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I don’t know what possessed me to do it.

As the time for the trip drew near, I grew more excited. I looked forward to the trip because I dreaded the thought of staying home all summer. I had spent the last few summers taking care of my mom, who had been sick with cancer and had recently passed away. I don’t think I could have stayed home with those memories.

In the months after her death, my soul grew weary—I was literally walking in the valley of the shadow of death. But God says that when we’re in that valley, He’s with us and we need not fear. I trudged forth and climbed out somehow, but I thirsted for rest. Rest from the pain. Rest from responsibilities. Rest from school. I needed something different, something healing.

The thought of seeing somewhere green instead the dirty brown of Phoenix thrilled my senses. I also looked forward to my two classes about the history and literature of the British world but I expected in this great adventure to also include quite a bit of loneliness. Being a Christian, I knew I’d probably be different than the 40 other college students tagging along on my adventure. But God knew I wouldn’t be lonely. He had something else in mind.

Making friends and memories

I made friends instantly. Three other girls and I roomed together for almost the entire trip.  We did everything as a group – completing homework, and visiting parks in London.  We even found our way to the Irish Sea.

But these girls were quite different from me. One of them was a Taoist, the other two were agnostics. You might think we never broached the subject of religion, but it seems that every day there was a new conversation involving our beliefs.  The girls actually told me that they were amazed by me because they’d never met a Christian who would talk to them about beliefs without condemning them cruelly to hell.

Never alone

In spite of these differences in beliefs, I never felt lonely, but not because the girls were with me everywhere I went. God was there, too. Constantly. He permeated every conversation I had. I felt a calm reassurance whenever I had to negate the others’ claims or argue my own point.

Not only was He there when I was debating points with my friends, but He guided me in every experience I had. I’ve always been a person who wanted everything planned out, and as I’ve realized, the world doesn’t work that way. God stretched me that summer. I had to discover things on the fly and make decisions without knowing every consequence possible.

But the beauty of discovery was in knowing that God’s hand was pressed firmly against my back the entire time. It was just Jesus said a long time ago, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

God’s presence resonated in all of nature as well. As a favorite song of mine says, “Mountains bow down and the sea will roar at the sound of Your name.” Every tree, every mountain, every valley whispered to me the secrets of the glory of God. In response, my heart longed to climb to the top of one of those mountains and spin around like Maria in The Sound of Music.

Something I had feared before I went on the trip was being left in my room while my roommates went out drinking. It did happen a few times, but those times became some of my favorite evenings. I read my Bible, wrote in my journal, and spent genuine quality time with my Savior. He showed Himself to me in so many ways that summer. Verses I had never remembered reading before popped off the page.

An unexpected rejoicing

Rather than feeling sorry that I was left alone in my room, I felt so blessed to have that time with God. It was time I might not have discovered otherwise if it had not been “forced” upon me. I look back now and remember one of my favorite passages: “Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again: Rejoice! … The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4, 5b)

My faith matured a lot in the summer of 2005.  That experience deepened my knowledge of God. I knew Him better than I ever had before and I realized more than ever that He had always known me.

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Have you ever heard God tell you to talk to someone but fear took over instead? God may be working in your life to reach out to someone who is at his or her rock bottom. You could be the person to change their life – you might even save their life. God can reach our world through you. He has a plan for your life. Do you know what that plan is? Watch the video

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“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

In the story, The Wizard of Oz, there are three memorable characters: Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. As they journeyed down the yellow brick road they sang, “If I only had a …” The Tin Man sought a heart, the Scarecrow a brain, and the Cowardly Lion, courage. However, as their voyage ended, each acknowledged that what they sought was within. The Tin Man had a heart, the Scarecrow had a brain, and the Cowardly Lion had courage.

In order for us to be thriving followers of Christ, we require all three. We need a heart that pleases God, a mind renewed and shaped by His Spirit, and courage to face our fears and trials. If we lack any, it will be hard to live a victorious life. Thus, just like the three characters above who sought the Wizard of Oz for their deficit, we need to seek God for ours.

First, if you currently hold a bruised, calloused, or defiant heart, please grasp that God knows the condition of your heart. Understand that no matter how tainted, broken, or rebellious your heart might be, God offers you forgiveness and a new heart. In Ezekiel 36:26 it is written, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh”. Seek God with a contrite heart so He can restore and bring newness to your heart.

