Don't Be Afraid

Fear is the greatest barrier to our faith.

“While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, ‘Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.’ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well’” (Luke 8:49-50).

Jesus made it abundantly clear to Jairus that his daughter’s healing depended not on his fear but on his believing. Fear and faith cannot exist together. They are incompatible.

How often have we known God’s will, mentally believed it, spoken of it as ours, and, yet, not seen our promise? The underlying issue is fear.

Many Christians express fear when they’re sick or facing a bad diagnosis. They know God’s will concerning their health, and they are hopeful that they might receive healing, but within their heart is a fear that is eroding their faith.

“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:14-15, NLT).

The fear of dying is the fear from which all other fears grow. When the fear of death is destroyed, the bondage of other fears is also destroyed. Jesus broke the power of death. You’re no longer a slave to fear. You can be free to appreciate life, experiencing God’s peace, joy, and love. This is an environment where faith can come to life.

There is no reason to fear dying. Isn’t death just passing from here into the very presence of God, the essence of eternal Love, where there is unspeakable joy? Those who fear death choose to be a slave to every other fear, and when you live in fear, you have no abundant life.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Just as fear destroys faith, love destroys fear. Perfect love casts out fear. Fear is torment, but knowing the love of God releases you from its torment. Do you truly know God loves you? The perfect love of God casts out fear. If you are living in fear and not receiving the benefit of your faith, the love of God is your solution.

Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I can know the perfect love of God that casts out fear and all evil (Psalm 23:4). 

I'm loved, and fear has no power in my life.

 

The More You Live In Him

My friend, Jesus exchanged places with you. His innocence became your sin. God made Jesus, who was sinless, to bear your sins so that you might become the righteousness of God through Him. Have you renewed your mind with this truth? Have you put on the new person you are, created in the image of God Himself, righteous and holy (2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 4:23-24)?

When you make mistakes, remember that you have an Advocate before the Father. He is your greatest Champion, Supporter, Backer, and Spokesman! His name is Jesus, the righteous One! He has paid the price for your sins—not just yours, but the sins of the entire world (1 John 2:1-2).

The Holy Spirit witnesses to you: “I will remember your sins no more.” That means God will never be irate, annoyed, or cross with you. Does this bear witness in your heart (Hebrews 10:17, Isaiah 54:9)? 

Know who you are in Christ Jesus. Don’t ever forget you were cleansed from all your sins, my friend. If you stray down the path of shame and guilt, you’ll lose sight of your future and your purpose will fade. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, and you’ll remain faithful. (2 Peter 1:8-9)

There was one ultimate sacrifice for all your sins. When Jesus’ work was finished, He sat down at the right hand of God. There is nothing more for Him to do. He has cleansed all your sins, past, present, and future, my friend! His blood has opened the way for you into the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:12, 19-20).

There is no separation from the Father. When you truly behold Him, you will witness something extraordinary: the reality of who you are in Him becoming tangible in your life. You will undergo a transformative journey, gradually resembling Him more and more (2 Corinthians 3:18).

God gives more grace to the humble (James 4:6). Rejoice in Jesus’ sacrifice and humbly surrender yourself to more and more of His grace, my friend. The more you behold Him, the greater you rejoice in His sacrifice and live an abundant life in Him.

Don't Be Harder Than a Stone

When Jesus reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. 

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
—Luke 19:37-40 NLT

For nearly 4,000 years, all of creation had eagerly awaited this momentous occasion. Prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, it was finally unfolding before their eyes. This was an event that warranted an outpouring of praise.

All the things the Lord has done and will do for us deserve our utmost praise. I refuse to let anything—whether the fear of man, the fear of my own inadequacy, or any obstacle—keep me from fulfilling my purpose as God has created me to do. I won’t succumb to the temptation of neglecting to testify to the goodness of God and expressing my praise for His blessings.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, who forgives all my iniquities, and heals all my diseases! I’ll never forget what the Lord has done for me! (Psalm 103:2-3)! 

I’ll proclaim His name to my brothers and sisters.  I’ll  praise Him among His assembled people. He hasn’t made light of my suffering. He hasn’t turned His back on me but has listened to my cry for help in my time of need! (Psalm 22:22-24).  

