Do Not Be Afraid

Our main purpose here on earth is to be a witness and share God's Word with others. Why are we afraid to step out of our comfort zone? Why are we afraid to listen to God? Why are we afraid to be obedient to what God has called us to do? Why are we afraid to take the next step, that leap of faith?

Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

Ezekiel 2:6-7
"Do not be afraid of them or their words... You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious."

Each summer our youth group takes a Missions Trip. I have learned that witnessing can be easy if you just allow God to use you. This past summer, we took our group to Milpitas, CA where we ministered to the surrounding communities. We went out into the streets of San Francisco during the night and witnessed to many different people, lost people, those who had lost hope and fell into drugs and prostitution and now homeless. It was sad to see such a sight, what you would see in movies was happening right in front of us and all you could do was pray for them. We shared Christ with them and that was the most amazing feeling. We were each surrounded by the peace of God. We felt safe in a very dark and dangerous place, one corner a shooting had taken place the night before, but we kept ministering for the peace and grace of God was with us. I will admit that at first I was very nervous and didn't really want to talk but then the pastor we were with picked me to speak with a lady on the street, (talk about being put on the spot), I knew it was of God and so I spoke with her. God gave me the words to speak and it was truly amazing how the lady opened up and shared her story with us and then we shared the love of God with her. It was simple,God gave me the words to speak and I was obedient. I realized, how are they going to know about Christ if we don't speak? Nothing happens until you speak! You will face rejections but take it in stride, say a silent prayer for the person and then move on. Rejections are a part of life. I am a person who doesn't like rejections or any type of failure. It is all about being used by God and allowing God to use you. Trust God and he will get you through it. Be willing to be used! Be willing to take action!
There is a song titled "Anyway" by Point of Grace. It has a very true and powerful meaning. It simply talks about being willing to let God use you however he chooses anyway and anywhere. In other words, be willing to share God's word anyway and anywhere. You can witness to anyone if you allow God to use you. Be willing to be used! Trust God and he will help you through it. God gave me these scriptures as I was praying. Hope you find these scriptures encouraging and helpful along your journey. For them to hear, you must share it!

Romans 10:13-15
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?"

Jeremiah 1:7-8
"...You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord."

2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Do Not Worry

In these troubling times, God reminds us He is still with us and He is our provider in times of trouble. The economy is a mess. Only God can truly restore it. We have many people losing their jobs, their homes, and unemployment is steadily rising. Financial institutions are struggling. We are definitely living in uncertain times. We must rely on God.

My husband and I are facing the possibility of another layoff. A few years ago, he was laid off twice within a 3 year period. He works a full time job as a computer programmer along with being the Youth Pastor for our church. He just found out yesterday that his work will be cutting 3% of the work force (more layoffs coming) and that they will lose 2 weeks of salary pay for the year. In other words, he will lose 2 weeks salary pay over the year. He will gain 2 weeks extra vacation but it will be unpaid. He will know something by March 15 concerning his job. We are going through the hard times even now as we face the financial struggles. We have no savings, that was drained over the last layoff. We have our daughter's wedding coming up in May. I am beginning to feel the pressure and the worry setting in now. After praying and speaking to a close friend of mine, who is such an encourager, God truly works in amazing ways. God reminded me of a scripture and I am going to share it with you. I know that we are not the only ones going through hard times and I hope this brings encouragement your way.

Matthew 6:23-27 says,
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Matthew 6:31-34 says,
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

He provides for the birds and He will provide us. He got us through the tough times years ago and I am reminded that He will get us through this storm. If you are facing a storm, don't give up just give it all to God. My prayer is that God would bring restoration upon our economy. I am asking that all the prayer warriors really begin praying for our economy and all those are in need and struggling to make ends meet. May we reach out even in the tough times to help our neighbors in need. God reminds us that He is always with us even when we feel alone, He is still there. He is with us during our darkest moments and in our happiest moments. God is faithful, he will see you through the storm.

I am reminded that anytime I feel down or discouraged, go to God in prayer and give it all to Him. He will take care of it. I know that worry has been something I have always struggled with but I serve an awesome God who knows all things. He created me and you. He knows everything about us and what is going to take place before we even know. His will is perfect. Don't let the worries take over your life, give it all to God. He will make a way when there seems to be no way out. Blessings to all and God be with you!!!

Matthew 7:7-8 says,
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Love

Do we really love God? Do we love others as Christ loved us? Sometimes we put God on the back burner and we forget our purpose here on earth. Are we really living for God? Are we going to church to grow closer to God or just for the fellowship? God should be our main focus not our friends, our boyfriend or girlfriend. Our desire should be to grow closer to God and have that personal relationship with him. Do others see Jesus in you? Do they want what you have? If we really love God, our lives will reflect the love of Christ towards others. We are to love God not be lovers of this world.

Romans 12:9-21
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. It it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

We are to love others. We are to be the example of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are to be devoted to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. We should help one another in our spiritual walk. Scripture reminds us that we are to treat others with respect. Let us not be conceited but be willing to help others of low stature. We should do whatever it takes to help those in need. We should do our best to live at peace with others. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is love others, especially those who have hurt you the most. But we are reminded to love one another as Christ loved us. Christ paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross for our sins. We are sinners and it is by the grace of God that we are here. We need to do our part and love those who have hurt us and forgive them as Christ forgave us. As others see you living for Christ, they too will desire what you have, the gift of salvation. We can be a witness for Christ by following His example of love.

