Wednesday, 05 March, 2008 - Reality
"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life...These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete." - 1 John 1:1-4 NASB
John stressed that Jesus was real. He wasn't a myth. His life wasn't merely a nice story. John had heard Jesus speak, seen Him with his own eyes, and touched Him with his hands.
Reality is often said to be a matter of perception. Reality is said to be relevant. The reality of reality is this; it is where you choose to be at a particular point in time and space. If you chose to look at the fact that you just crashed your car into a telephone pole, and totaled it, the reality is - you just crashed your car into a telephone pole. If you walk away from the crash with minor injuries, then the reality is that you thank God for not getting killed. There is also a sense of gratitude that you didn't injure anyone else in the accident. The reality is that you are lucky - God was with you and spared you from death.
This is all the farther that we reach with our reality. How dense can we really be? How shallow is this mental escape from what reality truly encompasses. We seize the moment and that is all the farther that our reality extends. When in fact; the reality of the moment reaches so much farther than just totaling your car.
What you do not see in your selfish reality is that you have just knocked out power to several hundred people in a 4 square block area. A business alarm goes off with the power surge, police respond, lights and sirens to investigate. A young mother and her children are caught off guard by the squad car screaming by them, and swerves to get out of the way. In doing this, a child bumps her head on the window and begins to cry.
The reality is; a store loses power for a few minutes, while the trauma of the power loss is rerouted by an intricate bank of switches. During this few minutes someone shoplifts an IPod from the business.
John was an eyewitness that Jesus' "life was manifested," and he felt compelled to testify about this powerful experience. He wanted others to experience this life-changing relationship with Christ, "so that you too may have fellowship with us," and so they could enter into fellowship "with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ."
John knew that our joy would be complete only when we shared the reality of Jesus with others. The world needs to know this powerful, life-changing message, for the Gospel makes a difference in practical ways that people can see and hear! While Jesus was a teacher of eternal Truth, He also was concerned with practical living and the issues people faced every day. He impacted their daily lives in tangible ways.
What impact has Jesus made on your life? How has He changed you? What difference has He made in your thoughts and feelings? What problems has He solved? What prayers has He answered? What miracles have you received?
Live in such a way that others can see the difference Jesus makes. Dedicate your life to sharing these truths with others. Bear witness and testify. Help others know that the Gospel is real-for you, for them, and for everyone.
Monday, March 03, 2008 - God's Mission and Calling
"Each [person] has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another having a different kind." 1 Corinthians 7:7
"Let your light shone before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29
Most of us struggle minute by minute with our self worth and value. Not just about our legacy here on this earth, but with our legacy before God. It is critical that we discover our purpose, our calling, our mission. Many never find it and end up with a lost, lonely and miserable life. Even more of us do not even look for it. These are the truly 'lost'. They have no hope at all and are guilty by omission.
We are not only commanded to search and discover our purpose, but we have the added responsibility to lift up. encourage and lead others in their search for their mission.
I truly believe that Christian Mix Inet is my purpose. However, sadly, I have been forced to learn the reality that it has nothing to do with me at all. My deep love and gladness comes from radio and Christian music. It meets a world need to share and reinforce the Gospel and uplift the Spirit of Jesus Christ in others. As you will read in this blog, that is the key to finding yourself. In the case of this radio ministry, I can no longer do it myself.
Even through the revelation of self-discovery, that is where the 'me' part ends. As you will soon learn, we are not called for the mission to do it alone. It is a battle of an army, with God as our leader. Through the fight of both spiritual and secular battles, we need to be able to count on each other to mass against the Evil One. By combining our different talents, and putting on the armor of God, we will win every time.
Unfortunately, too many are left to battle by themselves. The amazing thing is they can win also. God is our 'miracle man'. Christian Mix Inet will win this battle of finances, relying totally on the Lord for leadership. But it still is a never ending battle to discover and create our proper mission and it's details. The revelation of God's plan for this ministry will be fulfilled. Unfortunately, it has come to a time of need. It has also come to the time of searching and refining. Please continue your prayers for CMI. Please pray about what you can do to help.
