Shadow

As you read this today... you might be worried about something.  It’s kept you awake... taken over your thoughts... and made prayer time with God seemingly impossible to get through without distraction.  In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul tells us how to deal with these types of burdens:  “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.”

Is worry casting a huge shadow over your life?  Pray and don’t stop until you have an answer.  Be honest... blunt... straightforward with your requests.  Pray specifically and unceasingly... and when God comes through (and He will in His own perfect way and time)... give thanks for what He does.  Worry is destructive and never works.  Give your burdens to God... leave them there... and experience a peace like never before.

Extraordinary

Feeling ordinary?  You are exactly the type of person God uses to change the world.  Joseph was a prisoner... Gideon was a farmer... David was a shepherd... Mary was a teenager... Luke was a doctor... Matthew collected taxes... and Peter caught fish long before he was called a “fisher of men”.   

When we read that list, we think “God’s all-stars”  But they didn’t think of themselves that way.  In their minds, they were just regular people doing what God had asked them to do... and changing the world in the process.  

Fact is, every person He creates is knitted together with a purpose.  A destiny.   That includes you.  You may have opened your eyes this morning feeling plain but you aren’t.  God had a plan for those He used in the Bible... and He has one for you.  He specializes in doing extraordinary things through ordinary people who are committed to fulfilling His purpose in their lives.  There’s nothing common about that!

Playing God

History was made as the mini-series “The Bible” was aired to record numbers of viewers.  Soon after, the actor who portrayed Jesus was invited to speak to a group of Christian leaders at the National Religious Broadcaster Convention.   They asked him how he felt to play such an important role.  His answer?  “How can you play the Son of God?  You can’t.  What I had the privilege of playing was simply the words of Christ and taking the journey of the Scriptures.”

It was a very humble answer from an actor who understands that he is just that... an actor.   Nobody can properly play Jesus.  So why do so many try in their own lives?  They worry... stress... try to control things... and in so many other ways attempt to be Lord.  Deuteronomy 4:35 tells us that “the Lord is God and there is no other.”   Find yourself trying to be God over your own life?  I’ve got good news.  You don’t have to be.  In fact, you can’t be.  Let God be God... and spend all of that energy praising Him for Who He is and what He does daily for you.

Hearing

Did you know that your ear is using thousands of moving parts to make hearing happen?  Scientists tell us that certain parts vibrate more than twenty thousand times per second and can distinguish over two thousand different pitches and tones!  So why do so many struggle hearing God?  With such a precision instrument in our possession... why is hearing His voice so difficult?  

Maybe we truly do hear it... just not in our ears.  While I’ve never heard the audible voice of God... I do know that He communicates with me through His Word, the Bible... Every syllable intentional... every page written to impact my life.  Let’s take today and block out distraction... get in a quiet place... open His word... and listen.  There’s a lot He wants to share! 

God's Lens

An anonymous writer once penned, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed.”  

Often we see life just like this simple statement.  We perceive what’s right in front of us: the pile of bills, the deadlines, the obligations, and the challenges.  It’s pretty easy to count what we have stacked up against us.   But God has a different field of vision.  Where we see trouble, He sees opportunity for growth.  When we feel pain, He provides  healing and breakthrough.  God’s view of our lives is much different than our own.  He watches our time on earth unfold from the finish line instead of the starting gate.  And it’s because of this that we can trust Him.   

God loves you.  He believes in you.  He has placed air in your lungs and started your heart beating for a reason!  If you ever feel the urge to count troubles... resist.  It’s an easy thing to do and causes more heartache than you were meant to bear.  Instead, stop and remember that God saw those same obstacles and created you anyway... because He knows that you have potential for greatness.  He put it there.  It’s simply a matter of remembering to view your life through God’s lens and not the world’s.

The Clock

Longevity runs in my family.  The Gramlings have traditionally been blessed with long lives.  I never thought that our family was above average until I was researching for one of my past weekend teachings.  I discovered that, on average, people live about 75 years.  And while that seems like a long time… let’s break that down.   That’s around 3900 weeks… 27,000 days… or about 648,000 hours.  Now let’s remove the time we spend sleeping (about 1/3 of that if we’re doing it right…).  That leaves us with about 112 hours a week that we are awake.  Now back in the day, the human race spent 70 of those 112 hours per week productively working.  Today is quite different.  In fact, due to some productivity improvements through technology, the average work week is 30 hours.  

