Just Keep Waiting ...

You can't get from where you are to where you want to be unless you go through a door. Open doors give you access to something. Shut doors means you don’t have access. The Lord is your doorkeeper. He opens doors and He shuts doors.

This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: I am the one who is holy and true, and I have the keys that belonged to David. When I open a door, no one can close it. And when I close a door, no one can open it. Listen to what I say. Revelation 3:7

Patience to wait for doors, whether it be to open or close, is God-given restraint, not something we're to produce in our own strength. Our responsibility is to trust that God will provide the strength to hold on. Stand firm in Christ and live fully for Him, trusting in His perfect will despite any present difficulties. 

Waiting on God forces us to look to Him, get to know Him more and rely on Him more. We can trust the Spirit to give us the strength to bear our circumstances and enable us to use the time of waiting to grow in our intimacy with the Lord.

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. Isaiah 40:31

It's our choice whether to trust Him or not. And relax. More often than not, you're gonna have to wait for a season for what you're believing for 😉.

Father, give us grace to 'wait right'. To hear Your voice. To know which doors are ones we are to walk through and which ones need to be closed. And discernment to know the difference. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

No More Fears

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice. Isaiah 41:10

Experiences and people in your life may have taught you to fear, but the Word of God can teach you to push past that fear. You can learn to be bold, courageous and confident. Work with  the Holy Spirit and He'll teach you.

Don't let the fear of something prevent your success and joy in daily living. Don't let it immobolize you. Don't let it cause you to panic and tremble. When you feel afraid, you don't have to quit or turn back. GOD IS WITH YOU, and because He is with you, you can feel the fear and do what you need to do anyway.

Don't let thoughts and/or memories of fear keep you from God's best for your life. You don't have to cower anymore. Hold your head high and walk in God-fidence. Believe in yourself. Believe in God in you. God's got good plans for you.

Father, help us not to be afraid. Let Your love wash over us and melt away the horrible terrors, fears and dreads. May the good news that You are with us bring us peace. In Jesus' name, amen.

Got Joy?

 

 

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

 

Father, I pray that You fill us with the joy of the Lord, that overwhelming joy because Your joy is unlike anything this world has to offer. It brings peace, trust and hope and with that a rest because we know You are in control.

 

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Psalm 27:6

 

I will lift my eyes to the hills, Lord, because I know from You comes our joy and peace. In Your presence, is joy and the fullness thereof. In Your presence, we have everything we need. I thank You, Father, and I love You. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got a Flashlight?

The Lord is the calm to your storm. Set your gaze on Him. 

The Lord will bring rest and peace to your soul. Set your affection on Him. 

The Lord is the light to the steps that you need to take next. 

Father, may we seek You and Your will through Your Word. May it direct our steps and light our path like a flashlight. In Jesus' name, amen. 

What are You Expecting?

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we can't see. Hebrews 11:1

We usually get what we expect (where our faith is), so ... are you expecting good or bad to happen? Since it's all BY FAITH, make sure your faith is in the direction of what you want/want to happen.

He does not fear bad news (not afraid of evil tidings), nor live in fear or dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind (his heart is fixed) that Jehovah will take care of him (trusting in the Lord). That is why he is not afraid, but can calmly face his foes. Psalm 112:7,8

We should not be afraid of evil tidings ... of bad news, of reverses and losses, of the destruction of our property, or disaster by flood, by famine, or by war. Our heart should so fully confide in God that we can commit everything calmly into His hands. We should feel assured that all will be well, somehow. That nothing occurs but that which the wisest and the best Being in the universe sees that it best should occur, and that in all which does take place HE IS ABLE TO SUSTAIN the sufferer.  

There is NOTHING so well-suited to make the mind calm as to trust in God. What has a person to be afraid of who does trust in Him? TRUSTING IN THE LORD - this is the reason why our heart is 'fixed' or 'firm' ... simply because we have confidence in God, and feel assured that all things will be well. It may not be right now, but it will be. 

Father, help us to no longer expect bad or expect things to be the way they used to be, the way they happened in the past. Help us to believe for better days. Don't disappoint us. Use our faith to do a NEW THING. In Jesus' name, amen.