Because we are made in God's image, we are also created to do work. We are made to create, lead, study, organize, heal, cultivate, or teach. We have a purpose - a design that is central to God's dream for the human race. We are, first of all, according to scripture, called to know God, to receive his love and mercy, and to be his children. We are called to live in the reality of his kingdom and to have Christ formed in us.
As a crucial part of our calling, we were given certain gifts, talents, longings, and desires. To identify these with clarity, to develop them with skill, and to use them joyfully and humbly to serve God and his creation is central to why we were created.
What we do matters immensely. It is worth devoting our best energy to. We are on a mission from God.
We didn't give ourselves the personalities, talents or longings we were born with. When we fulfill these - these gifts from beyond ourselves - it is like fulfilling something we were meant to do ... the creator of all things knows the name of each of us - knows thoroughly, better than we do ourselves, what is in for us, for he put it there and intends for us to do something with it - something that meshes with his intentions for many other people ... Even if we do not always think of it that way, each of us was given a calling - by fate, by chance, by destiny, by God. Those that are lucky have found it.
A calling is something you discover, not something you choose. You also have a nature with your own potential and limits. Fredrich Buechner wrote that calling is, "the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need." It is not hard to figure out where the world's deep need is. It is everywhere! What turns out to be more difficult than you might expect is discovering where your deep gladness lies. What work brings you joy? For what do you do you have desire and passion - for these, too, are gifts from God. This is why giftedness is about more than just talents.
God does not call us in a way that violates our "raw material." Where God calls, God gifts. Natural talent alone is not enough to honor a calling from God. I will need ideas, strength, and creativity beyond my own resources to do what God asks of me. It will have to be God and me doing it together. We are not called to work for God. We are called to work with God.
"Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3
Saturday, March 01, 2008 - Forgiveness of Sins
"I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness...to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins." - Acts 26:16-18 NASB
Born in southern Iran, Afshin was serious about Islam. He diligently studied the Koran and was taught many deep things by his grandfather, a religious leader. He served in the Hezbollah army, and while imprisoned in Malaysia for having illegal passports, he taught other prisoners about Islam, praying five times a day.
But, as he described on a recent episode of "A Muslim Journey to Hope," his life changed one day when "a spirit entered the room...much more powerful than I could handle." Terrified, he cried, "God, help me." Immediately, he heard a voice, "Bring the name of Jesus." He responded, "Jesus, if You are truth, show me Yourself." Instantly, everything was normal. Yet he was confused. Why would Jesus help a Muslim?
After praying and fasting for two weeks, suddenly he "felt the power of God fill the room." Overwhelmed with a sense of God's holiness," he realized that he was "full of sin" and pleaded with God for forgiveness. He felt a touch. A voice said, "I forgive you" and told him, "I am the way, the truth and the life." This was "Jesus Christ, the Living God." Afshin fell to the ground, weeping. Forgiven! Amazed ... and changed forever!
His testimony reminds us that God still performs miracles, and Jesus still intervenes in the lives of men and women, both Muslims and people like you! He is with you right now, ready to forgive your sins and answer your prayers.
Remember to be His witness. Pray that He would open the eyes of Muslims throughout the world. Seek a deeper, more personal relationship with Him! He alone is Lord!
22 February, 2008 - Hear What You Can Learn
Proverbs 18:13 "He who answers before listening -- that is his folly and his shame."
When you hear only what you want to hear, you're not really listening. Listen to what you don't want to hear as well. That's how you'll learn. That's how you'll grow. That's how you'll get stronger.
Though you may be confident in your knowledge, no one knows it all. No one has everything figured out. Others have much to teach you. Let their words add value to your life. There are opinions not your own which are very much worth considering.
Listen to learn. Really listen and consider what others have to say. If someone were to provide a sumptuous meal to you, would you leave it half eaten? When someone is gracious enough to share their knowledge and experience with you, make the most of a great opportunity. Listen and hear not only what you thought you wanted to hear. Listen and hear what you have to learn.
20 February, 2008 - Mistakes and Failures
"He began to curse and swear, 'I do not know this man you are talking about!' Immediately a rooster crowed a second time...And he began to weep." - Mark 14:71-72 NASB
A man's legacy is often interpreted as his mistakes and failures. That is because that is the way that we perceive them ourselves. Did we make the sales goal for the day? Did we perform to the best of our ability in the task at hand? How did we react to any given situation?
