“Do not be Afraid’

 

 

“So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17”

“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken”. Psalm 62:2 

 

Clearly, a shield is vitally important to a soldier. It provides a blanket of protection. It is meant to be taken up in all circumstances. It is the first barrier against the enemy’s attack. For me it’s our ‘Book’.

 

A fitting name for all who frequent, for all time. It’s a book like no other, in a class by itself. About 40 different human authors contributed to this wonderful book, which was written over a period of about 1500 years. The authors were kings, fishermen, priests, government officials, farmers, shepherds, and doctors. From all this diversity comes an incredible unity, with common themes woven throughout. "What is this book?" The Bible! Its unity is due to the fact that, ultimately, it has one Author—God Himself. The Bible is “God-breathed”. 2 Timothy 3:16 

 

If we have to speak of a single purpose of the Bible, it would be to reveal God to us and “All” Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

 

Some of the Bible is spoken directly by God Himself, and other parts are spoken by men whom He guided—but all of it is His Word, and all of it is beneficial and authoritative. Scripture shows us the way of salvation. Furthermore, it will teach us, rebuke us when we are wrong, and train us how to do right so that we may be ready to do God’s work. The Bible is God’s self-revelation to humanity. “who we are, from where did we come?” “Why we are here?” and “What happens to us when we die?” It tells us of our sin and of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. Our reassuring,” spoon full of sugar” words and promises of God. 

 

 Let us draw on the power of Scripture—the Word of God using his Spirit’s sword as we pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God as we help those who are afraid within their life’s. We live in a world that offers plenty of chances to fear, and we can be rather creative in thinking of new things to be fearful of. Maybe that’s why one of the most oft-repeated commands in the Bible is do not be afraid. Of course, the Bible does more than issue the command; it gives us good reasons why we do not need to be afraid. 

 

For some of us to listen to a person experiencing the bad news of the world, is a hard process. We are trained to give our opinion before we hear the whole story as we dive in with a fast food fix solution. Blurting out everything that comes into our heads. James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires”. Be a servant, “This is what we’re here for”.

 

 

Trust in God. This has to be the starting point. Do we trust God or not? What’s the hold on you? Are you free and Born Again? Because there’s suffering of, oppression, conflict, grief, sickness, death and tragedy that could use some grown up good news; like the gospel of the bible. A special kind of medicine that when given can produce a clinical translator of words that sound like, “you make me proud”. But, more than that, the Bible is God’s Word. Reminding me to “Trust in God” which will counteract the effects of fear. The Bible’s admonition to not be afraid naturally implies faith in God. If we’re honest “Faith, which is trust, and fear are opposite poles. If a man has the one, he can scarcely have the other in vigorous operation. He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust” constantly reminding us that the letters of fear are twofold: False, Evidence, Appearing, Rear which is relying on the self of idol. While the greater thing, the other fear(reverence), is being overcome with God’s Glory as we run to the father in victory.

 

Don’t focus on the fear. We choose what we dwell on. To focus on the source of fear is to engender more fear; to focus on the One who takes fear away is to find solace. We can choose to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. We “think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”. Philippians 4:8 As Jairus the synagogue ruler was bringing Jesus home to save his daughter, he received news that his daughter had died (Mark 5:35). Immediately, Jesus told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (verse 36). In other words, Jairus must forgo the natural focus on the tragedy and fear and focus instead on faith and the Lord’s nearness. In choosing to not be afraid, we remember that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”. 1 John 4:4 

 

Combat the temptation to fear. We are in a spiritual battle, and one of the enemy’s tactics is to promote fear. In His grace, God has given us spiritual armor to wage a successful battle. We have “the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one”. Ephesians 6:16 There’s a wonderful promise here. The shield we wield extinguishes the flames of all the devil’s darts, including the temptation to fear. Faith overcomes fear of any kind, and it is with confidence in Gods word that we take our stand. Part of combating temptation is following the path of wisdom and obedience, which always brings good results: “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet”. Proverbs 3:24 

The song, “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,”, expresses the hopeful spirit within the believer as a foot soldier who serves the Commander of the Lord’s army Joshua 5:14. 

