For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16, NKJV
Christmas was coming close and my children wondered what presents they would receive, if any. We didn’t have any money and my son said, “Mom, why don’t you go back to Salvation Army and get us toys there? It’s free.”
“Nothing’s free, my son. Somebody pays for those toys. Nothing is ever free. Someone always pays. No matter how you get them, someone paid the price,” I snapped at him, remembering those people who rang the bells at Walmart, Kmart and Target and those who bought the toys.
A little taken back, “I know, but at least you don’t have to pay for them,” he inserted.
There’s a principle in what I’ve said to my son. The price has to be paid for by someone. Nothing ever comes without a price. We may never personally pay for it, but someone did and we were blessed enough to receive without an obligation to repay. That’s our free gift. The greatest free gift that was ever given to us was Salvation bought by Jesus Christ. It was a great price to pay, but He paid it for us, out of love.
I remembered one Sunday, I was prepared to teach my Bible lesson, but only two ladies showed up and our husbands didn’t want to stay. My children were antsy and didn’t want to stay long enough for me to teach my lesson. So, we cancelled the session. I was so upset and hurt. And, I remembered asking God in tears, “Father, I don’t understand. How could everyone chose earthly activities over spending time with You?” I felt the burden to love them was so heavy and the pain was too hard to bear. But, He gently reminded me that He understood. It was the pain He felt on the cross when all the sins of the world were put on Him. And yet, He chose to bear them out of love. I, too, if truly love God, should do the same out of choice.
Tomorrow, February 14, is Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love that was paid for by someone with a great price and given to us free. Let us celebrate with gratitude. Let us never take our loved ones for granted. Most importantly, we live because He lives, so let us celebrate the love He gave to us, FREE.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Glory of Christ in Us
“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.”
~John 17:22
We went fishing this past weekend. As most of the times, we caught no fish. My daughter was not satisfied so my husband took her to the other end of the river to fish. Still there was no fish. We stayed for awhile and a man showed up with his fishing pole and started to fish. He caught one fish after another and my children were so surprised that he caught so many fish. Everyone gathered around his bucket of fish with excitement. He gave some of his bait to my husband and my son and they each caught one fish. Within 30 minutes of this man’s presence, he caught 5 fishes and met his limit. So, he offered his fishing pole to each one of us and no one would take it. He insisted that I fish. I was a little embarrassed so I declined, but he kept on handing me the fishing pole and said, “I will cast it because I know how to put it right into the fish’s mouth.” So, he cast it and gave me the fishing pole to hold on.
He stayed until it was nearly dark and his wife called. I still have not caught anything so I handed the fishing pole to my son. One by one we each took turns, but no fish. So, we handed him his fishing pole. He turned to me and said, “Would you like my fish. I just like to fish, I don’t eat them?”
“But, I thought you said trouts taste good?” I responded.
“I do like them, but my wife can’t stand them,” he smiled down at me.
“Oh, she’s one of those who don’t eat fish?” I inquired.
“She eats those from Captain D’s,” he said with his hands in his pockets and big grin on his face.
“Well, then, I would be glad to take them. I love fish and this would make my children very happy. Thank you,” I exclaimed.
“No problem,” he responded.
I instructed my son to transfer the fish from his bucket to our little foam cooler. Then, he offered one to the other man fishing beside us. The man gladly took the fish and put it in his cooler. As, my son handed him his empty bucket, he offered some baits to the other man and some to me? We took the bait from his hands and thanked him. I made a remark to the fact that he fished but didn’t keep his fish, he said, “Oh, I’m having a great time.”
As I reflected back, he enjoyed teaching my children how to cast their fishing lines and hold it until the fish bite. It made me wondered if he had any grand children of his own. Nevertheless, he made me calm because of the way he conducted himself, he wasn’t talking too much or shushing my children, but rather calmly taught them how to fish. And, before he left, he gave them enough baits to fish for the remaining of their time.