At one time or another, all of us face failure. Some of us face more than our share of misgivings and bad choices. The key is how we react. Peter knew he had failed when he denied knowing Jesus, but he didn't give up. He allowed God to forgive and restore him. And, through the power of the Holy Spirit, he became a mighty leader in the Church.
How do you deal with mistakes and failures? Do you become filled with guilt and give up? Don't let failure cripple you. Be like Peter: Admit your mistakes to God. Ask for His forgiveness, and let Him restore you. If you allow Him, He can use even your mistakes for His glory.
19 February, 2008 - The God Who Cares
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Timothy 1:17 NASB
On April 11, 2000, a debate about whether Jesus really rose from the dead was taped in the Inspiration Ministries' studios between Dr. Gary Habermas of Liberty University and Dr. Antony Flew, considered by many to be the world's leading atheist. In the following year, Flew continued to argue his convictions, but he also continued to ask questions, analyze the arguments of other philosophers, and even revisit his own conclusions.
Cotton followed in their footsteps, in many ways surpassing them in influence. He wrote more than 400 books on subjects ranging from theology to science. Summarizing his influence, George Washington once called him the "Father of the Founding Fathers."
Then, suddenly, on December 9, 2004, Dr. Flew announced that he had changed his mind. He now believed in God! Flew recently wrote a book about his journey, appropriately titled, There Is a God. He described being raised in a Christian home but then rejecting the faith as he rose to prominence in academia. He explained the various arguments for and against the existence of God, which he had struggled with for much of his life.
Flew shared how he finally had come to believe, and he described his "discovery of the Divine." He concluded that this journey finally "has led me to accept the existence of a self-existent, immutable, immaterial, omnipotent, and omniscient Being."
Throughout history, and even today, many have foolishly concluded that there's no God. Many more have believed that He exists, but they wondered if He really cared for them.
Does this immortal, invisible God really want to have a personal relationship with each of us? Does He truly answer prayer? Does He have a plan for our lives? The answer to these questions is, "Yes!"
Today, give praise to your Mighty God! He is the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God. To Him, be honor and glory forever and ever! Dedicate your life to serving Him and helping others see the Light.
Reprinted by permission - Inspiration Today Ministries (David Cerullo)
18 February, 2008 - Faith and Identity
Phillipians 4:14 "For it was good of you to share in my troubles."
When I struggle with something, or I am weak in an area, I tend to want to hide that from people because I don't want them to think that I'm this guy. So I come to church and become somebody else. When someone asks how I am, I don't wish to burden them with all my troubles and problems. They have plenty of their own.
This puts on a false sense of security and is really lying. This is not to say that if someone inquires about your well-being that you unload you problem resume on them. Instead, it means that you should not put on the aire of false wellness. You can not fool your Heavenly Father. Behavior that is not in accordance with His Will is sinful. We are told to take our burdens to the Lord. Ask Jesus for help in solving the situation. Praying can lift the heaviness of the moment from your shoulders. It can lighten the load so that you may truly have a sense of peace through the stress. Don't pretend with your faith.
I have always been under the belief that "Taking your troubles to the Lord" showed a lack of manliness. As a guy we are supposed to be tough and 'suck it up'. Deal with it, blow it off, accept it! After all, we are guys. Jesus Christ was a guy too. My Jesus cried, got on His knees and prayed, he showed meekness, compassion and humility. I believe that Jesus was not only the Son of Man, but the Man of Men.
Step back from a problem for just a moment. Look up at the stars on a clear night. You are not looking at some illusion. They are really there. The vast magnificence of the universe is not "out there," it is real and it is here. You are right in the middle of it. Call out to the maker of all this you see, and that which you do not see.
Though your problems of the moment may seem overwhelming, stop and ask yourself, "Compared to what?" Consider that the sun will rise tomorrow. The seasons will continue to change. The light from distant stars will continue to stream across the vast reaches of space, to sparkle before your eyes.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.: Romans 8:18
We have this idea from teaching and reading of what the perfect believer is supposed to look like. Often the motivation to want to be that person is good. I think that if I start acting like that person that will help me become that person. There's a lot of danger there, because if your faith is a behavioral change instead of a heart change, you're in trouble. It's very possible that I'm performing the whole time I'm at church. The problem with that is one day when I've got to draw faith and strength from something, almost everything I'm tied to spiritually on the outside
Are your challenges really insurmountable? If they seem to be, then enlarge your perspective. You have plenty of room to do that. You have an entire universe against which to consider those challenges. Back off far enough, and they will appear very tiny. Look at a big enough picture, and you'll find the courage, energy and inspiration to move on through those seemingly overwhelming problems.