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.”

 

God Bless You And This Ministry!

 

 

“A Taste of Honey”

“The simple believe everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps”. Proverbs 14:15

 Today I’m in thought about what to say, trying to find the words when ever you call me God. It’s been a dream, one of starting all over again daily, with a completely clean slate as I wipe my tears leaving those fears and failures behind and beginning a new life. Does It make your natural man rise as the deadly sin or lack of understanding of this human nature? Both, describing one whom you grapple with; which does not understand God’s words and thoughts. Yet still unsaved and cannot appreciate spiritual truths. The supernatural work of God is to change the natural man into a spiritual one especially as we believers serve our neighbor out of gratitude for the riches we have in Christ.

 

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive”. 1 Corinthians 15:22

 

Your ever been lonely for simplicity or ever wonder about your Naivety to the core teachings of Christianity, for so long that it seems like it’s affecting your happiness? Knowing your gospel words to society hasn’t changed, one heart or one life at this time? With timeless questions, of what to do as you join Jesus on this mission?  Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” What was it that Israel did not know, and why was that lack of knowledge so dangerous? Welcome to heart of hearts respite. As you breathe remember, “The mission of the Christians is not to strive to take worldwide dominion and set up a Christian kingdom but to share the gospel of salvation with the whole world (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). 

 

But you just can’t get used to hearing from that non believer, as we convey through words and actions,” I care about you and your trials, but I care most of all about your relationship with God in Christ. I know you are hurting somehow and are probably experiencing a mixture of emotions but I am willing to walk with you during this time. Desiring to be a vessel that will help you find your strength in God, hoping you taste His sweet honey full of love, compassion and faithfulness somehow through me. Yet there is silence, adversely affected by sin. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.

 

Verse 6 helps to explain to us as we fight against this flesh, “I know how hard the battle is between the flesh and the spirit under the heavy cross of affliction, when no worldly defense but present death doth appear”. Because you have rejected knowledge, “I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children”. It’s important to note the structure of the verse: “rejected knowledge” is parallel to “forgotten the law.” This fits the context of the opening verse of the chapter, which states that Israel failed to acknowledge the LORD as their God (Hosea 4:1) The people did not simply lack knowledge; they actively rejected it. Our young hearts are running away.

 

Do you know why we pretend or reject? Sin. For a minute we create a gauge for, our mind, our heart that appraises to be more important over whom we belong too. Coach yourself up. Come, “loving Me” is my new dialogue as our call, to love our Lord. Life is all about relationships with God and with others. If the “only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love, Gal: 5:6 then maybe our biggest problems are doubting God and being self-absorbed?

 

“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book, they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Psalm 139:16

 

We realize,” The Lord knows you, better than anyone.” But you say,” I’m a grown man or women”. Really? Your dreams and regrets are no secret to Him because every day of your life is laid before Him like an open book. That it’s pretty common knowledge for a 6^thgrader, Think, about it. Again, where are all my Christian friends to have this kind of conversation with me, at work, church or amongst family that our youthful mind has, who claim to be grown? Ah, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" Romans 7:14-24 

 

Today as you listen to his word, involve God in this new start! Make Him a part of your desire to start all over again, to no longer walk in the perhaps painful ways of your past. He will breathe new life, new thoughts, into your heart. God is mapping out a pathway of peace and life and will accompany you all along the journey! The coming of Jesus Christ illustrates God’s love to the fullest degree. Jesus died for the sins of all people, offering every person the opportunity to come to faith in Him (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). To those who do believe, Jesus is “wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30. Because of Christ, there is no need for anyone ever again to be “destroyed from a lack of knowledge.”

We cannot force people into a Christian kingdom. Rather, He has called us to proclaim the message of salvation—the redeeming power and life-transforming message of Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection (Romans 10:9-11). The past is no longer; begin anew today! May the Holy Spirit direct our hearts and minds to our Father’s love and to the perseverance of Christ (2 Thess. 3:5) for the praise of His glory, Amen

God Bless You and This Ministry!