This reminded me of the time when Jesus was getting ready to go to the cross and prayed to His Heavenly Father. He reminded the Father that He has given us His glory that was given to Him so that He and us can be one as He is one with the Father.
The word glory came from the Greek word kabod (pronounced, kay-bold). And it means glory or honor which associates with dignity, wealth, or high position. When Jesus left, He didn’t leave us without any part of Him, but He clearly stated that He gave us His glory so that we can be one with Him. Part of honoring His glory is to use the it to display His splendor, His compassion, and His love for the world. He taught us how to do His work by showing us, then he cast the first throw and handed us the pole to just hold on and wait, then He gave us the bait (equipped us) to fish some more, and instructed us to continue having fun. We weren’t instructed with hush words, but gentle and kind. Then, he showed us where to get more of the baits-read His Word.
Meditating on this message that He instructed me to share, I feel His peace. He is consistent in His care of us. We have His glory within us and our job is to display it for the world to see. With the glory of Christ in us, we have nothing to fear. With the glory of Christ in us, we can do things we thought we couldn’t do. With the glory of Christ in us, nothing is impossible, not even an unwilling heart.
Father, I know You love me. I understand the glory of Christ is placed within me. Manifest Your glory in me so that I may display Your splendor for the world to see. I pray You will remind me everyday that Your glory is in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
~John 17:22
We went fishing this past weekend. As most of the times, we caught no fish. My daughter was not satisfied so my husband took her to the other end of the river to fish. Still there was no fish. We stayed for awhile and a man showed up with his fishing pole and started to fish. He caught one fish after another and my children were so surprised that he caught so many fish. Everyone gathered around his bucket of fish with excitement. He gave some of his bait to my husband and my son and they each caught one fish. Within 30 minutes of this man’s presence, he caught 5 fishes and met his limit. So, he offered his fishing pole to each one of us and no one would take it. He insisted that I fish. I was a little embarrassed so I declined, but he kept on handing me the fishing pole and said, “I will cast it because I know how to put it right into the fish’s mouth.” So, he cast it and gave me the fishing pole to hold on.
He stayed until it was nearly dark and his wife called. I still have not caught anything so I handed the fishing pole to my son. One by one we each took turns, but no fish. So, we handed him his fishing pole. He turned to me and said, “Would you like my fish. I just like to fish, I don’t eat them?”
“But, I thought you said trouts taste good?” I responded.
“I do like them, but my wife can’t stand them,” he smiled down at me.
“Oh, she’s one of those who don’t eat fish?” I inquired.
“She eats those from Captain D’s,” he said with his hands in his pockets and big grin on his face.
“Well, then, I would be glad to take them. I love fish and this would make my children very happy. Thank you,” I exclaimed.
“No problem,” he responded.
I instructed my son to transfer the fish from his bucket to our little foam cooler. Then, he offered one to the other man fishing beside us. The man gladly took the fish and put it in his cooler. As, my son handed him his empty bucket, he offered some baits to the other man and some to me? We took the bait from his hands and thanked him. I made a remark to the fact that he fished but didn’t keep his fish, he said, “Oh, I’m having a great time.”
As I reflected back, he enjoyed teaching my children how to cast their fishing lines and hold it until the fish bite. It made me wondered if he had any grand children of his own. Nevertheless, he made me calm because of the way he conducted himself, he wasn’t talking too much or shushing my children, but rather calmly taught them how to fish. And, before he left, he gave them enough baits to fish for the remaining of their time.
This reminded me of the time when Jesus was getting ready to go to the cross and prayed to His Heavenly Father. He reminded the Father that He has given us His glory that was given to Him so that He and us can be one as He is one with the Father.
The word glory came from the Greek word kabod (pronounced, kay-bold). And it means glory or honor which associates with dignity, wealth, or high position. When Jesus left, He didn’t leave us without any part of Him, but He clearly stated that He gave us His glory so that we can be one with Him. Part of honoring His glory is to use the it to display His splendor, His compassion, and His love for the world. He taught us how to do His work by showing us, then he cast the first throw and handed us the pole to just hold on and wait, then He gave us the bait (equipped us) to fish some more, and instructed us to continue having fun. We weren’t instructed with hush words, but gentle and kind. Then, he showed us where to get more of the baits-read His Word.
Meditating on this message that He instructed me to share, I feel His peace. He is consistent in His care of us. We have His glory within us and our job is to display it for the world to see. With the glory of Christ in us, we have nothing to fear. With the glory of Christ in us, we can do things we thought we couldn’t do. With the glory of Christ in us, nothing is impossible, not even an unwilling heart.
Father, I know You love me. I understand the glory of Christ is placed within me. Manifest Your glory in me so that I may display Your splendor for the world to see. I pray You will remind me everyday that Your glory is in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Friday, January 9, 2009
My Scribble of His Plan
Meet Lizzy. She’s charming, creative, kind, and simple. She loves to use her talent to tell stories. She loves Dora and Diego, erasers, and rocks. This is her rock. This is her art. She was trying to trace her rock onto my paper. The first attempt is the half circle around the right side of the rock. Then, she decided that it was much harder than it looks, so she tried the second time, the oval that ended with lots of spaces on top of the rock. And, finally the third attempt is the huge circle around the rock. She knew that it didn’t quite fit the rock, so she scribbled all over the paper, picked up her rock, turned around and show me her picture, told me it was Dora. Sorry, Dora, she really tried her best. I gave her a smile and told her how proud I was of her.
Then, the Lord opened my eyes to my situation. How much I wanted to look like Him. I tried to imitate His actions and character, and copy His image, but all I did was made whole bunch of scribbles with my life. Nevertheless, He says that His plan for me is the rock, smooth to the touch and pretty to the eyes.
He doesn’t care that my imitation was scribbles, He knows that I try and that I don’t have the eye and hand coordination to create the picture of the rock yet. He also knows that one day I will be able to draw the picture of the rock in its true form. It is a matter of time. I have to take time to develop and grow, to gain my muscles and strength in order to obey the orders of my brain to draw the picture of the rock. His plan for me is the finish product.
Jeremiah 29:11 says that His plan for us is to prosper us and not to harm us. His plan for us is to give us hope and a future. Although our picture at the time may look like Lizzy’s picture of the rock and Dora, we know that we’ve not fully grown and coordinated. We know that no matter what our pictures look like, He will always be proud of us and our efforts. His encouragement is for us to keep trying and looking up for His smiles.
When, my six year old daughter was Lizzy’s age, she drew the same pictures. She didn’t quite make sense on any of her pictures, but then she went to school and learned to draw pictures and make conversation bubbles for her pictures. Now that she’s six, soon to be seven, she can draw a story and tell you about it. If you look at her pictures, you can almost tell the story yourself. You know whether she’s drawing a woman or a man. One day, her stories will be complete sentences and clear pictures.
So, if your life doesn’t quite make sense today. Remember the finish product. Put it down, and keep trying and keep looking up for His smiles. It won’t be long before you can draw the true form of your Rock.
Then, the Lord opened my eyes to my situation. How much I wanted to look like Him. I tried to imitate His actions and character, and copy His image, but all I did was made whole bunch of scribbles with my life. Nevertheless, He says that His plan for me is the rock, smooth to the touch and pretty to the eyes.
He doesn’t care that my imitation was scribbles, He knows that I try and that I don’t have the eye and hand coordination to create the picture of the rock yet. He also knows that one day I will be able to draw the picture of the rock in its true form. It is a matter of time. I have to take time to develop and grow, to gain my muscles and strength in order to obey the orders of my brain to draw the picture of the rock. His plan for me is the finish product.
Jeremiah 29:11 says that His plan for us is to prosper us and not to harm us. His plan for us is to give us hope and a future. Although our picture at the time may look like Lizzy’s picture of the rock and Dora, we know that we’ve not fully grown and coordinated. We know that no matter what our pictures look like, He will always be proud of us and our efforts. His encouragement is for us to keep trying and looking up for His smiles.