And what do we do with all of that remaining time?  The 82 hours that we are awake and active?  Would you believe that the biggest part of that time is squandered in front of a flat screen?  It’s true. According to statistics, the majority of people passively watch television 4-5 hours per day… and spend many more hours staring at tablets, smartphones, and laptop screens.  YouTube logs in billions of views a day… in fact, the average person watches 15 hours of YouTube videos per week.  

What are you doing with your life?  All of those hours… those ticks of the clock… are you leveraging them to change the world?  Or using them to change the channel?  

Did you know that Einstein, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham Lincoln, and your hard-working great-grandparents all had the same 24 hours per day… they all had time management issues… and they all had to decide what they were going to do with their time awake.  

Some make a difference… other make excuses…all have the same amount of hours per day.  

The Bible addresses this issue of time in the parable of the talents.  Three servants are given some money by their master to manage for him.  Two make more money… while one buries it to keep it safe.  Here’s the master’s reply to the one that squandered his chance: 

“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it'" (Matthew 25:26-27, NLT).  

The Bible is clear that we are to maximize our time… to see our lives as something given to us by our Creator to invest in His Kingdom and others.  To serve the world… to love those that can do nothing for us in return… to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ… and to enjoy those that God has put around us as friends and family.  

Maybe it’s time to take a technology fast.  Live in the now.  Maybe it’s time to stop seeing the world as photo ops for instagram and maximize your minutes for Christ.   We’ve got one chance on this side of Heaven to change the world for God.  Let’s take today seriously.  There will never be another today.  Ever.  And there will never be another you.  Ever.  Get out there and seize the chance to shine God’s light into a world that is blanketed with darkness.  You’ve got 24 hours… let’s go make a difference. 

By Yourself?

Chuck Swindoll tells a story about a Kansas newspaper where someone took out a one-line ad targeted at lonely people.  The ad read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes, without comment, for $5.00”  Before long, the person was receiving 10 to 20 calls per day.  

Loneliness is a pain that many endure...and most will do nearly anything to make it stop.  Maybe you’ve experienced it.  Maybe you’re going through it right now.  Deafening silence... alone with thoughts that seem to have you feeling hopeless and helpless.  God wants you to know something... He’s there.  Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us that “the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  God understands when you don’t have words to express your feelings.  He stands by your side when others run out.  He is there to double your joy and take away your grief... and He promises that it will always be that way.   Feeling lonely?  Write down today’s verse and keep it with you.  And when the enemy tries to convince you that you’re by yourself... remind him that he’s a liar.   You are never alone.  God is with you.  And you are loved more than you will ever know.  

Requirements

The other day, I read an article about the diet soft drink, “Coke Zero”... it talked about how pleasantly surprised people were to discover how close to real coke it actually tasted.  The story said that many loved that they could have the benefits and great taste of a refreshing coke without the guilt of the calories.  

I was thinking about this when I ran across this scripture from Mark 8:34 - Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me"  A challenging verse...but Jesus makes it very clear what He requires to be a disciple.   I meet many who are Christ followers... some want God’s blessings and provision but don’t want the obedience and sacrifice He requires.  They want the taste without the calories... the upside without the cost.  If we are going to walk with Him... we can’t leave our cross laying on the ground.  Let’s commit today to pick it up, and follow Him with our whole heart...  When we do... life gets so much sweeter.  

Easy to Understand

It has been said that famed children’s author, Dr. Seuss, loved challenges.  In 1959, the co-founder of his publishing company bet him that he couldn’t write an actual book... with a good story... using 50 words or less.  The result?  The beloved book, “Green Eggs and Ham”  To date, it has sold over 200 million copies... using only 49 words in its entirety.  It was an actual story... but told simply for easy comprehension.    

