December 25, May you find peace in Him!

John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  (NIV)

Promise:  Jesus promises peace in Him and that He will be victorious over all sin and oppression.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  He is Peace, Hope, Conqueror, Omnipotent, Sovereign, Ruler, Victor and  Lord of All.

Promise provides me with: assurance of peace for my mind, heart and soul in Jesus, eternal hope, knowledge that He will be victorious over all sin and will indeed overcome the world, assurance that in Him eternity is secure and that He is greater than any enemy we will encounter in this world and knowledge that though his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead He conquered sin and death for us.

     For this Christmas Day,  I chose John 16:33 because it is important for us to remember that Jesus did not stay in the manger but came with a purpose and mission to save us from our sins that included a trip to the cross.  He made the ultimate sacrifice in leaving heaven to come down and become a man to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  He was truly human in his suffering and yet truly God in his perfection and power to redeem us.  When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, he knew what lay ahead- the suffering and death on the cross and he knew the suffering and anguish his followers would face.  He wanted his disciples and all believers to know that He would be victorious and that peace was to be had though faith in Him.  As followers of Jesus, we too can have this confidence that He is stronger and more powerful than anything we can face today or tomorrow, that peace is available though faith in Him and that He will return as victor to totally defeat Satan forever.  Philippians 2:8-11 describes it  this way, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a  cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”  Praise God this Christmas for his perfect gift to all mankind, Jesus who came to bring us peace and to save us from sin.

Merry Christmas!

Linda

December 24, Seek Him and He will be Found!

Matthew 2:5-6 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, ” for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’ “ (NIV)

Promise:  God promised to send a ruler that would shepherd the people of Israel and He would be born in Bethlehem.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed: His Sovereignty, Longsuffering, Patience, Eternality, Love, Omnipotent, Ruler, King and Shepherd.

Promise provides me with:  knowledge that God planned Christ’s birth from the beginning of time, Christ is to rule over believer’s lives and be our shepherd, assurance that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to redeem us.

        These words were spoken by the Wise Men that came seeking the Christ child when they met with Kind Herod.  They had seen His star in the east and knew the ancient prophesies written in the Old Testament about the coming Messiah.  They knew that God was faithful and would keep His promise to deliver the Messiah who would redeem, shepherd and rule over his people.  What about you?  Are you seeking to find Jesus this Christmas?   Is your answer the same as Peter’s in Matthew 16:15-16? “But what about you?” he asked.  “Who do you say I am ?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.”  Do you know why He came?  Titus 3:4-7 puts His reasons for coming this way:  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”   Can you say with confidence that Jesus is the Christ and that He came to save you?  God promises in James 4:8a “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”   Call on the Lord this Christmas, come near to Him and He will come near to you.

Be wise and seek Him today!

Linda
These photos were taken in the stable/cave in Bethlehem where Jesus was born.  As we gathered in this sacred place we sang ‘Silent Night’.  It was a very moving experience.

December 23, Being Known by Faithful God

Isaiah 43:1-3a  But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”   (ESV)

Promise:  God promises to redeem me, be with me and not let circumstances overwhelm or consumed me.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed: He is Redeemer, Savior, Creator, Possessive, Personal, Faithful, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Sovereign and Holy.

Promise provides me with:  assurance that God knows me completely, assurance that God is always with me, that He watches over me and will not let life’s circumstances overwhelm or defeat me, knowledge that He knows me by name and that I am important to Him and assurance that I am redeemed from my sins though Jesus’s work on the cross.

        These words were first given to the children of Israel to encourage them as they were facing exile in Babylon for their idolatrous behavior.  God was assuring them that He loved them and would bring them back to their land.  The promises given here from our faithful God are available to believers today.  God loves and knows us by name,  redeems and promises to be with us each day. God’s promises to those who love Him do not change. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”   I find great comfort in knowing that God knows me so well and that I can depend upon Him to be with me no matter what the circumstances.  Matthew 28:20b reconfirms this in Jesus’ own words, “And behold, I am with you always, to then end of the age.”   So take heart today and call upon God’s loving character and presence to help you to face the circumstances of your life with full assurance that Jesus is with you.

Be assured of God’s faithfulness today,

Linda

December 22, Dwelling with the Almighty

Psalm 91:1-2 and 14-15   He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” …….  “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescues him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”   (NIV)

Promise:  God promises a relation with Him will provide me with a permanent refuge close to Him.  God also promises that loving Him will open a floodgate of blessings as He will rescue, protect, answer our prayers and cries for help, live eternally with Him and obtain salvation through Jesus.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed: He is Almighty God, Protector, Provider, Savior, Accessible, Rescuer, Omnipresent, Eternal, Trustworthy, the one who numbers our days, Hope, Promise Keeper, Caring and Merciful.

Promise provides me with:  assurance that He will always provide me with a refuge in his loving care, that he knows what is happening in my life and is available 24/7 to hear my cries, that God is eternal and has a plan of salvation to rescue me from my sins and assurance that in response to my love for Him there will be great blessings and security.

           I can not say that writing each day during Advent has been easy.  However,  it has kept me focused on His word and provided me with an awareness of how much I love sharing God’s word with you!  I have a new book, Promises for Dynamic Living, that I will be publishing in 2015.  For this advent calendar blog I have used only 1 verse from my upcoming book and that was by design as I wanted to challenge myself to look at new promises.  Today’s verses are an example of definite hidden treasure within God’s word.  There is such assurance and hope in these verses.  God is a promise keeping God and what He says He will do for me- He will!  When I read about God being my refuge, I know it is true as I have felt his loving arms around me in times of loneliness and trouble and his peace and comfort within my soul on a daily basis.  For loving Him, I am showered with blessings for a life sustained and uplifted now and forever.  Our lives should reflect his love and joy especially in this season.  Glorify Him today and show His love to others.

Peace and Love to you today,

Linda

December 21, Listening for the Shepherd's voice

John 10:27-30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.   My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”  (ESV)

Promise:  Jesus promises that He is my shepherd, gives eternal life, protects me in His hand and that He and God the Father are one.

Why is it important that I know this promise?

God’s character is revealed: He is Eternal, Shepherd, Guide, Accessible, Person, Protector, Faithful, Omnipotent and Sovereign.

Promise provides me with:  assurance of God’s love and care for me, safety in Him for eternity, knowledge that I am a gift from God to Jesus, that Jesus and the Father are one, knowledge that through Jesus I have eternal life, and that as a believer I can hear God’s voice and will recognize His guiding in prayer and though His word.

