Category: prayer

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To Walk In His Steps

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“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”  John 17:15-19 

If you’ve spent any time reading my posts you’ve probably discovered I have had a difficult relationship with my parents.  My father, the atheist, and my mother, the rejector of all things “church” have led lives which saw an ever-decreasing circle of family and friends.  During the last 10 years or so, my mother set about turning her back on not only me but one of her granddaughters and subsequently her two grandchildren.  My dad, a quiet, unassuming man, felt the best way to keep the peace was to follow along.  So, one day he told me to stop calling and checking in because each time I said even, “Hello” his world would turn to chaos.

Much of what my mom set about doing was, I believe, due to mental illness as time went on.  However, I also came to realize she suffered from a life-long emotional need that was never fully met.  She desired love but just could never fully surrender to what that all entailed – time spent together, joy, forgiveness, empathy, giving freely, and even physical contact.

The Bible tells us emphatically to “honor your father and mother.” (Exodus 20:12 & Deuteronomy 5:16).  Jesus, in Gethsemane, told His Holy Father that He would suffer an excruciating death in order to do His Father’s will.  Well, I spent a lot of time with God over the last 20 years trying to figure out exactly what that meant.  I sought to understand what walking in Jesus’ obedient steps would look like in my life.

I may have said in the past that my process of coming to a “good place” with my parents went through all the stages of grief.  

  1. Denial
  2. Anger
  3. Bargaining
  4. Depression
  5. Acceptance

At some point I realized I was in the midst of this process because I grasped that what was happening was the death of something that God has ordained as good – the parent/child relationship.  When I finally stopped working so hard at getting their approval and love, I needed to see what God wanted out of me in terms of “acceptance.”  How could I show the love of Christ and glorify Him in my steps?

The LORD, was sanctifying me through a very personal and long-term problem.  I knew the acceptance of the situation still meant I needed to obey His Word.  That became obvious during COVID and my prayer time.  My prayers turned from “please fix them” to “how can I best love these folks that gave me life?”  I obeyed when He showed me the way.  And even though I was turned away so often, I was no longer hurt because I knew I served Him well.

Last year, the LORD moved this situation into a new realm.  I truly believe He saw I was ready for more Kingdom work.  On July 11, 2024 a family friend called to tell me my mom had suddenly died from an aortic embolism.  My father had called him to get a ride home from the hospital.

As I rushed to my parent’s home to meet my dad, I didn’t know what to think, what to expect.  But I knew God had shifted my life and I was ready to embark on whatever new path of sanctification He was taking me.

As I stood next to my father, who sat stunned in our friend’s passenger seat in his driveway, I felt God’s powerful presence leading me to complete forgiveness, compassion and love.  I embraced my dad and we cried together.  I took a big leap forward that night on my way to Jesus’ desire of holiness in me.

I’ve hopefully set the framework of why we get sanctified and by whom in the last few posts.  Over the next few weeks, I’m going to show you some practical ways the Holy Spirit, given through Jesus’ death and resurrection, calls us, speaks to us, guides us, and comforts us as we are being sanctified.  Lessons learned over the last few years, especially the dramatic turn of events in my life last year.

We will walk through these 5 potential spiritual growth areas:

  1. Knowledge
  2. Trials
  3. Obedience
  4. Wisdom
  5. Stewardship

So, I hope you join me next week as we stride our way into our first topic of knowledge – the way to gain it and use it to bring us closer to our God Almighty.

This week’s question: In absolute honesty, where do you turn to first when you have questions about the Christian faith?

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The Coat of the Holy Spirit

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Hagiasmos — To be made holy or separate 

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we  have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:1-4

As I’m writing this my BSGs (Bible Study Girls) are working in the book “Now and Not Yet,” by Ruth Chou Simons.  We’ve just completed a week long study on Joseph’s life found in Genesis 37-50.  Joseph’s story is one of those known by believers and non-believers far and wide, mostly because of that coat.  You know the one – of many colors that his dad Jacob made for him.  That coat became a visual reminder of Joseph’s favored son status amongst his brothers.