 

Worried?

Sometimes my blogs can be quiet lengthy. Not today. I'm simply sharing one scripture, from the Message Bible. It is worthy of a few 'selah' moments.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,

and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.

God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:34

 

God bless you and may the Lord grant you PEACE, KNOWING that God is STILL in control and that He is taking care of EVERYTHING.





AFTA related blogs:

Under a Lot of Stress?
No Worries
God Promises Peace
Hindrance to Your Destiny?

Under a Lot of Stress?

God led His people out like sheep, He took His flock SAFELY through the wilderness. God took GOOD CARE of them; they had NOTHING to fear. Psalm 78:52,53

I know ... you’re under a LOT of stress, you’re frustrated, worried, afraid and confused … but FEAR NOT and HOLD ON.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 -30, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.’

Stress tends to visit us when we're tired, when we're sick, when we're driving through a crowded metropolis, when we're late for an important meeting, or if we've taken on too many responsibilities. When circumstances are out of our control, we feel stress. When our basic needs are not being met and our safety is threatened, we tend to get anxious. God promises in His Word that He will care for us. When we come to Him for help, He helps. Sometimes it’s a process that takes place for Him to align us and our schedule with His will. Other times, He seems to swoop in … suddenly.

I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of My mouth, and I proclaimed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass. Isaiah 48:3

Don't you worry about a thing. God IS gonna appear on the scene SUDDENLY on your behalf, for HELP IS ON THE WAY.

Have the cares and problems of life burdened you with stress and anxiety, robbing you of peace? Pray the prayer below in faith, believing.

Father, I need You now because I am full of stress and anxiety. Thank You that the promises in Your Word bring comfort. I ask You to come and take My heavy burdens. I take each burden, one by one, and lay them at Your feet. Please carry them for me so that I don't have to. Replace them with Your humble and gentle yoke so that I will find rest for my soul. I receive Your gift of peace of mind and heart. Thank You that I can lie down tonight in peace and sleep. I know that you, Lord, will keep me safe. I am not afraid because You are always with me. Please keep me daily, Lord, in Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 




 

What's Up with That?

I’ve told you these things (so that you should not be offended; taken unawares and falter, or be caused to stumble and fall away; I told you to keep you from being scandalized and repelled) to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I’ve told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you’ll be well-warned and ready for them. I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration (you will continue to experience difficulties); but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted). For I have (already) overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you. John 16:1-4, 31-33

 

Feel like no one understands you? Feel like you have been mistreated? Feel like you have been rejected? Yeah, me too. So ... what's up with that?

 

There's a reason why you are going/went through what you are going/went through ...

 

HOLD ON.

 

There's a plan in the works that you can't see yet ...

 

TRUST THE PROCESS.

 

We may not always understand, but we gotta and we're gonna ...

 

KEEP TRUSTING.

 

The calling that's been placed on your life attracts attacks. Don't look at it as trouble, look at it as confirmation that you're going the right way and doing the right things ...

 

KEEP GOING.

 

Others may reject, offend, hurt, abuse and/or leave you. But Your heavenly Father will never leave you or forsake you like you're used to being left and mistreated, no matter what. You are ...

 

ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED, JUST AS YOU ARE AND DESPITE WHAT OTHERS THINK OF YOU.

 

Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. John 14:27

 

PEACE BE STILL.

 

See, I'm doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

 

HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET.

 

You CAN do this, KEEP GOING. One day at a time. One step at a time, if you have to.

 

So, what's up with that? What's going on? Clueless. But God knows. And He has our best interests at heart. He cares about every little detail of our lives. That's ...

 

WHAT'S UP WITH THAT.

 

Dear God, dear heavenly Father, You have SO MUCH MORE to offer us than this world. This is just a temporary place, it's not our home. Help us to have hope in You and trust in You and lean not on our understanding, while You work Your will and work all things for good, according to YOUR plan. Your ways are different, we don't always understand what You're doing, but please give us grace and faith to trust You and follow You. May we ALWAYS lean on Your faithful, loving strong shoulder of support. We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.

see also: Hands Off    He Don't Wanna Harm Us

 

God Promises Peace

 
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9

What’s weighing on you today? Is there a loved one in need? Bills piling up? Struggling with health issues? Frightened by wars and rumors of wars? Do you have a relationship in trouble? Are you facing a problem with no apparent solution? Do you feel alone? Like a soothing salve to the anxious heart, the above promise from Philippians 4 is for you ... today. 