      I love this visual picture that Jesus uses to assure me that nothing can take me away from Him.  I am held in His hands, cradled, cared for and protected against anything that may come in life.  I am also assured that I will hear his voice and recognize Him.  When I read the Bible and pray I can seek His guidance knowing that He hears and will answer.  The answer can take several forms- yes, no or wait.  I think ‘wait’ is the hardest as we do not know all the variables and can not see when things need to happen.  This verse also assures me of eternal life though Jesus and reconfirms his equality with God the Father.  Jesus has the power and authority to hold and protect me for eternity.  If we listen, he promises to speak and guide us.   Do you listen when you read the Bible for Jesus to speak to you?  Do you take the lessons and truths in His word and seek to apply them each day?

Have a blessed day that is open to His voice,

Linda

December 20, God is good!

Romans 8:28  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.   (ESV)

Promise:  God promises that he can and does work all things for good to those who believe in Him.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  He is Sovereign, Omnipotent, Good, Creator, Preserver, Savior, Merciful, Faithful and Trustworthy.

Promise provides me with:  assurance that no circumstance is beyond God’s control, that God intends good for me, knowledge that God has a purpose for me and assurance that any event that God allows to enter my life can produce good for me and can mold and shape my character so that I can better reflect Jesus in all I say and do.

       After reading this verse, a good question might be- what is God’s purpose for me?  1Corinthians 6:19b-20 says “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body.”   God desires that we live to glorify Him by showing the love of Jesus to the world.  He wants the world to know Jesus and come to claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  That helps to put our struggles in this sin-filled world into perspective as all the events or circumstances that come into my life can be used to mold and shape my character to better reflect Jesus and glorify God.  We also need to remember Isaiah 55:8 says “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  We will not know until we get to heaven why the dark things God allowed to happen in our lives were as necessary as the bright and beautiful for molding and shaping us into the men and women He wants us to be.  However, we can rest in the assurance of this verse in Romans that God can and does use all things to bring about good in our lives.

Live with the hope and knowledge that God is good!

Linda

December 19, I am permanently His!

Isaiah 49:15-16  “Can a mother forget the baby at her breasts and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”  (NIV)

Promise:  God promises He will not forget me, has me engraved on His hands and is always aware of where I am.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Longsuffering, Eternality, Personal, Caring, Protector, Compassionate, Omnipresent and Omniscient.

Promise provides me with:  peace in His eternal care,  knowledge that God loves me and knows who I am,  knowledge that God is always aware of where I am and what problems I am and will be facing,  assurance that He surrounds and protects me and knowledge that the God of the universe will never forget me-engraving is permanent, so I am permanently His!

      I was involved in a study of Isaiah a few years ago and came across this verse for the first time.  I was brought to my knees when I considered the enormity of God’s love and care.  These verses show me a God that is personal and loves me so much that He has me engraved on the palms of His hands.  Engraving is permanent so the picture here is one of God’s love that holds me forever in his hands. He cannot and will not let me go.  But He does not stop there, He promises to always have his walls of protection around me and to go before me.  What blessed assurances God gives us in His word!  Be encouraged today as you consider our great God and how much He loves you!

May He be ever before you today,

Linda

December 18, Peace and Restoration

Psalm 23:1-3  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  (NIV)

Promise:  God promises provision, guidance towards righteousness, good quiet places and restoration of my soul.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed: He is Sovereign, Provider, Restorer, Shepherd, Good, Guide, Caring, Comforter and Righteous.

Promise provides me with: assurance of restoration in Him when I am weary or discouraged, hope, provision of my needs, quiet rest for my soul- a refuge in a world of turmoil, guidance in His ways and teaching in righteousness, knowledge that my righteousness through Christ will bring Him glory.

        For many people the 23rd Psalm is their favorite and one that many of us memorized when we were children.  When you look at the promises it contains and the comfort it brings, it is not surprising that it is so cherished .  God loves us and wants to provide for us whether it is guidance on how to live righteously or restoration from circumstances and problems.  God is sovereign and He know the situations that will cause us to be weary and in his infinite mercy He promises to restore us.  He desires that we walk and live righteously and is willing to teach us and lead us in His ways.  Thank Him today for His great provision, care and love.  As you meditate on this Psalm today, let God’s spirit of peace and restoration flow through you today towards those you meet.

Blessings,

Linda

Quiet places the Psalmist might have had in mind.
The Sea of Galilee at sunrise.

The Jezreel Valley from Mt Carmel.

December 17, Permanent Benefits

Psalm 103:1-5  Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits —who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.   (NIV)

Promise:  God promises benefits to believers- forgiveness, healing, redemption, compassion, to satisfy me with good things and to renew my strength and vitality.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  He is Holy, Merciful, Compassionate, Redeemer, Good, Provider, Strong, Vital, Sovereign, Savior, Love, Omnipotent, Powerful, Almighty God.

Promise provides me with:  a savior who redeems me and who knows the circumstances and problems of my life, assurance of his forgiveness, healing, compassion, provision, renewal in times of great weakness, hope and a vital, vibrant life in Him.

        When you say the word benefits today, what comes to mind?  Health care, retirement, provision of good things.  God promises these and more!   This is just a short list of all the benefits we have through Christ.  God definitely wants us taken care of and where else can we receive forgiveness, mercy, compassion, provision, redemption and renewal?  Ephesian’s 1:3 says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”   Through Christ we have everything God wants for us.  Again we are reminded that Christ is the reason for the season and our blessed Hope.  Reread Psalm 103:1-5 and thank Him for all the blessings He so richly bestows on us through faith in Jesus.

Live with hope and assurance today,

Linda

Here is the link to the radio interview I had yesterday.  God is faithful.  Even though I felt good about it – there was much I wished I’d said.  The 15 minutes went by soooo fast!  God blessedly gave me way more to say than I had time to express.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lifelessonsnetwork/2014/12/16/author-linda-knight-debuts-fearless-living-on-life-lessons

December 16, Peace-filled Living

John 14: 25-27  “All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  (NIV)

Promise:  Jesus promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to teach, remind, comfort and bring His peace to me.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character revealed:  He is a Promise Keeper, Faithful, Peace, Hope, Comforter, Teacher, Sovereign and the Source of Calm and Tranquility.

Promise provides me with:  a sense of calmness and peace in my life, hope that I will learn and remember what God teaches me about himself, knowledge that God keeps his promises and did indeed send the Holy Spirit, availability of an inner spirit from God that I can access 24/7 and that God does not want me stressed, worried , afraid or discouraged.