You’re probably familiar with the story but here’s a quick re-cap:  Joseph’s brother’s get angry when he shares a dream about ruling over all of them.  They plot to kill him and instead sell him as a slave to some passing folks heading to Egypt.  In Egypt, God puts him into one of Pharaoh’s official’s homes as a servant.  He’s quite successful there managing the household.  But Potiphar’s (the official) wife lusts after Joseph.  When he rebuffs her, she lies and says it was Joseph trying to have his way with her.  So, Joseph gets thrown in jail.  But God puts his favor on Joseph in jail and he becomes the second- hand man of the jailer.  Eventually, news of Joseph’s dream interpreting skill reaches Pharaoh who asks him to interpret a dream.  Joseph tells him about a coming time of plenty then drought.  Pharaoh then puts Joseph in charge of saving the Egyptian people from starvation.  Eventually, Joseph’s brothers come to him asking for food, not realizing it’s their long lost brother.  A happy reunion ensues when Joseph forgives the brothers.

Whew!

When asked at the end of the study week what three things stood out to me, I answered with this: 1) Even in the worst, he made it the best.  2) We don’t hear of God telling Joseph what to do.  And 3) Joseph’s walk with God just seemed a part of him.  

I pointed out to the ladies that the first time you even hear Joseph speak God’s name is when he rebuffs the wife.  He said it would be wicked and sinful thing against God.  After that even in jail while interpreting dreams, you don’t get Pauline-like statements about suffering and perseverance for God.  But when asked by Pharaoh if he could interpret the dreams he said, “I cannot, but God will give Pharaoh the answers.”  And when Joseph finally revealed who he was to his brothers he made the amazing statement, “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45:5

From favored son to dropped into a well to die.  From slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted servant.  From betrayed to forgiving.  Joseph had God embedded so deeply in him that each trial, each good thing, was of God.  It was as though he wore God as a comfortable, favorite coat.

You have to think as the years went by while in Egypt, he thought of the brothers who tried to kill him.  As he sat rotting in jail for years, of that beautiful, multi-colored coat.  We now can read the full story, but Joseph himself never knew what was to come.  He only knew God was with him.  

Raise your hand in all honesty if you would be plotting your revenge or how you would turn your backs on your family (or friends or neighbors or fellow church members) after being treated so terribly.  All the while waiting to hear God’s voice telling you what to do or how to feel about it all.  

When the time came to stand face to face with his brothers it wasn’t anger and bitterness that he expressed.  He could look back at the betrayal of Potiphar’s wife and how it led him to years in jail all to be worked out by God.  He saw how God, through his slavery, used him to save hundreds if not thousands of people.  God didn’t have to reveal some new great truth to him.  He slipped easily into wearing God’s goodness in the trials.  He saw that God was sovereign, and he trusted Him.  God was teaching him to persevere, leading him up to redeeming his family with forgiveness.

That’s sanctification.

We’re the fortunate ones to have the entire story of the Bible laid out in front of us.  We get to see the work of an even greater Joseph – Jesus.  We see how His Father asked Him to wear a different coat – one lined with all the blackness of our sins.  His suffering and perseverance redeemed all humanity.  His gift to us?  The Holy Spirit residing in us for our time here in this world.  So like Joseph we too can wear the living God each day.  A majestic, wise and powerful inner coat.  Having Him be a natural way of life for us – obeying, trusting and persevering.

Friends, we were sanctified by the blood of Jesus.  Giving us justification to stand before God in peace.  He has clothed us in white, having removed that dark punishment of death.  We are being sanctified right now by the Holy Spirit guiding us through the hatred or lack of love we experience, the lies told about us, the tragedies and trials.  He bathes us each in God’s glorious light that we might shine it out to the world!  And what is all this for?  We will experience our final sanctification when we are glorified and the purple robes of kings are placed on our shoulders.  When we face our LORD and He says to us, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant!”