When, my six year old daughter was Lizzy’s age, she drew the same pictures. She didn’t quite make sense on any of her pictures, but then she went to school and learned to draw pictures and make conversation bubbles for her pictures. Now that she’s six, soon to be seven, she can draw a story and tell you about it. If you look at her pictures, you can almost tell the story yourself. You know whether she’s drawing a woman or a man. One day, her stories will be complete sentences and clear pictures.
So, if your life doesn’t quite make sense today. Remember the finish product. Put it down, and keep trying and keep looking up for His smiles. It won’t be long before you can draw the true form of your Rock.
Father, I know Your plan for us is good. You destined us for success. Help us to realize Your will for our lives. I praise You in Jesus Name, Amen.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Not by Worth
You might wonder what’s happening to me or why I didn’t blog for the last three months. You might be too busy to even come to this website. Perhaps, you didn't even know this website existed before today. But, the reason for the big gap in this blog is that I fell in the hole of "Am I worth it?". This hole was pretty deep. I felt utterly disabled to write anything worthwhile. I felt as though I am not worth it to pass on His message of Love, even though His Love is of grace and mercy. I couldn’t bring myself to put anything down, let alone bringing ideas out on the open to share with all of you.
I spent time with Him alone, asking Him to validate His choice. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just me wanting all the prestige and honor of being His messenger. I made every excuse I could, then I said, “I know You can make the impossible possible, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for this ministry.” I was sure no one would listen to me or want to read what I wrote.
Then He took me to John 6:29, “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” You see, I was not looking at His glory, I was looking at my inability. I was not focus on the task He designed for me, I was looking at my failures. I was not approaching His throne with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I was coming to Him with utter disappointments. He simply told me to believe in the Power of Christ. My job is not to ponder on what I can or cannot do, but to believe in Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit guide me.
This Christmas, I experience a new peace that passes all understanding. Yes, I am not worth it. I will never be worth it. Yes, I don’t have it. Yes, no one will listen to me on my own. But, yes He is able and willing. And, yes people will listen when I allow Him to use my mouth and my hands to carry His good News. Yes, all that is required of me is to believe. It is not by worth that He has called me to serve Him, it is by His grace and His choice. I am privileged to be a part of His kingdom work.
Dear God, thank You for loving me passionately to send Your SON to earth. Let all your daughters experience the power of believing in the ONE You sent. Let this Christmas be a reminder of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.
I spent time with Him alone, asking Him to validate His choice. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just me wanting all the prestige and honor of being His messenger. I made every excuse I could, then I said, “I know You can make the impossible possible, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for this ministry.” I was sure no one would listen to me or want to read what I wrote.
Then He took me to John 6:29, “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” You see, I was not looking at His glory, I was looking at my inability. I was not focus on the task He designed for me, I was looking at my failures. I was not approaching His throne with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I was coming to Him with utter disappointments. He simply told me to believe in the Power of Christ. My job is not to ponder on what I can or cannot do, but to believe in Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit guide me.
This Christmas, I experience a new peace that passes all understanding. Yes, I am not worth it. I will never be worth it. Yes, I don’t have it. Yes, no one will listen to me on my own. But, yes He is able and willing. And, yes people will listen when I allow Him to use my mouth and my hands to carry His good News. Yes, all that is required of me is to believe. It is not by worth that He has called me to serve Him, it is by His grace and His choice. I am privileged to be a part of His kingdom work.
Dear God, thank You for loving me passionately to send Your SON to earth. Let all your daughters experience the power of believing in the ONE You sent. Let this Christmas be a reminder of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Imperishable Seed
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).
I noticed something peculiar about the seeds as I grinded the chili peppers. No matter how fine I grinded it, the seeds remained unbreakable. I’m sure if I put them in the ground they will grow. How unique, I thought.
