Devotional Christian » fear

The Legend of Soaring Eagle

Dee Dee Wike — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:34:15 +0000

In a massive nest in the top of a majestic tree overlooking a clear Colorado lake lived a family of eagles. Faithful Father was a diligent provider, often leaving the nest for hours to find food for his family. Loving Wings, the mother eagle, stayed mostly with her eaglets, Fancy Flier and Lazy Eagle, shielding them from the bitter cold of winter and the drenching spring rains that preceded the splendor of summer.

One beautiful day, as the sun illumined the expanse of an azure sky, Loving Wings stood up and nuzzled Fancy Flier tenderly. Fancy Flier, content always to be near her mother, didn’t see what was about to come next. As they stood near the edge of the nest taking in the beauty of the sparkling lake far below, Loving Wings pushed her daughter out of the nest just as Faithful Father swooped beneath her, flapping his wings and urging her to do the same. Stunned, yet trusting the ones who loved her so dearly, she followed her father’s example and began flapping her wings, too. Before long, she was lifted by the wind currents, the very breath of the God who created her to soar majestically as an eagle should.

Curiously, Lazy Eagle stood by observing all that had happened, in utter disbelief that a loving parent could do such a cruel thing to a young eaglet. Determined not to be pushed out of the nest, he hunkered down in the bottom of it refusing to be coaxed near its edge. What sense did it make, after all, to leave the comfort of his nest and the presence of Loving Wings, who was always there to feed him the tasty morsels of meat and fish that Faithful Father brought to the nest after a good hunt? What more did he need than food, a comfortable nest, and the protective covering of Loving Wings to shield him from the harsh elements?

Excitedly, Fancy Flier returned to the nest, quite breathless from her first flight as a fledgling eagle. She pleaded with Lazy Eagle to join her in flight, describing the thrill she felt as she soared high in the sky seeing their world with new eyes. But nothing she said could persuade Lazy Eagle to toddle to the edge of the nest to even look at the lake below. Fear of what he did not know was so much stronger than the assurance of something better that he curled up in the nest refusing to budge.

Realizing that Lazy Eagle would never leave the nest as long as Faithful Father and she were there to sustain him with their love and provision, Loving Wings decided to take Fancy Flier and abandon the nest, leaving Lazy Eagle to fend for himself. It was the only way she could teach him a timeless truth that every eagle must learn: “The bird that will not leave the nest will never learn to fly.” Although Lazy Eagle thought it cruel of his family to desert him, he was stubborn and determined to stay right where he was, regardless of how beautiful and exciting the world outside the nest might be. Loving Wings knew that he would eventually die if he didn’t choose to leave the nest and she prayed that he would make the right choice and eventually take wing and fly, depending on the wind to carry him as he searched for food to sustain him. With a heavy heart, she and Fancy Flier flew to a cliff on the other side of the mountain where they remained hidden from Lazy Eagle. Faithful Father, however, occasionally returned to the vicinity of the nest, never pushing Lazy Eagle from it but always encouraging and inviting him to spread his wings and soar like the eagle he was created to be.

After days without food or the loving embrace of his parents, Lazy Eagle decided to risk falling to his death in order to find his wings. As he stepped out of the nest and into a freefall he prayed that somehow he would survive. As Faithful Father swooped beneath him to protect and encourage him, Lazy Eagle began to flap his wings and fly. As he rose on the currents, his family joined him and Faithful Father gave him a new name, Soaring Eagle.

The Power In Peace

Hariette Petersen — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:29:21 +0000

Power Of Peace

Have you ever experienced the power in God’s peace? Peace is sometimes defined as a state in which turmoil ceases. It occurs between nations when they sign an agreement with one another on the parameters and borders and interactions between themselves. Peace is not the document. Peace is the trust of individuals to keep their word concerning the document. Peace is the absence of conflict, battles, and war.

Synonyms of peace are tranquility, calmness, stillness. For us, it is the absence of chaotic heartbeats and sweaty palms and frantic activity. It comes in quietly, yet simultaneously floods your soul and stills the rapid rythym of the blood coursing through your veins.