This got me to thinking about the way Jesus communicated with people when He walked the earth.  Easy to understand messages... object lessons... relatable illustrations... all meant to be simply stated but life changing.  If we want to impact the world with the life-saving news of the Gospel, we must stay focused on keeping it understandable...    The world is searching for hope... let’s commit to not overcomplicating what Jesus meant to be easily grasped... Commit to Christ... Love God... Love others... Serve... Give... Be blessed.  Just a few words...but they make an eternal impact.  

The Rest

Psalm 46:10a

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

It has been reported that the average American gets 1 hour and 6 minutes less sleep than the 8 hours that they need each night.  When you add that up, that’s a 338 hour shortage... two full weeks!  Scientists have called this “sleep bankruptcy”... people walking around overtired and unaware of the risks to their health that lack of sleep poses.  

This definitely hurts our physical well-being... but there’s something that affects us far more profoundly:  A lack of spiritual rest.  So many exhaust themselves... wondering if God will come through.  Hours of time are lost to self-doubt, lack of faith, panic, and an overwhelming sense that worrying can help a situation.  God has other plans... He tells us in Psalm 46 to be still.  Rest.  Let Him be God.   When we do so, and we allow our minds and hearts to trust Him, we find ourselves refreshed and ready to enjoy the blessings that He has for us each day.

In the Bucket

Fisherman know that when they go out to sea to catch different types of crabs, they don’t need to put a lid on their capture bucket.   Why?  Because once they’re caught... crabs never try to escape.  Not because they are unable to.. but because when one tries, the others drag him back down.  It’s what is called the “crab mentality.”  If we all can’t escape... nobody can.  

Sadly, some people are the same way.  They just can’t stand to see others happy.  If they can’t be filled with joy... neither can you.  If they can’t succeed... they’re keeping you down there with them.  The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:3 to do nothing selfishly... but consider other people as better than ourselves.  Want a cure for the “crab mentality?”   Resist the urge to keep them in the bucket... instead encourage their growth, cheer them on when they win, and help them over the hurdles of life.  God will bless your selflessness.  

Image

It has been said that one of the greatest evidences of God is His breathtaking creation.  A sunset over the deep blue waters of the ocean... the smell of a colorful spring flower.... the way the earth glistens after an afternoon rain... All beautiful and all on purpose.  We serve a God who values magnificence.  “The beauty of the cosmos,” one writer penned, “is God’s signature.  He could have made an ugly world and a loathsome universe.  But He is a God of beauty, and we must worship Him in the beauty of His holiness.”

Maybe while you are reading this, you are in front of a mirror.  If not, take a second and find one to stare into.  Stare into the image you see.   You know what?  That face is beautiful.  Exquisite.  Those eyes... hand made and color tinted by God.  The hair... each strand placed (and counted) by the Lord Himself.  Ephesians 2 tells us that the image you are looking at right now is the best work God can do.  He says it Himself...You are His masterpiece...you are loved... and you are more stunning than the brightest star in His sky.  God made you beautifully (and he knows and values beauty!).  Today, if the world tries to make you feel less than exquisite, remember what you see now... and keep in mind that God’s words to describe you are far more accurate than those of your peers.

Fully Engaged

An insurance company studied 65,000 fatal crashes over a two-year period.  The results?  One in ten wrecks were the result of distracted driving.   Before you quickly blame texting or talking on the phone… 62% of those accidents where someone died came as the result of…

Daydreaming.  

Staring blankly into space… letting the mind wander… just letting go and mentally coasting.   It was daydreaming that killed 6 out of 10 in those crashes.   Psychologists tell us that when we are in a daydreaming state… our conscious “wanders off” and we let our sub-conscious take the wheel.  Has that ever happened to you?  Have you ever stopped at an intersection and wondered how you got there?  Asked yourself… “did I stop at that stop sign back there?”  Or the ever-popular “Where am I?”

It happens… but it shouldn’t.  Scripture tells us to be alert at all times.  Not just in traffic… but in other things.  Do we let our mind wander as we stare at a co-worker of the opposite sex?  Do we allow our brains to drift as we spend time in church?  Are we completely focused at our job?  In the classroom?  In conversations with our spouse or kids?  But who cares, right?  After all… daydreaming in those situations won’t cause a fatality…   

Well maybe not a physical death… but not focusing can cause a marriage to crumble…grades to fall… faith to be shaken…job loss…and so much more.  Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 that we should be “sober-minded” and “watchful.”  Why?  Because the enemy is simply pacing back and forth waiting for us to let our guard down… then he pounces like a roaring lion on our lives.   Take a few minutes today and evaluate your ability to pay attention to what’s important.  Pray that God would remove distractions, remind you of why concentrating is in your best interests, and give you the strength to overcome the pull towards lethargy.   You’ll live a safer life… and you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of being fully engaged in every moment of it.

