Proverbs 9:10 NIV — The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Last week Julie shared with us about fear and a holy, healthy fear of God. This week I will share with you some other thoughts about fear.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Fear is a natural, human emotion. Fear can be crippling. Fear can cause anxiety and stress. 

Today, spend a few moments making a list of fears you may have or experience. I encourage you to have what I call a “brain dump.” Sit alone, in the quiet, with just you and God. Have a pen and paper in hand and just list any and all thoughts you have about fear. There will be no right or wrong answers and this is just for you and God to see. This week as I share some thoughts on fear, I encourage you to keep this list close by so you can refer back to it. For now, make the list and let it go. Leave it at home when you go to your place or time of worship today. Do not let the thoughts of stress or fear spill over into your time of rest and rejuvenation. Do not let fear cripple your Sabbath. Instead, draw near to God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Draw me close as I worship You today and help me let go of stress. Give me strength and comfort on this Sabbath. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.‬‬

Watch today’s See You Saturday Video as I share with you about something you can do while on vacation to be a witness for Christ.

Psalms 46:10 — Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

I have enjoyed reliving some of my past vacations. Have you been able to walk down memory lane? Do you have a vacation planned for sometime in the near future? Perhaps time and money have restricted you to travel. You can still take a mini-vacation while remaining at home — a staycation. Take a moment to read this article titled Take a Mini-Vacation Every Day! A Few Staycation Ideas.

Did the article spur some ideas for your very own staycation? I encourage you to build in some prayer, devotion, and Bible reading whether on a vacation or staycation. The time away with God promises to be rejuvenating and renewing. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I seek time away with You. Thank You for our times together and for rejuvenation in You. Guide my time so I am able to be renewed. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 5:16 NIV — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This week I have shared with you about various vacations I have had. As I have traveled down memory lane in my writing, I have also thought about the not so wonderful sights and smells I have seen in my travels — the ugly side of vacations. Today, reflect on previous vacation spots. Did you only see the beauty or were you also exposed to the unlovely? As we think about the less than desirable sights, let’s take time today to pray for those people caught up in negative circumstances. Pray for God’s light and love to be shone brightly through you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I lift up all those caught in undesirable circumstances. Open their eyes to Your love and light. Make me an instrument of Your grace and may my light shine brightly for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalms 8:1 NIV — Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory in the heavens.

If you have been able to watch my “See You Saturday” videos over the last several months you have learned that I have had the opportunity to travel to many places recently for my work. I have been to Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Denver. Each of the destinations brough new experiences and new insights. While the trips were mostly consumed by work, I was still able to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Today’s photo is a collage of some of the sights. Seeing all of the various land features always sparked a moment of praise and worship. As I was in awe of God’s creation, I thanked Him for the beauty of the Earth.

Have you had work-related vacations? Where did you go? What did you do? What did you see? How did God speak to you? Thank God for the opportunities to see new places and experience new things. Praise God for the beauty of His Earth.

Take a moment for praise and worship as you listen to the hymn For the Beauty of the Earth.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity to see and experience new places. I give You my sacrifice of praise. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Jesus said in John 16:33 NIV — I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

If you are close to me then you know that I LOVE DISNEY WORLD! Unlike many people who have been, I enjoy the hustle and bustle of theme park days. I enjoy the sights, smells, and food. I enjoy the beauty. However, mostly I enjoy the feeling of escape I have when in the Disney World bubble. When at Disney World I am able to take off and be lifted from the stresses and burdens of my usual, everyday life.

Do you have a vacation spot that is like that for you? Do you have a certain place that is a symbol of escape and get-away? While we may not be able to visit those spots today, we are able to allow our minds to spend some time in reflection. Let’s take a moment to escape the worries of today and remember the feeling of our favorite vacation spot. Let’s rest in the arms of Jesus and allow Him to handle the stresses and burdens of the day. He is willing and able. After all, He has overcome the world!

Let’s pray. Dear God, remind me today of Your almighty strength and power to handle my stresses and burdens. Help me let go and allow You to carry my load. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalms 51:12 NIV — Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

For several years when I was in elementary school I had the privilege of my parents owning a mountain house. The house had a stream running behind it. In fact, the same stream ran through Asbury Hills, the United Methodist Camp in Cleveland, South Carolina. The stream was always cold but refreshing. During the summer we would go to our mountain house for a week respite. Prior to our trip my mom would take my brother and I to the local library to check out our limit of 10 books. We also had the opportunity to pick a favorite snack to take with us. I always chose iced animal cookies or ginger snaps. Once there, we would enjoy playing in the stream, reading, taking naps, and falling asleep each night to the soothing sound of the stream. Even as a child, I realized this time away was a time of renewal. Each of us rested in our own way and came away from the two weeks feeling a sense of restoration.

Have you had a similar experience on a vacation? Has God used your time away to restore joy? Take some time today to recall that feeling of restoration and may each of us have a willing spirit.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the times I have had away for restoration. Remind me of that feeling and may the memory restore my joy today! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.