For many months I've tried to encourage all of you to stand for your faith and your beliefs. I know that it's hard. I understand that many of you are scared. Most of us want to keep a low profile so we won't be attacked.
On April 19th, Carrie Prejean - Miss California - decided that she would risk her scores in the Miss USA pageant in favor of standing for her faith. I've read numerous articles and listened to several interviews. I've just listened to her pastor interview her and I am more impressed than ever. I also like what the Pastor had to say to his congregation.
After his interview his talk included 5 points.
1. Stare down courage. We should always be courageous in sharing our faith.
2. Trust in the truth, never the lie. How many times have I asked you not to believe the lies?
3. Accept God's Sovereign provision. Didn't I tell you earlier today that God will take care of us?
4. Never fear man over God. God is Almighty and he will ultimately win.
5. Die to Self. This one we haven't talked about, but it is an important part of being courageous.
I hope you enjoy this video. I hope you pray with the pastor in the end. I hope you will face the future with confidence and hope. I don't want to let Miss Prejean be the only one standing for God. I want to accept my destiny in being salt and light to this world. How about you?
God loves you,
Debbie
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Don't be Afraid
Did you know that there are over 211 references to the word "afraid" in the Bible? There are 5 references to the word "anxious" and 260 references to the word "fear".
Are you afraid? Do you worry about the future? Do you wonder if God is going to help you when times get hard?
Don't be Afraid!
When Jesus arrived at the last supper, he washed the disciples feet. In John 13 he told his disciples to wash each other's feet. In other words, take care of each other. Later in that chapter he identifies his betrayer, he gives his disciples a new commandment to "love one another and he predicts Peter's denial.
In one chapter he is both teaching his disciples to take care of each other and he is recognizing their faults.
That's a huge concept! So many times when we are hurting or afraid we convince ourselves that God will not rescue us because we have faults. "He won't help me, it's my fault this bankruptcy came about." "God's not going to help me, I should have never married an unsaved person." "I don't think God cares anymore because I'm such a bad person."
STOP relying on your works! God cares and God is able to rescue you. In John chapter 14 - right after he has acknowledged the faults of his disciples, Jesus gives this command in verse one.
"Let not your heart be trouble; you believe in God, believe also in Me."
After some discussion about where he was going and how they could follow him the disciples were afraid. They were worried that without him they wouldn't be able to survive. So Jesus spent six verses reminding them of his peace. In verse 27 Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Jesus knew the future. Jesus knew the angry cries of the people and that it would lead to his own death. Jesus knew that for a while the message of hope would be drenched in darkness. Jesus knew that all the demons of Hell would be rejoicing and would think that they had killed Christianity.
Sound familiar? Don't we hear the cries of ministers and right wing people that destruction is on our doorstep? Don't we listen to the news and the liberal bias against Christians and wonder if we will be persecuted like the Jews during WWII? The future does not look pretty and yet....we don't have the perspective that Jesus had.
I wonder if when his head was bowed low and he refused to answer Pilate if he was thinking, "I feel sorry for you. I know the future. Your accusations are false and they will be proven wrong."
I am praying for faith that will help me see the future that Jesus saw. What will life be like 5 years from now? My human nature tells me it will be dark and awful, but....faith tells me that God can and will move heaven and earth to protect his children! In that context, 5 years from now will find me loving God more and excited that He is my deliverer.
Am I ready financially to face this bleak economy? No. Is God ready to provide unseen answers for my finances - Absolutely!
Am I ready to fight the liberal media and the battle against Christianity? No. Is God able to change it with one swoop of His mighty Hand? Absolutely!
I don't know what you are facing today, but I am confident that you can survive if you stay close to God.
My mother wrote a very popular song. "I don't need to understand" has been recorded by several popular christian singers and it has gone international in publication. The chorus says:
I don't need to understand
I just need to hold his hand
I don't need to ever ask the reason why
For I know he'll make a way
Through the night and through the day
I don't need to understand
I just need to hold his hand.
http://www.pastorken.com/Music/Music.html
I hope you enjoy listening to the entire song. Today I will pray for all of us that we will live by Jesus command.
"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
God loves you,
Debbie
Are you afraid? Do you worry about the future? Do you wonder if God is going to help you when times get hard?