Instructions

I read a national survey where they asked spiritual people... “how does your faith affected your ability to make decisions?”   31% said that they made choices based on what “feels right and is comfortable.”  18% said they make choices based on whatever is best for them at the time. 14% said they choose whatever causes the least conflict with others... 16% said they choose based on God’s Word.  

Out of all that were asked... less than 2 in 10 said that they followed the Bible’s guidance over their own.  In Luke 6:46, God addresses this... He says “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”   Jesus gives us instruction through scripture and the Holy Spirit nudges us... yet lots of people ignore both when deciding a course of action.  It seems that many appreciate the wisdom between the covers of the Bible, but fail to follow and apply it because it’s difficult or unpopular.  Today... be different.  Make choices based on God’s truth... not feelings... and watch your life be blessed as a result.  

Clean

A story is told of a man whose children each won a goldfish from a carnival.  Not having anything to put them in... the man went to a local pet store for a tank.  As he walked past the expensive aquariums, a sale tag caught his eye.  Five dollars for a used fish tank.  Perfect.  He bought the obviously used and dirty tank and took it home for a good cleaning.  The fish looked beautiful swimming through the now clean glass.  Then they started dying.  One fish was gone by morning... one the next day... and the third?  It held on for two full days.  The man was confused... what had caused these fish to perish?  Then he remembered... when he cleaned the tank he had used soap.  A definite no-no.  Good intentions... bad way of carrying them out. 

Many times we treat our own lives the same way.  Things get dirty... polluted... difficult.. and instead of running to God’s Word to get things clean... we use far more abrasive and toxic methods.  We condemn ourselves and choose to become self-critical.  Before long, we start to believe that what we did defines who we will always be.  We see our stains as permanent and our errors as unforgivable...  And soon after, that dream inside our heart begins to die.   God has another way.  A safer way.  We need to allow Him to define us.  We call ourselves messed-up... God calls us masterpiece.  We say we’re cursed... God calls us blessed.  Ready to do some cleaning?  Don’t be harsh on yourself and abuse what Christ died for... allow His loving words about you to wipe away the smudges on your heart.  

What Now?

I'm writing this before the final tally.  I don't know who won the election yet... and my thoughts today aren’t shaded blue or red.  

Yesterday many of us went to polling places and cast our votes for the person we believed could best lead our nation.

Last night we stayed up late and watched election results come in.

Today we have a president-elect.

I want to encourage you to remember to do three things:

1. Pray for our president.  Even if you don’t agree with their politics... agree to pray for wisdom and strength as they lead our nation.
2. Pray for our nation.  Elections reveal division.  It’s time to heal as best as we can.
3. Remember that regardless of who sits in the White House...

God is not a democrat.

God is not a republican.

He is the King of Kings.

He will be on His throne in 2016 just as He was in 1016.

He was not voted into power and He won’t be voted out.

Choosing to follow Him will always be the right choice.

His ways are greater.

His love is complete.

Every knee shall bow.

Every tongue will confess.

In every election...regardless of result...

God reigns.  

"Make your motions and cast your votes,

    but God has the final say."  Proverbs 16:33 (MSG)

Temporary

C.S. Lewis once wrote "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

We often forget that we are temporary residents here on Earth... and for the brief time we are here, we have a purpose and a goal:  to share the great news of Christ with the world!   But ultimately, God has created us for much longer than that!  Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that God has set “eternity in the hearts of men.”  If you are a Christ-follower, you will live forever... and all the stresses, strains, and sadness you may be feeling as a part    this planet will eventually give way to everlasting peace.   Until we return home, let’s commit to living every day as effectively as we can... to change this world for Christ so that many more will spend their forever in the presence of the One that created them for greatness.  

