“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus

Tags

Boldness, Courage, Fear, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 14

If Peter was anything, he was nothing but bold. But it seems that he was also always asking for more.

• When I have my eyes on our Master Jesus that is the way it is. Jesus wasn’t the only one to walk on water. Peter did too. He asked Jesus and Jesus said YES.
• Jesus had supernatural courage. He didn’t do anything but what he saw His Father doing. He had His eyes focused on God.
• AND we serve a bold God. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, everything was alright. It was only when he looked away from Jesus, saw the waves, did he get in trouble.

God has a goal for us.  Let’s be Bold, Fear not, Have Courage, and don’t be Anxious.

May I have more boldness and fearless confidence.

Water longs to be walked on again!

As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. 

At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.

But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, ‘This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!’

Source: Matthew 14

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“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus

Tags

Courage, Fear, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 6

Courage

99 out of 100 things I worry about never happen.

And yet, I continue to be afraid.

Jesus is ever present letting me know that I need to take courage.

He says “It is I”. He is here. Do I hear Jesus? He says “Don’t be afraid”. Do I hear Him?

He gives me courage in His world. His world is here and now.

On earth, as it is in heaven right now.

 Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ~Jesus (Mark 6:50)

May I take courage.

May I have courage.

May I hear Jesus.

“They loved praise from men more than praise from God.” ~Apostle John

Tags

Faith, Fear, John 12

Fill in the blank.

But because of __________ I would not confess my faith for fear I will be kicked out of _______ . Because of my colleagues at work? Because of my friends? Because of my family? Because of my boss?

Whose acceptance am I striving for? Whose rejection do I fear? Where does my identity come from?

May I care more what God thinks of me than my colleagues, boss, friends or family. May I seek to please Him in all I do.

Yet at the same time, many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. John 12:42-43

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Timothy 1, Apostle Paul Sayings, Fear, Love, Power, Self-Control

Give me God’s power

How easy is it to focus on what God doesn’t do for me? Way too easy. I get distracted. The “shiny object” grabs my attention and diverts me. It happens a lot.

The big thing Jesus never gives me is fear or worry. That is NEVER as in not at all. Worry is not from Jesus.

What Jesus does gives me is power. That is POWER in a big way. Jesus has given me His Holy Spirit.

And Jesus gives me love. When I don’t know how or even can’t find it in me, Jesus shows me the way.

But here is the kicker. I need self control to get to where God wants me to be. He gives me self-control as well. And oh how I need self-control.

How amazing is that?  VERY. God is so very good.

Power

Love.

Self-control.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Is my obedience not so much out of love as it is out of carefulness? “Just tell me what to do, God, and I’ll do it.”

Tags

Desire, Fear, God is Good, Jesus, Love, Matthew 25, Obedience, Passion

Jesus told of the man who entrusted three of his servants with thousands of dollars, urging them to handle his affairs well while he was away. When he returned, he listened eagerly to their reports.

The first two fellows went out into the marketplace and doubled their investment. As a result, they were handsomely rewarded.

The third servant was not so fortunate. His gold was taken from him, and he was thrown into “outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” My goodness.

Why? All he did was bury the money under the porch until his master’s return.

Most of us would probably agree with the path he chose-at least the money was safe there. But listen to the man’s reasoning.

Speaking to his master, he said, “I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it” (see Matt. 25:14-30 NLT). He was afraid of the master, whom he saw as a hard man. He didn’t trust his master’s heart.

The issue isn’t capital gains- it’s what we think of God. Are  we saying the same thing: “God, I don’t dare desire because I fear you; I think you are hard-hearted.”

Or do we see our Father as someone who loves us more than anyone else can. Someone who has our best interests at heart.

Even though we may profess at one level a genuine faith in him, at another level are we like the third servant? My obedience is not so much out of love as it is out of carefulness. “Just tell me what to do, God, and I’ll do it.”

The deepest moral issue is always what we, in our heart of hearts, believe about God. And nothing reveals this belief as clearly as what we do with our desire.

“Be a good citizen.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Authority, Citizen, Fear, Kingdom of God, Peace, Romans 13

Kingdom of God

I am a citizen of the country of God. Jesus is in charge. Jesus is my absolute ruler.