Second, we all know that our minds are receptive to a vast amount of information, ideas, and influences. Left unguarded we run the risk of ruining our lives. In Romans 8:5-6 Paul noted, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” If your mind is wavering, ask the Holy Spirit to shape, renew, and govern your mind.

Third, we need courage to face our fears, to overcome obstacles, and to face the future. In 1 Corinthians 16:13 Paul said, “Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women) of courage; be strong”. As followers of Christ, we must recognize that God is with us always. We need not be afraid!  As believers, we have the power of Christ within us to stand victoriously, courageously, and triumphantly in all that God calls us to do.

Father God, May you cleanse our hearts, renew our minds, and give us courage to confront our fears. In Jesus name, Amen.

Question: Are you experiencing a deficit in any of the above areas?

“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by corrupt flesh.” (Jude 1:21-23)

Mercy – a beautiful word – means showing compassion, pardoning an offence, refraining from enforcing due punishment.

Jude reminds us of the incredible gift of mercy available through Jesus. Because God views Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death as payment for our sins, He has mercy on us and gives us eternal life.

Jude encourages us to remain in God’s love and gives us three instructions about mercy. He tells us to:

• wait for mercy
• be merciful to those who doubt
• show mercy mixed with fear

Wait for mercy – Though we have been saved through Jesus, we don’t experience the fullness of our salvation until we die or Christ returns. Here on earth, life brings trouble, sorrow and pain. Yet, we humbly look forward to the day when God will wipe away our tears and usher us into eternal life with Him.

Be merciful to those who doubt – Some people find it difficult to trust. Abandonment, abuse, rejection or betrayal, all provide ample reason for doubting. Be compassionate and gracious with everyone who doubts, just as Jesus shows mercy to you.

Show mercy mixed with fear – Continue to demonstrate God’s forbearance to any who are trapped in sin and bound by Satan’s lies, without condoning their behavior. Real fear reminds us how easily we also can be deceived.  As we follow these instructions on mercy, we will find ourselves moving ever closer to the likeness of Jesus.

Heavenly Father thank you that I can rest in Your love while I wait for Your mercy. Show me how to be merciful to others. Amen.

Questions: Where do you need to show mercy? How does remembering God’s mercy to you, help you be merciful to others?

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

As we face the day-to-day challenges of life we are told to “trust God” with the uncertainties that worry us.  Trust God with the blind corners and with that next step even when it feels there is nowhere to place your foot. It can sound so trite at times when our minds swim with the “what if” possibilities. When we are in the trenches of financial struggle; relationship anguish; health crisis; joblessness; or any number of seemingly brick walls it can be difficult to know how to actually put feet to trusting God in those moments.

There may be a big issue facing you right now OR simply the small stuff of every day that can become perplexing and confusing. It may be something within yourself that causes you to stumble as you walk.  In whatever it is that concerns your heart and mind today these 3 steps will bring your heart to rest in God and trust Him fully with the outcome.

 R1 -RELEASE – Name the concern, the issue, the source of confusion, the circumstance that is worrying you or the thing within yourself that you know you need to change. Then offer it to God sincerely.  Take it out of your mental backpack and place the weight of it in Jesus’ lap.  See the love in His eyes as He takes your burden from you.

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Releasing your worry to God means that you place it entirely with Him. You give up your need to control the outcome and you give it to Jesus to deal with as He sees fit. It doesn’t mean you no longer take any actions, it simply means you leave the outcome for God’s to manage. This is the hardest step. We all have solutions that we feel would be best and we often want God to work things out according to our plan.

Releasing our current concern to Him means we leave the outcome in His hand.

R2- RESIST – The enemy of your soul will come to steal from you.  He wants to rob you of your peace and your confidence in Jesus’ ability to carry your burden for you. When the negative and doubting thoughts come, and they will, resist the desire to play them over in your mind.  Capture them and stand firm on the truth that “the Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” Psalm 138:8

“Resist the devil and He will flee from you…” James 4:7 & 8

Capturing your thoughts means paying attention to what is playing in your mind. When worry begins to take hold recognize it and resist the thought. Declare again that you have cast that worry onto God and you are believing the word of God which says He cares for you and will perfect what concerns you.

