Fear Knots or “Fear Nots” ?

Are fear knots or “fear nots” guiding your way

when it seems your path is filled with dismay?

At trying times you must make a choice

to whom you will listen, which voice.

 

As life’s circumstances you closely survey,

Are fear knots or “fear nots” guiding your way?

Is anxiousness the only sound heard,

or are you tuning in to God’s Holy Word?

 

Down the human path you are called to trod.

When the testing comes, does it seem rather odd?

Are fear knots or “fear nots” guiding your way?

Will adversity cause you to earnestly pray?

 

Trials will come, a fact that is sure.

Abiding in God is the only true cure.

When perplexity knocks will your soul find a stay?

Are fear knots or “fear nots” guiding your way?

 

10/26/09

 

Isaiah 43:1  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

 

Isaiah 44:8  Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

 

Isaiah 51:7  Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

 

Psalm 118:6  The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

 

Matthew 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

10:29  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

10:30  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

10:31  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

 

Luke 12:32  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

 

 

 

 

When You’ve Been There

Several weeks ago, I got a call from a lady who has visited our church on and off for a few months. As soon as she started talking, I knew something was wrong, and she went on to tell me the story of how her 8 month old granddaughter died in her arms.  An autopsy was done later and a cause of death could not be determined. They are considering it SIDS.  My heart broke for her. She was struggling with all the “whys”, battling depression and dealing with feelings of anger toward God for letting it happen. I told her what I felt God wanted me to say at the time, prayed with her over the phone and really encouraged her to be in church the next day. She was in church the next day and cried through much of the service. My husband talked with her quite a bit after service too.  During the next few weeks we did not see her. Every time I called or tried going by her house she wasn’t home. Her daughter who lost the baby lived an hour away, and she was spending a lot of time with her. Although I couldn’t get in touch with her, I tried to make it a point to pray for her often. One of the things I prayed(besides for comfort)was that God would give her a new perspective and help her to see what happened through His eyes.

Last week, she came to church after being gone for a few weeks. During testimony time, she stood up and began to tell how God helped her to break through the darkness that had been surrounding her. The Lord brought the thought to her mind of how Mary must have felt to watch Jesus die on the cross. Although it was a difficult thing for her to endure, it was meant to be. This simple thought has brought her to the place where she is not crying constantly anymore.

Monday night, we had our monthly ladies’ prayer meeting at church. This is where we get together and pray specifically for our children, grandchildren and any other kids we know that need healing, salvation, etc. This lady and her sister came to the prayer meeting.  As we were getting ready to pray, this lady began talking about her granddaughter, how much she missed her and how it was still hard for her. Then the leader of our prayer group began to share something with this lady that she had been through. She had lost a child herself, something that I did not know. She began to share some of the things she went through, walking away from God, drinking, almost losing her marriage, etc. As she was talking another one of our ladies who was a little late came in and sat down and started listening to the conversation. When things got quiet, she too began to share how she had a grandson who died when he was 8 months old and all that she went through. I was so proud of these two ladies that had “been there” and allowed God to use them to help this other lady.  By the time we were through talking, praying, crying, laughing(yes, we even laughed some!)and having a snack together, I know this woman went home with a lighter heart.

I said all that to say that sometimes we go through things that are difficult, and we may wonder if we’re going to make it through or why God has allowed the thing to happen. If we’ll hold onto God and not allow our hearts to be overcome with doubt or bitterness, I believe God will one day bring us to the place where we can help someone else, because “we’ve been there.”

Although the death of this little girl has been difficult, God has already brought to pass 3 miracles.  3 infants were in need of heart surgeries to save their lives. The mother of the little girl who passed away was approached about organ donation, and first said no, but after some time and consideration, changed her no to a yes. All 3 of these infants came through their surgeries and are doing fine. Who knows what special plans God might have for these children.