Lord, I’ll fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. Those who are hungry will eat and be satisfied. All who seek You shall praise You. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy! (Psalm 22:25-26)

A stone is hard and unyielding, but not as much as a person who doesn’t praise You, Lord. I don’t want to be harder than a stone! If I don’t testify to your goodness, I’ll miss the encouragement that my praise brings to someone else and to myself. One moment in my life offered death and then You spoke life. How can I not praise You? How can I not stand before my brothers and sisters and share what you have done for me? 

Come Boldly

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus is and was God (John 1:1), but He was also flesh (John 1:14). He was tempted, yet was without sin. As a man, He understands our weaknesses and can relate to us and what we are going through. Since Jesus was sinless, He was worthy to pay the price for our sins, and now we can come to God in our weaknesses and needs. As our High Priest, Jesus has opened the throne of God’s grace to us.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Since He is our High Priest, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, seeking mercy and finding grace to assist us in times of need. We should have complete confidence in approaching the Lord, not only when we have done everything right but even when we have made mistakes. If we rest in the finished work of Christ and not in our own goodness, we can boldly approach Him.

“Boldly” in the Greek is “parresia” which means “fearless confidence and freedom of speech.” Can you come to God boldly with the freedom to tell him everything? Can you approach Him with your true thoughts and feelings, knowing He values openness and honesty? Jesus can handle whatever you tell Him. He is your High Priest who sympathizes with your weaknesses, and heals you with His grace (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Jesus has opened the throne of grace to you. His unconditional love doesn’t see your failures and judgments. He sees you healed, whole, and fulfilled. He waits for you to come and lay everything down with a grace so forgiving and complete that nothing can impede its power to change you. You come to Your loving Father, the all-powerful, infinite God, who moves your mountains and changes the circumstances of your life. 

Your High Priest is not unattainable. Come boldly to God’s throne of grace, my friend. It’s the throne of unmerited, undeserved, and unearned favor. Come freely and unhindered, knowing there is grace for your every need. There at His altar, obtain mercy and receive grace. There, know completion in Him. Rise free from selfishness with confidence in Him. Rise in victory and joy. Rise in peace and purpose. You have fellowshipped with Your Redeemer. You are His, and He is yours. Your need is met. Come boldly.

Persevere In Prayer

Have there been times you have prayed in faith, but the answer to your prayer was slow in coming? Perhaps, you have asked yourself if you should just give up hope. Let me ask you something. Have you asked God if there is something you should do while you are waiting for your answer? Have you asked God if your attitude is one that encourages faith or continually comes against it?

The Word tells us how to respond when the answers to our prayers are delayed. In Colossians 4:2, Paul shared the kind of attitude we should have as we wait for the answers to our prayers. He wrote, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

The word “continue” in Colossians 4:2 is translated from the Greek word “proskartereo.” It means to be strong, to have courage, and to be steadfast in faith.  This reveals a person who has a strong unshakeable attitude. He believes. He wants something so deeply that he is pressing toward it, dedicated to securing it, and purposefully occupied with things the Holy Spirit directs that will help him receive it. In using the word “proskartereo,” Paul encourages us to stay focused in prayer, to keep pressing forward in the Spirit, and to refuse to give up until we have received what we have been praying for.

The Greek word translated “prayer” in this verse is “proseuche.” The first part of this Greek word, “pro,” indicates coming face to face with something or someone. Prayer isn’t just a formula to get something. Prayer is the means by which we come face to face with God and have fellowship with Him. In prayer, you become intimate with God. To breakthrough barriers that prevent the answer to your prayer, you must press forward in the Spirit.

The second part of “proseuche” is “euche.” This word indicates petitioning for something in a sacrificial way. Sacrifice is an essential element of prayer. When you come before the Lord, you must come to Him vulnerable and open. You must surrender any changes in your life that He may require. There can be things in your life that hinder His ability to bless you. As you draw closer to God, the Holy Spirit will convict your heart of anything that needs to be surrendered. If you respond to His conviction and repent, the obstacles that were hindering your prayers will be removed. God desires for you to meet Him face to face and surrender every aspect of your life to Him. He promises that in return you will receive the answers you seek.