R3 – REJOICE – Give God praise for who He is and for His love and faithfulness to you. Thank Him, in all your circumstances, that He is the author and finisher of all things. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Offer your thanksgiving as a sacrifice to Him. Declare it out loud even when your feelings aren’t following. The sacrifice of thanksgiving has great power in the spiritual realm as it honors God and actually paves the way for God to work.

“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23

“TRUST in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”  Proverbs 3: 5&6

Father God, 

Thank you that You are with me and able to help me trust You with my life. Please help me today to identify what it is that is stealing my joy. Help me to give it completely to You and to release my need to control the outcome. When worry tries to settle in help me to resist letting it take hold in my heart and mind as I set my thoughts on You and Your promise to perfect what concerns me. Help me grow in thanksgiving and offering my thanks to you especially when it is a sacrifice to do so. I trust You today with all my heart. May I not lean on what I think is best but simply look to You to direct my path this day. Thank you that You hear my prayer and know my concerns. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Question: How can you trust God to take away your fears today?

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“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith.” says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Do you look at the condition of the world and wonder what will happen to it? Will it continue, or will it simply self-destruct?

We don’t need to be fearful about the future because God is the Almighty. He has made it known that He began the story of mankind and He alone will bring it to a close. The book of Revelation is sprinkled with titles for God that affirms His control of the universe. God is declared the Alpha and the Omega (1:8, 21:6, 22:13). He is called the First and the Last (1:17, 2:8, 22:13). He is heralded as the Beginning and the End (21:6, 22:13).

These words speak of God’s power. Regardless of how things appear, God is in control. This applies to each individual life, as well as to the world at large.

Not only is God the One who began and will end this world, He is the starter and finisher of our belief in Him. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith.” To perfect something means to complete it, or to bring it to a flawless conclusion. You see, God Himself planted the seed of faith in your heart. He will not leave you alone to make that faith grow. He will complete your faith.

The Alpha and the Omega is at work in your life. He pursued you; He softened your heart; He opened your eyes to the truth of the gospel. He who is the First and the Last continues to draw you and to strengthen your faith as you seek Him. Fix your eyes on Jesus and don’t be afraid.

We praise You, God of the Universe. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). Help us to trust that You are in control. Help us not to be afraid, but to keep our focus on Jesus. Amen.

Questions: How does knowing that God is the Alpha and the Omega affect your life? What do you do to remind yourself that God is in control?

See God up close with our life lesson on the character of God

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green  pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me  along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23: 1-3)

Recently, I received a call from a man enquiring about setting up a guardianship for his father, who could no longer mentally or physically care for  himself. Suddenly, I had a mental picture of a blind man being led by a man who could see.  And then I had a spiritual picture of a shepherd leading his sheep protecting them, guiding them and protecting them from all danger.

Sheep are somewhat less than intelligent. Have you ever seen one in a circus act? But sheep are smart in one respect. They faithfully follow their leader and they trust their leader. When their long wool gets saturated with water, they are unable to swim, so the shepherd finds them still waters from which to drink. Their mouth is tender and briars and other sharp vegetation will cut them, so the shepherd goes ahead and prepares a place (table) for them to eat which is free from the vegetation that would harm them.

The wilderness is a dangerous place for defenseless sheep. They can be at the peril of wild flesh eating beasts, but the sheep remain calm as long as they see the shepherd with his rod to fend away wild animals. Sometimes the path is steep and the cliffs fall off suddenly, but the sheep know that the shepherd has crooked staff to pull them back on the trail if they fall.

They know they can face any enemy as long as the shepherd is there to defend them. They know he is with them. It is easy to get lost in the Judean Wilderness, but the sheep can trust the shepherd to keep them on the right path. Sheep don’t see very well, but they have the eyes of the shepherd. Though they traverse some dark shadowy places they fear not because they are following their shepherd in whom they have complete trust.

By day, the shepherd tends his flock as a group, but each evening as they go into the fold, he treats them individually, one by one. He examines each and where necessary bathes their wounds of the day with soothing and healing oil. Sheep are dumb and defenseless and really have nothing, but yet their cup overflows with goodness and they lack for nothing.

Come to think about it sheep aren’t as dumb as most people think.

They have figured out that all they need to do is to trust and follow the shepherd. It is sad that most of us seemingly intelligent humans haven’t figured out to do the same.

Questions: Are you wandering in the wilderness today? Ask God to show you his guidance and provision.