Don't be Afraid!
When Jesus arrived at the last supper, he washed the disciples feet. In John 13 he told his disciples to wash each other's feet. In other words, take care of each other. Later in that chapter he identifies his betrayer, he gives his disciples a new commandment to "love one another and he predicts Peter's denial.
In one chapter he is both teaching his disciples to take care of each other and he is recognizing their faults.
That's a huge concept! So many times when we are hurting or afraid we convince ourselves that God will not rescue us because we have faults. "He won't help me, it's my fault this bankruptcy came about." "God's not going to help me, I should have never married an unsaved person." "I don't think God cares anymore because I'm such a bad person."
STOP relying on your works! God cares and God is able to rescue you. In John chapter 14 - right after he has acknowledged the faults of his disciples, Jesus gives this command in verse one.
"Let not your heart be trouble; you believe in God, believe also in Me."
After some discussion about where he was going and how they could follow him the disciples were afraid. They were worried that without him they wouldn't be able to survive. So Jesus spent six verses reminding them of his peace. In verse 27 Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Jesus knew the future. Jesus knew the angry cries of the people and that it would lead to his own death. Jesus knew that for a while the message of hope would be drenched in darkness. Jesus knew that all the demons of Hell would be rejoicing and would think that they had killed Christianity.
Sound familiar? Don't we hear the cries of ministers and right wing people that destruction is on our doorstep? Don't we listen to the news and the liberal bias against Christians and wonder if we will be persecuted like the Jews during WWII? The future does not look pretty and yet....we don't have the perspective that Jesus had.
I wonder if when his head was bowed low and he refused to answer Pilate if he was thinking, "I feel sorry for you. I know the future. Your accusations are false and they will be proven wrong."
I am praying for faith that will help me see the future that Jesus saw. What will life be like 5 years from now? My human nature tells me it will be dark and awful, but....faith tells me that God can and will move heaven and earth to protect his children! In that context, 5 years from now will find me loving God more and excited that He is my deliverer.
Am I ready financially to face this bleak economy? No. Is God ready to provide unseen answers for my finances - Absolutely!
Am I ready to fight the liberal media and the battle against Christianity? No. Is God able to change it with one swoop of His mighty Hand? Absolutely!
I don't know what you are facing today, but I am confident that you can survive if you stay close to God.
My mother wrote a very popular song. "I don't need to understand" has been recorded by several popular christian singers and it has gone international in publication. The chorus says:
I don't need to understand
I just need to hold his hand
I don't need to ever ask the reason why
For I know he'll make a way
Through the night and through the day
I don't need to understand
I just need to hold his hand.
http://www.pastorken.com/Music/Music.html
I hope you enjoy listening to the entire song. Today I will pray for all of us that we will live by Jesus command.
"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
God loves you,
Debbie
Sunday, July 1, 2007
What makes a winner?
The family insisted that I take it easy today. They think I need a little time to get over the hospital stay. I've propped my feet up and feel like a real princess receiving her every wish.
I love old movies. Anything black and white is all right with me. It's not just the lack of color but rather the infusion of great morals and values. I love watching men and women push for the best, reach for the stars and go deep within themselves to find honor.
I've been watching Knute Rockne, All American with Ronald Reagan. I'm not a sports person and barely know the rules of any sport. I love the way many of those old movies present the most impossible situations (many of them true stories) yet men of strong character find a way to push through and overcome. This movie reminded me of another sports movie Rudy. In that movie (also about Notre Dame) Rudy has to overcome the internal battle that we all must face - our fear and doubt in our own abilities.
It seems to me that the only really tough battles are those within our own character.
When people have to do without things they get creative and usually find a way to keep going. But when a person allows the twists and turns in life to destroy his determination, then he is truly lost. As long as we find the strength to push through the depression, discouragement, sorrow, despair, slump, hard times and defeat - we will be winners. We are never defeated as long as we continue to try.
The best example of pushing through the hard times is the new movie, The Pursuit of Happyness. It's a hard movie to watch because you are sure with each twist and turn that Chris Gardner will have to give up. Each problem builds on the previous until you are positive there is no way he will overcome. By the end I was in total crying meltdown. The truly amazing part of the story is that it is all true. He was victorious (sorry if I ruined it for you - still good to watch) and so fantastically successful that his story not only made a movie but is still on the New York Times Best seller list.