 

“Investment Tip”

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps”. Proverbs 16: 9 

As a Christian I’m always trying to look to God’s word in order to learn about how I should be living all parts of my life, when it comes to my spiritual life, my personal life and career life. The above scripture is reminding us, what is going to happen is what God wants to happen. Seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness (Mt 6:25-34), don’t worry for tomorrow, live in his presence right now, and watch him unfold his perfect plan before you.  This means live according to his principles in his Word, and lay down your life for him and for his Kingdom.  You cannot even imagine what he has in store for those who trust in him.

 

You know that old saying, "There's no such thing as a stupid question"? Yeah, we all know that's not true. There are stupid questions, and kids (and even adults) ask them often. Like, your teacher asks you on the first day of school things like part of your name, estimate your height, know what school you have attended last, know what languages you speak, where did you travel during your summer break. They are trying to get a sense of what school–at least so early in the year–seems to ‘mean’ to you. But as a business teacher I often would ask my students this question. “what is the greatest invention in the world’ I use to think but what else should you know to get them to “Think” and be engaged mentally? 

 

Most would response by saying from the wheel to the first use of pigment, and also say many of mankind’s most influential innovations are impossible to trace. Some would say more recent inventions, like the priming press, google, the steam engine and the satellite are some that are more easily credited. Regardless of where they originated, these inventions speak of who we are, or where our mindset is and of course, where we are headed. But I wanted to leave them with a lasting “Investment Tip”. My answer to them would be, “Compound Interest”. They would say, what is that?

 

I have a way of life that has evolved over the years. It’s based on our natural ability of forming habits. We are slaves to our habits because they control how we act, and thus determine whether we succeed or fail. To change your habits, you must replace bad habits with good ones. I decided to start afresh by building good habits daily to replace mediocrity and bad habits by spending time with the Lord in (his word, journalizing and prayer) silence when I wake up in the morning after lunch and just before I go to sleep. I call this the part, part, whole method of spiritual repetition. This has help me greet each day with love in my heart and approach everything and everyone with love.

 

“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love”. 1 John 4:8

 

It has helped me through every disappointment throughout my life. It has helped me be calm have serenity and oftentimes I can rise above every distressing circumstance while moving on with courage and hope. My grandmother shared with me many old school sayings with me before she passed away, one was, “what looks like the end of the road,” she would say is only a turn in the road, the beginning of a new and more profitable experience. You are never beaten unless you give up. “I have tried hard to live by this philosophy, but sometimes I just need a better investment tip that would guaranteed me to never fade.

 

Listen to Jeremiah 9:23-24 , Thus says the Lord, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising loving kindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the lord. The only true road to me is to try to understand and know God. God says that the source of our joy and sense of importance ought to come not from our own wisdom or abilities or possessions, but from the fact that we know Him. From time to time during quiet times, can you imagine for a moment living way back in the first century with the apostle Paul. I request him to write a letter or investment tip prayer for us today. What do you think would be his first trip to God for us? Believe it would be that we increase our knowledge of God and know our history. A knowledge that is more than an intellectual knowledge of God but one of a personal kind. We must realize that it is possible and we must desire to know that salvation is not the end of the Christian life, it is merely the beginning. Is it comparable to birth? 

 

How can we increase our knowledge of God? Can we be content with only a casual acquaintance with God? How can we know Him better? These are questions that continually we will ask and search for. I ask, “are you closer to God now than you were ten years ago?”. I am thankful that God chose to reveal himself in such a way that we cannot only apprehend him but also have a personal relationship with. Truly recognizing God involves our commitment to obey what we read in the Scriptures. After all, we were created to do good works Ephesians 2:10 in order to be part of God’s plan of continuing to reveal Himself to the world. We carry the responsibility to live out the very faith that is required to know God. We are salt and light on this earth Matthew 5:13-14, designed to bring God’s flavor to the world and to serve as a shining light in the midst of darkness. Not only must we read and understand God’s Word, we must apply it obediently with Love in our heart and remain faithful .Hebrews 12:1-3. 