This must be what apostle Peter talked about us being made from the imperishable seed, the Word of God. The Word is the seed, thus when we put the seed in us, it is indestructible. It lives in us and instructs us how to live like Christ.
Though there may be many trials and temptations that we may face, the Word of God remains changeless, just like the chili pepper seeds. This indestructible power within us is what will reproduce itself when planted in good grounds. The blender may mix us all around, tearing our physical being apart, but the seed in us lives on.
This is powerful, because this means that when God pronounces a promise for His children through His living Word, the promise germinates and grows. And whoever claims the promise-learn the word of God, memorize it until you can speak it in your regular conversations-will produce fruit.
The Lord is good. I am so glad to learn this simple and yet powerful lesson. I am emptying myself of my self-doubt and unbelief and fill myself with more of His words, the living seeds. God bless you.
Lord Jesus, I am in awe of Your mighty power. You are so good to me. Help me to believe in the power of Your living Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I noticed something peculiar about the seeds as I grinded the chili peppers. No matter how fine I grinded it, the seeds remained unbreakable. I’m sure if I put them in the ground they will grow. How unique, I thought.
This must be what apostle Peter talked about us being made from the imperishable seed, the Word of God. The Word is the seed, thus when we put the seed in us, it is indestructible. It lives in us and instructs us how to live like Christ.
Though there may be many trials and temptations that we may face, the Word of God remains changeless, just like the chili pepper seeds. This indestructible power within us is what will reproduce itself when planted in good grounds. The blender may mix us all around, tearing our physical being apart, but the seed in us lives on.
This is powerful, because this means that when God pronounces a promise for His children through His living Word, the promise germinates and grows. And whoever claims the promise-learn the word of God, memorize it until you can speak it in your regular conversations-will produce fruit.
The Lord is good. I am so glad to learn this simple and yet powerful lesson. I am emptying myself of my self-doubt and unbelief and fill myself with more of His words, the living seeds. God bless you.
Lord Jesus, I am in awe of Your mighty power. You are so good to me. Help me to believe in the power of Your living Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Come Let Us Sing Joy to the Lord
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. (Psalm 95:1-7)
Last week, we witnessed one of the deadliest storms. Although, the citizens of Houston and Galveston were directly affected by this hurricane, it devastated people all over the USA: In just a matter of hours gas stations all over Columbia, South Carolina jumped record high. People along the coast are still unable to return home. Last night I was reading an article about Hurricane Ike and how authorities may have to order a mandatory evacuation for Galveston residence. Heart-wrenching decisions, yet it must take place for the safety of the people.
Hurricane Ike may have been strong and it killed 48 people, devastated many homes and cities, islands and businesses. But, when I closed my eyes, I saw God carrying the hurricane in His hand, carefully placing them in certain places. In doing so, many people were spared. They may have lost their earthly belongings, and we may have to pay higher gas prices, but God spared all who heeded the warnings.
This brings the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (I’m not claiming that Galveston or Houston sinned against God or did evil deeds-that’s not my point here) to my mind. When God was going to destroy them, He came to tell Abraham and he pleaded with God and Lot and his daughters were spared. When Hurricane Ike was far off the coast, God revealed it to meteorologist who warned people way ahead of time and those who took heed of the warnings left and their lives were spared. Not only that, but many prayed for mercy, and He quickly turned a category 3 hurricane to a category 2. God is indeed sovereign and merciful.
Though we may not see it as God’s love and mercy because of all the damages, much worst could have happened. It could have claimed more lives and Ike could have remained strong throughout all of the states that it touched, but it didn’t. God was merciful and He quieted the storm.
As a woman who desires to fear the Lord, I marvel at His authority and mercy. As we dig through our purses and cabinets to relieve some of the pains the victims experiences, I pray we will remember to praise our God who is the author of people, mountain, sea, and land. He is mighty, merciful and loving. He is our salvation. He is still in control. Let us lift our praises to Him. And, in due time, I believe He will restore the victims’ fortunes. God bless us all through this difficult time.