Will it make your child a winner to give him everything he wants or needs and require nothing in return?
NO
Will it give your child character to come to his rescue with every little problem and never allow him to work things out on his own?
NO
Will you be able to prepare your child to make it in this world if you keep him so comfortable he never experiences pain, suffering or distress of any kind.
NO
As good parents we have to know the Balance Needed to teach our children how to make it when times are rough and how to keep our character strong when we are enjoying the good times.
How?
Make sure your children see the good in family members and that they understand that having character and honor is far more important than money or success. If you have a million dollars but your wife hates you - you are not a success. If you are the president of a large corporation but you barely know your child's name - you are not a success. If you have fame or power but your friends think you are a jerk, what's the point?
Make sure you find ways to help your children practice doing without. For example, don't give them every big name toy. Give them tools to make their own toys. One year my children begged for a laser tag game. It had guns, arm bands and a vest that were all set to ring with the laser. Trouble was we couldn't afford it. Solution: I made vests with Velcro and gave them guns that shot ping pong balls. We covered the balls with Velcro. Okay, maybe you couldn't shoot quiet as far but the running, screaming, laughing and playing was just as loud as it would have been with the $200 game.
When we could, we bought the real stuff. Just as often, we made look-a-likes.
Part of your job as parent is to be the protector. Never put your child in a position to be mentally or physically damaged. Do allow your child to go beyond the status quo. Allow him to try difficult things and encourage him when he is down. Give your child wings and then step back and allow him to fly. There will be times when the best decision is to back off or quit. But with each try your child will become stronger and with each success your child will be able to take anything life dishes out.
God loves you,
Debbie
I love old movies. Anything black and white is all right with me. It's not just the lack of color but rather the infusion of great morals and values. I love watching men and women push for the best, reach for the stars and go deep within themselves to find honor.
I've been watching Knute Rockne, All American with Ronald Reagan. I'm not a sports person and barely know the rules of any sport. I love the way many of those old movies present the most impossible situations (many of them true stories) yet men of strong character find a way to push through and overcome. This movie reminded me of another sports movie Rudy. In that movie (also about Notre Dame) Rudy has to overcome the internal battle that we all must face - our fear and doubt in our own abilities.
It seems to me that the only really tough battles are those within our own character.
When people have to do without things they get creative and usually find a way to keep going. But when a person allows the twists and turns in life to destroy his determination, then he is truly lost. As long as we find the strength to push through the depression, discouragement, sorrow, despair, slump, hard times and defeat - we will be winners. We are never defeated as long as we continue to try.
The best example of pushing through the hard times is the new movie, The Pursuit of Happyness. It's a hard movie to watch because you are sure with each twist and turn that Chris Gardner will have to give up. Each problem builds on the previous until you are positive there is no way he will overcome. By the end I was in total crying meltdown. The truly amazing part of the story is that it is all true. He was victorious (sorry if I ruined it for you - still good to watch) and so fantastically successful that his story not only made a movie but is still on the New York Times Best seller list.
Will it make your child a winner to give him everything he wants or needs and require nothing in return?
NO
Will it give your child character to come to his rescue with every little problem and never allow him to work things out on his own?
NO
Will you be able to prepare your child to make it in this world if you keep him so comfortable he never experiences pain, suffering or distress of any kind.
NO
As good parents we have to know the Balance Needed to teach our children how to make it when times are rough and how to keep our character strong when we are enjoying the good times.
How?
Make sure your children see the good in family members and that they understand that having character and honor is far more important than money or success. If you have a million dollars but your wife hates you - you are not a success. If you are the president of a large corporation but you barely know your child's name - you are not a success. If you have fame or power but your friends think you are a jerk, what's the point?
Make sure you find ways to help your children practice doing without. For example, don't give them every big name toy. Give them tools to make their own toys. One year my children begged for a laser tag game. It had guns, arm bands and a vest that were all set to ring with the laser. Trouble was we couldn't afford it. Solution: I made vests with Velcro and gave them guns that shot ping pong balls. We covered the balls with Velcro. Okay, maybe you couldn't shoot quiet as far but the running, screaming, laughing and playing was just as loud as it would have been with the $200 game.