Anxiety doesn’t come with an off-switch. Anxiety warns us that something is wrong and needs attention. It drives us to our knees in prayer. Yet prayer is often the last thing we think to do. 

The hurt, pain and fear we so often feel run deep, but Christ's love is stronger and more powerful. Through Jesus we have access to the very throne room of heaven. The Spirit intercedes for us there with groaning too deep for words (Romans 8). Even when we don't know how to pray, we aren't hindered. God wouldn't invite us to bring our cares and requests before Him if He didn't plan to act.

God’s promise is not that all our requests will be granted the way that we want them to, but that the peace of Jesus Christ will guard our hearts, despite what we're going through.

Your Friend Jesus is right there with you. Talk to Him. He's listening ... attentively.

Jesus IS our peace.

Father, so much weighs on our minds. Troubles seem to abound, everywhere around us. We need Your peace to cover our minds and our situations, and we pray for that now. In Jesus’ name, amen. 





 

Be at Peace, My Child

God did not give us a spirit of fear or timidity, but a spirit of power, and of love, and of sound mind and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

 

There is no question that there is pain and intense suffering in this world. Some of it is explained by selfish, hateful actions on the part of others. Some of it defies an explanation in this life. But God offers us Himself. God gives us the knowledge that He has endured also, and is aware of our pain and needs. Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’ (John 14:27). There is ample reason to be afraid, troubled, but God can give us His peace, which is greater than the problem before us. He is after all, God, the Creator. The One who has always existed. The One who created a universe with a spoken word.

 

Yet even in His power, He's also the One who knows us intimately, even the smallest, insignificant details. And if we will trust Him with our lives, relying on Him, though we encounter difficulties, He will hold us securely. Jesus said, ‘These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, trials and distresses, but take courage; I have overcome the world and deprived it of its power to harm you. So stopping letting yourself get agitated and disturbed’ (John 16:33). He went through our ultimate threat -- death -- and overcame it. He can take us through the difficult circumstances of this life, and then bring us into eternal life, if we will trust Him.

 

We can either go through this life with God or without Him. IN HIM, we can be at peace.

 

Father, thank You for Your promise of peace as we turn to You. We ask You to help us keep our minds stayed on You and as we do, trusting in You, I pray that You bless us with Your presence and Your perfect peace. We wait upon You now to receive it by faith. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
 

 see also: Christ is My Victory (Psalm 91 to pray)


 

Now More than Ever

Go away, all you who do evil, for the Lord HAS heard my weeping. The Lord HAS heard my plea; the Lord WILL answer my prayer. Psalm 6:8,9

LORD, help us to hear from You today, and may we be obedient. Give us wisdom to make right decisions.

LORD, have mercy and compassion on us.

LORD, we need Your strength and grace. Help our bodies to be physically able and our minds to be mentally able to do what we need to do.

LORD JESUS, heal our bodies. Take away sickness and pain. Release us from the tormenting spirits.

LORD, keep us close to You through the things that we are going through, help us not to push You away in difficult times, but instead allow You to draw us closer.

LORD, give us Your peace, Your perfect peace, that surpasses all understanding.

LORD, be with us, our families, our friends, all Your people ... special touch and anointing for us. Bless us with uncommon favor. Strengthen us. Heal us. Love on us. Help us to grab on, hold on and don’t let go of the hem of Your garment, Jesus. For all our needs are met in You. You are the Answer. To every question. To every problem. To every heartache. To every sickness. To every cry. Blood of Jesus over us.

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him --- though He is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:27

We need You now LORD GOD … more than ever. Be not far from us.

Don't Be Afraid

 

God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. Isaiah 12:2

Frightening circumstances are less troublesome if we trust the hands that control them. If our world and our lives were governed by a thoughtless and indifferent force, we would have good reason to fear.

