Change Your Focus

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:14 (NAS)

Have you ever seen a baby learn to walk?  Struggle, stand, step, stumble, repeat.  Human ability to achieve a goal is evident by the number of people strolling all over the world.

As adults we say, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."  Not only is that not the definition of insanity, nor was it a saying of Albert Einstein's, it's often used as an excuse to give up.  Apply that concept as it was intended: you can't expect your life to improve when you continue abusing substances.  In other situations, you have to realize that to reach your goals you have to put in the work.  Struggle, stand, step, and when you stumble, repeat.

So what is your focus, what is your goal?

If your goal is to be happy, your focus is on you, and you're on the road to narcissism.  If your goal is to make others happy, your focus is on others, and you'll be miserable because people are never satisfied.  When your goal is to make God happy, your focus is on Him, and everything that's not important fades out of view.  Your vision is sharp and your purpose is clear.

Serving God isn't always easy or fun, but when you keep your focus on Him, it's simple, and the rewards last literally forever.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrew 12:1-2 (NAS)

When you realize how big God is, you won't have to run away from your battles.  You won't want to.  You'll suit up in His armor and Run to the Battle.

Change the Filter

"and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,"  Ephesians 4:23 (NAS)

Negativity is all the rage right now.  Victimhood is a badge of honor, and anxiety and depression are in vogue.  If you're satisfied with that, read no further.  If you're ready for the alternative, gear up.

You feel unloved, not because no one loves you, but because you've been unloving. You feel unaccepted because you don't accept. You don't trust, not because others are dishonest, but because you are.  You're suspicious because you yourself have ulterior motives.  You're greedy not because others are selfish and stingy but because you are.

Once you have allowed Christ to change your heart and change your mind, blinders fall off your eyes and you see clearly.

When you allow God to love others unconditionally through you, you open yourself up to receive unconditional love.  Your motivation switches from trying to manipulate people, to a desire to get to know people.  When you live an honest life, you easily distinguish trustworthy people from deceivers.  You stop wasting energy trying to gauge everyone else because you're free from having to do so.  You give because you know you've been blessed, not because you judged someone as deserving.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  Romans 12:2 (NAS)

If you're approaching life through the filter of your trauma, all you're going to achieve is more trauma.  Let God change your filter.

Don't Be Salty

Guest post today, from Genesis 19. Special thanks to writer Francie Simpson, because I couldn't have said it better myself.

Don't be salty!

Remember when Lots wife turned to look back at Sodom and she turned to stone? That's really the only time we hear about her. But she lives in infamy because she did exactly what the Lord told her NOT to do, you don't look back. We don't even know her name, only that she turned to a pillar of salt. 

So why was it such a bad thing, to turn and look to see what was happening? Because God had rescued her out of certain death. At the behest of Lots cousin Abraham,  God sent two of His Angel's into Sodom to rescue Lot and His family and bring them to safety before the city was destroyed. But the wife, she turned to look back at all she was leaving, she didn't keep her eyes on Father who was rescuing her with His mighty hand. She was hung up on the past..

Abba wants us to keep our eyes on Him, our new identity,  our new life. Where there is no shame, no guilt, no condescension.  We will misstep, we are human.  the enemy will take that opportunity to jump on that and speak lies in your ear, things like " You're trash, you're not worth anything, no one wants to be around you,  God can NEVER forgive you for this." That's a lie from the pit of hell.

Let me tell you, There is not one human being on the entire face of this earth who has not fallen down, and probably more than once. Not a single one. Do you turn your back on your kids when they mess up or do something you don't agree with? Or do you love them, pray for them, and eagerly wait for them to come back home? Don't believe the lies! We all fall short of Grace, but it is there for us anyway.  I have many things I wish I hadn't done, but they are a part of my testimony.  I made mistakes raising my kids, I said things to my parents I wish I hadn't and I made MANY other mistakes..  Those things used to eat at me. (I used to say it was catholic guilt..)  It used to keep me from thinking i was worthy of hearing my Father talk to me, to call my name. But God taught me that my past is exactly that. Past. It is not who I am anymore.  Everything changes when you realize your identity in God. You're a daughter, a son, you are CHOSEN. 

We are all prodigals. At some point we were all in the pig pen lamenting our choices in life. So go home. Accept the love of the Father. Let Him put a new robe on you, one that will never fall off. No matter what. Even if you stumble and fall. Let Him give you a new pair of sandals for your feet to stomp on the enemy. 