When we could, we bought the real stuff. Just as often, we made look-a-likes.
Part of your job as parent is to be the protector. Never put your child in a position to be mentally or physically damaged. Do allow your child to go beyond the status quo. Allow him to try difficult things and encourage him when he is down. Give your child wings and then step back and allow him to fly. There will be times when the best decision is to back off or quit. But with each try your child will become stronger and with each success your child will be able to take anything life dishes out.
God loves you,
Debbie
Saturday, June 30, 2007
A Night with God
Yesterday about 4:00 pm I went to the emergency room with severe chest pains. Nine hours later I was admitted for the night. After a cat scan, numerous blood work, a stress test followed by more pictures - the doctor said it was not a heart attack.
I'm home now and glad to be feeling better. A little weak, but much better. Prognosis is good and we will work on few things they found, but I'm doing good.
In the middle of fear I had a wonderful experience that I would like to share.
The Bible says that God is everywhere. It says that God knows when even the smallest sparrow falls. The knowledge that God cares is all around us. It's in science and the medical field. It's in the sunrise, the surprise of children and the quickening of our souls when music fills the air.
The hardest place to find God is in the middle of fear. As our mind deals with the situation our body goes into overtime trying to release the pressure. We sweat, tremble, shake and cry. Our blood pressure goes up and our mind goes wild with the "what ifs". Worry takes over and it's not long until we are consumed with fear. We pray, but our prayers seem to hang in the air with little hope of reaching heaven.
I was in the middle of one of those experiences. I was scared about the outcome of my visit and I found it hard to feel God. After an especially hard pain I closed my eyes and used every part of my being to concentrate on God. It took several attempts. It was soft at first. Just a feeling that calmed me. With every breath it began to increase until finally an impression filled my head. It was soft and sweet like the pure sensation of holding a newborn baby. The only difference was that I was the baby being held by the hand of God.
"Debbie, I am here." I relaxed at the thought of his presence. The tremble ceased and the tears slowed. God was there. His presence was overwhelming and soothing. What I needed for the moment, he released to me. Never more than I needed. Just enough.
Through all the tests, the pokes, the iv's, the blood work - He was there. I kept repeating over and over, "It's me and you Lord. It's me and you."
Never forget that God is everywhere. Never forget that you are his child and He loves you.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, whisper His name and He is there.
God loves you,
Debbie
I'm home now and glad to be feeling better. A little weak, but much better. Prognosis is good and we will work on few things they found, but I'm doing good.
In the middle of fear I had a wonderful experience that I would like to share.
The Bible says that God is everywhere. It says that God knows when even the smallest sparrow falls. The knowledge that God cares is all around us. It's in science and the medical field. It's in the sunrise, the surprise of children and the quickening of our souls when music fills the air.
The hardest place to find God is in the middle of fear. As our mind deals with the situation our body goes into overtime trying to release the pressure. We sweat, tremble, shake and cry. Our blood pressure goes up and our mind goes wild with the "what ifs". Worry takes over and it's not long until we are consumed with fear. We pray, but our prayers seem to hang in the air with little hope of reaching heaven.
I was in the middle of one of those experiences. I was scared about the outcome of my visit and I found it hard to feel God. After an especially hard pain I closed my eyes and used every part of my being to concentrate on God. It took several attempts. It was soft at first. Just a feeling that calmed me. With every breath it began to increase until finally an impression filled my head. It was soft and sweet like the pure sensation of holding a newborn baby. The only difference was that I was the baby being held by the hand of God.
"Debbie, I am here." I relaxed at the thought of his presence. The tremble ceased and the tears slowed. God was there. His presence was overwhelming and soothing. What I needed for the moment, he released to me. Never more than I needed. Just enough.
Through all the tests, the pokes, the iv's, the blood work - He was there. I kept repeating over and over, "It's me and you Lord. It's me and you."
Never forget that God is everywhere. Never forget that you are his child and He loves you.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, whisper His name and He is there.
God loves you,
Debbie
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