Grateful

I once read a story about an eight-year old girl who was bravely fighting cancer of the nervous system.  When asked what she wanted for her 9th birthday she thought about it and said, ‘Well, I have two sticker books and a cabbage patch doll. I guess I have everything!’ 

To a young girl... just a doll and a couple of books meant the world to her.  What is that for you?  Do you have everything you need?  So many do, yet feel incomplete... like somehow if they added that one more thing they would finally be satisfied.  Problem is... once that one thing is in place... they want one more.  The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 to think differently.  It says... “So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.”  Good advice.  We must remember that a fulfilling life starts with us being thankful for what we have... counting on God for what we need... and staying grateful in the process. 

Filled With Joy

It’s been said that laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper... it doesn’t permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.   So true!  When we are upbeat, positive, and keep our sense of humor... good things happen.  Doctors tell us that happy people decrease their chances of heart attack, high blood pressure, and hypertension.  And those are just the medical benefits!  

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 17:22 that “A joyful heart is good medicine”  But how can we remain happy throughout our trying days?  Psalm 16:11 answers that by saying that we can find joy in God’s presence.  So that’s the key!  Stay close to God... and He will give us the joy that allows us to laugh when others are anxious and have peace when the world seems dark.  When we deliberately stay in God’s Word, talk with Him consistently through prayer, and worship Him through our actions... we draw closer and become filled with more joy in the process.   Want to be happy and healthy but find yourself stressed and worried?  Get closer to the One who gave you both the reason and ability to smile!

Not Going Back

On the Australian coat of arms is a picture of an emu and a kangaroo. These animals were chosen because they share a characteristic.  Both the emu and kangaroo can move only forward, not back. The emu’s three-toed foot causes it to fall if it tries to go backwards, and the kangaroo is prevented from moving in reverse by its large tail. 

Backwards is nearly impossible for them... 

For us, sometimes it’s a different story.

-  We go to church on the weekend... get filled with the joy of the Lord... and then Monday comes with its expected stress.  It’s enough to move our strength backwards.

• We go to a friend for comfort... get some much needed perspective... and then let the enemy convince us to wrestle with it some more.  It’s enough to make our faith move backwards.  

• We try to get past our past... pray through the painful memories... and then go right back to those old behaviors.  It’s enough to convince us that our lives are backwards.

Two steps forward... leaps and bounds backward.

Jesus has a different purpose for our lives.  Look at what He tells his disciples:

Luke 9:57-62  [emphasis mine]

“As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”

The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead!  Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus called them forward and they obliged.  Then it hit them....

Wait Jesus, I have to....

Hold on Jesus, first I need to...

Hey Jesus, can I go back to...

Hesitation to full commitment.  Jesus saw it in their hearts.  

There seems to always be a reason to serve God half-heartedly.

• We aren’t sure He can do what He claims to do every day...not just Sunday...so we forget about His daily provision, grace, and joy.

• We doubt that things will ever change in our life.  So we choose worry over worship.  

• We realize we can’t change the past... so we voluntarily allow it to define us.

One step forward in Christ... only to be shoved backward by the lies of the enemy.  

The temptation for some is to follow Christ with one eye on His promises and one on what they think they can control.   Jesus tells us to press on... don’t look back... and never GO back.  Where you were brought you to who you’ve become.  No need to regret past mistakes, ancient history, or painful memories.  

Christ clearly says... 

Follow me... Keep your eyes fixed on what I am about to do....Focus on where we are going together.  Move forward... not backward.   Come to my open arms... don’t backtrack to the pain you’re familiar with.  Serve Me with your whole heart... head up... one foot in front of the other.  Don’t compromise, retreat, or surrender.   I have great things in store for those who refuse to turn around and stare at the past hoping it will change....

Don’t give up an inch of what God’s allowed you to be victorious over...  Allow the mistakes of your past to give you wisdom and perspective when dealing with the present.  Gain ground by spending your time refocusing not regretting.  Commit 100% to serving Him and letting Him lead.   

Take your next step down the path even when you don’t see where you’ll put your foot.    It will be solid ground... He promises it.

Let’s commit to moving forward together... with Christ... no matter what.  