Paul continued in Colossians 4:2 by saying, “Continue in prayer, and watch.” The word “watch” is the word “gregoreo,” meaning to be awake, to be watchful, or to be vigilant.  When you begin to pray in faith and make the changes God requires, you must remain vigilant and watchful, expectantly anticipating the answers to your prayers. 

The last point Paul made in this verse is that you must “watch in the same with thanksgiving.” The word “thanksgiving” is the Greek word “eucharistia,” which is comprised of two words “eu” and “charis.” The word “eu” means good or well, and it indicates a good feeling about something. The word “charis” is the Greek word for grace. When these two words are combined, the resulting word conveys the idea of having overwhelming good feelings of God’s grace, which flow effortlessly from your heart in response to a promise yet to come.

By using the word, “eucharistia,” Paul taught you must never give up in prayer, but with your whole heart seek your answer from God. As you steadfastly keep a watchful, expectant attitude, stand in faith, thanking God for the answer you have yet to receive. You will discover it’s difficult to be disappointed or feel defeated when you are always thankful. As you wait for the answer to your prayer, hold fast to your promise with a heart full of faith and thanksgiving.

Are you praying for something and the answer still hasn’t come?  Stay focused in prayer, continually pressing forward in the Spirit. Make whatever changes God requires, and always be alert, watching for your answer. Start praising God right now for the answer you have yet to receive.

Perhaps you’ve been tempted to give up on something you’ve been praying for. My friend, never, never give up! Persevere in prayer, keeping your faith strong and alive! Remain alert, watchful, and expectant! At this very moment, you might be on the brink of receiving the answer that has eluded you for so long.

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

 

* The understanding of the Greek comes from Rick Renner, "Sparkling Gems from the Greek."

Wield Your Sword!

The story of David and Goliath shows how good triumphs over evil no matter how big the problem. David was prepared to confront Goliath because he had already experienced victories as a shepherd. David’s father trusted him to watch over his flocks. That meant David cared for their needs and protected them.

David loved the sheep, so when a lion and a bear came after them, David killed them. This was a huge accomplishment for David, but God was with him. God had plans for David.

Have you ever had debilitating fear? When the devil can’t break you with one weapon, he will try everything he can to tear you down. Six years ago he tried fear and anxiety with me. He starting painting pictures in my mind that convinced me of death. When I overcame one attack, he would send another. He never let up. He came after my peace and confidence.

I had to learn to stand and resist my attacker like David did. David wasn’t going to let a lion or a bear destroy the flocks. The fear I felt, and the sickness that came were like the lion and bear. David used his past victories to know God would provide another victory. He saw Goliath as just another beast to conquer. “Not on my watch,” David declared. He knew God would deliver him again. The devil’s attackers are sent to destroy us. I’ve had to learn to say “No! Never! You are done!” 

The devil will harass and use any weapon to make us so tired that we give up. His purpose it to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give us an abundant life. This is the very reason we must hide the Word in our hearts. 

We all will have trouble in this world. The Word is God’s weapon to fight the devil’s lies and schemes. Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me.”

We all have lies of the enemy that come against us. No weapon formed against us shall prosper, nor will the accusations and condemnations of the devil tear us down. We have a better weapon. He is the living God, and His Word, Jesus Christ, lives in us. We can shut down the devil’s lies and tricks. Authority is ours in Christ Jesus. 

The cross is good overcoming evil, no matter how big our problem. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was entrusted to care and protect His Father’s flock. He knew the attackers would come to destroy His sheep. But Jesus took care of the sheep’s every need and protected them by giving His life for them. He sealed their deliverance.

What lie is the enemy using against you? God has a sword for you to silence and defeat him. It is His Word for your need. Do you know what that Word is? If you do, how real is its authority to you? Do you stand on it, wielding it, knowing God is your Deliverer? Jesus has taken care of your enemy. He has overcome. Now it’s your time to use the authority He has given you.