          These are some of the most often quoted verses when talking about peace.  They are very reassuring and comforting as here God promises to be with us and provide us with the emotional support that we need to survive.  God does not want us fearful, distressed or worried.  He wants us to trust Him and allow Him to work in an though us in every situation.  With God as our source of peace, we can focus on Him and His provision and set aside those things that cause us to lose trust in His ability to provide.  This holiday season, don’t get caught up in the pressures of all the things you think you need to do.  Take some time to ask the Prince of Peace to dwell within you and give you His peace.

Have a peace-filled day,

Linda

December 15, Rejoicing with the Angels

Luke 2: 8-12  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and laying in a manger.  (NIV)

Promise:  God’s promised Messiah, Christ the Lord, is the Savior of all mankind.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Faithfulness, Sovereignty, Eternality, Savior, Redeemer, Lover of all mankind, Promise Keeper and Joy.

Promise provides me with:  assurance that salvation is for all who believe, knowledge that God has a plan of redemption to bring me into a right relationship with Him,  joy in Christ’s coming as Savior and good news for all people everywhere.

     The Bible shows how God planned the coming of Jesus from the beginning. His plan is detailed to the exact place of Jesus’s birth, his parents and his purpose in coming.  It is indeed good news that Jesus came to save us from our sins as only He could.  Acts 4:12 says “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”  This promise is for anyone who will believe- any gender, race or creed- all mankind.  The Apostle Peter wrote in 2Peter 3:9 ” The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise , as some understand slowness, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  The early Christian were anxious for Christ to return, but as Peter explained God has his own timing and wishes all to come to repentance.  This Christmas don’t keep Jesus in the manger.  Know that he came to save us and did so through his death and resurrection.  We serve a risen Christ!  Rejoice and tell others of our risen Savior. When we consider all the work Christ has done for us we too can proclaim with the angels , “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth ‘peace’ good will toward men.”  Luke 2:14 (KJV)

Have a blessed day,

Linda

The Judean hills outside Bethlehem.

December 14, Motives

Matthew 6:3-4,6,17-18   But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you……..But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you……….But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.   And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.  (ESV)

Promise:  God promises to reward right motives and actions regarding giving, praying and fasting.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  Holy, Righteous, Judge, Just, Father, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Guide and Sovereign.

Promise provides me with:  guide lines for right living, knowledge that God knows my motives and desires me to be righteous, knowledge that God desires my actions towards others to be genuine and not full of pretense and self promotion, knowledge that God rewards (blesses) those who walk in His ways.

       These verses are from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  He was instructing the people on how to live righteously without pretense.  Even though others cannot or may not see why you do something, God knows your heart motive.  He know if we are looking to better ourselves or if we are acting out of love for Him.  This time of year many people give to be recognized as the ‘good’ person, generous, humble, righteous or gracious.  God can see into our hearts and knows what is motivating our actions.    Take a look at your attitude and actions and make sure you are giving, helping or thanking others for the right reasons and not just to further yourself.  God rewards the truly humble and selfless giver with blessings beyond what we could ever imagine.

Blessings as you do, give and help others this season!

Linda

Mount of Beatitudes as seen from the Lake of Galilee.  It is a beautiful pastoral setting that must have calmed and rested the crowds as they listened to Jesus teach them how to live rightly.

December 13, Forgiveness

Micah 7:18-19   Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?  You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.  (NIV)

Promise:  God promises to pardon my sin, forgive me and throw my sins into the deepest sea.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Mercy, Forgiveness, Holiness, Compassion, Omnipotence, Grace and Sovereignty.

Promise provides me with:  assurance that God can and does forgive my sins, that God loves to show mercy and compassion, God has the power to put my sins far away and totally out of my reach or sight- never to be seen or heard from again, knowledge that God is holy and cannot tolerate my sin yet He will forgive me if I seek him with a repentant heart.

     These verses never cease to amaze me.  The grace of God is overwhelming when you consider our sin and the punishment we were due, yet God forgives and casts our sins into the deepest sea.  Jeremiah 31:34b also adds “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”  How is this possible for our Holy God to forgive and forget our sins?  Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   Only through the death and resurrection of Jesus are we forgiven and presented without sin before God.  Praise God for Jesus’ work on the cross!  Thank you Jesus for restoring my relationship with God the Father.  As a believer we can claim 1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  When we confess our sins, God buries them in the depths of the sea to be remembered no more.  Why then do we torment ourselves over past sins?  Why do we punish ourselves and dwell on past failures?  That is not God but the work of Satan.  God has forgiven you, so accept His forgiveness and look to the work He has for you to do.  God loves us and we need to live each day claiming and proclaiming His grace and mercy.

Walk today in His forgiveness,

Linda

December 12, Where does my help come from?

Psalm 46:1-3  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with surging.   Selah   (NIV)

Promise:  God promises to be my refuge and strength and to be available 24/7 to help me.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Accessibility, Omnipresence, Power, Might, Protector, Comforter, Sovereign, Love, Almighty and Hope.

Promise provides me with:  assurance of His presence, access to Him day or night, knowledge that the creator of the universe desires to comfort and protect me, assurance that I can turn to Him and He will give me strength and courage, knowledge that God desires that I live a life without fear, knowledge and assurance that nothing I face is bigger than Almighty God!

     I love these verses, in fact I chose them to be on the book marks I had made for Fearless Living.    Reading them always bolsters my courage and makes me feel loved by God.  Christmas is known to be a time of great stress, turmoil and heartache for those that remember former times in their lives, grieve for loved ones or feel a general hopelessness with their current lives.  Jesus wants us to cling to Him and be surrounded by his strength and comfort.  He is our refuge and will never leave us or forsake us.  These verses tell us that NO MATTER WHAT God is bigger than anything we can ever face.  Even if it looks like all is lost and falling apart, He stands eternal and will see us though.  All we need to do is turn to Him and trust Him with our worries and problems.   Be comforted and encouraged by these verses today and know He is the Source of all things and He stands ready to help you and answer your cries.  Seek Him today and feel His love.

Blessings as you hide yourself in Him,

Linda

December 11, A Recipe for Stress Free Days

1Peter 5:6-7  ” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  (NIV)

Promise:  God promises to lift me up, care for me and take my problems as his own.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Might, Sovereignty, Omniscience, Omnipresence, Accessibility, Care and Comfort.

Promise provides me with: assurance that He is in control of all circumstances that come into my life, God does not want me to be anxious or worried, God desires that I approach him with humility, ask him for help and then trust Him to take care of the situation.