God, I praise You. You are worthy of glory, honor and praise. Though we may have the wrong focus and lose sight of You, You are faithful to save us. I pray for all the victims along the cost who were directly affected by Hurricane Ike. I pray You will bring joy, peace and happiness their way and You will restore their fortunes, for You are a compassionate God. I thank You for Your mercy and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Last week, we witnessed one of the deadliest storms. Although, the citizens of Houston and Galveston were directly affected by this hurricane, it devastated people all over the USA: In just a matter of hours gas stations all over Columbia, South Carolina jumped record high. People along the coast are still unable to return home. Last night I was reading an article about Hurricane Ike and how authorities may have to order a mandatory evacuation for Galveston residence. Heart-wrenching decisions, yet it must take place for the safety of the people.
Hurricane Ike may have been strong and it killed 48 people, devastated many homes and cities, islands and businesses. But, when I closed my eyes, I saw God carrying the hurricane in His hand, carefully placing them in certain places. In doing so, many people were spared. They may have lost their earthly belongings, and we may have to pay higher gas prices, but God spared all who heeded the warnings.
This brings the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (I’m not claiming that Galveston or Houston sinned against God or did evil deeds-that’s not my point here) to my mind. When God was going to destroy them, He came to tell Abraham and he pleaded with God and Lot and his daughters were spared. When Hurricane Ike was far off the coast, God revealed it to meteorologist who warned people way ahead of time and those who took heed of the warnings left and their lives were spared. Not only that, but many prayed for mercy, and He quickly turned a category 3 hurricane to a category 2. God is indeed sovereign and merciful.
Though we may not see it as God’s love and mercy because of all the damages, much worst could have happened. It could have claimed more lives and Ike could have remained strong throughout all of the states that it touched, but it didn’t. God was merciful and He quieted the storm.
As a woman who desires to fear the Lord, I marvel at His authority and mercy. As we dig through our purses and cabinets to relieve some of the pains the victims experiences, I pray we will remember to praise our God who is the author of people, mountain, sea, and land. He is mighty, merciful and loving. He is our salvation. He is still in control. Let us lift our praises to Him. And, in due time, I believe He will restore the victims’ fortunes. God bless us all through this difficult time.
God, I praise You. You are worthy of glory, honor and praise. Though we may have the wrong focus and lose sight of You, You are faithful to save us. I pray for all the victims along the cost who were directly affected by Hurricane Ike. I pray You will bring joy, peace and happiness their way and You will restore their fortunes, for You are a compassionate God. I thank You for Your mercy and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fear?
Lately, there have been many fears stirring up through the media. The increase of gas prices, the increase of grocery prices, the sky rocketing interest rates of credit cards (they creep up on you like roaches-you don’t know where they rest during the day, but they sure know how to find you at night), and the foreclosures. And, America is destined to make political history this year. I never watched politic conventions before, but because of this year’s history making politics, I’ve been following the presidential candidates. It mesmerized and gravitated me toward fear: fear of financial burdens; fear of who is going to sit at the White house chair; fear of uncertainties, and fear of losing my house and my loved ones. Fear.
Fear drove me to worry and confusion. I know I shouldn’t worry. And, I know God is in control so I shouldn’t be confused because God is the God of clarity. The God of vision. The God of surety. The God of supreme authority. The God of all good things. If all good things come from the Lord, then where do all bad things come from? I sat and contemplate my situation. I dreamed about my situation. And I lost focus.
I began to wonder what others are thinking. Surely, other people don’t have the problems that I have. Or do they? The media pictures are full of black holes-everything is uncertain: not even the direction of Ike. How hard would Ike hit if it hits our southern borders? All the oil companies shut down. Gas prices jumped overnight. Earlier, when my husband called to tell me to go and fill up the cars with gas, I was at the pump and there were lines of cars. There was one lady waiting behind me, then she decided I took too long so she thought there was an open pump and drove over, but then she los the spot there. She swerved back to wait for me, only this time she was in front of me. As I was pulling my car forward, there was a van behind me and she started to yell at the driver that she was there first. You move you lose, I thought, wait a minute, that’s not very nice. We’ve heard a lot about road rage, but now we have gas pump rage. Fear.