It really isn't about me after all/ Release yourself from that "me" place. You are in a dangerous place but through the Grace of Jesus Christ you can change that place instantly, and take the world on with a fresh new perspective.
16 February, 2008 - I Love to Tell The Story
Luke 8:39 "Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you. So he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him."
Every business seeks to convince more consumers to purchase their products or engage their services. To understand how to do this better, the Association of Advertising Agencies recently conducted an intensive three-year study. Their findings, released last October, revealed that the most effective advertisements were those that told stories. One executive commented that telling stories was "more engaging, memorable, and compelling than telling a bunch of facts."
At my work, I do fairly well in my sales performance. I sell appliances, and electronics. When I come into contact with a potential customer, I talk to them. We visit about their needs and desires in their potential purchase or interest. We "talk", we share, we visit. I try to become their 'friend'. Even though they eventually purchase their product from my company, they are doing business with me. Another sales associate that I work with tends to be so filled with facts, statistics and technical information, the customer often leaves confused and overwhelmed.
Jesus made the same point during His earthly ministry. He urged people to realize the power of testimonies-real-life accounts of people and what actually happened to them.
For example, after a demon-possessed man was delivered, Jesus told him to return home and "describe what great things God has done for you." We also note this when a Samaritan woman told the whole city what Jesus had done for her. Many "believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified" (John 4:39).
We even see Paul, after his conversion, eager to tell others about his encounter with Jesus: "Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God'" (Acts 9:20).
Today, remember that you can impact lives when you tell people what Jesus has done for you. When you tell your story, speak it in your own words. You can do this no matter who you are: young or old, rich or poor, highly educated or not. Just be a witness. Share your story. After all, it was a miracle!
Even ourselves, when we reflect on the miracles God has performed for us, can come away confused and overwhelmed. When the earthly logic and rational is defied and we can not explain it - just tell it like it is. If you try to over think the simplicity and beauty of God's love for us and how he wants us to shine and succeed, it is hard to grasp with our earthly understanding. So don't even try. Don't make it more complicated, because it is not. It is not necessary for us to understand it all. Accept it, praise the Lord for your blessing. Proclaim the truth! Go out to the world and obey the commandment to share it with others. Your life is a miracle in itself. The simple fact that God saw it fit to get you up this morning is a testimony in itself.
Others may argue about what you believe, but they cannot argue about what has happened in your life. God can do the same for them! What a simple assignment! What a joy! And what an impact you can have in the lives of others!
15 February, 2008 - Don't Worry, Be Happy!
Phillipians 4:11- ..".I have learned the secret of being content whatever the circumstances."
Is the desire to get your way, actually getting in your way?
Woke up a little early this morning. It is payday, I am out of gas in the car. Broke financially, bills to pay, nothing in the house to eat, and excited to rush to the store for morning coffee. In addition to the 'go juice', I was going to get a breakfast burrito or a sausage biscuit for the morning splurge.
The car ran out of gas waiting in line, (because over half the pumps were out of order). Another man helped me push the car to the pump. The coffee spilled all over the passenger seat on the way back home.
Apparently life had other plans. The paycheck was not what I expected, the coffee at the store was not made yet, the oven was broke so there were no breakfast sandwiches.
I will stop here.
Often we're so obsessed with getting our way, that we miss out on the good things that life has to offer. We whine and complain about insignificant details, and life just passes by without us. We might win the battle of the moment, but in the long run we lose.
Happiness is not defined by always getting your way. Sure, you have things you want to accomplish, things you want to have, things you want to be. But remember, fulfillment does not always come where we expect to find it. The things we desire will come, though not necessarily in the ways we anticipate.