       I don’t know about you but my first reaction to a problem is often fret or worry. I have to say that I am getting better at this since writing and working though Fearless Living, but it is still a struggle.  Why is that?  My guess is that our independent spirit says ‘I can do this myself’ or “I want to be in control”. The first response God wants is for us to turn to him with an open and humble heart seeking his will and direction instead of worrying about things or people.  We can’t change the outcome by worry but God can!  Let your first response be prayer this holiday season as you run short of time, have way too many trips in traffic, puzzle over what to give or what to make, wait in long lines and perhaps need just that extra time to bake or wrap.  God is concerned about our lives and wants us to live stress free.  Seek him first with a humble heart and lay your concerns, even your schedule, before Him.  Spending those few minute in prayer will open up your day and lead you to glorify him with all you say and do!   Don’t be anxious, Be prayerful!

Blessings,

Linda

December 10, Faith for Eternity

John 11:25-26  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
(NIV)

Promise:  God promises that belief in Jesus gives eternal life and that physical death is not the end of our life.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Sovereignty, Creator, Hope, and Eternality.

Promise provides me with: assurance that there is life after death, knowledge that Jesus conquered death and that though Him we can too, that Jesus in the source of eternal life and that faith in him will give me eternal life.

I love this promise with it’s bold question about my faith.  Jesus wants us to know that He is the source of eternal life and that it is available to us through faith in Him.  He also states with certainty that He is greater than death and will provide life for me now and into eternity.  In a day and age when doubt is king and absolutes are fuzzy, I take great comfort in knowing without a shadow of a doubt that God is in control and though his son Jesus I can spend eternity with Him.  Do you have that saving faith?  Know him today and seal your future for eternity.  Check on your status with John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, and know 2Corinthians 1:21-22.     Let’s move forward and face this day with saving faith in the assurance that God is with us and will be with us for eternity.

Blessings,

Linda

December 9, God's Rejoicing

Zephaniah 3:17  “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”  (NIV)

Promise:  God promises to be with me, provide salvation, take delight, quiet, love and rejoice over me.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  He is Omnipresent, Savior, Creator, Love and Joyful.

Promise provides me with: assurance that God is always with me and that I can never be truly alone, knowledge that God has a plan to save me, hope as he takes delight in me, loves me and will quiet me when I am distressed or in need of peace, and I smile because God delights in me.

     Can you even comprehend that the great God and Creator of the universe would take delight in you?  That is what scripture teaches, that God takes delight in us.  Wow! I feel so unworthy of his delight.  I am also awed by his great care which He extends to us through His love, peace, comfort, joy, salvation and constant presence with us.  James 4:8a says “Come near to God and he will come near to you”.   Come near to God today.  Look for his comfort, peace, presence, love and joy as you go through this day.  Think about how you can appropriate his joy and peace today.  You’ve got it so now give it out to others and let them see Jesus at work in your life.

Have a blessed day,

Linda

December 8, Obedient Submission

Luke 1:28-33   And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”  But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.   And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.   He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”   (ESV)

Promise:  God promised that the Messiah, Jesus, who was to reign forever was coming to earth through his servant Mary.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His Omnipotence, Sovereignty, Compassion, Care, Knowledge of all things- Omniscience and His Eternal existence.

Promise provides me with:  hope, salvation, assurance of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind, knowledge that God uses his people for his work and his glory, knowledge that God cares about me and wants me to be unafraid and  knowledge that God keeps his promises as he sent Jesus just as He said He would.

     I had the privilege last March to visit the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth where the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary.  It was a sobering experience to visit this site and imagine the young girl, Mary, and how she must have felt when confronted by an angel.  The angel showed real compassion on her and told her not to be afraid.  God does not want us to be afraid and assures us that He has a plan and purpose for our future just as he did Mary.  God showed her favor and blessings as she obediently submitted to God’s will.  Do you submit willingly or do you fight and struggle with a rebellious heart?  Be like Mary, submit and open yourself to untold blessings this season as you get ready to receive the Christ child.

Blessings,

Linda

The home of Mary is now under the Church of the Annunication and below current ground level.  Over the centuries the level of the city has risen as homes were built upon homes.

December 7, Joy in the Sovereign Lord

Habakkuk 3:17-19   “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign LORD is my strength, he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” (NIV)

Promise:  God promises to be my strength, joy and enable me to endure life’s trials no matter what it looks like around me.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  He is pure Joy, Hope, Savior, Sovereign, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Protector, Provider, Pure energy and strength.

Promise provides me with:  assurance that God is in control no matter what the circumstances may look like to me, joy, strength, hope, protection, salvation and will enable me to overcome with joy though dependence upon Him.

       Habakkuk the prophet was trying to give a very bleak picture here of things that could go wrong and would go wrong in the Israelites agrarian society.  We can easily translate those concerns into worries of our own- should the stock market crash, the floods, drought and storms increase, should I lose my job, not have enough money to buy food, suffer poor health…. our list can go on and on.  Then Habakkuk gives us words of hope when he focuses on the strength to be found in the Lord.  Depending upon the Lord is a surety and will produce joy, strength, hope and a way to rise above the trials that come into our lives.  As we remember those that died in WWII and especially at Pearl Harbor today, we can depend upon the Lord to see us though difficult times and help us to rise above devastation.  Look up today and see the possible heights God wants to guide you toward.  God is sovereign and knowing that will give you peace,confidence and joy as you trust Him.  Praise God!

Blessings,

Linda

December 6, Faith Pleases God!

Hebrews 11:6   “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”   (NIV)

Promise:  God promises to reward my faith and diligence in seeking Him.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  Faithful, Rewarder, Self-Existent, Eternal and Sovereign.

Promise provides me with:  the knowledge that my faith pleases God, that my faith is essential to a relationship with God, that I will be rewarded for my faith and that I must seek God with diligence.

       Have you felt God’s reward in your life for your diligence in seeking him?  I know I have as I read and study His word, go to Him in prayer, praise Him in worship and fellowship with other believers.  God provides me with a fullness of life, a hunger for his word, peace in prayer and support from other believers.  It is a rich relationship based on faith as I know He exists and cares for me personally.  How about you?  If your faith is shaky or you are doubting, why not seek Him diligently and ask Him to increase your faith, show you in His word His great promises and truths and be open to His rewarding.  I am confident you will be rewarded for your seeking with greater knowledge and faith of our Almighty God.  Seek him this season!

Blessings,

Linda

December 5, Victorious Love

Romans 8:35-37    “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long;  we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.  No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”  (NIV)   
 
Promise:  God promises us victory though Christ’s love.