BUT the hands that control the universe - God’s hands - are wise and compassionate. We can trust them in spite of our circumstances and not be afraid.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’ Isaiah 41:10-13

FEAR NOT … Jesus is holding YOUR hand.

We give so much of our strength and energy to being fearful and worrying about things ... when we should be resting in God's peace knowing that He WILL come through for us. Your current condition does not define God's ultimate intention. Through fire and flood, He is with you and will bring you through. So QUIT fearing and worrying, He has ALREADY taken care of it.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18

God is the One in control … so we have NOTHING to fear.

Father, thank You that no harm will come near us or our dwelling. Guard, protect, lead and guide us. Take care of all our needs and all our loved ones as we lay down our worries and fears. I pray for peace in our mind/thoughts/spirit. Quieten the voice of the enemy. Comfort us with the presence of Your supportive hand. I curse worries and fears that try to rob us of our sleep. I pray perfect peace over us when we lay our heads down at night. Bless us, favor us and move on our behalf even as we sleep. I plead the Blood of Jesus over us. In Jesus’ name, amen.



see also: Christ is My Victory (Psalm 91 to pray)

A Real Rest

[Jesus says] Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30

BELIEVE that the Lord is FAITHFUL to do as He has promised. Rest in the fact that WHATEVER IT IS, God is taking care of it.

We CAN'T go wrong when we let Jesus take control.

Sleep good tonight. I've got a feeling everything's gonna be alright.

Father, the enemy seems to work overtime to rob us of our sleep that we need so desperately. Wash our worries away with Your love. I curse the attacks against our sleep and rest and I pray the spirit of peace and rest over us as we lay down our cares for the night. In Jesus' name, amen.

You've Been Armed

The righteous shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

You can maintain joy amidst life's trials by staying focused on God's faithfulness instead of the unfaithfulness of others. You have been armed with strength for EVERY battle. The forces FOR you are greater than the forces AGAINST you.

Don't quit now. You’re experiencing visible opposition because you’re making INVISIBLE progress. Breakthrough IS coming.

God’s given you the privilege of prayer so you won’t worry about your circumstances or what you are going through. He’ll take care of what you commit to Him.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:5

Get your hands off of it, you can't do it anyway ... TRUST.

Father, take our worries and fears. Help us clear our minds of the confusion and fog. Give us peace and rest. Help us just to believe. In Jesus’ name, amen.



see related blogs of mine: Encourage Us, Lord
                                      You Can Trust the Father

No Worries

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ Romans 8:15

We get SO worked up sometimes over events that are happening in the world today, but NO WORRIES - God is STILL on the throne.

We are facing so many issues in todays times, and they don't seem to be getting any better. Faithful employees being laid off, children are being sold on our streets, children getting pregnant, bills stacking up that are way past due, couples fighting, sickness, death, rejection, betrayal, members of your own household being your worst enemy, people loosing their homes, drugs and alcohol taking over society, physical abuse, prostitution, etc. God's people are suffering. Life hurts. Big time.

But ... MIGHTY is our God, MIGHTY is our King, He is ruler of EVERYTHING. God is our MIGHTY fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so ... we WON'T be afraid.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3

Ways to be free from anxiety:

-  pray and believe
-  cast Your burdens on the Lord
-  know that you are in the hands of God
-  be certain that you are prepared to meet Him face to face
-  spend time fellowshipping with your Savior, for His very presence brings peace because He IS our peace
-  read the Psalms
-  trust Him

Be still AND unafraid AND not worried ... know that HE is God.

Father, in our changing times of uncertainty, there is peace and hope in the fact that You are unchanging. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. I find comfort in Your stability. Thank You for being a strong tower that we can run in to and are safe. I speak PEACE over us ... to our spirit, over our mind and over our thoughts. In Jesus' name, amen.




see also: AFTA Blog Worrying Will Never Change the Outcome
                              What's the World Coming To     

Hindrance to Your Destiny?

 
So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' Hebrews 13:6

Worrying and angered at those who try to steal your thunder, use you, try to force themselves on you, pick on you and/or speak lies behind your back? Wondering if your reputation is going to be tainted and stop you from God's best? Wondering if people will reject you because of it?