The United States of America is a government under God. I should be a good citizen which I interpret to mean I should vote. I will.

God will have his way, ultimately, no matter who is elected. God has a plan and it will be accomplished. God knows who is going to be elected. I can relax. I can be at peace.

Jesus, his son, is in control of God’s country. That is what matters.

Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

Source: Romans 13:1 MSG – To Be a Responsible Citizen – Be a good – Bible Gateway

“The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.” ~King Solomon

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Fear, Jesus, Proverbs 29, Trust, Wise Sayings

There is a fear that paralyzes me. It is the concern about what you think of me.

Will I post this on Facebook and Twitter?

Will I speak out at work?

Why am I afraid?

The answer is staggering. I don’t trust God is why. If I did trust God, I wouldn’t care what others thought of me. The only opinion that would matter would be God’s.

God has promised to be with me. If God is with me, who can be against me?

The fear of human opinion disables;
    trusting in God protects you from that.

Source: Proverbs 29:25 MSG – The fear of human opinion disables; – Bible Gateway

“Do not be afraid. You have found favor with God.” ~Angel to Mary

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Angel, Favor, Fear, Jesus, Luke 1

Overcome Fear

Mary did not have anything to fear. She didn’t know that but it was true. There are times I don’t know it as well. But God’s reality is that he cares for me and has my best interest at heart. That is good news.

Mary had found favor with God. In the world’s way, she had lots to fear. An unwed mother with a stunning story of how it happened. Who would believe it? Who would care?

In God’s world, she had nothing to fear. Nothing is impossible with God. If you know you have favor with God, you will not fear anything. The two are connected. Do you know you have favor with God?

• We have found favor with Him.

• We have nothing to fear.

• Jesus was born, lived a life of supernatural courage, died to take care of our problems and rose again in Power.

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

Source: Luke 1:30-31

“The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” ~King David

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Faith, Fear, Jesus, King David Sayings, Psalm 27, Wise Sayings, Worry

Worry

God lights my path. God saves me. Jesus, the Messiah, has paid the price for my missing God’s goal and placed me in right standing with God. Now that is good news!

Simple but straightforward truths about our amazing heavenly Father. I am participating in His new plan for my life. I am hearing great news today. God is smiling. God shows me his grin.

Why should I be worried? Why should I be afraid? If nothing is impossible with God, why would anything seem like a big deal?

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

May I rely on the stronghold of my life. May I have no fear.

“This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” ~God’s Angel

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Angel, Christmas, December 25, Fear, Luke 2

The sheepherders were minding their own business. Just doing what they do after a long day of work. They were settling in for the evening.

But God had different plans for them. He was about to show up and it was sudden. That is the way God is some days. We’re settling in for the evening and BAM, he arrives on the scene. Are we terrified like the sheepherders?

Well, they got some good news and they obeyed God. The angels told them about our dear Jesus and that the Savior had arrived. He was born.

Have we seen God’s glory? Have we heard the good news from the Angels? Are we ready to meet this Savior?

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep.

Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”  (Luke 2:8-12 The Message)

Worrying always results in missing God’s goal

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Fear, Trust, Worry

Why Worry?

Worrying always results in missing God’s goal. Fear paralyzes and keeps us from acting on what God has planned for us right now.

May I trust Him. It is all about trust. We must change our mind (repent) about who is in control. We must trust Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus is the way to God.

We must trust completely.

We must trust always.

Fear looks. Faith jumps – and never fails to obtain God’s goal!

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Faith, Fear, Goal, Jesus, Messiah

When Jesus, the Messiah, says “Jump”, we jump. That is the essence of faith.

Our enemy. fear, whispers in our ear to look around and see what bad things could happen to us. We become afraid, loose faith and don’t achieve God’s goal.

Fear looks. Faith jumps – and never fails to obtain God’s goal!

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~~Nelson Mandela

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Courage, Fear, Nelson Mandela

We all are afraid. We all need more courage. God gives us the courage to go on. Jesus says to us, “Fear not” and “Do not be afraid”.

God is with us and in a good mood.