Ready to Drop Everything

In the book Scully, there is a dialogue between Steve Jobs, the late founder of Apple Computers and John Scully, who at the time was president of Pepsi. Jobs was attempting to recruit Scully for the top job at Apple and he asked Scully, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water or do you want a chance to change the world?”

Great question.  But Jesus asked a similar one centuries before to Peter and Andrew...

   “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.”  Matthew 4:18-20

...and to Matthew 

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”  Matthew 9:9

Essentially, Jesus asked... Do you want to spend the rest of your life fishing, tax collecting, etc.  or do you want to change the world?  Do you want to make an impact here on Earth... or for eternity?  

He’s asking the same thing to us.  Think about yesterday... was it lived for Christ?  Did you extend grace?  Help someone in need?  Share the Gospel with someone?  Donate, sacrifice, or assist? Pray? Read the Bible?  Make a change that will improve your quality of life?  Who did we choose to follow yesterday?  Are we selling sugar water or changing the world?

If you choose Jesus... what does that mean?  How does a world-changer live?

Unselfishly - Others first

Intentionally - Today matters

Hopefully - I will never give up

Lovingly - Unconditional and complete love

Generously - Giving obediently

Gracefully - 2nd chances… and 22nd chances to those that hurt me

Confidently - God’s got this.

Sugar-water sellers do what they did yesterday.    Clinging to the status quo like a security blanket... choosing survival over sacrifice.  They tread water in an ocean of mediocrity.  You weren’t born for that.  You’re meant to be a world-changer.  World-changers are called by Jesus to stand out... to give everything to Him.  Today... choose Christ over convenience.  Break the mold of yesterday and emerge stronger... ready to drop everything, follow Him, and be a living example of Christ’s heart.  

What is Filing Your Heart?

Speaking to a large audience, D.L. Moody held up a glass and asked, "How can I get the air out of this glass?" One man shouted, "Suck it out with a pump!" Moody replied, "That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass." 

How would you do it?  What would it take to get all the air permanently out of the glass?Vacuum?  Cover the top with your hand?    What if I told you that the air in that glass represents the fear in your life...  How would you get it out?  

If you’re like most people... avoidance.  When something makes them scared...they run.  Tough conversations?  Sharing Jesus?  They can’t.  They’re fearful of rejection.  Get that cough checked out by a doctor?  Not them.  What if it’s something life-threatening?

If avoidance doesn’t work for fear....there’s always denial.  People ask them how things are going...  They’ll just tell them the obligatory “fine”.  Scared to go home because of the verbal abuse from an angry spouse?  They’ll just tell the world “I brought it on myself... I deserve it”

If the first two don’t remove the fear... the last resort... worry.  Fretting, sweating, crying, pleading, and begging.  Surely one of these will make them fear less... right?  If they just keep chewing on it and losing sleep... God will notice and make things different won’t He? 

Let’s find out how D.L. Moody removed the air from the glass...

After numerous other suggestions Moody smiled, picked up a pitcher of water, and filled the glass. "There," he said, "all the air is now removed."   He knew it wasn’t what needed to come out... but what needed to be put in.  

If you are scared today... it isn’t about avoiding, denying, or worrying.   Removing the bad in your life isn’t the plan.  Promising not to sin... making deals with God... running and hiding in the darkness... avoiding the uncomfortable... All ineffective tactics.  None of these get the air out.  No matter how hard you try, there will be things in your life that will scare you.  Fear happens.

Remember, it’s not what needs to come out of your life.  It’s what needs to be put in.

For the next couple of minutes I want you to try something.   Think about your heart like the glass in the story above... full of worry, doubt, and especially... fear. 

I’ve copied some of my favorite verses about how God sees and deals with fear below.  Read each of them... several times if you want to...  and as you do, allow God to fill your heart with their meaning.  Visualize the fear leaving and these promises taking their place...

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”  1 John 4:18

“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”  Hebrews 13:6

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4

“Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”  Deuteronomy 31:8

These verses were written for you.  Claim them.

Stop trying to run from or remove what scares you.  Instead, stand boldly on these verses and allow Him to replace paralyzing fear with His comforting presence.  I’ll be praying for you as you do.