What causes you unrest, disquiet, anxiety? The outward circumstances? The unknown and unproven? The regrets and apprehension you will repeat your actions and end up with the same results? That is because you trust in your own abilities, your own experiences, your own resources. When we think it is all up to us, our adrenaline surges, our blood begins to pump. Sometimes we lose the ability to reason. We are confused. We envision all the problems that can occur.

When we trust in God, in His Word–we do not lean on our own understanding, but rely on and depend on God. When we rely on Him and His proven promises, He stills our hearts and calms our spirit; He gives wisdom and discernment to our minds. When that occurs, our bodies find His peace waiting to quiet our heartbeat. He creates a respite of refuge we cannot grasp or describe with human words. Even now, my words are inadequate, they are clumsy wads of vagueness. However, you know it when you have it–just as you know you know God, when you know Him. And when you don’t have peace, you know it cannot be produced by your own means. It is of God.

It’s like watching water pooling in one area, seemingly without one ripple of movement. Unless you walk down a bit further, you would miss seeing its power pouring over a dam of rocks and surging mightily on down the stream of water.

When men make peace, they place confidence in other men’s integrity and honesty. Yet, even in their most sincere moment, they each know the other could change course and break the treaty agreement. When God makes peace, He reconciles our hearts to His; He fuses His life into ours. He dwells in us and gives us the peace and confidence in Him that flows with power based on His strength, His ability to move the water downstream. Peace knows God is moving, acting and working together all things according to His riches in Christ Jesus. Peace rests in the pool of God’s will as He moves the current and releases His power.

God’s peace releases an inner confidence that cements faith in place. It’s power calms the calamity within an anxious heart just as certain as Jesus calmed the raging seas which terrified His disciples.

Jesus does the same for us. “Peace I leave you…”, He promises. He calls us to come:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

PRAYER: O, LORD, thank you for Your peace. Thank you for giving me calm in my turmoils. You are the answer to my questions. You are the protection for my life. You are the provision for my needs. You are the peace I can depend upon to see me through whatever comes my way. Keep me ever mindful of these facts so I continue to rest in the peace You freely give to me.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

Cry Out to God

Dionna Sanchez — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:03:22 +0000

There are days that I just feel like crying. My soul hungers for answers and I groan before God. These are the times where I don’t understand His ways – even if I still trust in His heart.

May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. Psalm 119:169

Sometimes it’s enough for me to simply cry to the Lord. To vent to Him. To have Him there to listen. It’s reassuring for me to unleash my heart on His shoulders; knowing that He carries all my concerns with such great care.

I seek understanding…often. I seek relief from my doubts, fears, and concerns. But it’s almost more important to me to be heard. I need to know that I matter. That my thoughts, heart, and voice…matter. I need to know and feel like God sees me.

Yes, sometimes that’s more important to me.

He DOES see me. He DOES hear me and I DO matter to him. He provides me a way for my cry to come before Him and to rest at His feet.

Some days my heart just wants to pour out. It doesn’t want advice or direction – although it might the next day or the day after that. It simply wants to spill. It wants to unleash all that lies within it – the emotion, the feeling, and the questions.

I’m so thankful that my cry can come before the Lord in those moments and on those days. I’m so thankful that He never gets tired of me and that I’m not a burden.

May my cry come before you, Lord. Today – and always.

~ Dionna Sanchez (http://beautyinthestorm.blogspot.com)

Bible Verses On Freedom

Hariette Petersen — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:47:08 +0000

Below are some Bible verses that relate to freedom we have in Christ. Freedom can be defined in several ways for different individuals. Some people are in bondage to fear, to sin, to other people, to circumstance. Through Christ we are assured God delivers, rescues, frees, and releases Believers from all kinds of chains: be they physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. I pray you find some verses here to help you understand the freedom God offers you. Feel free to add your favorite verse in the comment box below.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

When we struggle to accept the freedom we have in Christ. When others need to be encouraged to rest in Christ and not the laws of man.:

“Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?” Acts 15:10

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us.” 2 Corinthians 1:10

“In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118:5

“Since the children [are human], He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death– that is, the devil — and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15

