‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬ — For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

How did transforming your perspective go? It is OK if you still have what-ifs. This is only natural for us to think about all the scenarios. Maybe your what-ifs are because you don’t feel worthy of God’s call. In today’s key verse, we read that the Lord is our Redeemer. I will be transparent in telling you that often my what-ifs stem from feeling unworthy and underqualified. Reading God’s word today brings me to tears. 

Repeat after me: You, Lord, are my Redeemer. I am worthy of the call you have for me.

We must not forget that our call is very personal. We must not allow our what-ifs lead to thinking someone else should be called. What scenarios are leaving you gripped with fear? Remember that God will help you and equip you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your redeeming love. Help me to see that I am worthy of Your call over me. Help me not to focus on what others are called to do. Help me to see that Your call is personal to me and equip me to do Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Jesus said in ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

How did Moving Forward Monday go? In today’s key verse we learn that God has given us His power to trample Satan and all his lies. When Satan is trying to keep you chained to the boat, that usually means God has something for you. If you are feeling afraid because of what you see in front of you today, evaluate that fear. This is called discernment. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment to know if it is a Holy, healthy fear or fear from the enemy. 

Our perspective can get clouded by what we see in front of us. As you sit in God’s word today, pray and ask Him to transform your perspective. Ask Him to give you the confidence you need to go throughout your day in His power. Ask for God’s help to guide you. Be intentional in looking for the God Winks He provides. Perspective isn’t always an easy fix. For me, I have to intentionally find joy and not negativity. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Godly confidence. Transform my perspective today so that I can find joy in holy fear. Help me not to get consumed by the fear and negativity this world gives. Guide me today to be intentional and help me not to miss Your God Winks. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

‭‭Psalms‬ 139‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.

Do you still have the holy, healthy fear from Sunday? In our key verse today, David tells us that there is nowhere we can go to get away from the Holy Spirit. It is up to us if we invite the Holy Spirit into our everyday lives. Often behaviors take time to change. What steps are you taking to move forward in God’s call for your life? We can allow our earthly fears to leave us in the boat or we can allow our healthy fears to propel us forward and step out in faith.

Often we feel that earthly fear when we allow Satan’s voice to become louder than God’s voice. We allow worldly behaviors to chain us down. Even when we don’t think God is speaking or moving, He is right beside us holding our hand. If our “No Lord” or “Not now Lord” becomes a normal behavior, God will move on to someone who will say: “Hear am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for nudging me to be the best version of myself. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for still loving me even when I allow Satan’s voice to be louder than Yours. Equip me today to step out of my boat in holy fear. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV – Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”‬‬

Today’s key verse is about Zechariah hearing the news that his wife Elizabeth, who previously could not conceive, is bearing a child. This is not just any child, but John the Baptist. Notice Zechariah was gripped with fear at the sight of the angel. I would call this a healthy fear. Hearing God’s message through a Sunday worship service can often bring on a healthy fear. 

God doesn’t usually call us to play it safe. God wants to see our Sunday behaviors carried through our week. We tend to say “Yes Lord” on Sunday because we have a holy, healthy fear that the Holy Spirit gives us. When Monday comes we tend to slip back into our own earthly fears and behaviors. Will you allow the holy, healthy fear you feel today get you out of your boat on Monday?

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Sunday behaviors that can get me moving in holy fear. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit to get me out of my boat. Equip me to say “Yes Lord” as I go about my week. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Join me for See You Saturday as I talk about staying in the moment or thinking long!

Psalm 34:8 NIV – Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Do you celebrate the little things? My friend recently gifted me with a Florida Mango. This sweet, juicy fruit was very refreshing on a hot summer day. God tells us to taste and see that He is good. 

Not only did the mango taste delicious, but it also looked good with its bright yellow-orange color. When we see through God, we can feast on His goodness. As we all go about our day I encourage us to celebrate the little things.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You that I can feast on Your goodness. Thank You for Your sweet blessings that refresh my soul. Help me to celebrate the little things. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Romans 12:10 NIV – Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Have you ever had a friend to step in at just the right moment? I envision God working behind the scenes to give us friendly intuition. “God Winks” can be both on the giving and receiving end. Whether it is a walk with a friend or a dinner gathering to celebrate or just catching up, God gives us what we need.

If you have ever had a furry friend, you know their unconditional love is a lot like Agape love, which I shared earlier in the year. Any time I am sad or stressed, my dog is a wonderful comforter. On this Thankful Thursday, who are you thankful for? Who can you love and honor above yourself today? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the friendships in my life. Thank You for friendly intuition and God winks. Show me who I can love and honor above myself today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.