‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬ ‭ASV‬‬ — For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

This week I want us to get back to our roots and worship with some old hymnal songs. One of my favorites, “Blessed Assurance” was created in 1873. The words written by Fanny Crosby and music by Phoebe Knapp. Some of the lyrics sing; “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.” 

We all have a story. Would you believe that Fanny Crosby’s story includes that she was blind? In our key verse the Apostle Paul doesn’t promise the Christian life to be easy. To live in Christ is the constant pursuit to follow Him, knowing that we have the promise of eternal life no matter what our present circumstances are. 

You can read more about Blessed Assurance on Wikipedia. There are many artists that have sung this song. I personally enjoy listening to Carrie Underwood’s rendition.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the freedom to pursue You. Help others to see You through my story. In my present circumstances, help me to remember that my story isn’t over yet. There is victory ahead. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Join me for See You Saturday as I talk about releasing the chains of fear and receiving the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.‬‬

Were you able to guard your heart and thoughts yesterday? It’s not easy, right? We are never promised easy. In today’s verse from David we are reminded that no matter what we are walking through, God can comfort our fears. I don’t have my earthly father to run to when life gets hard. I do have a red bird that is feeding from my bird feeder as I am writing to you today. This is my God Wink. Although my dad is not physically here to help my troubles seem small, I know he is another angel around God’s Throne to comfort me. 

We have all lost someone. Maybe it isn’t a parent but a mentor that you have looked up to. I encourage you to listen to “Jealous Of The Angels” by Donna Taggart. Be reminded that you are never alone. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Thank You and Your angels for comforting my fears through all of life’s troubles. May Your rod and Your staff guide and comfort me when the fear becomes too much. You know the need today. I surrender all my fears to You in holy surrender. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV – Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.‬‬

Do you still have what-if scenarios lingering today? As I write to you today from my bird sanctuary I am reminded that if God takes care of the birds, He will take care of me. Thank You, God, for this beautiful God Wink. Proverbs tells us that we should guard our hearts because everything flows from them (Proverbs 4:23). In today’s key verse from David we are reminded that no matter what is going on around us, we have control over our hearts. 

Guarding our hearts isn’t an option but rather a must. Each of us is responsible for his or her own boundaries and what is allowed in and out. Imagine building a guard around your heart and your thoughts. That guard is the barrier that God’s word builds over time of studying and sitting in His word. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your word that acts as a barrier around my heart and thoughts. I ask that You help guard my heart and thoughts as I go about my day. I pray that I can keep the fear from taking control. No matter what war is raging around me, I know that I can do all things through You who strengthens me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭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.