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2.

Until then, God purifies us.  He is making you holy, “hagiasmos” or set apart.  Walk like Joseph through your day, wearing not that shiny, sparkly coat of the world, but rather the coat which envelopes you inside and out with the Holy Spirit.  He will make you more valuable than any favored, earthly treasure.  He will clothe you in something more precious than gold.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but people are tested by their praise.  Proverbs 27:21

This week’s question: What’s been the most confusing or challenging part of your Christian journey?

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On Being Sanctified

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"...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5

What’s the difference between discipleship and sanctification?  If you’ve been justified why does any of that matter?  You might even ask what does it mean to be justified?  Is your faith a private or public matter or maybe both?  Are you prepared to hold fast to Jesus during the trials of life or are you worried that you might lose your faith when disaster strikes?  Did you lose faith when disaster struck?  And when someone sees that cross dangling from your neck or wrist are you prepared to give biblical answers about God?  Lastly, has your church, if you attend one, been at your side to help you answer all these questions?

A few of my friends volunteer with an online Christian ministry that helps both believers and non-believers find answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our faith. Of the 38 students I’ve worked with over the last eight months, nearly all identified as Christians. Yet, without fail, they all admitted that they didn’t truly know the God they claimed to follow. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. A nationwide survey found that only 1% of churches have active discipleship programs—programs specifically designed to strengthen our foundational understanding of Christianity. These programs aim to fulfill Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19: to make disciples.

But really, what is the goal of all of this?  It’s two-fold.  The first is sharing the Gospel across our communities.  But the second, seemingly most overlooked part of the job for our churches and each believer, is helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ remain steadfast and on the narrow path.  In other words, becoming more Christ-like or sanctified.

I’ve gone through quite the trial these last few months and I’ve come to realize how much work, not only I had put in, but was put in to me to help me through it.  There was death, deep forgiveness, immeasurable love and patience, a church loss, joy, and tears.  Holding my hand through it all was the gift of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of God’s Word and many, many fellow believers (some who know me well and some who will never know me at all!).

When life took an unexpected turn last year, I had just finished my last series, “30 Days of Worship.”   I missed writing and missed connecting with all of you. I found myself gazing longingly at my computer.  But God whispered, “Not yet.  I’m teaching you a new thing.”  So here I am, still in the midst of my new thing.  But looking back to what I have learned, ready to do my part in discipleship.  Sharing with you the Good News and how we can hold fast to it.

I hope you join me over the next month or so as I share with you my new series, “On Being Sanctified.”  Why? Because we can all use a little help getting through the fires as God purifies our hearts, preparing us for the day we see our LORD and Savior face to face.  Please follow the blog for my posts and share with your friends!  

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Day 30 In Christ Alone

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1

Earlier this year I trained to be a discipleship coach for an online ministry.  Anyone who searches the internet using certain, key words may encounter the link which offers a free course called Knowing Jesus.  People from all over the world work through the free  course seeking to grow closer to God through the truth of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

I recently had a student who said Jesus was a very obedient servant of God.  While that is true, I told her that limited view of Jesus doesn’t ensure we understand the full holiness and deity of Christ.  I explained to her Jesus was fully man and fully God, a sometimes confusing concept.  I asked if that information was new to her, a self-professed, occasionally attending church Christian.  She replied,  “Yes.”  

That one word actually made me sad.  Sad over how the “church,” meaning we, the body of believers have sometimes failed to make clear the place that Jesus sits in heaven.  How we have failed to loudly celebrate that only Christ can be the one to cleanse us of our sins so we can, with His cloak of purity laden over our shoulders, come before the Father.  And the way churches, fellow believers allow our friends and neighbors to remain in the dark about the love the Trinity has shown all humanity  —  when God humbled Himself to walk among us and give us the message of eternal life.

You see, without seeing Jesus in His rightful Holy position we also can’t look to Him for all hope and strength and peace.  Because no average man can give us that.  No, it takes a King of Kings, a Lord of Lords, a solid cornerstone.  Christ alone.