A Sacrifice of Praise

 

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
—Hebrews 13:15


Yes, the devil attacks us. But some people go through trials just eating the fruit of their own mouth. If I can’t control my mouth in difficulty and give God an offering of my praise in the midst of what I don’t understand and can’t control, then what I speak doesn’t manifest life. It speaks death to my circumstance, my health, and whatever my need. If the words that come from my mouth don't express praise to God, they won’t bring forth good fruit, but bad. If I can’t give God thanksgiving right there in my difficulty, then my praise for that which is good in my life has little meaning. But when I praise God during difficult times, it reveals that I trust His absolute goodness and faithfulness in the middle of that which makes no sense in my life; the words I speak come out of His abundance in my heart. I know that He is in me and I am in Him.

The words that come from your mouth are powerful. What you speak brings forth either death or life. Will you speak life, hope, peace, health, provision, and faith? It’s the sacrifice from your lips the Lord wants. And when you offer Him praise in your difficulty, it will be with the assurance that you know all is well in Him. The words of your mouth bring forth His goodness into that which makes no sense to your natural mind. He inhabits your praise. You are conscience of Him. Jesus in you overcomes. You have the mind of Christ, and you yield to Christ in you, the hope of glory. You speak life into what makes no sense in this world. 

*******

Lord Jesus, I’m so thankful that I have the assurance that all is well in You. I praise You for your Word. Your Word is Your life I want to speak into my circumstances and need. You are the only One I want to agree with. I give you my sacrifice of praise. I choose to continually profess my hope in You for You are faithful to Your promise. You are the Vine and I am the branch through which You have chosen to express Your truth. If I abide In You and Your Word abides in Me, then what I ask will be done. You are glorified, not me. Lord, You spoke Your Word into existence. I will speak Your Word into my need. I won’t speak anything that doesn’t align with Your Word. I choose to never doubt you, but to believe You. Out of Your abundance in my heart, I bring forth Your good things. I stand resting in Your finished work. I fight the good fight of faith for Your promise. I believe and receive it as mine. I walk in Your goodness in this life. Praise You, Jesus, for opening my eyes!  I see. I understand. I know. I won’t let anyone speak death to my faith. I give you my sacrifice of praise. In You is my life. My praise is to You alone. I am fully convinced that what you have promised, you are able to perform. 

Praise You, Jesus! I believe You.

 

Awake

There is a framed print over our bed that says, “Wake and pray for a blessed day.” When I hung it many years ago, I was a person who prayed for a blessed day without the assurance in my heart of always having one. I was someone constantly reaching for God’s approval and blessings. Through a time of utter darkness, I began to seek the Lord. The Holy Spirit pulled back the curtain of darkness to reveal the truth of Jesus’ unconditional love and grace. He revealed a lack of knowledge and faith. Why was I always striving to receive blessings that Jesus had already purchased for me? For many years, fear had proven greater than my faith, but with the revelation of His love, I saw in the spiritual realm what Christ had purchased for me to receive in the natural. My faith grew to become the evidence of things not seen. No matter what happened in the day that was coming, I began to expect His blessings. 

What are you expecting today? Do you anticipate a day of ceaseless challenges and hardship? A day of merely surviving? Paul urges us in Romans 12:2  to be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we might know the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). 

Just what is God’s will for your life and for this day?

“Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people” (Psalm 3:8)

If you are born again, God’s blessings are upon you. However, a lack of knowledge or faith may be preventing you from receiving these blessings. But be assured that they are there waiting for you to believe and receive them.

“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:2).

Under the Old Covenant, God’s people were blessed. Paul in Ephesians 1:3 expresses how much more we are blessed under the New Covenant: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).

Do you anticipate experiencing God’s blessings—His kindness, protection, supply, and health every day? You ought to. Your expectations shape the course of your life.

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation” (Psalm 68:19)!

Expect His blessings today. Confess them, and believe your circumstances will align with His purpose to bless you.

“For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12).

You have God’s favor available to you. One minute of favor is far better than years of hard striving. Give Him thanks for His favor today. God is for you. He loves you and wants to bless you. Start thanking Him and expect His blessings in your life.

“Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you” (Hebrews 6:14).

We are justified with God because of our faith in Jesus. We are blessed over and over again beyond any human measure.

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).