Don't be salty, like lots wife.

Hello?

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;"  John 10:27 (NAS)

Feel like you just can't hear from God?  Want to do something important, and you're praying about what He would have you do, and it seems like He's not getting back to you?

Time for a gut check.  Or maybe we should call it a heart check.  You're waiting for a major assignment, but how about the minor ones?  You'll make a large charity donation, but will you pay your bills on time and set aside money to provide for your household in an emergency?  You're prepared to share the gospel on the street, but do you act like Jesus to the drive through employee when your order is messed up?  You're willing to travel and take time off work for a mission trip, but are you willing to stop at the grocery store for your family?  Every week, year after year, whether anyone thanks you or not? 

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave.  You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'"  Matthew 25:23 (NAS)

When you've sincerely asked for a revelation of what you might be missing and you're still not hearing any special directions, keep plugging away at everyday life with a positive attitude, because you're laying your foundation for the next step.  And keep listening so you'll hear Him when He gives you the next step.

No More Roadblocks

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."  Ephesians 2:10 (NAS)

There are so any roadblocks in the way of the work God has for us to do though, right?

We don't have time.  Or do we?  We all have the same God-given 24 hours a day.  If we're too busy to do what God's telling us to do, we're too busy.  Whatever you're doing that isn't what God's calling you to do, cut it out.

We have too many ailments.  Can we actually say with straight faces that we can't fulfill the calling of the Great Physician because we're too tired or sick or anxious or depressed?  Whatever condition is holding you back, seek healing.

We believe we're not qualified.  Whatever qualifications you're missing, pursue them.  Still feel like you're not qualified?  You're right.  Whatever the Lord is calling you to do, you're going to need His help for it.  That's what the Holy Spirit is for.

"but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."  Acts 1:8 (NAS)

There's a lot of work to do, and it's going to take all of us.  Let's do this.

Maybe It's You

"All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,

But the Lord weighs the motives."  Proverbs 16:2 (NAS)

We like to talk about what the church should be and do.  The church needs to sing more/fewer hymns, with more/fewer instruments, and more/fewer vocalists.  The church should preach more/less on the topics of repentance, tithing, baptism, marriage.  The church ought to be involved in politics.  Or not.  The church isn't offering enough for college age, elderly, young adults, or low-income single fathers of left-handed preschoolers with hazel eyes.

Do you realize you are the church?  If an area of ministry is on your mind a lot, you'd better pray up, because it could be God calling YOU to do it.

Host a hymn night.  Learn guitar.  Compose new music.  Preach online.  Start a blog.  Write a book.  Get involved.  Volunteer.  Build a Bible study group.  Open your home.  Teach your neighbors how to garden, cook, grill an excellent steak, or whatever you know how to do.

And not with the mindset that since the church won't do it, you'll just have to do it yourself.  That's a garbage attitude, and you know it.  Why should someone else do what God assigned to you?  If you can't do it with pure motives and an open heart, pray until you're willing to let the Lord clean up your soul.  Then get to work.

"Commit your works to the Lord,

And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3 (NAS)

Emotions On Notice

"He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.'"  Matthew 26:42 (NAS)

Legend has it that cattle dislike a storm and will try to outrun it, ultimately prolonging their misery, while buffalo will face the storm and run through it in a much shorter time.  Whether true or not, there's a lesson.

Avoidance of negative feelings is the god of our current society.  Does God care about your feelings?  Yes.  Are your feelings His main concern?  No.  What is?

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"  1 Peter 1:14-16 (NAS)

Your emotional state is not as important as your spiritual state.  Jesus acknowledged how He felt, but He lived out what He was sent to do in spite of how it made Him feel.  Living for God will often be hard on your feelings.  Let God help you face that and get through it.  Quit trying to serve your feelings and start living to serve your Father.

Start Winning

Are you always on the defense?

"holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."  2 Timothy 3:5 (NAS)

Jesus took our punishment, cleared the way for us to have a relationship with God, and lived as an example.  Between that and having specific instructions in the Bible about how to live, we have no excuse to continue living defeated lives.  We don't live under the circumstances, we rise above them.  We live controlled by His Holy Spirit, not by our own feelings or in reaction to our surroundings.

Read the first part of 2 Timothy chapter 3.  If any of those attitudes are making an appearance in your life, you can try to do better on your own but it will never work.  Ask God to remove those attitudes and replace them with His love in your heart.  He will do it when you allow it.  When you are surrendered to Him, then you will be able to take the authority He gave you.