God's Discipline

Discipline is a tough topic. I have felt compelled to write what God has given me concerning God's discipline in our lives. We are constantly faced with the matter of disciplining each day. Neither one of us likes discipline but it is for the best. Just as parents discipline their children, God must discipline us. When you are in a leadership role you will be faced with disciplining others. When the matter of disciplining comes and you know it must be done, listen to God and be obedient to how you feel He is leading you to act upon it. One thing I have learned in youth ministry, discipline is a must, especially for their spiritual growth. When you are faced with a situation and you must discipline a person, it doesn't mean you don't love that person, you do it because you do love him or her and it is required for his or her spiritual growth. I have had my share of experiences with disciplining and have found that you cannot take it personally. If anyone knows me well, I tend to do that. I have learned over the years, you cannot do that. I have heard the negative comments from different members of our youth at one time or another that were faced with disciplinary actions. It is very hard not to take it personally but I have learned that is best for them and it is biblical. If we truly love God, we will understand why he brings discipline upon us. We also must be respectful to others, especially those that God has put in leadership roles. God has set for us some rules for holy living and we are to do our very best to follow them. You may find the rules for holy living in Colossians, chapter 3. God puts people in leadership roles for a reason and he has a plan for them and we are to show them the proper respect. I have learned over the years that discipline is one of the hardest things to do. As a parent, it is not fun disciplining your child. You know it has to be done for your child to learn from it. God disciplines us in the same way. We must be willing to learn from our mistakes. We may not like the punishment or discipline but God knows best. He loves us even though we are sinners. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It is through God's grace and mercy we are here.
1 Corinthians says, " When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." God disciplines us because He loves us.
Revelation 3:19 says, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline."

Pray Without Ceasing

It seems we are living in uncertain times. The economy is in recession, unemployment is up, and people all around are struggling. There are so many needs and so many people hurting. I do believe we are living in the end times and getting closer to joining our heavenly Father. I will speak on that another time. I really want to talk about prayer and praying without ceasing. Often I find myself praying throughout the day, it may be a small simple prayer or a simple thanks, or a long prayer. I believe now is the time that we as christians should take time daily to pray without ceasing. Pray throughout the day whether it be a small simple prayer or a long prayer. I really feel that it is time to act and pray like never before. If we want to see change or a miracle from God in our country then it is time we pray, pray, pray!

Over the last few years, God would wake me up at night and would either give me specific people to pray for or I would just feel this urgency to pray and begin praying. The burden has grown stronger and stronger over the years. We have so many of our own church family that are facing attacks from Satan and they are really sick. They need a miracle, a healing miracle. I am asking each of you to pray for our church (Calvary Temple A/G) and those members in need of God's healing. My husband and I have been facing attacks from Satan and I have been struggling with fluid retention which I struggled with a few years ago and had to have several tests run (all came back normal) and then it slowly started going away (some of it that is). It has come back and is worse now. I want to extend the prayer request to our nation and the economy as well. We need a miracle within our nation. We live in a nation where God is slowly being taken out. It seems that there are many who are struggling financially and have lost their jobs and having hard time finding work. Our nation needs our prayers.

I encourage each of you to take the time daily to spend with God. As we pray, pray with faith, believing that the request will be met. As you spend time in prayer on a daily basis, you will develop a more stronger and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I know we serve a God who is faithful and true. I really believe in miracles. I have learned to put my trust in God. I am asking that we all begin praying for one another. I really believe in the power of prayer. I know it works! I have seen miracles through prayer. I have listed some scriptures which God has given me to help me in these troubled times. I hope these bring encouragement to you as well.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

This scripture is so true and yet hard. We are to rejoice always. I don't know about you, it is very hard sometimes to rejoice when you are facing trials. I thought about Paul when he was in prison and after all he had endured, he sung praises to God in prison and witnessed to the guard. He is also reminding us to pray continually, pray without ceasing. Another reminder is give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what trial we are facing, there is a reason we are going through it, maybe it is a testing of our faith, or maybe it is so that we may be a witness to someone else. We have to put our hope and trust in God. He will get us through it.

James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Romans 5:3-5
"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

The one thing that has stood out in the first 3 scriptures was how we are to rejoice and consider it pure joy when we face trials. The last scripture talks about putting our complete trust in the Lord and acknowledging him. Let us meditate on these scriptures and apply to them to our lives. God is in control and he will provide our need at the appointed time. His will is best. We can rejoice in our sufferings knowing that God paid the price, he died upon the cross for our sins. He is truly worthy of our praises. We must remember as hard as it is to rejoice during the tough times, there is always someone somewhere worse off than we are. May God bless each of you. I pray for those whom have lost hope that Lord you would begin speaking to their heart and letting them know that they are not alone for you are with them always. Help them Lord to find that peace and joy and make you their Lord and Savior. I pray that we would each pray without ceasing for a nation that is slowly losing site of you. I pray for a miracle Lord, that you would intervene and speak to each of us and help us to pray for one another. Help us to rejoice in the times of hardship. May we look to you always. Thank you Lord for the many blessings you have already bestowed upon us.