So, I guess I was not the only one afraid of uncertainties-and I didn’t even know I was afraid. I was not sure of this feeling of not wanting to do anything-until I read Tracy’s blog. Tracy was talking about worry. It finally dawned on me that I was simply afraid of the wrong things and persons.
God instructed us not to be afraid of anything that can kill the body but cannot do anything afterwards. Rather, we should fear the Lord our God. He promised us He would take care of us if we fear (honor, respect, and reverence) Him. Isaiah 33:6 says, “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” In Him, I have salvation. In Him, I have knowledge. In Him I have wisdom. And if He is for me, who or what can be against me? The condition or the price I pay is reverence, fear God. All I have to do is acknowledge that He is the Sovereign Lord. That’s my key to this treasure.
So, how can I show Him respect if I keep in constant fear of the earthly uncertainties? Things and people who could only kill my body and not my soul. Isaiah 54:14 says, “In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.” I am made righteous by the blood of Christ. I am whole. I am complete in Him. I have nothing to fear.
God is still God no matter the circumstances of this world. God can change the circumstances. But, the circumstances cannot change God. Fear not, for God is with us.
Lord, God, thank You for Your grace and mercy over me. I am fearful of things and fail to acknowledge Your authority and presence. Forgive me. Instruct me in Your truth, whether I turn to the left or the right, let me hear Your voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Fear drove me to worry and confusion. I know I shouldn’t worry. And, I know God is in control so I shouldn’t be confused because God is the God of clarity. The God of vision. The God of surety. The God of supreme authority. The God of all good things. If all good things come from the Lord, then where do all bad things come from? I sat and contemplate my situation. I dreamed about my situation. And I lost focus.
I began to wonder what others are thinking. Surely, other people don’t have the problems that I have. Or do they? The media pictures are full of black holes-everything is uncertain: not even the direction of Ike. How hard would Ike hit if it hits our southern borders? All the oil companies shut down. Gas prices jumped overnight. Earlier, when my husband called to tell me to go and fill up the cars with gas, I was at the pump and there were lines of cars. There was one lady waiting behind me, then she decided I took too long so she thought there was an open pump and drove over, but then she los the spot there. She swerved back to wait for me, only this time she was in front of me. As I was pulling my car forward, there was a van behind me and she started to yell at the driver that she was there first. You move you lose, I thought, wait a minute, that’s not very nice. We’ve heard a lot about road rage, but now we have gas pump rage. Fear.
So, I guess I was not the only one afraid of uncertainties-and I didn’t even know I was afraid. I was not sure of this feeling of not wanting to do anything-until I read Tracy’s blog. Tracy was talking about worry. It finally dawned on me that I was simply afraid of the wrong things and persons.
God instructed us not to be afraid of anything that can kill the body but cannot do anything afterwards. Rather, we should fear the Lord our God. He promised us He would take care of us if we fear (honor, respect, and reverence) Him. Isaiah 33:6 says, “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” In Him, I have salvation. In Him, I have knowledge. In Him I have wisdom. And if He is for me, who or what can be against me? The condition or the price I pay is reverence, fear God. All I have to do is acknowledge that He is the Sovereign Lord. That’s my key to this treasure.
So, how can I show Him respect if I keep in constant fear of the earthly uncertainties? Things and people who could only kill my body and not my soul. Isaiah 54:14 says, “In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.” I am made righteous by the blood of Christ. I am whole. I am complete in Him. I have nothing to fear.
God is still God no matter the circumstances of this world. God can change the circumstances. But, the circumstances cannot change God. Fear not, for God is with us.
Lord, God, thank You for Your grace and mercy over me. I am fearful of things and fail to acknowledge Your authority and presence. Forgive me. Instruct me in Your truth, whether I turn to the left or the right, let me hear Your voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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