Jesus, the man, was tender, strong, felt pain, and was ever obedient to His Father.  At the same time, Jesus, the Word in flesh, was sinless, wise, merciful, a healer, a life-giver, prescient, could calm storms, and fill nets and endless food baskets.  But most of all Jesus the Holy One was the required sacrifice for our forgiveness of sins.  

He gave His all for us  He suffered much for us.  He loved tremendously for us.

When this same student mentioned she’s too tired on Sundays to regularly attend church, I told her I too used to think church was just another thing on my to-do list.  But when I realized the amazing gift that He gave us in Christ I was compelled to worship Him in gratitude and submission.  Instead of obligation, church became a soul-filler.  When I lift my hands up to Him in love, He reaches back to me through the Holy Spirit and grabs hold of me.  I know that nothing else in this world can ever pluck me from His hands.  He will never let me go.  He brings us home in victory.

If you don’t have this relationship with Christ, call on Him today.  Give Him your all.  And the Lord of All will give all eternity to you.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the past 30 days of Worship as much as I have!  If you missed any posts, I’ve compiled the entire series here.  Please share with your friends today to support this ministry and help be a light out into the darkness.

To listen to today’s song, click here: In Christ Alone

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Day 29 Good Day

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Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:1-5
“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lordturn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26

I’ve heard a famous Christian teacher tell audiences this profound truth: “It’s one thing to see a miserable sinner but a miserable Christian is a tragic thing.”  While we all, believers and non-believers, have heartbreaking or difficult events in our lives, we have to acknowledge that the majority of our lives run from fun and exciting to dull and average.  Yet throughout it all Jesus followers should emulate the apostle Paul and be always searching and living gratefully for God’s ever presence in our lives.

This truth really hit home for me when I read Corrie Ten Boom’s famous book, “The Hiding Place.”  Her sister Betsie could find joy in God’s provision even in the darkest moments of a Nazi concentration camp.  Corrie, more of a like-mind with me, would roll her eyes when her sister would make joyous declarations such as, “Give thanks in all circumstances.  It doesn’t say ‘in pleasant circumstances.’  Fleas are part of this place where God has put us.”

As lights of the Lord reflecting out God’s love and goodness to the world, we need to be especially mindful of our outward attitude and appearance when events go awry in our lives.  Showing the world who we trust and who is working for our good. And when events turn to joy we need to give it all up to God in His bountiful mercy and glory.

I first heard this song about having a good day when I was visiting and caring for my two-year old grandson.  My daughter had shared with me Owen’s Spotify playlist so we could listen to his pre-school songs in the car.  You know, fun stuff like “icky sticky bubble gum” and the “wheels on the bus” played on repeat.  When this bright and joyous song came on in the car he exclaimed, “Mommy’s song!”  We sang along with vigor.

I asked my daughter about it later that day.  She explained they play this song every morning on their way to work and daycare to set the tone for the day.  To remember that with God in our lives it can always be a good day.  Because while the Lord has blessed us with breath and we acknowledge that the creator of the universe knows our very name, we can have a great day in every single way.  

Friend, I once thought this view of life was blind to the realities of the world.  Until the scales were taken off my eyes and the truth was revealed.  Emmanuel, God with Us, shines His beautiful light on us in all circumstances.  So play it loud and sing it like ya mean it. Because today can and will be a good day.

Click here to listen to today’s song: Good Day 

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Day 28 Stand

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Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.  John 15:20-21
Praise be to the Lord for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege.  Psalm 31:21

One of my church pastors provided me with not only an “ah ha” moment a few weeks ago during his sermon on Philippians but also a “duh” revelation.  Here’s what he said,  “We have to remember the letters written by Paul to the churches were not written to individuals but to the church body as whole.”  As readers and students of scripture we can get caught up thinking a verse was speaking directly to me and my life.  