"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you."  Luke 10:19 (NAS)

Put on the full armor of God and take the offensive position you've been assigned to.  Start taking victories.

You Do Who?

"Have this attitude in your selves which was also in Christ Jesus," Philippians 2:5 (NAS)

Be yourself.  To thine own self be true.  You do you.

Sounds liberating, but is it really?  Is it Biblical?  If your identity is not firmly rooted in Christ, you'll waste your life trying in vain to find yourself and to be happy.  Learn who God says you are.  Surrender and submit your whole life to Him, and let Jesus live through you.  Read the entirety of Philippians chapter 2, or for that matter, the entirety of Philippians.

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."  Galatians 2:20 (NAS)

Let God change your heart and your mind, and that will change your life.

Who Are You

"All of us like sheep have gone astray,

Each of us has turned to his own way;

But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all

To fall on Him."  Isaish 53:6 (NAS)

Society proceeds ever faster to renounce families, values, and culture, instead claiming false identities.  Embracing ethnicities, genders, and religions that aren't theirs.  Clinging to victim status when the trauma is long past or never truly existed.  Refusing to heal.  Abandoning civilized lifestyles to live like feral animals.

It's not mental illness.  It's spiritual illness.

It isn't confusion.  It's rebellion.

God blessed you with home, family, value, ethnicity, love, identity, purpose, healing, victory, community.  Not one person in the history of humanity has found a better way than God's.  Do you seriously believe you'll be the first?  Independence is a myth.  The sooner you let go of your arrogance, false humility, selfishness, and defiance, and submit to the interdependence God created you for, the better off we will all be.

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."  Joshua 24:15 (NAS)

How long will you rebel against the identity God gave you?  His grace and mercy are unlimited.  Your opportunities to grab hold of them are not.

Mustard Faith

"And He said to them, 'Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.'"  Matthew 17:20 (NAS)

This used to confuse me.  Jesus said their faith was too small, but also that they only needed a tiny amount?

It occurred to me that a mustard seed doesn't have the ability to wonder, worry, doubt, or fear.  A seed has no confusion about its identity or purpose, it's just programmed to sprout when it's planted, grow to maturity, and produce its fruit.

You are created by God, in His image, for a relationship with Him and with other people, to love and be loved, with a unique set of skills, interests, talents, and abilities, to cause good things to happen by doing the work He prepared for you to do, to overcome evil, and to find fulfillment in all of that.

When you embrace your identity as God's child, you have access to His authority, power, and protection.  You don't have to wonder whether you're worthy.  You're not, on your own; you are, because He said so.  That was the whole purpose of Jesus' earth time.

"For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'"  Romans 8:15 (NAS)

Are you a child of the King?  Live out that identity.

Joy in Trials

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when when you encounter various trials," James 1:2 (NAS)

That's not really what I'm good at.  The Lord tells us to though, so here's how I work at it.

Pray first.  God already knows what's happening anyway, even if that includes me feeling upset with Him, so I might as well talk with Him about it.

Talk to somebody.  God is always there for us, and He gave us each other too.  While I'm at it, I might find someone in a similar situation to mine, or a more difficult one, and we can pray together, work together, or commiserate together.  Commiserating can be overdone though, and needs to be tempered with hope and gratitude.  A helpful conversation will end on an encouraging note.

Keep working.  Whatever is transpiring in my corner, the rest of the world goes on, and I need to go on with it.  There's a measure of joy in accomplishment.

Rest as needed.  Working can be overdone too.  Nobody needs preexisting trials exacerbated by burnout, resentment, or illness resulting from taking on too much.

Be thankful.  There are always more blessings than troubles.

"Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,

And give thanks to His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for a lifetime;

Weeping may last for the night,

But a shout of joy comes in the morning."  Psalm 30:4-5 (NAS)

Keep your chin up.

How do you consider it all joy when you encounter various trials?

Unafraid and Unashamed

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;" Psalm 23:5a (NAS)

This spring we had a baby goat who was rejected by her dam.  Any time the doeling would try to nurse, the doe would kick her, stomp on her, run away, ram her, scoop her up with her horns and throw her across the yard, or bite onto her tail and toss her aside.  We had to bottle feed the kid several times a day for weeks.  Ironically, sometimes the mother goat would try to get a drink from the bottle herself, and I would end up shoving her away so I could feed her baby.  It occurred to me that I was preparing a table for this little goat in the presence of her enemy.