I don't know about you, but I've been lied to, lied about, made fun of, harassed, stalked, beaten, and pushed around. Words are sharp and they hurt. People can be SO cruel. The enemy really works overtime trying to make sure God's will doesn't come to pass in our lives. BUT GOD is our defender and will only allow people to hurt us and take advantage of us for so long, before He comes on the scene and says, 'that's enough, that's My child' and stops it.  What God has destined ... NO demon or devil in hell or on earth, NO person, NO circumstance ... can stop.

No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

We're not built to handle it all, it's ok to break down and cry before the Lord and allow Him to bring refreshment. Tell Him what's weighing heavy on your heart. Tell Him who's hurt you. Give it all to Him. Sow those seeds of offense and allow Him to bring better into your life. There's NOTHING like the presence of Jesus to wash away the hurts and pains that people and life have inflicted on us. You may not have the approval of who you think you need it from, but God approves of you and will give you what you really need, not what you think you need.

Quit stressin' over things that the Lord has already told you He would take care of. EXPECT God's blessings. Trust God to protect your reputation. God promised He's our vindicator, EXPECT Him to defend you. God is always there for you --- He is your hope --- He is all you need. And hope maketh not ashamed, i.e. if we put our hope in God, He WON'T disappoint us.

God loves you too much to put you in a position you aren't ready for. He wants to build your character before He brings you to the next level. There will be tests and trials and most won't be fun at all, in fact they'll hurt, a lot. Rejection, betrayal, gossip, abuse, being left out, feeling all alone - they're all part of the plan the enemy's made to cause you to withdraw and stop moving forward. God's using those same things to mold you to be more like Him. Be willing to go through the process. Advance. It's SO worth it.
 
You are RELEASED from having to please everybody ... because you CAN'T. You are RELEASED from having to be Ms. or Mr. perfect ... because you CAN'T. Relax. Be yourself. Don't back down, stand your ground. Keep doing what you believe to be right. Whether others approve or understand or not. God knows how to 'fix' peoples little red wagon when they get in the way of our destiny. 

Those who BELIEVE and EXPECT the good plans God has for them are the ones that SEE them. Wait for it.

Hindrance to your destiny? Nope, I don't think so. More like a springboard to propel you forward.

Father, I pray for all who feel weary. Help us not to give up. Give us courage and faith to continue on. You, Lord God are faithful. Help us to press thru to victory. Remove any hindrances that are in the way of our destiny. Defend us. Protect our reputations. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

Don't Be Discouraged

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them - to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates - all the Hittite country - to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’” 

Of all the people in the Bible, Joshua might be one of the last we'd expect to need encouragement.

Years earlier, Joshua and Caleb stood their ground against an angry mob that was ready to pummel them to death with rocks. A number of spies had just reported that it would be impossible for the people to conquer the land of Canaan. The giant inhabitants of the land had powerful weapons. But Joshua and Caleb countered, ‘Don’t be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us’ (Numbers 14:9). Although this speech did not convince the frightened Israelites, Joshua and Caleb did not back down.

Given Joshua's courage, why did God need to tell him not to be terrified or discouraged? This was now about 40 years later, and Joshua was no longer facing fellow Israelites. Now he would need to lead an army of Israel against the Canaanites, who would fight to the death to protect their land, possessions, and families. The real battle would begin.

Yesterday's courage can’t be saved for today's challenge. But God's faithfulness is new every morning.

Believe in Jesus and know that the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Don’t be terrified. Don’t be discouraged.

Father, sometimes we’re afraid and discouraged. Thank You that You are our refuge and strength. Help us to remember that You are always with us. In Jesus' name, amen.


 

The Gift within the Gift

 

The
GIFT
is
JESUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Savior, Jesus Christ was the gift that our Father God gave to us. There were 7 gifts that Jesus brought us with the gift of Himself.

1) He's our Salvation

    Luke 2:11 - For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

2) He's our Redeemer

    Galations 3:13 - Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for
    us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’).