 

“May the words of our mouths and the mediations of our heats be pleasing unto You, our Rock and our Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

 

God Bless You and This Ministry!

Mental Brakes

Have you ever driven your car with the brakes on? I suppose that most of us who have driven for any length of time have had that experience. I can remember times when I have arrived at my destination and reached down to apply the parking brake, only to find that it had been on the entire time I had been driving. Yet without realizing it I had moved from point to point with my brakes partly set. The horsepower was there, but the car’s vast potential was blocked, bottled up, and restricted. 

 

My Mental brake use to distort my view of God and others. Sometimes it was such a hindrance that it contributed to my sinful behavior. God has compassion for our struggles. He can help us learn to manage our mental curbs and even bring healing. Only if we look as if it’s a spiritual battle which the Bible exhorts us to prepare for and wage diligently. “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12); “Endure hardship . . . like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3); “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). 

 

Just like signs and signals that regulate traffic, spiritual strength things or signals for obedient that regulate our spirit filled life for truth sometimes are padlocked. But when you stop because of the red light on your “mental dash-board,” what are the real reasons that you hit the brakes? Have you asked, am I stopping for realistic reasons, because I hope to avoid some impending danger, or am I stopping because I do not believe myself capable of reaching my next spiritual objective?” How do you view yourself? Are you driving with your mental secular brakes on? If so, release your brakes and avoid all unnecessary stops. We are saved by faith.

 

They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them”.2 peters 2:19

 

The strong point here is the ability to know we must hear the gospel and do the good will of God, sharing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Give yourself an opportunity to detect and oppose wrong, in all of areas of your spiritual life. We must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10,13). Growth requires change; our resistance to change could actually be a resistance to growth. So, when change occurs, just consider it to be a season of growth. When our human nature protests the change and begs to resist, remember that God has not changed. He is up to something good.

  

 A wise man is strong. A man of knowledge gains in strength. Fools are weak. They do not know what they should do, they do not do it, nor can they understand or resist what they should not do. As a child of Christ, you may say, for every answer there are two responses, a God one and everyone else’s worldly response, sin”. But I chose Christ! “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” Philippians 2:15. 

 

Another important verse in understanding the filling of the Spirit filled life is John 14:16, where Jesus promised the Spirit would indwell believers and that the indwelling would be permanent. It is important to distinguish the indwelling from the filling of the Spirit. The permanent indwelling of the Spirit is not for a select few believers, but for all believers. The Holy Spirit is a gift given to all believers in Jesus without exception, and no conditions are placed upon this gift except faith in Christ (John 7 :37-39). 

 

 

Sin is what hinders the filling of the Holy Spirit, and obedience to God is how the filling of the Spirit is maintained. We may be riding around with our spiritual brakes on but believe me God is working in our lives and when we decide to take off those spiritual brakes be reminded by the message in 2 Corinthian 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold the new is come.” Only our obedience to God’s commands allows the Spirit freedom to work within us. Because we are still infected with sin, it is impossible to be filled with the Spirit all of the time. When we sin, we should immediately confess it to God and renew our commitment to being Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.

 

what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare that facilitates those mental brakes? We rely on God’s power, not our own. We put on the whole armor of God. We draw on the power of Scripture—the Word of God is the Spirit’s sword. We pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God. We stand firm (Ephesians 6:13-14) we submit to God; we resist the devil’s work (James 4:7) knowing that the Lord of hosts is our protector. “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2). 

 

Oh, heavenly Father thanks that you work in our lives, that we can be different people because of you. God, we have a need to grow spiritually and to be different. Break in our hard hearts “that just the way that I am, “that we might humbly submit to you, your way, your truth and that your will for us is to reflect the likeness of Jesus Christ.

 

God Bless You and This Ministry!