When we were planning to leave for a weekend and asking a friend to take care of the animals while we were gone, I was trying to describe which of the baby goats was the one who needed the bottle.  I realized I didn't need to, because she herself knew who she was.  While the other goats were wary of people, she would come running.  Unafraid and unashamed.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16 (NAS)

Do you know who you are?  Do you know Whose you are?  Do you know Who provides for you?  He already knows you're in need.  Don't hide from Him, run to Him, like that little hungry doeling.  And she didn't care one bit what the other animals thought.

Did You Get Your Answer?

"But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind."  James 1:6 (NAS)

You prayed the Lord would bring you a friend.  Have you considered that this person who challenges you and keeps trying to hang out might be the one God sent?  Don't miss out on a friendship that could sharpen you because you expected a fun pal.

You prayed that your absentee parent would develop into the guardian you wished for.  Nothing has changed in that relationship, but did you take advantage of the mentor who became available step into that role?  God won't change you parents without their permission, but He will provide who you need.

You prayed for deliverance from anxiety, insomnia, and depression.  Did you take the opportunity to stop drinking coffee, caffeinated soda pop, energy drinks, and alcohol?  God provided you with first steps.

You prayed for a positive change in the desperate life of someone you love.  When the change began to happen, did you sabotage or support?  Prepare yourself because you're going to have to change with them.

You prayed to be genuinely loved and accepted.  When you were, did you receive it with an open heart or a suspicious one?  Or worse, did you despise it and push it away because you felt undeserving or because it seemed too good to be true?

"And Jesus answered saying to them, 'Have faith in God.  Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be taken up and cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that it will happen, it will be granted him.  Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.'"  Mark 11:22-24 (NAS)

God always hears us when we pray.  His answers are sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes later.  Are you expecting a yes?  Are you prepared for a yes?  When you get what you ask for, will you recognize it?

Tried Everything But Nothing Worked

"Unless the Lord builds the house,

They labor in vain who build it;

Unless the Lord guards the city,

The watchman keeps awake in vain."  Psalm 127:1 (NAS)

You've read self-help books, gone to counseling, tried medication, visited with doctors, experimented with marijuana, medicated with alcohol.  You've exercised, altered your diet, found another job, moved somewhere else, experienced new places, changed up routines, learned new activities, pursued alternative relationships.  You've meditated, prayed to God, read your Bible, joined a religious group, gone to church, listened to different music.

No change.

Why?

"Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it."  Psalm 37:5 (NAS)

Did you dabble in Christianity, or did you commit your way to the Lord?  He will only change what you give Him.

No Excuses

"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  God blessed them; and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"  Genesis 1:27-28 (NAS)

We tend to ask why, if there really is a benevolent God, bad things still happen.  The common answer is, we live in a fallen world, but the elephant in the room is standing there in Genesis 1: God put us in charge and we haven't done a very good job.  We were built to be the bosses and instead we're wandering around trying to find someone to take the lead and/or the blame.

Jesus already secured our victory, which means we are not subject to fear, sin, worry, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, abuse, or anything else we use as an excuse not to learn, heal, grow, change, engage, inspire, encourage, move forward, and be productive.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."  Romans 8:37 (NIV)

Take the victory God already handed to you, and go learn, heal, grow, change, engage, inspire, encourage, move forward, and be productive.  LIVE.

Strength and Courage, Part 31

We tend to avoid the book of Revelation, partly because it sounds scary, partly because it's difficult to decipher, and partly because when you're just looking for basic everyday instructions on living right, it doesn't seem overtly helpful.

If Revelation is frightening, focus on these two verses.

"When I saw Him, I fell at his feet like a dead man,  And He placed His right hand on me, saying, 'Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades'"  Revelation 1:17-18 (NAS)

If you love Jesus, you have nothing to fear from Him, and because He trumps all, you have nothing to fear from anyone else either.

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."  Revelation 2:10 (NAS)

Self explanatory.  Go, be bold and victorious.

Strength and Courage, Part 30

The Bible says so many times not to be afraid, that there's a different reference for every day of the year.  Here are five of them.

"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6 (NAS)

It sounds too simplistic, but seriously, when your mindset is one of gratitude, anxiety shrivels.  Not just a few occasional moments of thankfulness, but a lifestyle of appreciation.

"just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear."  1 Peter 3:6 (NAS)

When you're doing what's right, you don't have to be concerned about getting caught, found out, or punished.