Why it is important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  Omnipotent, Sovereign, Love, Eternal, Immutable, Victor, Savior and Hope.

Promise provides me with:  hope in the future, knowledge that I am his eternally, constancy of God’s love, his unchanging character that I can depend upon each day, knowledge that God is in control of all things that happen in my life, and I will always be victorious in and through Christ’s love and care for me.

        I love this portion of scripture.  Whenever I am plagued with doubt, fear or uncertainty, I feel renewed and encouraged when I read these verses.  Paul knew what it was to stuffer for the Lord and he endured incredible hardships.  See 2Corinthians 6:3-10.  No matter what, Paul was convinced that nothing could ever separate him from Jesus’ love.  We know God does not change as Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  He is eternally true and faithful for God does not change with the times, trends or fashions.   Jesus also said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble. but take heart!  I have overcome the world.”   What better assurance can we have of victory though Christ’s love?    Claim victory over your doubts, fears, pressing problems or seemingly unsolvable circumstances today in His name and  and know that nothing can separate you from His love.      Praise Him today for his victorious love!

Blessings,

Linda

December 4, God's Grace

Ephesians 2:8-10   “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before hand, that we should walk in them.       (ESV)

Promise:  God promises that I am saved through faith in Jesus and not by any work I’ve done or will ever do.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  He is Redeemer, Savior, Provider, Creator, Eternal and full of Mercy and Grace.

Promise provides me with:  a way to salvation through Jesus, eternal plans for my life, work for me to do for Him, knowledge that I am a created work of God with purpose, that I am a recipient of God’s grace through Jesus, and the gift of salvation is free not something that I have to earn.

      How have you appropriate God’s grace in your life?  Have you accepted salvation through faith in Jesus?  Have you acknowledged that God has a plan for your life and that He created you with purpose?   Knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior brings fullness, purpose and hope into your life.  Knowing that I am valued by God and that He wants to use me is something that gives self-worth to my being alive and hope to my struggles each day.  Knowing that I can’t earn God’s favor or save myself though doing good works leads me to Jesus.  Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”   As our verse says today, by his grace we are saved.  Praise God for His wonderful grace!

I pray that God’s grace will fall afresh upon you today and that you will seek His eternal plan for your life.

Blessings,
Linda

December 3, The wings of HOPE

Isaiah 40: 28-31   "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; 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."       (NIV)

Promise:  God promises that placing my hope in Him will result in renewed strength, the ability to soar above my problems and to be able to endure the path of my life without growing weak or fainthearted.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God's character is revealed:  His strength, sovereignty, omnipotence, comfort, guidance, salvation, caring and his eternality.

Promise provides me with:  courage, endurance, knowledge that God is greater than any circumstance I face, guidance in life, strength to live each day for Him, comfort and HOPE.

     I love this image that God will help me to soar above the problems and stresses of life that would pull me down.  He reminds me that his endurance is eternal and everlasting.  I don't need to worry that God will run out of energy  or grow weary of helping me.  He wants me to live with hope in Him knowing that he cares for me.  As you go though your day, keep the image of God enfolding you in his arms and lifting you above all your earthy concerns.  Place your HOPE in Him and know his care today!

Blessings,
Linda

December 2, Peace from Thankfulness

    “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7    (ESV)

 Promise:  God promises to give me peace, guard my heart and mind and relieve my anxiety when I pray with a thankful heart.

Why is it important to know this promise?

God’s character is revealed:  His accessibility, compassion, sovereignty, protection, peace and comfort.
Promise provides me with:  peace within for both my body and mind, relief of anxiety, assurance of his sovereignty in all the circumstances I face, accessibility through prayer to the creator and God of the universe, and results.

       So often in this hectic season, we crave just a little peace!  I love this promise as it assures me that if I approach God with a heart filled with thankfulness I will receive peace.  Why a thank filled heart?  Thankfulness takes the focus off of all the needs and wants we are facing and retunes us towards God.  He has made all that there is and knows what we are facing.  Turning to God in thankfulness ‘reboots’ our hearts and minds to be open to his work and peace in our lives.  Try it today- list things you are thankful for before you petition God for what is bothering you.  He promises that it will result in peace of mind and body.  Good news for this busy season!

Blessings,

Linda

December 1, He is coming!

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to  take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a son and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son.  And he called his name Jesus.       Matthew 1:20-25       (ESV)

Promise:  God promised a savior would be born of a virgin, dwell with man on earth and  save his people from their sins.

Why is this promise important?

God’s character is revealed:  His sovereignty, omnipotence, love, compassion, forgiveness and hope.
Promise provides me with: forgiveness through Jesus, His desire for a relation ship with me (dwelling with me), knowledge that God has a plan to save me which is through Jesus His son and God’s control and planning of events are to result in my salvation and his glory.

December 1 has a special significance for me as on this day in 1982 my daughter, Liz, arrived from Korea.  She was a long awaited and longed for child that has brought me much love and joy these last 30+ years.  Just like the children of Israel, I did not think the day would ever come that I would hold my own child.  They had waited centuries for the Messiah, Jesus, to come and save them from their sins.  They expected a king not a humble baby and many of them missed his arrival and the work he did on the cross.  Don’t miss His coming this year.  Look for Jesus and claim the promise of a savior this advent season.  Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.“

Have a blessed day!
Linda

Advent Calendar full of Promises

I pray that you had a blessed Thanksgiving. Our celebrations was filled with lots of family, fun, laughter and way too much food.  Now we turn our thoughts and activities towards Christmas.  I have been pondering how to best focus on the birth of our Savior and not be caught up in all the festivities and actions of the season both religious and secular.  It can be difficult to keep the primary reason for the season, which is the coming to earth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I remembered how much my grandson and before him my children loved the advent calendar I posted each year.  We would tie a new ornament on the calendar each day and watched the tree fill as we neared Christmas.  It heightened our awareness and excitement as Christmas approached. Using that same idea, to help myself and you, my readers,  to keep our focus centered on Christ I will be posting a promise each day from God’s word to keep in mind and reflect on during your hectic days.

Promises help us to know assurances that we have from God’s word and to keep the world that swirls around us in focus.  I have been working on my next book, Promises for Dynamic Living, and have seen what a great blessing focusing on God’s promises can have in my daily life.  I pray that a promise a day will keep you living fearlessly this holiday season and more that ready spiritually when Christmas Day arrives.