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

 

 

Update: October 11th – I just read a beautiful post written by blogger friend Karen that deals with this same subject. It’s amazing that we both posted about this on the same day. I encourage you to stop by and read Karen’s post. It’s well worth your time. Here is the link to it.

http://khopper.blogspot.com/2009/10/layer-by-layer.html

Going, Going……………..

not quite gone, but it was close. This has been an interesting week for our family. It’s not every week that you come within a day of losing your house through foreclosure and having it sold. The sale was supposed to be on Thursday, but through prayer and lots of phone calls, faxes and e-mails, the sale was stopped, and we’ve been given a 30 day reprieve while our paperwork is being reviewed.  The week began with both of the kids getting sick. Our first day of school was supposed to be Tuesday, but that didn’t quite happen as planned. Friday morning, we sprung a leak in our bathroom while my husband was shaving. Fortunately, my husband was able to fix it with some parts from Home Depot that only cost a little over $12. Today, we received a call that another church which is about 1/2 a block away was on fire. We were concerned that it might spread and reach our building. The neighboring church ended up losing their preschool facility before the fire was finally contained. Because our air conditioner was on at the time, we did have some smoke get into our building, but it doesn’t appear that it will cause any lasting damage.

Even in the midst of all of this, God has been extremely good to us! No matter how bad our circumstances may get at times, there is always something for which we can be thankful.  These are some Scriptures that have come to mind this week.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

 

All things that happen to us are not good, but God can work them for our good if we will put our trust in Him.

Romans 8:31“What shall we then say to these things? If God

be for us, who can be against us?”

Gen 42:36

 

 

“And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.”

 

If you know the story of Joseph and how things turned out for him in the end, you can see that Jacob was wrong in what he said here. These things were not against him. God had a plan. Jacob just couldn’t see it at the time.

I’m glad God has a plan for our lives, even when we experience adverse circumstances or don’t understand why things are happening to us.  I’m also thankful for two verses in Proverbs that have been an anchor for me over the years.

Proverbs 3:5,6

 

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  

There is no safer place to be than in His hands! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Will You Say To Your Soul?

Do you ever talk to yourself? I know that I do occasionally. Today, I heard a sermon entitled O My Soul. It was a contrast of two people in the Bible that had a conversation with their souls. The first is the rich man in Luke chapter 12.

 

Luke 12:16  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

12:17  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

12:18  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

12:19  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

12:20  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

12:21  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

 

Verse 19 tells us what this rich man said to his soul. This rich man apparently had a false sense of security from his abundant wealth and deceives himself into thinking that everything is alright because all his financial ducks are in a row. The Epicurean philosophy of eat, drink and be merry which was common and prevalent at this time was what this man embraced. It’s still around in our present culture, and many people are lying to themselves in the exact same manner as this rich man.  There is something about monetary prosperity that can deceive people into having a false concept of well being. It’s not impossible to be wealthy and serve God, but the Bible does speak in other places of the deceitfulness of riches. (Mark 4:19, Luke 12:15)

 

On the other hand, we can take a look and see what the Psalmist said to his soul.

 

Psalm 103:1  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

103:2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

103:3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

103:4  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

103:5  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

David is telling his soul to bless the Lord. In verse 2 he talks about not forgetting all the benefits that God gives us, and he goes on to list some of them in verses 3 through 5. The enemy of our souls would love for us to forget the things that God has done for us. Sometimes in the midst of a struggle or trial, it can be easy to forget God’s goodness to us if we begin to focus too much on the present circumstance. During these times it would be good to stop and consider the things that David said to his soul.

 

 God forgives all of our sins when we come to Him in repentance. What a great blessing this is! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I mess up. I’m glad God is not standing there waiting to bop me on the head. Many times I John 1:9 has been a comfort to me.

 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

 

God is a healer! Although He does not heal everyone that comes to Him for healing, He is certainly able to do so. Sometimes there is a purpose in our sickness(as in the case of the apostle Paul), but we can still trust God that He knows best. If in His wisdom, He sees that a physical healing is the best thing for us, He will bring it to pass.

 

God redeems our life from destruction! If we receive His salvation, we can be saved from eternal destruction in the lake of fire and have a hope of living with Him forever in a heavenly place. 

 

God crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies. If we really stop and think about it, we can see ways every day in which God has been loving, kind and merciful to us.

 

I think David gave us some good truths that we can speak to our souls, truths that will help us to keep ourselves in the love of God. The next time I’m feeling discouraged and my soul needs a good talking to, I pray the Lord will bring this to my mind(and yours too).