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~~Nelson Mandela

“Thinking will not overcome fear but action will.” ~W. Clement Stone

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Act, Fear, Think, W. Clement Stone

Sometimes the more we think about something, the more we fear actually doing something.

Jesus challenged Peter to walk on the water to him. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, everything was okay.

Thinking will not overcome fear but action will. ~W. Clement Stone

 

“Always do what you are afraid to do.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Fear, Jesus, Love, Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fear

Fear paralyzes us.

The perfect love of Jesus drives out all fear.

Be not afraid.

Always do what you are afraid to do. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear." ~~Corrie Ten Boom

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Corrie Ten Boom, Fear, Jesus, Worry

Why Worry?

Worry is a vicious cycle. When we worry, our thoughts spin out control. We forget that God is in control.

The root cause of worry is fear. God’s perfect love drives out fear. Jesus shows us the way.

Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear. ~~Corrie Ten Boom

Where does all my planning get me? Turn from the path of planning to the path of Peace.

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Confusion, Faith, Fear, Future, Jesus, Peace, Planning, Plans

The peace of Jesus

A friend sent me this quote. I have reading it over and over. 

I love to plan. Excessive planning violates God’s goal for my life. Jesus challenges me to trust God, not my ability to plan.

“You will not find My Peace by engaging in excessive planning:  attempting to control what will happen to you in the future.  This is a commonly practiced form of unbelief.  When your mind spins with multiple plans, Peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion. 

I did not design the human mind to figure out the future.  That is beyond your capability.  I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me.  Bring Me all your needs your hopes and fears.  Commit everything into My care.  Turn from the path of planning to the path of Peace. ” ~~Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

 

“Perfect love casts out fear.” ~Apostle John

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1 John 4, Faith, Fear, Jesus, Love, Maturity

Be fearless

In our Father’s house there are many, many rooms. But the one thing there is no room for is fear. Every room is filled with His love.

In fact, the more His love forms in me and matures, this love just pushes out all fear. It is banished!!

Fear can cripple me and my faith. So I pursue my Father’s love. I seek to have it mature in me. Be well formed. That pushes out the fear. God is not in the punishing business.

God is in a good mood. He loves us 24×7. My focus needs to be on Him. God will see me through everything I am facing.

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

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Timothy, Discipline, Fear, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Power

Holy Spirit

I don’t have to be timid or shy. Fear can’t grip my heart. He has given me His HOLY Spirit. The Spirit gives me power that I have never known. I can be bold.

I have His love drenching my heart and soul. With His sensible care I persevere. The Messiah and my Master Jesus’ love is a gift to me. I didn’t do anything to earn. I can’t do anything to earn. I can freely receive it from Jesus.

Here is the result of the Spirit of God living in us. We don’t have fear but have:

1. Power
2. Love
3. Discipline

The discipline He brings into my life makes a difference. I can focus on His daily direction. I can move according to His long range goals for me. That direction and focus drives out all fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

“What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” ~The Disciples of Jesus

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Calm, Faith, Fear, Jesus, Lord, Matthew 8, Wind, Worry

Jesus didn’t cause the storm to arise. The storm wasn’t His doing at all. He didn’t “weather” the storm although he was sleeping and not concerned or afraid one bit.

He did tell it to stop and it did. Completely. It became perfectly calm. No wind. No waves. Just calm.

They were amazed because He is amazing. He did what He saw His Father doing. That is all.

Our God is Great. His son Jesus, the Messiah, does amazing things.

May I see things as He does.

May I do what I see Him doing.

He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:26-27

 

"We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear." ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Anxiety, Courage, Fear, Martin Luther King Jr.

Fear

Fear can overtake us. Anxiety challenges our ability and attitude. Some days it is like a flood.

Fear can be held back with a dike. It is the dike of courage and supernatural power given us by the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Peter calls on us to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ) Knowing that God is in a good mood is the foundation of the dike of courage. God cares for me personally. The great Pastor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that foundation.

We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear. ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

You have nothing to fear. Do the right thing. Blessings will be yours!

Tags

Anxiety, Fear, Peace

Fear

You have nothing to fear. We hear that all the time. Fear can come when we don’t know what to do.