"But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.  And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,"  1 Peter 3:14 (NAS)

Many people throughout history have suffered for the sake of righteousness.  If you're afraid of that, read the whole third chapter of 1 Peter.  Read Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Paul wrote those letters in prison.

"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7 (NAS)

This is preceded by instructions to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God.  Casting your anxiety on Him isn't possible without humbling yourself under His mighty hand first.  This is also a lifestyle, not a one-time event.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."  1 John 4:18 (NAS)

Read the entire fourth chapter of 1 John.  When you're soaked like a teabag in love and truth, there's no room left for fear.

Strength and Courage, Part 29

Let's look at another five of the 365 "don't be afraid" references in the Bible.

"But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, 'Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.'"  Acts 20:10 (NAS)

Paul preached so long that a young guy dozed off on a window sill and fell to his death, but the Lord restored him to life.

"For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.'"Acts 27:23-24 (NAS)

Paul was given hope from God to share with his shipmates on a difficult voyage.  When we sail rough seas, we tend to wish for a message like this from a man like that.  Instead, work at your own relationship with God so you can hear directly from Him.  Be the one to share His encouragement with your co-travelers.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,"  Romans 5:1 (NAS)

Live like someone whose life has been saved.  You are.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  Philippians 4:6 (NAS)

Self explanatory, right?  Don't blow off the "with thanksgiving" part.  Gratitude and anxiety are polar opposites.  They can't coexist.

"so that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.  What will man do to me?'"  Hebrews 13:6 (NAS)

This verse has a precursor; "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,'" so there's no room for fear, anxiety or depression when we acknowledge with gratitude that we have an all-powerful God Who is for us, not against us.

Strength and Courage, Part 28

Welcome to another five of the Bible's 365 "don't be afraid" references.

"But He said to them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.'"  John 6:20 (NAS)

This is John's account of Jesus walking on the water, and His response to His terrified friends' reaction.  Responding is usually better than reacting.

"Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."  John 12:15 (NAS)

Jesus was fulfilling a prophecy from the book of Zechariah.  Trust God to do what He says He'll do.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  John 14:27 (NAS)

Peace from God is sometimes an absence of common problems due to a lifestyle of keeping His rules, but also is often a deep sense of reassurance even in the middle of desperate circumstances.

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33 (NAS)

Jesus already knew He was about to be sacrificed for humanity and that His closest friends would abandon Him.  He told them (and us) ahead of time to trust in Him even when things look horrible and hopeless.  God has things under control whether we feel like it or not.  Nothing takes Him by surprise.

"And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent;'"  Acts 18:9 (NAS)

Keep preaching.  Keep going where He sends you and doing what He tells you no matter what, until and unless He tells you to stop.

Strength and Courage, Part 27

The Bible says 365 times to not be afraid.  Here are five of them, four of which are even from the same chapter.

"But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, 'Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.'"  Luke 8:50 (NAS)

Jairus, a synagogue official, came looking for healing for his ill daughter, but word came that it was too late.  Turns out, it wasn't too late for Jesus, and He brought her back to life and health.

"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do."  Luke 12:4 (NAS)

Don't get too caught up in this life.  It's temporary, and pretty short compared to eternity.  Learn what really matters in life, and prioritize accordingly.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are numbered.  Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."  Luke 12:7 (NAS)

Jesus said that even sparrows aren't forgotten by God.  When you feel like God forgot you, double check.  Maybe you're the one who forgot Him.

"When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."  Luke 12:11-12 (NAS)

Learn to distinguish His voice from all others so when He talks to you, you'll hear it clearly.

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom."  Luke 12:32 (NAS)

If worry or anxiety are an issue for you, read Luke 12:22-32 until there's no more issue.  Nobody wants to believe that the solution is that simple, but it truly is.

Strength and Courage, Part 26

Welcome to another five of the Bible's reminders that we don't have to be afraid.

"When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit."  Mark 13:11 (NAS)

Jesus already knew that His followers would be criminalized, and told us in advance to keep following Him and not worry about the rest.

"But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.'"  Luke 1:13 (NAS)

Your prayers are being heard too.

"The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.'"  Luke 1:30 (NAS)

Have you also found favor with God?

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;'"  Luke 2:10 (NAS)

The only reason that angel showed up to a few shepherds was to tell them a happy secret.  Don't be so overwhelmed by negative emotions that you miss out on the good stuff.