At The Place Of The Sea

I came across this poem last week and really liked it.  Just wanted to share it here. If you are in a “Red Sea” season in your life, may you find encouragement in this.

 

A Red Sea Place

Have you come to the Red Sea place in your life,
Where in spite of all you can do,
There is no way out, there is no way back,
There is no other way but through?
Then wait on the Lord with a trust serene
Till the night of your fear is gone;
He will send the wind, He will heap the floods,
When He says to your soul “Go on.”

And His hand will lead you through – clear through -
Ere the watery walls roll down,
No foe can reach you, no wave can touch,
No mightiest sea can drown;
The tossing billows may rear their crests,
Their foam at your feet may break,
But over their bed you shall walk dryshod
In the path that your Lord will make.

In the morning watch, ‘neath the lifted cloud,
You shall see but the Lord alone,
When He leads you on from the place of the sea,
To a land that you have not known;
And your fears shall pass as your foes have passed,
You shall no more be afraid;
You shall sing His praise in a better place,
A place that His hand has made.

Annie Johnson Flint

Psalm 106:9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was
dried up: so he led them through the depths,
as through the wilderness.

Heb. 11:29 By faith they passed through the
Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians
assaying to do were drowned.

Restoration

Sin it crouches

Sin it pounces

Pounces on me

Pounces on you

You try to run

You try to hide

Hide the shame

Hide the truth

Truth that hurts

Truth that wounds

Wounds that fester in the heart

Wounds that tear a life apart

Apart from God

Apart from mercy

Mercy can refuse

Mercy also beckons

Beckons softly

Beckons tenderly

Tenderly His voice

Tenderly it calls

Calls for repentance

Calls me to an altar

Altar of humility

Altar of confession

Confession brings release

Confession brings peace

Peace floods my soul

Peace like a river

River that flows

River of life

Life that’s worth living

Life meant for giving

Giving of self

Giving in service

Service to others

Service to God

God of love

God of hope

Hope for tomorrow

Hope in my sorrow

Sorrow that comes

Sorrow that goes

Goes in God’s time

Goes in God’s season

Season of revival

Season of renewal

Renewal

Revival

 

Written 7/19/09

This type of poem is called The Blitz. You can click here to see how to write it.

Fear Not Little Flock

Last Thursday as my daughter and I were in the front of the church leading in praise and worship, I opened my eyes and looked out on the small group of people in attendance. Generally, I keep my eyes closed quite a bit when leading in songs for a couple of reasons. First of all, it helps me to focus my thoughts more on the Lord, who is the One I am supposed to have my mind on in the first place. Second of all, there is less of a chance for distraction or discouragement with my eyes closed. When we first started the church here a little over 6 years ago, I often felt very conspicuous leading in worship. Starting a church from scratch, we had people coming that had not received teaching on praise and worship, so it was kind of unsettling when I did open my eyes to see folks looking at me with blank stares. Thankfully, that kind of response is not the norm anymore. This past Thursday as I opened my eyes and looked out on the congregation, I saw almost everybody participating in worship. I was blessed to see that their eyes were closed and their hands were uplifted as they focused their full attention on giving God praise and glory. As I watched my brothers and sisters in Christ, I thought about the various trials that they are presently facing. Some are going through difficult financial situations, others are facing serious marriage problems and some are dealing with discouraging health issues. I felt blessed though to see that in the midst of their struggles, these good folks are still lavishing praise upon the Lord. As I mused upon these things, a Scripture came to my mind.

 

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

 

I wasn’t sure at the time why this Scripture came to mind, but later I started looking up more Scriptures that have to do with the kingdom.

 

The book of Romans states in chapter 14 and verse 17,

 

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

 

Here at our church, we still believe and teach as the apostles did in the book of Acts in receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. If you have ever received this wondrous gift, you know that it is a gift that keeps on giving. As we worship God, He is gracious to impart more of that righteousness, peace and joy that come with being filled with His Spirit and having a relationship with Him.

 

Will God save us from all of our financial difficulties, health problems and trials that come our way? He certainly is able to, but sparing us from all adversity may not accomplish His purpose in our lives. Sometimes God would have us to walk through a valley for a season in order to teach us something we could not learn otherwise.