        2Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Blessings,
Linda

Giving Thanks

This weekend I a got a thank you note from a friend and she had written at the bottom several verses from Psalm 136. I looked the verses up and was gripped by the message of this Psalm. It is a long list of things the LORD had done for the Israelite nation.  They would have sung it as a hymn of thanksgiving to the LORD. After each line of thanks the reader is reminded that “His steadfast love endures forever.” This is a powerful reminder that God is motivated by his great love for us.   Unlike earthly love, God’s love is eternal and boundless and because God is immutable he will not change his mind about loving us.  That is an assurance we can count on for eternity.

I pray that the words of the psalmist will encourage you and broaden the scope of your thanks, especially during this season of Thanksgiving. They are words that cross time and are as meaningful today as they were when King David penned them.

Psalm 136      verses 1-9 and 23-26
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever.
To him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever.
to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever.
to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever.
the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever.
the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever.

It is he who remembers us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever.
and rescues us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever.
he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.  (NIV)

Read this Psalm out loud and let the words sink into your soul.  God is indeed good and his steadfast love never ends.  Praise Him!

Blessings,
Linda

A Picture of Sacrifice

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Here are some pictures of the beaches and cemetery at Normandy.  This was place of great sacrifice during World War II.  Thank you to each Veteran on this Veteran’s Day for your service and the sacrifice of all those who have died to preserve our freedoms.  I am most grateful.

In John 15:13 Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”. (NIV)  These brave men and women paid the ultimate price and they did not even know me.  I am humbled by their patriotism and sacrifice on my behalf.

Linda

Fatima, a place of prayer

On my recent trip to France, Northern Spain and Portugal, I visited the small village of Fatima, Portugal.  This out of the way place was not even on my religious radar as I was unfamiliar with the visions that occurred there.  In the early 1900’s the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 young children and gave them prophetic messages to share with the world about World War II and beyond.  Two of the messages have already come to pass and the last deals with things still future to us.  The children were illiterate yet spoke about things that they could not have known .  In addition to the messages, the children were told to pray for the future.  Two of the children died several years later,  but Lucia lived to become a nun.  The Virgin Mary appeared to her many times throughout her life.  Prayer for the future and the lost were the central themes.

How diligent are you to pray for the events of the future?   Jesus instructed us to pray in Matthew 6:10 “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” and in 6:13 “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’   I am to pray for the things of earth to align with God’s will and purpose.  I know He has a  purpose for me and  desires that my life align with his will.  Through prayer the Holy Spirit can minister to our hearts and attitudes so that we can recognize those things that God wants for us in our lives. As we praise God, confess our sins, and thank Him for the blessings that are evident in our lives, we allow God to mold and reshape our thinking and create in us a ‘clean heart’.  Psalm 139:23-24 gives us a clue as to the process that God uses to mold our hearts. Search me, O God , and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Are you willing to have God mold your heart in prayer?

Satan is alive and well on planet Earth and will be until the Lord returns, so we also need to pray for protection from the evil one.  God is greater than Satan and is more powerful than anything Satan can throw our way.  We just need to be prepared and pray.  God promises us  battle armor in Ephesians 6: 14-18 so that we can stand firm against Satan’s attacks.  Are you wearing the helmet of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, carrying the sword of truth- God’s word, and praying in the Spirit?  God wants us prepared for the spiritual battles that come our way.  So, suit up and do as 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 suggests.  Be joyful always;  pray continually;   give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  (NIV) Then you will be ready and prepared for the future, regardless of what lies in your life’s pathway.

The children also heard a plea for prayers for the lost- those that do not know Jesus as their savior.  Jesus tells us in John 14:6  “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to me by which we must be saved.”  Pray for open hearts of those you love, that they may hear and believe.  Lucia’s first message from The Lady of Fatima was a vision of hell.  Not a pretty site and not one you would want anyone to experience.  Separation from God would be a horrible fate.  The Lady told her to pray for those that do not know Jesus to come to a saving faith.  Isn’t that our prayer for the lost too?

I am comforted and encouraged that  our brothers and sisters in Christ are praying continually at Fatima.  They pray and process each evening with their eyes and hearts on the future so that we can be in alignment with God’s will and for those that do not know Christ to come to faith.

Blessings as you pray,
Linda

Pilgrimage to Santiago

Pictured below is the magnificent Cathedral in Santiago de la Compostela which is at the end of “The Way of Saint James”.   It is currently under restoration but still stands commandingly over the city of Santiago in northern Spain. Since medieval times pilgrims have been making their way to this church to worship.  This cathedral is the resting place of the bones of James, the brother of Jesus, and the writer of the New Testament book of James.  He was an early Christian leader that led the church in Jerusalem.  History has it that he came to Spain and preached the gospel, and then returned to Jerusalem where he was martyred.  His body was said to have been taken by boat back to Spain and his bones later discovered in Santiago.  Pilgrims or Pelegrinos  walk, bike or ride on horseback along The Way towards Santiago from France, and Portugal.

What is it that causes someone to want to journey with nothing but what they can carry on their backs for hundreds and hundreds of miles?   From what I have read and those I’ve talked to the reasons vary.  Some walk for religious reasons, personal reflection, the physical challenge, the companionship, etc.  One pelegrino I talked to in Burgos said, “It is amazing to discover how much you really do not need each day.  It is a welcome relief to step away from all our technology, busyness, jobs and commitments.  You can take time to focus on internal thinking, light, air, steps, communication and the landscape surrounding you.”  Since you do not know how far you will walk in a day, each night you need to find accommodations in an alberque- or a hostel for pilgrims.   A good deal of trust in God is required as you set out with only the final destination determined and each day open to experience.

Psalm 84:5 says “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”   I used this verse earlier in the year when I made my way to Jerusalem, but it also fits here.  There is much to be gained by going on a pilgrimage.  This time I went on a tour and visited the “high” points, yet I do hope to walk part of The Way of Saint James myself in the future.

The cathedral is amazingly beautiful and takes your breath away.  The incense burner is swung now at selected masses but in medieval times it was swung daily.   The pilgrims were a smelly and sweaty lot that came and filled the sanctuary.  The swinging of the incense burner is vividly seen in the movie “The Way” by Martin Sheen and Emilio Esteves.  It is a touching movie that they made in honor of their ancestors that had come from that region of Spain and gives a good portrayal of walking The Way.

