"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:7, NIV
Okay, what is fear but an attack on your security? Well, Paul says to the Philippians that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds thanks to our hope in Jesus. And if our hearts are guarded by this peace, that means that fear can't get in and take a hold, right?
If you're facing fear, ask your father for His peace. Just as earthly fathers give their sons and daughters good gifts, so much more will your heavenly father give you what you need when you need it.
Be still and know, calm your heart and understand that He is God, and let that knowledge fill your heart with His love.
Showing posts with label blessing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blessing. Show all posts
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Day 345: 2 Kings 13:17
"'Open the east window,' he said, and he opened it. 'Shoot!' Elisha said, and he shot. 'The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!' Elisha declared. 'You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.'" ~2 Kings 13:17, NIV
God has a tendency to do incredible things. The King Jehoahaz was serving the Lord, but his enemy was coming to Jerusalem, and previous encounters had not left much of the Israelite army. So the King went to Elijah, who did the above, mostly symbolically.
What he declared, however, was that Jehoahaz would completely dominate his enemies. God's word to those who have faith, believe, and want to serve him is "You will completely destroy your enemies."
God's provision, hope and victory should give you a good sense of whose side you're on.
God has a tendency to do incredible things. The King Jehoahaz was serving the Lord, but his enemy was coming to Jerusalem, and previous encounters had not left much of the Israelite army. So the King went to Elijah, who did the above, mostly symbolically.
What he declared, however, was that Jehoahaz would completely dominate his enemies. God's word to those who have faith, believe, and want to serve him is "You will completely destroy your enemies."
God's provision, hope and victory should give you a good sense of whose side you're on.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Day 334: Proverbs 2:3-5
"Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." ~Proverbs 2:3-5, NIV
I'm going to give some hard knocks today: fearlessness is not a magical ability that God gives you once you reach level 50. It is an ability, created by practice, good choices, and a strong resolve to do what it is God has called us to.
Indeed, God can give it to you in greater abundance, if you ask for it, like the Proverbs suggest. If you look for it, if you seek it, then you will understand it, and better know how to make it a reality. God will bless you with that knowledge and more, and a greater grace to make it a part of you.
It's like an if/then equation - if you seek, if you try to make it happen, then God's grace will better enable it to occur. Almost every action of God starts with an action of yours. He can only do what you allow Him to in you. When you take that first step towards Him, though, He comes running like the father to that prodigal son.
I'm going to give some hard knocks today: fearlessness is not a magical ability that God gives you once you reach level 50. It is an ability, created by practice, good choices, and a strong resolve to do what it is God has called us to.
Indeed, God can give it to you in greater abundance, if you ask for it, like the Proverbs suggest. If you look for it, if you seek it, then you will understand it, and better know how to make it a reality. God will bless you with that knowledge and more, and a greater grace to make it a part of you.
It's like an if/then equation - if you seek, if you try to make it happen, then God's grace will better enable it to occur. Almost every action of God starts with an action of yours. He can only do what you allow Him to in you. When you take that first step towards Him, though, He comes running like the father to that prodigal son.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Day 311: Job 11:18
"You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety." ~Job 11:18, NIV
The story of Job is perhaps simplistic - a man who has everything loses it all. God allowed Satan to take everything Job had, and as he sat in the pit of misery his friends try to understand why it happened. Their hypothesis is that Job has a terrible unrepented sin that is festering and causing God to be angry with Job. What Job's friends say is essentially true, but it did not apply to his situation because he had not sinned.
Yes, it's true that when you submit to God, and repent of your shortcomings, you will be secure; you will know hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. But there's this oddball enemy that we have that has some power over life on Earth, and he effects the outcomes of our predictions.
Regardless of how he affects us, that above is true; there is security in Jesus because He gives hope. There are two other things that are true in life: death and taxes. But thanks to Jesus, we have a third truth, which is life after death. This life... it can be abundant. The life after death? Assuming you choose to pursue a relationship with Jesus, it will be even more so.
There is hope. There is security. It's out there. And it's up to you to attain it.
The story of Job is perhaps simplistic - a man who has everything loses it all. God allowed Satan to take everything Job had, and as he sat in the pit of misery his friends try to understand why it happened. Their hypothesis is that Job has a terrible unrepented sin that is festering and causing God to be angry with Job. What Job's friends say is essentially true, but it did not apply to his situation because he had not sinned.
Yes, it's true that when you submit to God, and repent of your shortcomings, you will be secure; you will know hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. But there's this oddball enemy that we have that has some power over life on Earth, and he effects the outcomes of our predictions.
Regardless of how he affects us, that above is true; there is security in Jesus because He gives hope. There are two other things that are true in life: death and taxes. But thanks to Jesus, we have a third truth, which is life after death. This life... it can be abundant. The life after death? Assuming you choose to pursue a relationship with Jesus, it will be even more so.
There is hope. There is security. It's out there. And it's up to you to attain it.
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?
Saturday, September 29, 2012
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?
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?
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Day 229: Psalm 115:12-13
"The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, He will bless the house of Aaron, He will bless those who fear the Lord - small and great alike." ~Psalm 115:12-13, NIV
One of the most comforting things about being a Christian and a fact that you should remember regardless of your situation is that you are Never Alone. The Lord remembers you. He's right there. Yeah, it hurts when you can't see Him, it doesn't change the simple fact that God never has and never will forget you.
Not only that, but in His remembrance He will bless you. He will bless His people, He will bless His priestly children, He will bless all who fear Him. No matter who you are, it's written right there - small and great alike.
And what is fearing God if not obeying His commands? And what two commands need we obey more than love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself? None. Though there are commands in the Bible that tell you to not be afraid, if you love God, He will provide peace. Believe that. And then act in faith that it is true, even if you can't feel Him by your side.
You might not be Israel. You might not be of Aaron. But you're of Jesus. And how much more is that?
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