    Galations 4:4-6 - But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a
    woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might
    receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His
    Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’

3) He’s our Healer

    Psalm 103:3 - Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.

    Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

4) He’s our Deliverer

    Romans 11:26 - And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of
    Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob’.

5) He’s our Wisdom

    Isaiah 11:1-3 - There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out
    of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and
    understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the
    Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor
    decide by the hearing of His ears.

6) He’s our Counselor and Our Peace

    Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon
    His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
    Prince of Peace.

7) He’s our Soon Coming King

    Acts 1:11 - Who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same
    Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go
    into heaven.’

    Matt 16:27 - For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He
    will reward each according to his works.

    Matt 24:27 - For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the
    coming of the Son of Man be.

    1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 - For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the
    voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then
    we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the
    Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Jesus gives peace that the world cannot give. He’s the King of King’s and Lord of Lord’s.

People say that Jesus was born to die. That is true. But He was also born to rise again. He sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for us and will soon return and draw those who belong with Him in Heaven.










My Pastor, Rev. Wanda Meadows, preached this sermon this past Sunday and I wanted to share it.

You're Surrounded

 
 

The Lord your God is going with you.

He will fight for you against your enemies,

and He will give you victory.

Deuteronomy 20:4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Are you overwhelmed by the attacks of the enemy? Feel like you’re all alone? Feeling afraid?
 
We live in a fallen world. There's evil on every side. There's sickness, temptation and sorrow. Tragedy and loss sometimes strikes. Problems with personal relationships, economic difficulties, personal failures.  

 

What shall we do? The answer is found in faith.

God is greater than ANY circumstance or emergency we might find ourselves in. He won't be caught off guard by it. He is well able to help you overcome. Because if He's for you, NO ONE can be against you (Romans 8:31). NEVER run from your enemy. It only delays promotion. Know that when an enemy shows up - promotion is being offered.

Fear not that which tries to torment, for those that are with us, to protect us, are more than those that are against us, to destroy us - angels are unspeakably more numerous - God infinitely more powerful. When we are magnifying the causes of our fear we ought to possess ourselves with clear, and great, and high thoughts of God and the invisible world.


 

 

'Don't be afraid,' the

prophet answered.

'Those who are with us are

more than

those who are with them.'

2 Kings 6:16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Don't panic. Don't be afraid. Don’t look at the enemies that may be surrounding you, instead focus on Jesus and the help that is yours as a child of God. There's more going on than just what you see. Unseen by the physical senses, God is there to support, protect and encourage. Be unmoved.

God gives peace AND rest.

The Lord gave them peace and rest ALL AROUND, just as He had promised. Not one of their enemies opposed them - He placed all of them under their control. Joshua 21:44
 
 


Even seemingly surrounded and overwhelmed, there’s STILL more with us than be with them. Jesus is standing beside you -- you ARE NOT alone today. He’s ALWAYS with you.
 
 
 
 

God is greater than any enemy. Period.

Father, I pray that You help us to feel Your presence with us instead of fear when seemingly surrounded by the enemy. Give us protection on every side, build and be a protective fortress around us with Your presence. Open our spiritual eyes to see You and the angels of protection You have around us. I bind the attacks of the enemy trying to come against us and our loved ones and cast them to the pits of hell. Lord, give us peace and rest on EVERY side. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
 
 
 
see also: 2 Kings 6:8-23
             Romans 8:31-38
    
 

 

Worrying Will Never Change the Outcome

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have over come the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33







The battles rage within, and only You Lord God can quiten the restlessness, fears, anxieties, and questions.

The things we worry about, stress about and busy ourselves with are just distractions for the enemy to deter us from the Lord's cause to win souls and heal hearts.

Worry will not only NEVER change the outcome, it can cloud our mind so that it's hard to hear the Lord's voice and direction as He tries to help us with what we're facing.

God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Hold on ... with bull dog faith.

And relax, God's taking care of it - - - don't you worry about a thing.

Prayer: Our hope lies in You Lord God, drive our hurts and fears away with Your presence and love. Help us to trust in You and look to You and not let the distractions of the world pull us away from You and Your will for us. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.


 
see also: God Really Does Come Through