We must recognize the blessings that God has offered us. We must accept the future of promise that God has promised us, through the death of His Son Jesus Christ. We must take notice of the fact that I did not 'starve to death'. Albeit not a great breakfast, the hot-dog was pretty tasty. I did not spill all the coffee, and did remember to grab some coffee creamer. I did find a kind heart with the man that helped me push my car to the gas pump. God allowed me to wake up this morning - as opposed to the alternative. Praise the Lord in all things!
Oh, and the coffee was finished while I waited.
Don't be so obsessed with getting your way, that you lose the opportunity to have what you really want.
The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: 'The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!' I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done. The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. Psalm 118:14-21 TNIV
14 February, 2008 - The Whole Truth
Having dealt with research and statistics in radio for many years, I am quite aware of manipulation of statistics to fit a particular agenda. Even if a radio station is a loser, across the board in ratings, I can pick a particular demographic (like women 25-35) where the station excelled, and call it a number #1 station.
I was watching Judge Judy on TV yesterday during a break. I do not know what the case was she was hearing. But she repeatedly told this defendant "Tell the truth and you won't need a good memory".
We pick and choose statistics, we pick and choose scripture, we twist and manipulate to fit our purposes. When the truth is - that Jesus died for us on the cross so we don't have to strain and conform to this earth - to our benefit. Christ has already paved the path toward our glory, and the glory of our Father.
Tell the truth and you won't need a good memory.
13 February, 2008 - Miraculous
Every moment is a miracle. Though we often take this world and this life for granted, the fact is that we exist, experience and even thrive against unimaginable odds. There is absolutely nothing evolutionary about this fact. When you stop and think about it - the pragmatic notion that we are over-evolved cells becomes ludicrous. What are the possibilities that a somber beginning of life from a cell in a mud puddle, excited by a lightning strike, over evolved into something (or someone like) me or you? What a lonely, shallow and fatal choice it is to believe this way.
You're already a winner because, by God's grace alone, you are here today, living and breathing, capable of making decisions, thinking thoughts, taking action and accomplishing great things. A whole miraculous universe is available to you here in this moment.
Those people who are able to tap into just a fraction of their potential enjoy stunning levels of success and achievement. Imagine what would happen if you were to do the same, right now. I encourage you to share the light of today and the prospects for tomorrow with these lonely and lost people today.
Though you've made mistakes, though others may have hurt you, though you may be weary and filled with regret, still this life is full of positive possibilities for you. Step back for a moment and look at the whole picture. Consider the boundless magnitude of your good fortune. Live every moment as if it were the most miraculous thing you could ever imagine, because it is. What a wonderful honor and privilege it is to worship and praise a loving Father that has made all this possible. The spectacular and unfathomable God that loved us so much, He gave His Son to die for us, so WE may live.
Live today like you are grateful for it. Embrace the Holy Spirit like it was the reason you are here at this moment. Grasp the simple fact that it IS the reason you are here at this moment.
Thank you Lord Jesus Christ, for your sacrifice. I pray that we recognize this truth in every breath we take. Help us with our doubt and sinful nature. Help us look to you for everything today.
12 February, 2008 - Reasons To Persevere
Romans 5:3 "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance: perseverance, character, hope."
The same effort spent looking for excuses to quit could instead be used to keep reminding yourself of your reasons to keep going. Don't fight against your own best interests. Instead, let your thoughts support your ambitions. Look to the Lord for answers. He most definitely has them and is more than eager to provide them to you. You need only ask.
If you're going to put forth the mental effort to justify and rationalize a course of action, then by all means make the case for your own success and achievement. Keep on convincing yourself of the value of your goals, and you'll keep on doing what is necessary to reach them. Search scripture for the solid rock foundation which is primal to a secure foundation.
During scripture reading with my mother in Colorado, God revealed to me a point which I will never forget. The reading was Mark 6:47-52, We all know the story of Jesus walking on water. But did you ever catch the part where He was about to 'pass them by'? "About the fourth watch of the night (3a - 6a) he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because all they saw was Him and were terrified."
Jesus almost passed by them! What would have happened if they did not cry out to him? I am sure He knew they were there. What lesson is taught here? What purpose would Jesus have had in passing them by?
I believe it is poignant lesson on the fact that we must "cry out to Him". He wants us to humble ourselves when we are fearful and frightened. Call out to Jesus! Cry on Him, He will never let anything evil happen to you! After hearing their cries for His help, he replied to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Jesus got into the boat and the winds died down.