 

No, God will not save us from all of our troubles, but as a wise elder preacher I know once said, “ He will save us in our troubles.” I believe He does this by allowing us to partake of that spiritual kingdom that is mentioned in Romans. There’s just something about the Holy Ghost that gives us power to go on, even when circumstances in our lives are not the greatest. No matter how dark things may get, we don’t have to be afraid if we’ll just keeping giving God the praise and allow the Holy Ghost to produce that joy, peace and rest that we need so much. Thank you, Jesus!

When Was The Last Time

Thursday night, we had a very good Bible study dealing with afflicting ourselves and being willing to pay the price to bring others to Jesus. I want to have a greater burden and desire to share the gospel, and while I was thinking on these things, I felt inspired to write this. May God raise up more intercessors in these last days.

When was the last time you wept for a soul

As tears from your eyes did freely flow

With agony over one’s lost condition

Of eternity without God, perdition?

 

If to win one to God is your noble goal

When was the last time you wept for a soul?

Before this great gospel we can share

We must take some time to wrestle in prayer.

 

Have you witnessed, it seems, to no avail?

Perhaps you’re lacking this thing called travail.

When was the last time you wept for a soul

With heart wrenching sobs you could scarcely control?

 

Ever take time to wonder why

Your spirit just seems so lifeless and dry?

Over this question, you may want to mull.

“When was the last time you wept for a soul?”

 

4-9-09

 

 

Psalm 126:5  Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

126:6  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

 

 

James 4:9  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

4:10  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

 

2Chronicles 7:14  if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 

Romans 8:26  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

 

“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”

Bob Pierce

Wilderness Wonders

1Samuel 23:15

And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.

1Samuel 23:16

And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

This morning, as I was reading my Bible, these verses just seemed to leap out at me.  David was literally running for his life, running from King Saul who wanted to kill him.  He was in a wilderness, which in itself can be a very scary place. How blessed he was to have a friend in King Saul’s own son, Jonathan. The Bible says that Jonathan strengthened his hand in God.  No doubt, David was afraid at this time, for the first words out of Jonathan’s mouth in verse 17 are “Fear not.”

Sure, God could have come down Himself to David to assure him that everything was going to be allright, but most of the time it seems that God chooses to work through people. Sometimes it’s just reassuring to have someone with skin on, someone right there that you can see. I thought of the many times in my life when I have been afraid or discouraged. How many times has God sent someone to strengthen my hand in God! Many times it has been a preacher. Some times it has been a family member or close friend. God has even used bloggers before who had no idea what I was going through, but the words that they had written in a post ministered to me. Have you ever had your hand strengthened in God? I’m very grateful for the many times that I have felt the divine touch of God, but I’m also grateful for the times when he has used someone else with skin on to encourage me, comfort me or give me assurance.

If you are reading this and facing a “wilderness” today, I pray God will send someone that can strengthen your hand in Him. If everything is rosy, may you be used by God to strengthen someone’s hand in the Lord today.

 

Tis THE HUMAN TOUCH in this world that counts,

The touch of your hand and mine,

Which means far more to the fainting heart

Than shelter and bread and wine;

For shelter is gone when the night is o’er,

And bread lasts only a day,

But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice

Sing on in the soul alway.

 

SPENCER MICHAEL FREE

The Son Peeks In

What an unusual day.

The sky is dark and a light rain

slowly drops down. Winds are blowing but

not to the point of being overbearing. As I walk

through the neighborhood, I notice that every once

in a while, the sun manages to break through

the darkness.  It may be just a sliver of light,

and it may last just for a few seconds, but the

darkness has definitely been

penetrated.

 

I think of my own life and know that

there have been some dark times. Problems and

not so great circumstances, like dark clouds

have hung over my head and I’ve felt the

chilling fingers of a troubled breeze. Yet I can

recall saint’s testifying of God’s provision, talking in

an unknown tongue as tears stream down my face and

having Scripture verses come to my mind

just when I needed them.  By these things I know

that although I can’t stop the tempest, I can find

strength in those times when

The Son peeks in.

 

3-2-09