It’s an important change of perspective, especially these days when folks who call themselves Christians promote the idea that we don’t need to go to church.  Or we can just do church by watching it on TV.  Not only are we directed in scripture to be part of a body of believers we are also to actively participate in that community.

But why?  Let’s first look at what happened to those of us who lived in areas where our churches were shut down during COVID — some for two years.  People became disconnected, dispirited, lonely and worse.  Be completely honest, watching someone on TV preach the Word is not the same as being in the same room with other believers.  We get distracted, make a snack, check our phones, etc.  Instead of exiting the doors and talking with those who just listened to a powerful message.  Sharing our questions, our revelations, or how the message truly lifted us.

When we don’t have that community, we also don’t have the support to sustain us when trouble hits.  Standing in the face of trials even when it seems almost unbearable.  We don’t have the ability to look around at all the faces of those who know and love Jesus like we do.

God provides every opportunity to help us when darkness wants to have its hand on our lives.  When the world calls us crazy, we can stand firm and announce, “there’s quite a few of us crazies and we celebrate our God and Savior every week across the world!”  

Just like we can forget the epistles were written to bodies of people, we can also forget every word written to encourage and support them was done so because they were facing trials –greater than any westernized church today.  If they could stand while facing death for even meeting, for proclaiming that Jesus is King, then we can stand too.  Let’s do it in community, together.

Click here to listen to today’s song: Stand

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Day 27 Great Are You Lord

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“My soul glorifies the Lord  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Luke 1:46-48
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.  When anxiety was great within me,your consolation brought me joy.  Psalm 94:18-19

In 2023, Psychotherapist Charlotte Fox Weber wrote an article for CNBC which revealed that, after 10 years of treating patients and being a patient herself, there are nine things humans universally desire in life:

  1. To be loved
  2. To be understood
  3. To have power
  4. To have and give attention
  5. To have freedom
  6. To create
  7. To belong
  8. To win
  9. To connect

Well, I have great news for Dr. Weber and all humanity.  Jesus will fulfill all these needs.  Our great Lord will love you through all eternity.  He knows every single thing about you – and experienced much of it Himself. Not only does He know you so well, He still loves you!

Through Jesus we have power to overcome our fears, anxieties, wrath from man, and more.  He removes the chains of sins and calls us sons and daughters of the God Most High.  

We become free to experience and create joy in our lives and in those around us.  This joy connects us to a community of believers who support you and walk beside side you times of trouble.

And best of all as heirs to the Kingdom we stand in victory.  Through His resurrection, Jesus has conquered death and sin.  He holds out His hand for you to join Him in this glorious triumph.  

He is the giver of all life, of breath, of light and hope.  He is the provider of everything for which you long.  Reach out to Him and pour out your praise Him today!

Click here to listen to today’s song: Great Are You Lord

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Day 26 How He Loves Us

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For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:3-4

Do you love God?  Sounds like a simple question and one that could be answered flippantly.  But do you really love God?  Do you love Him so much that you seek to worship and submit to Him each and every minute of your day?

A friend shared a comment her adult son made to her once.  He’s seems to be very angry with God.  His biting comment was, “If God is so all-powerful then why does he need your worship?”

How would you answer that?

For me, I realized not too long ago that I hadn’t completely grasped the idea of loving and worshipping God.  I prayed thankfulness, petition and repentance.  But lacked an expression of love.   It led me to ask if I loved God. 

Let’s clear up one thing.  God doesn’t need our worship.  He doesn’t need our love.  He doesn’t need anything from us.  However, I ask you if you had good and loving parents, do you still love them as you’ve become an adult?  If so, then why?  Your answer is probably because they did so much for you.  They tended to your every need as a child.  Fed you, put a roof over your head, taught you, and yes, loved you. 

If you didn’t have that sort of up bringing you probably don’t love your parents.  You may feel a burden of obligation but love isn’t present.  In fact, you may feel the hole where love should be.