PRAYERS for deliverance, rescue, and help:

“Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.” Psalm 25:20

“The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior! He is the God who avenges me. . . who sets me free from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:47-49

When Others Cast Doubts:

“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance– now that He has died as a ransom to set them free…” Hebrews 9:15

“But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:22

“The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials.” 2 Peter 2:9

“Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you are a shield around me, O LORD…From the LORD comes deliverance. Psalm 3:2-3, 8

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4

“For He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight. Psalm 72:12-14

“When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors He will send them a savior and defender, and He will rescue them.” Isaiah 19:20

Security in Christ’s Freedom:

“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:17-18

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” Psalm 50:15

“With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” Proverbs 11:9

“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.” Malachi 4:2

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Galatians 1:3-5

Examples of God’s Deliverance and Faithfulness:

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 God saved Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace to show His watchcare and power to deliver.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20 God freed Joseph from the pit and raised him up in Egypt to high authority with Pharoah in order to save Israel from famine and certain death.

Why God Rescues and Sets Me Free:

“Because He loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for He acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:14-15

“For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him would have everlasting life.” John 3:16

How To Receive this Freedom In Christ:

ASK God: “Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” Psalm 6:4

THEN: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

BELIEVE: “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

GOD PROMISES: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

UNDERSTAND: “But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Colossians 1:22

I pray you read these verses again and again and gain consolation through the freedom offered you in Christ Jesus….the comfort available…the peace afforded…the sufficiency in God’s grace.

Compiled by © Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

Who Do You Trust?

Hariette Petersen — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:54:14 +0000

It troubles some people when others do not share their mistakes and how God helped them deal with the aftermath. Many people find it difficult to open up and share problems they have, or the struggles they face as a result of a poor choice or impulsive decision. They are basically afraid to trust others with their burdens. Yet, the Lord tells us to share our burdens so we will be able to comfort and encourage one another.

Unfortunately, for some, residue of betrayal compounds the issues surrounding trust and burden-sharing. Jacob had a hard time with that after he betrayed his brother and father.

Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not.” Genesis 27:21

A wife betrays her husband and her son Esau. Jacob betrayed his brother and father. In this account, Isaac relied upon his feelings–the touch of hair upon the arms of his son, but still wasn’t convinced. Minutes later, he queries Jacob again, “Are you really my son, Esau?” Isaac dismissed what he sensed as duplicity when he smelled wild game on Jacob when they embraced. He was fooled.

How do we know how to trust another? When to trust? It varies. I’m usually an open book; I wear my heart on my sleeve. I try to think the best of people. I look for the good in them. Even when I see flaws or find aspects of a person’s personality suspect, I keep giving the benefit of the doubt. I choose to believe. Just like Isaac believed Jacob, even though he did not sound like his son Esau.

It’s doesn’t make any sense that a person we care about would betray our confidences. But it happens. I suppose for me, I am far more likely to open up and trust someone who opens up and trusts me. However that is not the best litmus test. Some people talk your head off just to get you to reveal something about yourself so they can go share it with the first person they run into.

I reserve my innermost trials for a select few who have proven faithful and loyal. I rely on those who never share what another says to them. I find their interest in me, and concern for me, as a safe space for sharing. God brings them into my life in a time of need. They comfort and encourage; they pray and console. I can also trust my pastor and his wife with anything. I can trust my husband completely.

When I am betrayed, I plunge into a world of retreat and isolation. Back, back, back I go, into the arms of God. To Whom I know I can trust completely. Without reserve or fear.

PRAYER: Always, Lord; we can trust You. You are our refuge, the cleft of the rock. We know we can come to You with everything and You will strengthen us, comfort us, and assure us.

When Study Is Not Enough

Hariette Petersen — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:52:17 +0000

Do you get frustrated because you do not know enough about the Bible to share its truth with others? Do you think you must “study”, study, study, to show yourself approved unto God, and sadly–to man? How many Christian books must I read to get what I need to be approved and unashamed? How many Bible studies must I attend?

I use to beat myself up for missing that “daily quiet time” when I took out my Bible, gathered commentaries, grabbed a pen and notebook to journal what I “got” from the moments (or sometimes, hours), I spent reading, praying and studying. I struggled to surrender myself to knowing God more fully. I tried to set that “appointment” with Him as specifically as I scheduled my dental appointment. I failed.

I failed to live up to my own expectations. I failed to live up to those I heard preachers tell me I must keep. I failed to learn it all. Fortunately, during my six-plus decades, I managed to grasp a few truths and principles which have helped me know my Heavenly Father more intimately.

Paul writes: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Over and over again, I have read this verse above in various translations. I have heard several sermons on it and scoured commentaries. When I read slowly, carefully, and with my heart open to God’s Spirit of instruction, I wondered how in the world I could present myself approved to God. How clear must my conscience be to be “a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed”?

Today, I fully recognize and totally accept that I am already approved unto God through the attoning, purifying, justifying, and penetrating blood of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. I have no righteousness of my own because no man is righteous. Faith in Jesus grants me righteousness in Him.

I cannot be diligent enough to win God’s approval. No matter how much time I spend studying His word or memorizing scripture. I cannot relax and be unashamed by spending hours upon hours calling out to God for mercy. I can only “present” myself “approved” to God by saving grace I have in Jesus. I cannot minister enough or give enough or sacrifice enough. The diligence God wants from me is love. Love Him and all else will fall into place. Seek Him first and everything will be added. Be still in the rush of life, the busyness of routine, the struggles of turmoil and chaos, and simply “know that He is God.”

As I rest in Him I am lifted up on the wings of eagles. My soul is restored with the knowledge of His abundant grace that sets me apart for Him as an ambassador to proclaim His goodness…to pray for others to know Him, too. Have you strayed away from your “First Love”? Have you wandered away from the peace of your Father’s arms? Take His yoke upon you, for it is light. Go to Him and He will give you rest.

Prayer: Lord, it is a simple prayer today. Let all who read this accept Your approval in Christ. Thank you for Your redeeming and transforming power.

Consider This

Hariette Petersen — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:50:07 +0000

Are you worried? Are you anxious? Does your world seem uncertain? Are your bills mounting? Your health failing? Your hope waning? Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew, chapter six:

^“And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:27-29

If we are to consider the lilies and how they grow–they do not toil, but merely show God’s glory–why do we fret and balk at the field in which He’s planted us?

Lilies do not struggle, or beg for water. They do not whine and cry when Oklahoma winds blow thorny thistles against their stems. They do not envy the stately redwoods grown in California. They do not covet the flourishing dandelion, or seasonal blue-bonnets dressing Texas meadows. They do not question their Creator who lets them rest each winter and numbers their days in the sun.

Why do we? Why do we waste time and energy trying to be what we aren’t meant to be? Why do we demand our way, and ask for a more fertile field, one without tares or stones? Why can we not bloom where we are planted and be what God has created us to be: a manifestation of His glory, love, and mercy right where we are? Why are we so selfish and dissatisfied with our lot in life? Why are we so fearful of our future?

“….your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:32b-34.

PRAYER: Oh Lord give me greater joy in simply knowing You. Let my joy in You so permeate my being that I stand tall and drink deeply from Your well of sufficiency. Let my hope be so strong in You that I bend and never break when winds of difficulty come my way. Let me remember the Root of my salvation when I am tempted to question my plight or temporary circumstance. In all the days of my life, let me bring to You the glory due Your name. Let me be ever grateful for the blessing You’ve given me to live in the wheat-fields of Your kingdom.

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When God Leads You to a Dead End

Emily Riley — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:31:54 +0000

Do you ever feel like your life is leading to a dead end? No purpose or aim? Wandering aimlessly in a way that just doesn’t seem to make sense? Well, if that’s you … you’re not alone.

The children of Israel experienced the same thing right after they were freed from slavery in Egypt. They left their past, headed towards a new life, thinking the only option was to head into battle with the Philistines. But God had other plans. He was looking out for them and did not want His children to fear. So, instead of leading them into battle, God directed His children right into a dead end. Literally. He led them right up to the edge of the Red Sea where they were stuck with the entire Egyptian army hot at their heels.

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. Exodus 13:17-18

You might ask why would God do something like this. Why did He bring His children to a point where they said “we would be better off in slavery than here, simply waiting for our death”? If you read on in the story, it explains that the reason for this is so they would see the deliverance of the Lord. (Exodus 14:10-14)

The purpose of the dead end was so they could not trust their own planning or ability… they had to trust the Lord. And when they did, they also saw His power in amazing and mighty ways that they had never imagined possible.

But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him. Exodus 14:29-31

When the direction of our life looks like its leading to a dead end, let us look to our Deliverer. Let us find hope and comfort in our God and let us like the Israelites say with confidence: “Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Exodus 15:11-13

I’m Afraid God Is Angry With Me

Emily Riley — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:00:40 +0000

There have been times in my life when I’ve feared God’s anger. Before I was a Christian, this was a healthy fear, meant to show me my need for a Savior. I still remember many nights as a little girl when I was afraid to go to sleep because I thought God would judge me in His holy, righteous anger because of my unbelief.

Five years ago, God drew me to Himself and showed me great mercy through the cross. I understood for the first time that His death paid the penalty of my sin and that I am now raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6). His death declared me righteous and His life enables me to live a life satisfying to God (not in my own ability, but rather through the strength of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit).

Since becoming a Christian, however, there are still times when I feel like God is angry at me. Typically these are during times when I am painfully aware of sins I’ve committed against God. I know God has forgiven me and accepted me as His child, but I fail to recognize that He sustains me every day. I don’t think He likes me, because I can see that I’m not “good enough” to earn His favor. And it’s easy at that point to find myself slip back into legalism and thinking that it’s up to me and my good works to keep God’s favor.

It’s especially during times like this that I need the gospel. I need the reminder that there is nothing in me that earned God’s forgiveness and grace. There is nothing in me that was righteous enough to turn God’s wrath away. And there is nothing in me that can earn His acceptance.

When I find myself struggling with condemnation and guilt, the answer is not to wallow there. I am called to remember that the following things are true:

when I repent, I know that God will never count my sins against me (Romans 4:7-8)
Jesus’ death was not only to reconcile me to God, but also to give me new life (Romans 5:9-10)
The sins that discourage me are no longer my master (Romans 6:14)
The work of Christ Jesus provides freedom from condemnation. (Roman 8:1-4)

Here’s how to beat condemnation. Confess your sin to God. Then believe in Him. Exercise the gift of faith that God has given you to believe that Jesus died for the very sins you’re being condemned for. The punishment He received was for you. His resurrection is proof that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice. The sins of your past and the sin you just committed were all atoned for; you need carry their weight no more. - C.J. Mahaney

Do Not Hide From God

Emily Riley — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:18:25 +0000

I’ve often found that some of the most difficult times to turn to the Lord occur right after I sin against Him. I’ll choose to rebel against Him and find myself running from Him afterwards, my heart full of fear. I’ll politely refuse when people ask me to pray, or I’ll avoid my quiet times, simply because the infraction against Him is so fresh. I convince myself that God doesn’t want to face me at that point… I think “maybe after a few days, when the stain has faded somewhat, I can come to Him. But certainly God doesn’t want to see me now, not after what I’ve done,”

Recently, though, God reminded me of Genesis 3:8-10:

And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”

When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they felt the need to hide, as I often do. But God was still looking and calling out for them. He still sought them, even though they had been tainted with sin. They hid in shame and in fear. When I sin, I often find myself acting the same way as Adam and Eve, instead of living out what Scripture reminds us of: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).

In light of Scripture, I am reminded that when I sin against God, there is no need to hide in fear. Because of the cross of Jesus Christ that fully paid for the punishment of my sin, I may approach His throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). I may turn to God in my time of brokenness, trusting in His grace through Christ’s sacrifice (Psalm 51:16-17). Even if there is discipline, it brings me joy since I know that God is treating me as a son (Hebrews 12:7).

Therefore, even though we may be tempted to run from God when we sin against Him, we must realize that God’s desire is for us to draw close to Him (James 4:8). Let us not be afraid to turn to God in our need. His sacrifice paid for our sins, and He offers us reconciliation and freedom from fear.

“From whence this fear and unbelief, since God my Father, put to grief His spotless Son for me? Can he, the righteous judge of men, condemn me for that debt of sin, Which, Lord, was charged on Thee?” … “Turn, then, my soul, unto thy rest: The merits of thy Great High Priest speak peace and liberty: Trust in His efficacious blood, nor fear thy banishment from God, since Jesus died for thee.” Augustus Toplady

When Life Falls Apart, Jesus Holds It Together

Hariette Petersen — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:17:55 +0000

Do you sometimes feel like the world is falling apart? In any given day almost anyone we talk to can share a shattering experience that rips through their life and pierces the peace they take for granted. Even in the most dire of circumstances, things can get worse. We know that. We sometimes fail to remember that in an hour of despair, things can get better, too.

13 “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins… 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1.

When my son was five years old, he was crossing the street so he could safely ride his little-wheel trike on the sidewalks on the other side. Though he looked both ways, a large parked truck blocked his vision of an on-coming schoolbus. He took off just as I screamed and lunged forward. It was too late. The bus grabbed the handle of his trike and pulled his head beneath its gigantic wheels. He was wearing a toy plastic football helmet and the wheels of the bus gripped that; the grip held, and his head broke free. He was sent flying into the air. Just moments before I had been working on Vacation Bible School lessons in my kitchen. I’d taken a break to walk out and visit with a neighbor who was waiting for her daughter to come home from school. Suddenly my world was falling apart.

Yet as my world crumbled before my eyes, and fear tried to rob me of peace, the Lord held me and my world together. He allowed clarity in my thinking amid the chaos of screams and people rushing about to help me. The concussion my son had was not life-threatening because of the little helmet he wore. Though every nerve was exposed in his hand and every bone broken, miraculously, his hand needed only to be stitched back together. His arm was broken and his elbow dislocated, but the wrenching he’d received did not destroy its function. Several miracles were seen through that seemingly destructive day. Through it all, the Lord showed me quite clearly that “in Him all things hold together.”

PRAYER: Lord, there are times we think our world is falling apart. In these times, remind us of Your watchcare. Remind us of the times You have held all things together for us. Remind us that You said for us to “fear not”, that You are with us “even unto the end of the age.”

Following Jesus: Step Out in Faith

Emily Riley — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 15:34:08 +0000

After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14: 23-33, ESV)

Many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus walking on the water. For me, it is an awesome reminder of Christ’s power. It is also a very convicting story when I stop and think about Peter’s response.

Like the other eleven apostles, Peter could have chosen to remain in the boat. Even though the wind and the waves were against the boat, the boat was still the safest place to be. And yet, Jesus stood outside the boat, on the waves. Peter’s heart yearned to be near to the Lord as he asked Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” After receiving Christ’s invitation, Peter stepped out, and became the only other man recorded in Scripture to walk on water.

There are many times in my life when I feel like things are against me. I do not feel like I am moving forward; in fact, I’m fighting just to stand my ground. I feel distant from God, knowing He hasn’t forsaken me, but feeling that He is not as near as I’d like. In those times, it is an encouragement to remember Peter… He was willing to step out alone in faith to be closer to Jesus. He was willing to leave the limited protection of the boat to step out further into the storm, since that is where the Lord was standing. And, what is more, he stepped out alone, leaving the rest of the apostles in the boat.

I’m also reminded to seek God in prayer. Just as Peter asked Jesus to call him before he stepped out, so I am reminded to ask for God’s guidance before I step out. Walking by faith is not walking aimlessly, hoping God will catch up, but rather waiting for His voice and following His lead.

Prayer: Father, please remind me to call to you when the storms of life rage around me. Remind me that I can step out in faith to where you lead me. Give me a heart that longs to be close to you, even if I must step out alone. And help me to remember to keep my eyes on you rather than the storm around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.