What is Fear to a Believer?

It is False Evidence Appearing Real!

 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (^[a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMP

 Casting the ^[a]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, ^[b]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you ^[c]watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

 

Today, I struggled with anxiety over that which I have no control. An old tape was playing in my head and my fear was irrational. I was fearful over someone's, dear to me, reaction to something I am creating for my son. This fear seemed to hang on for quite a long time too. I am reminded by a good friend to take it to the Lord, thus the above scripture. God cares for me and everything about me, my hurts and my fears. This project I am working is for my son and it is important to him and how someone else may see it is not for me to fret over. I give thanks for the young man I am blessed to have given birth to and though there are some regrets, I need to be thankful for all that I am blessed to have received. I can take my concerns to God that He would mend the broken places not only in my heart but also in that heart of someone dear to me. I so desire that this creation will be a wonderful gift of remembrance for my son.

 

What false evidence appearing real are you letting hold you back?

 

My prayer: Dear Father in heaven, You know my heart and thus You know my fear. Please mend the broken places not only in my heart but also in someone dear to me. Bless this gift for my son that it would be one of remembrance and joy. Amen.

 

Footnotes:

1. Philippians 4:6 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
2. 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
3. 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
4. 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

 

Meekness: Fruit of the Spirit

What does it mean to be Meek?

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5

....Meekness, temperance against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:23 (KJV)

Meek does not equal weak! The English Standard Version, NIV, and the AMP use gentleness in place of meekness. Yet, the AMP includes meekness. In my Thompson Chain Reference, it pairs meekness with its opposite, retaliation. Dictionary.com defines meek as humbly patient or docile, as under the provocation from others; overly submissive or complaint; spiritless or tame. Synonyms for meek are forbearing; yielding; unassuming; pacific; calm; soft see gentle. I looked up gentle and I liked what I found under synonyms; gentle, meek, mild refer to an absence of bad temper or belligerence. Gentle has reference especially to disposition and behavior, and often suggests a deliberate or voluntary kindness or forbearance in dealing with others (from Dictionary.com). The way that I see it; meekness is an attitude towards others of forbearance and an easy temper not one that is a quick temper. It is also one that will stand firm yet not feel threatened by what others think or say that is contrary to what one knows to be right. 

As for an example, I think of David in the Old Testament. There were two occasions that David had the opportunity to take King Saul's life but he refrained. When his own son sought his life David did not seek his son's or try to persuade him from doing so. David said, "Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me,^[a] and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.” (2 Samuel 16:11-12 ESV) Jesus is, of course, an excellent example of meekness. When He was brought before His accusers, there was a moment when He remained silent as a lamb before its slaughter. 

Meekness is knowing when to speak with restraint and not to insight the anger of the one to whom you are speaking. It is not getting easily angered over something that is trivial or seeking retaliation. It does not seek revenge. It is however precious in God's sight. 1 Peter 3:4 (KJV),
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Being that it is a fruit of the Spirit I know that of myself I cannot be meek on my own. I can seek after it through prayer and study of His word. God can and will enable me to be meek in my dealing with others.

Footnote:

1. 2 Samuel 16:12 Septuagint, Vulgate will look upon my affliction

My Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I ask that You would enable me to be meek in dealing with others. Help me not to be quick to become angry and to speak up when it is called for. All to Your glory. Amen.
 

Peace Promised to Believers

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165 (KJV)

The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1

These are just a few of the verses that talk about peace. This peace is bestowed upon anyone who puts their faith in Jesus. I particularly like the way Psalm 119 verse 165 reads in the King James because nothing offends the one who loves the Lord and His word. By keeping my mind on God, He keeps me in perfect peace because I trust Him. People today seem to be so easily offended. It takes a good deal to offend me now. Should I get offended I need to realize it is my problem and get over it. I have to stop and recognize what is really going on. Sometimes it is someone just trying to see how I am going to react and in turn get some kind of pleasure out of it. The peace I now have in God helps me from getting angry over minute details. When I am weak, I do tend to overreact and when that happens I need to promptly admit my mistake and ask for forgiveness. Peace now flows like a river inside me and I rejoice in the love, grace, and forgiveness that is found in Jesus. It is this kind of peace that should draw others to Christ because it passes all understanding and is life changing.

May the peace of our Lord and Savior be with you!

My Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the peace You give me when my mind is steadfast on You. May others come to know this peace too. Amen. 

Find Rest for Your Soul

Jesus Said,

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Matthew 11:28-30

This world keeps me busy and there are times when I need rest. That is when Jesus' words come to mind. My soul longs for rest as did David's did in Psalm 62:5-6,  

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from Him.
⁶ Truly He is my rock and my salvation;
    He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

 and David mentions rest again in Psalm 91:1-3,

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

³ Surely He will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.

