaiah.
Don't do what these people do. And don't be afraid of the things they are afraid of. Death? No fear. Suffering? Doesn't Peter (or was it James? Paul?) say that suffering is a blessing from God? Losing everything valuable to us? God asks us to lay it all down before Him anyways.
God gives His people the strength, patience, and courage we need to face our fears. He gave it to Isaiah. He gave it to Paul. And He'll give it to you, if you let Him.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Day 275: Psalm 103:13
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;" ~Psalm 103:13, NIV
When a kid messes up and disobeys, what does a good father do? Well honestly, it depends on the situation. The punishment is meted out based on a plethora of variables. So it is with God.
The wages for all sin is death. But the consequences of sin are not, and God even provided a way for us to become right with Him again: Jesus. God is compassionate on His children.
What, though, do good children do? They obey their father, for one, they love Him, for two, and they try their best to make Him proud, for three. Those three things essentially sum up what it is to fear God - to be His child. Another additional thing is that a good child encourages their siblings and friends to obey their fathers too.
As God's children, we truly have nothing to be afraid of. Because c'mon, if you asked, wouldn't God do what's best for His favorite child?
When a kid messes up and disobeys, what does a good father do? Well honestly, it depends on the situation. The punishment is meted out based on a plethora of variables. So it is with God.
The wages for all sin is death. But the consequences of sin are not, and God even provided a way for us to become right with Him again: Jesus. God is compassionate on His children.
What, though, do good children do? They obey their father, for one, they love Him, for two, and they try their best to make Him proud, for three. Those three things essentially sum up what it is to fear God - to be His child. Another additional thing is that a good child encourages their siblings and friends to obey their fathers too.
As God's children, we truly have nothing to be afraid of. Because c'mon, if you asked, wouldn't God do what's best for His favorite child?
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