"For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.  And Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.'"  Luke 5:9-10 (NAS)

How long will it take us to internalize this message?  Don't waste time worrying.  Step into victory.

Strength and Courage, Part 25

Here are five of the Bible's "don't be afraid" references, most of them directly from Jesus Himself.

"And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, "Get up, and do not be afraid."  Matthew 17:7 (NAS)

Jesus took His closest friends up on a high mountain where they saw and heard things that bewildered and frightened them.  When God leads you into unexpected situations, keep trusting Him.

"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.'"  Matthew 28:5 (NAS)

Two women on their way to pay their respects after Jesus' death got the news straight from an angel that Jesus was no longer dead.  We can expect the supernatural when we are intentionally moving toward the Lord.

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.'"  Matthew 28:10 (NAS)

That pair of women on their way to visit Jesus' grave met Him alive instead.  Expect Him to meet you when you're going in search of Him.

"But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, 'Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.'"  Mark 5:36 (NAS)

A father was on his way to request healing for his ill daughter when word came that it was too late for her.  Jesus revived her anyway.  Don't underestimate Him.

'for they all saw Him and were terrified.  But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, 'Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.'"  Mark 6:50 (NAS)

Jesus' squad freaked out when they saw Him strolling across the surface of the water while they were on a boat in a storm.  Let's get to know Him well enough that when He shows up in the middle of our storms, we recognize Him.

Strength and Courage, Part 24

Here are another five of the Bible's references to not being afraid.

"But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say."  Matthew 10:19 (NAS)

Jesus already knew that being a follower of His would become "criminal".  He gave us advance notice, and promised to be with us through whatever comes.  Just do what He tells you and don't worry about the consequences.  (It's the consequences of not following Him that are actually worrisome.)

"Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known."  Matthew 10:26 (NAS)

Truth will out.

"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."  Matthew 10:28 (NAS)

Self-explanatory, right?

"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?  And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."  Matthew 10:29-31 (NAS)

Could Jesus have made it any more clear?

"But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.'"  Matthew 14:27 (NAS)

This was when Jesus walked across the lake surface and a boat full of men thought, naturally, that He was a ghost.  Get to know Jesus well enough that when you're faced with the extraordinary, you know whether it's Him.

Strength and Courage, Part 23

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they?  And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?  And why are you worried about clothing?  Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?  You of little faith!  Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:25-34 (NAS)

In a culture currently controlled by anxiety and depression, we would do well to remember that the Bible tells us 365 times not to be afraid.  It's not just a cute little suggestion, it's a command.  Soldier up.

Strength and Courage, Part 22

Here are three of the the Bible's do not fear references.

"so I have again purposed in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.  Do not fear!"  Zechariah 8:15 (NAS)

The future of God's people is abundance and blessing.  Keep going.  Don't give up.

"'Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,' says the Lord of hosts."  Malachi 3:5 (NAS)

This is definitely not the same kind of "do not fear" we've been talking about.  You'd better have a healthy and reverent fear of the Lord.  He's coming for you.  If you fear Him, you won't fear His coming.  If you don't fear Him, His coming will bring you terror.

"But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.'"  Matthew 1:20 (NAS)

When the Lord gives you a purpose, He also gives you the courage.  Are you listening?  Do you know what purpose He has for you right now?  Will you take the courage He's offering you?

Strength and Courage, Part 21

The Bible gives 365 admonitions to not be afraid.  Here are five.

"He said, 'O man of high esteem, do not be afraid.  Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!'  Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, 'May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.'"  Daniel 10:19 (NAS)

Daniel was privileged to see a terrifying future, but then was given the courage to take it in.

"Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad,

For the Lord has done great things.

Do not fear, beasts of the field,

For the pastures of the wilderness have turned green,

For the tree has borne its fruit,

The fig tree and the vine have yielded in full."  Joel 2:21-22 (NAS)

This is the Lord's response to repentance.

"In that day it will be said to Jerusalem:

'Do not be afraid, O Zion;

Do not let your hands fall limp.'"  Zephaniah 3:16 (NAS)

This again is a response to repentance.

"As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear."  Haggai 2:5 (NAS)

When God gives you a purpose (which He always does, are you listening?) He also gives you what you need to live up to the challenge.  Stop worrying and start serving.

"It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing.  Do not fear; let your hands be strong."  Zechariah 8:13 (NAS)

When you have submitted to His discipline and given yourself wholeheartedly to the work He has for you, you'll be in line for the blessings He has for you.  There won't be any room left for fear.