In Santiago,the beauty of the altar reminds me that as rich as it seems it is nothing to compare with what awaits us in the presence of God.  Ezekiel’s shares his vision of God and his glory in Ezekiel 1:26-28a, “Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like a glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.  Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.  This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.    John also had a vision of the throne room of God in Revelation 4:2-3 “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.  And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian.  A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.”  In both visions the writers were trying to describe godly things and places with earthly words and images.  Our finite minds cannot truly conceive that which we will one day experience in the presence of Almighty God.  I love visiting beautiful cathedrals for as magnificent as they seem they only give me a mere glimpse of what I will see in heaven.

When I was in the cathedral late on a Sunday evening, I witnessed a group of teenagers getting their picture taken before the altar.  They had finished walking The Way, had their certificates and were filled with joy.  They broke into song and the music of their joy was a sweet incense to the Lord and a testament to their perseverance and trust in God as they completed their journey.  (Some of them are pictured in the last photo.)

Where are you journeying with God?  Do you consider each day a journey with God or is he just something to be considered on Sundays?  Walking with God requires faith and trust, hard as that seems, it is the surest way to get where we are going.  The end of our journey is heaven and eternity with God.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own  understanding;    In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”      Proverbs 3:5-6

Blessings,
Linda

Procession of Prayer

I have been home from Europe for several days, and I am still reeling with images speeding through my mind.  There was so much to take in on this trip to holy sights in France, Spain and Portugal that I am struggling to process it.  I want to try to make sense of a few of the highlights for you and help you to catch a glimpse of how God is at work all over the world.

After seeing amazing churches in Paris- Norte Dame, Sac Le Coeur, and Saint Chappelle, we were off to Lourdes.  Since I am not Catholic and did not have previous teaching about the miracles that occurred at Lourdes, I did some reading before I went.  It seemed when I got there all I had read disappeared from my brain so it is a good thing we had knowledgeable guides to refill us.  A young girl, named Bernadette, was gathering wood in a nearby grotto when an angel appeared to her.  She later learned that the apparition was the Virgin Mary and that she had a message for her and the world.  She was instructed in one visit to dig in the dirt, wash and drink the water that came out.  Then she was told that a chapel should be built there and that people should process in prayer.  Since 1858 when the virgin appeared to Bernadette, a small church was built near the site and now there is large church and a large underground basilica.  A clear cool spring is coming out of the place where Bernadette dug and each year there are thousands upon thousands of visitors.  Many healing miracles have been attributed to the waters of Lourdes and people come from all over the world to drink and bathe in the crystal clear spring waters.

I was able to drink the water from a plastic water bottle I brought with me.  I just stepped up to the spring water and filled up my bottle. There was no miraculous healing when I drank but I can still feel the water as it went down my throat and the cooling sensation it brought to my body.  It is just a symbol of the true 'living water' that Jesus gives and speaks of in John 4:13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life". 
Many services are held each day and the grotto is open 24 hours a day.  The sick are brought to the baths by volunteers and given first priority each day for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon.  Each evening there is a rosary service in front of the above ground church and each section of the rosary is given in a different language.  Each section is proceeded by a plea to those present to pray- for mothers, children, families, the world condition and the lost.  After the service is concluded the priest leads the procession with lighted candles around a large oval area in front of the church.  It is about a half mile procession in silence by candlelight.  I found this extremely moving and unifying as all the participants were praying.  The unity of spirit was incredibly powerful and I truly felt the Holy Spirit's presence.

As I reflect upon this powerful experience, several scriptures on prayer come to mind.  Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."  James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."  Each night they gather in Lourdes to pray and process in prayer.  I find it incredibly comforting to know that each night our brothers and sisters gather in prayer.  The collective prayers of Christians throughout the world are powerful and a reminder of our unity in Christ.

We are told in Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."   Are you coming to God in prayer believing that He will show you mercy and help?

Remember, they are praying tonight in Lourdes.  Won't you join the community of believers and pray with confidence to our faithful heavenly Father trusting Him with you problems and concerns?

With heartfelt prayers for - mothers, children, family, the world and those that do not know Jesus,
Linda
                    The church built at the site of the miracles.

                    Candlelight procession of prayer.

Remembering With Purpose

The last several weeks my mind has been occupied with working on my new book about God's promises.  It seems all my ideas had drained away while I focused on this new work.  I gave myself a swift kick this morning and prayed for some new ideas.  Actually, what came to mind was something that had been brewing or stewing in my mind since last Thursday.  That was the anniversary of 9/11 and I have been thinking about how I needed to remember that day and our loss as a nation.  Often times God instructed the children of Israel to 'remember' what God had done for them.  By remembering God's goodness, provision and miraculous events, they could refocus on who God is and why they needed to rely upon him.

As we remember 9/11 and the events of that day- I remember the incredible loss but also the incredible courage that was offered and given for others.  God allowed those events to happen, so we need to process the good that came out of those events.  That does not diminish the sorrow we feel, but gives us hope.  God promises in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  We do not know God's plan and do not understand the whys, but we need to trust in our benevolent and good God.  He says in Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.  Lamentations 3:25 "The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." 

The good I recall from 9/11 was the great unity as a nation to stand together against evil.  Our renewed focus on prayer, praying for those in need, and calling upon God to be with us. Many stories came out of those days for rescues, heroes, heroines,and sacrifices that reveal the true character of Americans.  We as a people love and cherish life and uphold each other with dignity.  Patriotism, love of country and the freedoms we hold so dear, the sanctity of life and value we put upon each life make me proud to be an American. So it is good to remember and know how strong we are, and yet how we need to depend upon God for guidance and direction.  He promises in Deuteronomy 31:6 " Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (NIV)

Cling to God in times of trouble, lean upon him for deliverance, guidance and direction each and every day.  He is the Almighty God and you will not be disappointed.  Isaiah 49:23b "Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."
Have a blessed week.
Linda

Beauty All Around

I was up and driving towards Walnut Creek very early yesterday morning.  As I gazed towards Mt Diablo, it was beautiful in the morning light set against a cloudless sky.  By contrast to the right of the freeway, the clouds of low fog hung on the coast hills.  I was struck by what a beautiful area we live in and how often we take the beauty around us for granted.   I struggle with those who would say, “How do you know God exists?”  His very creation speaks to his grandeur and the perfection of his designs.   Romans 1:30 says, ” For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”  
As summer draws to a close, I thought it would be good to think about all the wonders we have seen this spring and summer.  You have been experiencing God’s creation all around you as you are out with the kids at soccer or swim practice, camping or walking on the beach.  You may not have traveled away from your home but you may have seen a smile on your child’s face, looked at your flower or vegetable gardens or walked your neighborhood with your dog.  Being thankful and praising God for his creation is to be part our worship and shows our appreciation for all he has given us.
As summer ends, let’s take some time to reflect on God’s greatness and what He has given us in his creation.  What wonders did you see or experience this summer?  Just click to add a comment, and put in the name of the place where you were touched by God’s greatness.  I’ll go first, since this was my idea!!  Besides Mt Diablo this morning, I went to Point Reyes for the first time this summer.  I was awestruck by the expanse of beach that stretched out below the cliff and seemed untouched by the world.  It was beautiful.  On the home front, I was delighted by the smiles on my grandson, Riley’s, face when he made $14 at his lemonade stand last week’s garage!  Both scenes caused me to gasp and thank God for his creation and his created ones.
I love hearing from you, my readers, and I am so encouraged by your comments.   If you have not clicked to follow my blog regularly, I would encourage you to do so.  You simply click and put in your email address, and then any blogs I publish will be sent directly to your email.   It does not cost anything and is simply a convenience to you so you won’t miss any of my blogs!
Blessings,
Linda

Help! Reorganizing?