  One of my challenges is to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). The Amplified reads To let be and be still. I like that because it reminds that I cannot control others and I am to be still before the Lord. It is all too simple. I find myself needing more direction but none really is needed when I do as the Word says, Be still. This is the rub. Being still takes patience. Yet, there is great reward. It says so in Isaiah 40:30-31,

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint. 

The last part of Nehemiah 8:10 tells me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. So why is it that I struggle to find time to be still before the Lord? Yes, it is the struggle between my spirit and my flesh. It is much like a child not wanting to take medicine in order to get better. God has proven Himself time and time again, therefore, I am the one who needs to make the change and be obedient.

May you, too, find rest for your soul in God.

 My Prayer: Father in heaven, forgive my reluctance to be still before You and let things/others be. You know me better than I do. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your mercies. Put in me the desire to be still before You and help me to create the habit. Amen.

What is in a Name?

Everything When the Name is Jesus!

Philippians 2:9-11 (AMP)

⁹ Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has ^[a]freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,

¹⁰ That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee ^[b]should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

¹¹ And every tongue [^[c]frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Think about it! There is power in the name of Jesus. Look at how it easily empties a room or causes division. For a believer, it means everything and has power in prayer. For the unbeliever, it causes people to become hateful or critical of those who believe. The name of Jesus has the power to heal and bring reconciliation. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is wonderful, counselor, prince of peace. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is more than just a prophet or good teacher. For He died a horrible and excruciating death yet rose again so that believing in Him we have everlasting life and will spend eternity with Him. If there were no power in His name, there would be no conflict and His name would be forgotten. Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Rejoice in the Lord again I say rejoice! Sing praise to His Holy Name!

Interesting Bible Fact: The name of Jesus is in the New Testament 1058 times in the ESV according to Bible Gateway.

My prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I praise the name of Jesus. All glory and honor be Yours. Amen. 

Testify to the Truth

What Does It Mean?

According to dictionary.com 

Testify means to make solemn declaration.

To declare, profess, or acknowledge openly.

 

I am called to testify to the truth of Jesus Christ and what He means to me. There are a number of passages in the Bible that speak to testifying. Telling my story is important because it cannot be denied. It is mine and therefore is my experience to the life change that Jesus has done in me. I am to proclaim it to others so that they, too, can receive eternal life in Jesus. For I cannot deny Him or He will deny me before the Father. Jesus is real and He is life. I am not who I used to be and as long as I am on this earth I will continue to abide in Him because He has given me His Holy Spirit (1 John 4:13). My attitude should be like Paul in Acts 20:24, But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

As I tell my story, may it be seasoned with grace and gentleness. There is power in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will put the words in my mouth to say. It is for His glory and not mine that I wish to speak for Him.

 

May you also be called to testify to the truth with grace and gentleness by the power of the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory.

 

Interesting Bible Fact: 2 John has the fewest number of verses of any book in the Bible - it is the shortest book in the Bible.

The word "Christian" appears only three times in the Bible: Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.

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The word "Christian" appears only three times in the Bible: Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.

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Stand Firm

Stand Firm in United Spirit and Purpose.

Philippians 1:26-28 (AMP)

²⁶ So that in me you may have abundant cause for exultation and glorying in Christ Jesus, through my coming to you again.

²⁷ Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel).

²⁸ And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.

Again I am reminded of how I am to conduct myself. I am to stand firm and contend for the faith not being fearful of those who oppose it. I am, as for as it is in my ability, to live at peace with others. In Ephesians chapter 6, I am told to put on the armor of God that I may be able to resist and stand my ground firmly. By my actions, it will be clear sign of my deliverance and salvation to which they might be drawn to and come to the knowledge of the truth, Jesus Christ. Remembering that we war against the spirit that is in the world and that Christ has already won the battle. Jesus said that the world hates Him and would hate those who follow Him, so this should not surprise me. God said that there would days like this. 

Allowing God's word to dwell in me, I can be at peace even though there is chaos around me. The power of the Holy Spirit enables me to be at peace and to love not only in my words but also by my actions. God is in control and knows the outcome for all. I need not fear or be troubled. God's got this! I can be of good courage for God is with me wherever I go.

Interesting Bible Fact: Obadiah, with 21 verses consisting of 602 words, is the shortest in the Old Testament, and the third shortest in the Bible.

My Prayer: Dear God, I put my trust in You. Thank you for Your word and for showing me that I need not fear anyone. Your word is true. Amen.