Fear and Gratitude

The more the days drag on, the more fear seems to creep in like a soft wind, and before we know it, we are consumed with it.

But fear is not from God but from the devil. It is his way of keeping us from doing the will of God. It is his way of paralyzing us from seeking God. It is his way of keeping us from reading the Word and being in the presence of Jesus Christ.

We blink and are completely wrapped up in fear and so far from God - and no longer serving our community in love, no longer checking on others in a meaningful way, no longer putting others before ourselves, all it is is me me me me me me me me and mine.

Emerson asked me tonight why I'm going to church tomorrow since the virus is out there. I reassured her it wasn't church like she remembers with a bunch of people and also we are taking the utmost precaution to stay safe. BUT I also told her that God has placed a burden within me to serve God's people in whatever way I can. She can write letters to her friends, we can send meals to people, and mommy can sing on Sunday.

And what of those who are risking their health each day in the hospitals, etc. Oh to be the one who holds the hand of the dying and to paint a picture of heaven, to share the good news of Jesus!

"You need to persevere, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with Him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." Hebrews 10:36-29

I will say this too. Sure, there is much I can complain about in this current situation, BUT I WON'T. In part because I just read an essay from a wife who is caring for her COVID infected husband. But I also won't complain because Jesus calls us to hold a posture of gratitude and joy. Never is there an account of Jesus complaining about where he slept at night, the food he ate, how he was treated by others, or what he had to endure.

Jesus Christ in me!

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience, and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:22-25

Jesus Christ in you, too.

The Great Shake Up

Oh the eye of the storm!

How much life has changed since my last post. How fitting that it was on fear.

I told Josh we are in the midst of the Great God Shake Up! The silver lining in all this is that God is doing a new thing ~ once the snow globe of life settles I can't imagine what ministry and God's mission will look like - a deeper connection, more effective, more meaningful relationships, a kinder disciple, a more empathetic and open neighbor. A world changing kind of love. He is doing a new thing!

In your home and in the quietness of your heart, if you feel anxious or apprehensive, say these words OUT LOUD and repeat it over and over.

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. 
Praise the Lord, for he has shown me wonders of His unfailing love. 
He kept me safe when my city was under attack. 
Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to Him..
So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
Psalm 31: 19, 21, 23 - 24

The Father's love is deep for you.
 J

Yesterday I was texting an older male member of the praise team and I meant to write, "No, no. Don't worry about it." BUT it autocorrected without me realizing it to "No, no. Don't worry about tit." TIT.

And that is basically a metaphor for my entire day yesterday.

Did you hear of the tornado in Tennessee? We have family there and my dear cousin Britt, who has four little babies, was woken to the sound of the tornado. Before they knew it they were in the eye of the storm. Miraculously they survived and she only needed stitches, but their house was completely destroyed. Their neighborhood is no longer.

Oh fear, you creep in like a lion waiting to attack.

The devil breeds fear, but Jesus offers peace.

Cling to the promises of God.

"...say to those with fearful hearts, 'be strong, do not fear; your God will come. He will come with a vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you." Isaiah 35:4

"Let us remember that when God is behind something, you never have to fear the outcome. He has your best interest at heart, and he will work it together for your good." -cc