Do the right thing. That knowledge brings peace.

Blessings will be yours! And that means peace.

"We need a lot more failures. Failures that don’t kill us make us bolder." ~~Seth Godin

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Bold, Failure, Fear, Seth Godin, Success

Failure

It is not all about being successful. Focusing on success holds us back.

We do need to be bolder. Getting up to bat, swinging at the ball and not worrying about the home run is important.

We learn by failing.

We grow by not being afraid.

May we learn to be bolder.

We need a lot more failures. Failures that don’t kill us make us bolder. ~~Seth Godin

Shouldn’t we be afraid of God?

Tags

Creation, Fear, Genesis 1, Love, Romans 8

God is God

You know, if you really think about it, we should all be terrified of God.

Anybody that can create the Universe with a word, light up the stars by the millions and breathe life into mankind is simply awe-striking. The sheer power of our God should have us all on our knees trembling in fear, shouldn’t it?

But, Love has been added to the equation. While we are on our knees, it is God’s Love that lets us feel His hands on our cheeks.

And He is turning our face upward to Him. He is telling us that He loves us and He is saying that He even knew us before we were born. And we can hear Him. And there is no need at all to be afraid.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Romans 8:35

“But take heart! I have conquered the world.” ~~Jesus

Tags

Courage, Fear, Heart, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Worry

Overcome Fear

Many days, there is a whole lot of worrying going on.

Fear can cripple. How many times does God come to us and say, “Fear not”? That is one of His great themes.

Jesus knows that this world is going to present challenges to us. We will experience difficulties.

God’s goal for us is the we trust in Him. He is in control. He didn’t bring us this far to leave us now.

Here is the good news. Jesus has overcome everything. He is seated at the right hand of the Father. All is well. It is finished.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”  John 16:33 The Message (MSG)

“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” ~Babe Ruth

Tags

Babe Ruth, Fear

Babe Ruth New York Yankees

For a long time Babe Ruth held the record for hitting the most home runs (714). He was an amazing batter.

Babe Ruth also struck out 1,340 times.

“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way” ~Babe Ruth

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” ~Apostle Peter

Tags

1 Peter 5, Anxiety, Fear, Trust

God is in a good mood

Our Father cares for us. He has great things in mind for us. He is doing it. He loves us completely. He is in a good mood.

What we are concerned about is what we are concerned about. God isn’t concerned at all.  He will complete the good work in us. He hasn’t brought us this far to leave us now. We need to stand firm.

He cares for us!! How can anything happen that won’t complete His good work? Everything is working for our good and His glory.

God’s goal for us is to trust Him completely. We must remember that He cares for us.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

May we have absolute trust in Him. May we know how much He cares.

“You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” ~~Jesus

Tags

Courage, Faith, Fear, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 8

Courage

Nothing is impossible with God. Do we have confidence in Him? Do we know, deep in our inner being, that He loves us and won’t leave us behind. Fear can be crippling. Fear comes from the lack of supernatual courage. God’s goal for us is to have courage. It is a gift from Him.

When there is a crisis out, and they do come, our confidence must be in Him. Our courage is with Him. He can, with a word, reverse the crisis.

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” ~~Jesus Matthew 8:26

May I trust Him and have His courage.

Always good news with God

Tags

Despair, Fear, Happy, Love, Zephaniah 3

There is always good news with God. He is always happy to have us back when we miss His goal (sin) for us. He is strong and never grows tired. His love brings us peace and calms us. He is tickled pink to delight us. He is in a good mood and not upset with us.

Yes, there is always good news with God.

Jerusalem will be told:  “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. Zephaniah 3:16-17

May I be open to the good news and see that God is with me, powerful and delighted with me.

Are there monsters in the closet?

Tags

Fear, Light, Psalm 2

I remember as a child not wanting to sleep in the dark. There were monsters in the closet and under the bed. The light helped. It always does.

There is something about the light. Jesus is the light. He drives out the darkness and all fear.

God’s goal for us is for us to live in the light. He is God and He is light. When we live in the light of His truth, there is no fear.

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1

May I live in the light with Jesus.