Now think about what Jesus has done for you.  For a reason which only God knows He chose you.  Yes you. You backsliding sinner.  He loved you even before you accepted Him as your savior.  While you were still in the mud and muck of your sin.  

He lowered Himself to being a human and didn’t count His divinity as something to lord over us while He was here.  He came to save us from a terrible, painful eternity.  Which all of us deserve.  Every single one of us.  

He went to the cross and died a bloody, humiliating death.  To wash you clean before the Father.  A brother, a friend, the only God who gave His life for you.  That should bring you to tears of love and a desire to worship Him.

His blood and His love cover us and give us a new, beautiful life.  How can we not worship a god whose very essence is love?   How can we not drop prostrate and sing to all the ways that He loves us?

Click here to listen: How He Loves Us

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Day 25 For All My Life

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“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.  Mark 8:34-35
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight  Proverbs 3:6

I’ll admit that for almost half of my life I relied on one person to resolve all my problems, to quell my fears, and to help me succeed in life.  Myself.  While I did a decent job of pulling myself up and around by my own boot straps, I also did a bang up job of living a life of stress, anxiety and worry.  When I met my husband, he called me the queen of “woulda, coulda, shoulda.”

In other words, I would regret and worry about every single decision I made.  If I “fixed it” and it didn’t turn out very good then I was also the one to take much of the blame.  I leaned heavily on my own understanding.  The burden became unbearable.  I put the same pressure on friends, family and acquaintances to take on the same responsibility.  When they didn’t, I would look on with annoyance that they weren’t doing life “right.” 

That type of living doesn’t keep quality relationships.  It definitely doesn’t bring joy and love and goodness.  

The study I did this summer on being a slave to Christ (Slave by John MacArthur) has further revealed to me how being owned by Jesus is so much easier than being a slave to a sinful life outside His will.  When we let Him take the lead and shine the light on our paths, we can take a deep breath of fresh air.  We view troubles, challenges or even failures in a different light.

We may not always see our life with Christ as a straight and beautiful path of goodness.  But that’s just the world trying to speak back into us.  As long as we have our eyes always on Jesus it doesn’t matter what seems uncertain.  The North Star is always where it should be even if the road is a bit squiggly.  He will guide you right to Him.

Click here to listen: For All My Life

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Day 24 Tremble

krisshetter 
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome .  John 1:4-5
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.  Psalm 36:9

When I was little my brother used to hide under my bed at night and make scary noises.  He would reach out and grab any of my body parts that hung over the side.  Needless to say, as an adult I am still terrified of the dark.  And I never, ever allow my legs or arms to hang off the side of the bed.  You would think that after 50 or so years I would have managed to overcome those fears.

But here I am.  I never walk my dog after dusk or before dawn by myself.  I check the locks on my doors a few times before I go to bed when my husband is out of town.  I pray for the peace of God to descend on me so I can sleep.  If I get up at night, I still have twinges that something might grab me from under the bed.  Of course, some of my fears (not the one where a gremlin grabs my leg) are justified. 

Let me just take a moment for a public service announcement – women should never walk alone in the dark, ever.  We can’t change that fact no matter how much we’d like to, no matter how unfair it might seem. It’s the result of a fallen, sinful world.

But I digress — thankfully, many of our fears, which so often are about our worries for tomorrow, can be turned over to the Holy One who brings His light to our life.  When Jesus shines His light over us, He pushes back against the dark thoughts that can overwhelm us.  He overcomes all.  Evil trembles at His name.  He lavishes us with peace.

The beauty of His light?  He wants us to share it for all the world to see.  He reminds believers we are the light of the world.  It’s our testimonies to our friends, family, neighbors and strangers that passes the light of peace to those in darkness.  

Friend, we all have fears.  Some silly like ankle grabbing gremlins.  Some that may actually keep us safe.  But some are because we try and control others or the future.  Those can destroy our peace.  Lift them up to the God of Light and ask the Holy Spirit to help you not take them back.  And then shine the light of overcoming your fear out to others.

Click here to listen to today’s song: Tremble