Well, this summer I promised myself that I would have a garage sale to clear out all the build up of "things" that I  never seem to use.  I do this periodically and it feels really good, besides I always wonder, where did all that 'stuff' come from?  To get ready for a garage sale, you have to go through the closets and drawers in the house to see if there are things you are storing that are no longer being used,  This takes time, thought and a great deal of effort.  My daughter and I are doing this now as we made some changes in the house that required moving furniture, cleaning and waxing floors, vacuuming the walls and sorting through our possessions.  Even though this is a lot of work, I am greatly rewarded when I look at what has been accomplished and how clean things look.  I am reminded of 1Corinthinans 14:33 that says, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace".  There is a peace that comes from ridding yourself of chaos and reestablishing order in your things and in your life.
How do we do this spiritually?  To reorder, prioritize and reestablish godly calm, we need to turn to God in prayer and repent.  "Clean house" so to speak of those things that are getting in your way of standing firm with the Lord and seeking Him each day. Acts 3:19 says,"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord".  King David wrote in Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (NIV)  God promises renewing, cleansing and refreshing if we will turn to him.  God knows we need to do this often to keep order and closeness in our walk with him.  He knows that this will lead to peace.  My question is, why do we fight this so much?  Just like my house cleaning, polishing and organizing, it takes work to keep walking with the Lord day by day.  The work on our part is having faith and intent to be with God and have his focus during our day, but He is the one that accomplished this for us through His spirit. I know there will be Big blessings for me if I can keep my heart and mind focused on Him. Isaiah 26: 3-4 puts it this way, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)
I pray that you will be able to spend some time cleaning both physically and spiritually as our summer comes to a close.  May God bring order and peace to your life today.
Blessings,
Linda

P.S. Our garage sale is today and, though I am exhausted, there is a sense of peace and accomplishment

Have you had a God sighting?

We recently finished Day Camp at my church.  In the ‘old days’ it was called Vacation Bible School or VBS for short.  Kids and adults gathered to learn about Jesus each morning, share fun experiences, bond with their leaders and learn some rousing songs.  It is always a fun time that is a spiritual high for the summer.  During the gathering time each day, our directors would ask us if we had had any “God sightings”.  Now this was a new term to me, and it meant had we seen God at work in any area of our lives that morning or during the previous day.  I think what they wanted each of us to realize it that God is always with us and watching out for us. Being loved and valued by our creator is a powerful thing as it gives us value and worth.  Why do we struggle so much with self-esteem?  Many have not yet discovered their worth in God’s eyes.

Back to God sightings, when was the last time you had a God sighting?  This could be as small as a soft kind word, a helping hand, a smile from child or God’s provision of housing, a car, a loved one being healed or a friend coming to know Jesus as savior.  The more I read and study God’s word, I am convinced that there are no coincidences with God.  He is intentional and brings things into our lives to bless us and remind us of his presence.  When I have a near miss in traffic, when I get an unexpected check in the mail, when a friend thanks me for something I’ve done, when God gives me ideas for this blog, those are God’s reminders to me that He loves me and is watching over me.

I pray that today God will open your eyes to see Him in a  new way and that you will be blessed with some God sightings!  I would love for you to share your sightings with me.
Blessings,
Linda

True Rest

This is the season of vacations and as a rule we try to do something that will give us rest.  But what is rest to you?  – being in someplace new and different, being with friends and family, being alone in nature, reading a book, watching a movie, listening to your favorite music, taking time to work on a hobby, taking a drive……  The list is endless as we are all different and find rest in many ways.  However, there is one pure form of rest and that is in God.  Psalm 62 says, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”   Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “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 soul.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)
Do you know what it is to rest in God?  This morning the pastor had us sit quiet for 1 minute.  It seemed like a long time yet was so very short.  During that minute a peace and calm came to rest upon each person as the busyness and noise of life was eliminated.  Do you take time regularly to be quiet before God?  Do you seek to listen to Him and have him give you His rest and peace.   Why not try to put a little of God’s rest and quiet into your life this week- start with just a minute and see if you can increase your time of silence and listening before God by week’s end.  Resting in God takes practice and seems so foreign to us- but give it a try this week and let me know your results.
Blessings as you Rest in the Lord.
Linda

What to do about discouragement?

 I was in an auto accident about a month ago.  It has been a month of multiple doctor's appointments and therapy.  Today I was really discouraged as the pain in my hip and right leg has been constant and was really nagging me.  As I thought about my discouragement over the fact that the healing was taking longer than I wanted and I was not enjoying the discomfort, I realized that my discouragement was fear in disguise.  God addressed the fear and discouragement that the Israelites faced on many occasions.  2Chronicles 20:17 "You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem, Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you."  (NIV)  The Israelites were going out to meet an overwhelming foe and God told King Jehoshaphat to be firm and not to be discouraged.  Being discouraged is easy- doubt creeps in, overwhelming situations, long recovery, and pain rise up to meet me each day.  God wants me to be invincible and to face the difficult situation with Him by my side.

I forgot that today as I was existing in pain.  I needed to reel myself in and reexamine my problems and see them thought God's eyes.  "Nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:27.  My pain is fleeting so I need to give the recovery - timing and process- to the Lord.  He know what is best and how much time I really need.  Allowing discouragement to take over is giving Satan the victory in this problem.

Prayer:  Lord, give me strength for each day, no worries for tomorrow and realization that You care for me.  1Peter 5:7.  Help me to place my trust and confidence in you alone.  Bind Satan and ban discouragement from my thoughts. Amen.

May you have a blessed day free from discouragement.

Linda
(This passage is addressed more fully on Day 25 of Fearless Living.)