Never lose heart! “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 5:14). Believe you shall see His goodness!

Each day is full of God’s blessings. Wake up to the Holy Spirit’s revelation of His grace for you. Jesus gave His life so you could have His light to dispel your darkness. Out of the revelation of His unconditional love in your heart, you cannot hold back your praise. It erupts from within. You know His blessings will multiply and flow in your life.

“Wake and praise God for a blessed day.”



 

Lead Me, Holy Spirit

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.
—Isaiah 30:21


Holy Spirit, I’m so incredibly thankful the Father has sent You to me. There are no words to truly describe the joy Your presence brings. You’re as real as my next breath. You walk with me to help me overcome any obstacle in life. You’re my most reliable ally. You empower me and lead me at every turn. If I’ll listen and follow You, I’ll agree with the Father and walk in His peace. 

Thank you for helping me navigate this life through every difficulty and every decision.You’re the One who knows what is best. Reveal the Father’s heart and will to me in each moment, each need, and each encounter. I surrender my flesh, my feelings, and my thoughts to Your revelation. May I always hear Your voice revealing the Father’s will. May the Word bear fruit in me. 

You wait every moment to help me and guide me! How can I possibly not recognize Your voice? You’re the Person the Father has sent to me. How can I ignore You who lives within me and comes alongside me? Why wouldn’t I want to come alongside You and learn from You? 

Help me to keep myself out of the way. I want to hear You leading me in the way I should go. I open my heart, mind, and soul to Your ministry, and I’ll do my utmost to discern Your voice, Your leading, and Your guidance. With my whole heart, I’ll pursue Your divine help to navigate this life.

Praise you, Jesus, for making everything possible that is in the Father's will. Your redeeming love gives me access to Him! Praise you, Father, for sending Holy Spirit to care for me in every way until I arrive home to be with You. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for leading me to the Father.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, my all-in-all. You are my life.

 

 

Fulfill Your Purpose In Me

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
—I Thessalonians 5:24

You call me into the deepest fellowship with You, Jesus. It’s your divine calling that reveals Your love and purpose for me. You constantly remind me in times of doubt that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises in me. Remembering You are faithful encourages me to trust You no matter what happens. But it’s not just that You call me. You also equip and enable me to fulfill my purpose.

You tell me that I’m not inadequate, that you have created me for your best, and that it’s Your power working in me that fulfills Your purpose in my life. It’s not my work, Jesus. It’s Your work that I must allow. You don’t call me to where you don’t abundantly supply. Yet, I sometimes treat You as if you do. My own strength often suffices instead of trusting You, and I often doom to failure what You call to flourish. I need Your vision. I need Your inspiration and constant reminder that in my weakness, You are strong.

You call me out of my comfort zone. You call me to let go of all I have relied on, everything I have trusted, and entirely rely on You. I was never meant to empower Your purpose. I am meant to reveal You in it. When I risk everything for You, and step out in faith, You are alive in me and strengthening me. You shelter me safely from the enemy’s attempts to destroy Your life being manifested in me. When I surrender myself to You, You take care of what only You can. You enable me to live your plan for my life.

I lay before You what You have called me to do. You gave it to me, but I don’t own it. You own my calling because You own me. I lay down myself. I lay down all I have determined before You. My life is a gift to You just as Yours was a gift to me. My understanding of You and Your purpose evolves as I seek You with all my heart. Only You satisfy me, Jesus. I must go with Your revelation of unconditional love and grace. I cannot remain stagnant in You, stuck on my failures and not daring to live the dreams You have given me. If I remain settled where I am, I’ll miss the promise of You revealing Your heart to me, working in me, and using me. I’ll miss out on experiencing Your faithfulness. I’ll miss out on You doing in me and through me what You have designed for me. I don’t want to miss Your best. I choose You.

Make me pliable , Jesus. None other has permission. Not myself. Not the opinions of men. Not tradition. Only You mold me. Only You, Jesus. This is exactly where I want to be.  You have called me, and You are faithful. The part of me that has kept me from receiving the fullness of Your Spirit has died. You have prepared me. I can go no further without You. Now fill me and fire me. Fulfill Your purpose in me.