God does not want for us to hurt or be in pain. But endurance, perseverance strengthens our character. It brings us closer to Him. That is all God wants. He wants us to have a relationship with Him as our Heavenly Father. Cry out to Him, listen to Him, love Him; because first He loved you.
Deciding to persevere is no more difficult than deciding to quit. And when you decide to keep pressing forward, the rewards are infinitely greater than if you had decided to give up.
Be your own biggest supporter. Use the strength of your thoughts to continually encourage your own positive, productive actions. Cry out to Jesus through it all. Ask Him for help. He will surely respond. Who is the rudder of your boat in life?
11 February, 2008 - Someday
Ecclesiastes 5:4 "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fullfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fullfill your vow."
Someday I'll spend some time playing with my kids, but today I have to get a little more work done. Someday I'll work on that new idea, but today there are too many interruptions. Someday I'll sit down and get focused on my goals, but today is just not right.
Someday never comes. It is always today. Things which you schedule for someday will not ever happen. Today is the space in which you are able to act, so make the most of it.
No matter how far-reaching your goal may be, no matter how long it will take to complete, there is something you can do about it today. There is a step you can take which will propel you forward. What things have you been scheduling for someday? Start to work on them this very day. Find something you can do now, and keep on going until they're accomplished.
Move your dreams from someday to this day, and you'll begin to surely and steadily fulfill them.
10 February, 2008 - Courage Guest Sinner's Blog by Tammy Trent
I pray this word on courage challenges all of us today.
In our day-to-day lives, the virtue of courage doesn't receive much attention. Courage is a quality reserved for soldiers and firefighters it seems. Perhaps you were taught to avoid being too bold or too brave. It's too dangerous. Don't take unnecessary risks. Don't draw attention to yourself. Follow family traditions and on and on.
But a side effect of overemphasizing the importance of personal security in your life is that it can cause you to live reactively. Instead of setting your own goals, making plans to achieve them, and going after them with gusto, you play it safe. Keep working at the stable job, even though it doesn't fulfill you. Settle in the unsatisfying relationship, even though you feel dead inside compared to the passion you once had. Who are you to think that you can buck the system? Accept your lot in life, and make the best of it. Go with the flow, and don't rock the boat. Your only hope is that the currents of life will pull you in a favorable direction. Does this sound like you?
No doubt there exist real dangers in life you must avoid. But there's a huge gulf between recklessness and courage. I'm not referring to the heroic courage required to risk your life to save someone from a burning building. By courage I mean the ability to face down those imaginary fears and reclaim the far more powerful life that God has given you. We all fight.... Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of going broke. Fear of being alone. Fear of humiliation. Fear of public speaking. (Believe it or not that is totally ME and my fear - LOL - speaking in public) Fear of regret. Fear of success. But somehow we have to realize that courage can't always see around every corner, but goes around them anyway and trusts the Lord with each step we take.
How many of these fears are holding you back? How would you live if you had no fear at all? Would you be more willing to take risks? Would you speak up more often, talk to more strangers about Jesus, dive headlong into those ambitious projects you've been dreaming about? What if you even learned to enjoy the things you currently fear? What kind of difference would that make in your life? When you look in the mirror what do you see today?
Or, have you previously convinced yourself that you aren't really afraid of ANYTHING...that there are always good and logical reasons why you don't do certain things? It would be rude to introduce yourself to a stranger, you say. You shouldn't attempt public speaking because you don't have anything to say. They're just rationalizations though - think about how your life would change if you could confidently and courageously do these things with no fear at all.
It's time to find the courage to take your future back and trust fully in the promises of God. Jeremiah 29:11-13
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; Do Not be Discouraged, For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!!!
Lead us all through today Jesus and help us to take courage in you as we face life and our circumstances head on!
A fellow Traveler,
Tammy Trent
P.S. Come by today to http://myspace.com/tammytrent and check out some new ruff mixes from my new CD that will hit stores July 2008. The new CD is simply titled, "STRONGER".
P.S.S. Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 28th at 12pm CST, to catch Tammy online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/godunplugged for a 30 minute interview with author Amy Hagberg. You are welcome to join the conversation and ask questions during the show by calling (347)324-5425.
