Be Not Afraid America

"What are we to fear?" That's a repetative question. I'd have to say I've got a lot to fear and the news builds this belief everyday. As a parent my largest fears are concerning my children. Yet, its my sons bedtime prayer that has shown me insight into Gods disires. My son asks to be "strong, healthy and brave." As his mom I see where he's coming from, because I know the struggles we have to get him to stay in his own bed throughout the night and not go climb in with an older sibling. Also, he's got a chronic runny nose and takes allergy meds everyday.

However, I can translate his prayer for myself and everyone I know. Don't we all need to ask for God's help in being strong,healthy and brave. Even if we have these 3 things, what is to stop us from being afraid?

Going to God's word for wisdom says "Nothing can separate us from Gods love" Romans 8:38. No matter what happends to me or my loved ones He wil not leave me to do it alone. Christ paid the price for me to never have to be without God.

Why do I feel alone when I'm not done? Because I don't love correctly. God's greatest commandment says to Mathew 22:37 "Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Got to admit my MIND isn't always where it's supposed to be. Instead of dwelling on His greatness I dwell on pressure cookers, guns and lion's dens. So my prayer for you and me is Ephesians 3:16 "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBxWQIPbOig

Based on Isaiah 43:2-3 and Luke 6:20

Visible Living

As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 1 Peter 2:4-6

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12 NIV

They're watching. I ususally don't think about what people might see me do. At least this verse inplies that those who don't believe are watching what we do. All the co-workers, neighbors, students, children and anyone else who is around us are watching.

I fail. The Isrealites failed miserably, too. How often we don't do as we should. Yet our Heavenly Father loves us. He forgives us. He sent his son to die on the cross for us. Therefore, we are to live thankful lives filled with gratitude and service unto him.

It isn't all that difficult to watch what we say. We just have to make a point to do so. It is possible to control our body language. We can certainly keep from rolling our eyes, giving deep sighs or making rude gestures in our times of frustration. What are we to do when we are frustrated? Hmmm. What did you say?

I hope you said pray. We are to pray. We are to never stop praying. When we find ourselves stuck in traffic or being cut off in lines. When people talk bad about each other or if people take things that are yours. Send all your woes to God's ear in prayer. Ask for strength and patience.

We are to strive to bear fruit. Remember Galations 5:22 "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control". We are to conduct ourselves in these ways in all times. Through times of peace and times of trouble.

We may not be visibly winning souls for Christ. We may not see who is watching. We might not know who we are influencing. Seek help from the spirit to improve our conduct. Therefore, we will bring glory to God on the day He visits us. What a beautiful day that will be. Let's live for Him. Keep ourselves in check so we are visible examples of Christ in our world.

Dear Lord,
You are in total control of our lives. You set us where you desire for us to be. You place us where we are able to be used by you. We are your people and you are our God may we be vessels of love and mercy to others. Grant us the ability to do as you ask. To live lives that are honorable. To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbily with you. Keep us focused on you through prayer and to never stop praying for others. Deepen the walk of your followers. In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen.