Joyful Living

Fear Not – Ten reasons not to Fear
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Fear Not – Ten reasons not to Fear

happy_new_year_2014_1264011507Fear –  to expect or worry about (something bad or unpleasant); to be afraid or apprehensive. This is not a positive way to start 2014 right?  But, as I think about the coming year there are some things I am fearful about.  My husband is having some major surgery, we are buying a new house ( this is also a source of great joy) and the world. So what do I do?   I know that fear is not of the Lord;  He tells us “Fear Not”  just like He proclaimed to the shepherds watching over their flocks by night.  So how does that look in my life?  I want to hold fast to what I do know and let go of what I don’t know.  

God’ s Word says:

He will protect:  Genesis 15:1  Afterward the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

He will not forget us:  Genesis 46:3  “I am God,” the voice said, the God of your father”.  Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will see to it that you become a great nation there.

We should fear God:  Psalm 25:12  Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.

We do not need to fear:  Psalm 27:1  The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger – so why should I tremble?

God strengthens us:  Psalm 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

We do not need to fear darkness or violence:  Psalm 91:5  Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day.

We do not need to fear bad news:  Psalm 112.7  They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

Love drives fear away:  1 John 4:18-19  Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear.  If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that His love has not been perfected in us.  We love each other as a result of His loving us first.

Faith drives fear away:  Matthew 8:26  And Jesus answered,  “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then He stood up and rebuked the wind and waves.

God’s power in us drives fear away:  1 Timothy 1:7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

So in 2014 when I feel fear creeping in I am going to stop and remember what God says.  I am going to trust God to help me live in His spirit of power, love and self-discipline.  My new years resolution:  To take to heart what God’s says about how we should love each other as a result of His loving us first.  So I am going to intentionally be more involved in the people I care about and not be so self-absorbed. To really tap into the power of prayer for those I love.  What about you?  Will you let God’s word guide you in 2014. Will you have a reverent fear for the Lord and allow Him to direct your path?  With love and not fear God can do mighty things in our lives to bring Glory to Him and Joy to us.

No Fear in 2014  Letting God’s Love cast out all fear!!!

You were prayed for today.

 Joy Always, Cissy

 I would love to hear what is causing you to be fearful and your New Years Resolutions.  Please leave me a comment.

 

 

 

 

The Gift of Faith
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The Gift of Faith

BibleI am studying the Book of Matthew and finding myself falling more in love with Jesus.  I have always loved and respected Him, but doing an in-depth study has caused me to see His human side and to realize that He wanted and did the will of His Father using God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.   Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God and He came to live among His people to save us from our sins. The Book of Matthew presents Jesus as King of the Jews, and King of all nations.  The question is will we see Him as King and Joy of our lives and that His word to us in the Bible is our revelation, light and guide.  At this Christmas time I can’t help but think of Mary and Joseph and how they listened and followed the will of the Father. How great their faith was a gift to them from God.  He gives us the same gift of faith. It comes to us through the work of the Holy Spirit.  Luke 11:13 ” If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  Will you this Christmas ask your Father to increase your faith, will you show the good gift of faith to your children, family and friends as you live a life dependent on God; studying His word, seeking His will through prayer and being obedient to His Word?  Will you give your family the gift of prayer this year?  I challenge you for 2014 to start the gift of a Prayer Journal for a special person. Journal each day your thoughts and prayers for them.  It could be a child going off to college; a sibling, a friend, maybe your spouse, someone you want to Bless January 1, 2015 when you present the Prayer Journal to them. Pray for all phases of their lives and all the roles they fill.  Include scriptures, motivational sayings, pour out your heart for that person on paper to God.  Be a Blessing because you are so richly blessed.                                                                                                                                                                                           Merry Christmas  – Rejoice The King is Born  

You were prayed for today.                                   

 Joy Always, Cissy

Fall – God’s Handiwork- Let’s Give Him Praise!!!
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Fall – God’s Handiwork- Let’s Give Him Praise!!!

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“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.”  

William Cullen Bryant

This time of year is so beautiful.  The leaves turning their amazing colors and the refreshing cooler temperatures.  You can not help but stop and consider the Creator of it all.  

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.  Romans 1:20

It is always good to start at the beginning when pondering this beautiful time of year.  

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

As you enjoy God’s Handiwork will you give Him praise for providing such a glorious environment for us year after year.  Reflect on His goodness and the promises of His word knowing that He will provide all your needs and is with you always.   How can you share the Good News with someone today?

Joy Always, Cissy