Israel’s Prophecy for Gad

Israel’s Prophecy for Gad

Genesis 49: ¹⁹ “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,
But he shall triumph at last.

 

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Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the first son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Leah referred to Gad as a “good fortune” because she was barren. She named him Gad or “a troop is coming.”

 

My Observations:

• Gad also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel skipped the order of birth and also switched from talking about Bilhah’s children to speaking about Zilpah’s first born.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Gad’s eventual bravery in battle.

 

The tribe of Gad would become a brave fighting tribe of Israel. Even Moses recognized this tribe’s valor in a later blessing. While Gad had his issues with Joseph, He emerged as a leader that seemed to stay with GOD.

 

Some of the other brothers fell away from GOD in their dealings, but Gad seemed to remain faithful. Leah seemed to have influence over Zilpah’s ways. Her sons had their faults, but in the end, followed the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Gad’s valor in war?
• Has your life been a battle?
• Will you remain vigilant by not giving in to the attacks of the enemy?

Full of Courage

Full of Courage

1 John 2: ²⁸ Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. ²⁹ You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child.

 

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Having told the lie, I did not feel confident in answering any questions. I could be tripped up easily because I made up a convenient story that was not consistent with what I was doing at the time.

 

• My mind raced as I tried to think of other lies to support the current lie.
• Blame entered my mind as a possible way out of “my” current lie.
• After a while, I gave up and said “lying is just too hard too hard to keep up.”

 

John wraps up his discussion about remaining in union with CHRIST. He implies that if we remain in union with JESUS, then when HE returns, we will not be ashamed, but full of courage.

 

My Observations:

• Confidence comes from staying with GOD, even when things look terrible.
• Assurance comes from following GOD instead of trying to create my own security blanket.
• Courage comes from doing “what is right” as GOD has defined it, not humans.

 

Sin makes me question GOD’s love for me. I mean, when I sin and something goes terribly wrong, I wonder if it was the sin that caused the pain. Even though I know I am forgiven, I still feel unstable in my relationship with GOD when blatant sin is in the picture. GOD has another way.

 

HE is not placing extreme pressure on us to be perfect. In fact, HE knew we would not follow HIM, yet JESUS died for humanity anyway. But there are times when GOD sees when you and I do “what is right” and gets excited. I am glad GOD can use sinful people to do HIS marvelous works of love.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer try to make the message precious to everyone?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love for you?
• Wil you have courage in your relationship with GOD by doing “what is right” so HE can call you HIS child today?

House Materials

House Materials

Hebrews 3: ⁴ Every house, of course, is built by someone—and God is the one who has built all things. ⁵ Moses was faithful in God's house as a servant, and he spoke of the things that God would say in the future. ⁶ But Christ is faithful as the Son in charge of God's house. We are his house if we keep up our courage and our confidence in what we hope for.

 

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“I feel like giving up” are the words I have used many times when things got difficult. Something ultra scary or painful would arise and it would seem like there was no way out.

 

• I would get worried.
• I would get scared.
• I would think of what could go wrong versus thinking about what has gone right.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about GOD being the builder of HIS house. JESUS is in charge of GOD’s house and remains faithful. HE builds the house out of those who follow HIM.

 

My Observations

• When times get difficult, GOD gives me courage.
• When times get painful, GOD gives me confidence that HE will take care of it.
• When times get rough and I cannot see a way out of the trouble, GOD comes through with HIS grace.

 

Having courage and confidence is difficult. I mean, there are scary people, situations and diseases out there. BUT GOD wants me to place my trust in HIM. When I trust GOD to handle the situation, I can let go of it.

 

HE then does something quite miraculous. HE takes the thing I was trying to fix or build and HE fixes it or builds it HIS way. I am so glad HIS plan is far greater than anything I could ever think of and HE is the one who builds HIS house out of me and you.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the example of a house?
• Have you ever been part of a community ad felt valued?
• Have you ever gotten scared because you need help from others?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS, who knows your situation, so HE can give you the courage and confidence to face today’s situation and renew your hope for HIS plan in your life?

Origin of Courage

Origin of Courage

1 Thessalonians 2: Our friends, you yourselves know that our visit to you was not a failure. ² You know how we had already been mistreated and insulted in Philippi before we came to you in Thessalonica. And even though there was much opposition, our God gave us courage to tell you the Good News that comes from him. 

 

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“There will be hundreds of people in the audience” were the words that made me nervous. I was asked to be one of the speakers at a regional meeting and I had never spoken to an audience of this size. I asked for tips to control my nervousness. One person said “practice”, another said “Don’t practice, use a three point outline.” The differing perspectives made me more nervous.

 

• I was scared to be in front of people.
• I worried about the validity of message.
• I replayed in my mind how I could possibly mess up in front of a lot of people.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expressed  the “opposition” they faced in places like Philippi and Thessalonica. They had been slandered, ridiculed and insulted. This could have been very discouraging if they had to rely on their own courage, but they did not have to.

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I get scared, BUT GOD is there to help me through my fears.
• Sometimes I get nervous, BUT GOD is there to calm me down and lead me to a still place.
• Sometimes I get anxious, BUT GOD is there to give me courage.

 

Mustering up courage when I am scared seems impossible. I mean, when I am fearful, I make fearful decisions. I may not even think straight enough to apply logic. Words like “Don’t be afraid” make me more afraid. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE says to me “I got this.” HE gives me the courage to speak about HIS SON when I am worried about what people may think or if someone may oppose HIS message. GOD gently reminds me that if HE is for me, who can be against me? I am glad GOD owns courage and is willing to give it to me to speak about the Good News that comes from HIM.

 

Challenge

• What opposition do you think the writers faced?
• Have you ever been worried, nervous or scared?
• Will you turn to the one who owns courage and ask HIM to give you the right words to present the “Good News” to those HE sends you to today?

Courage for Duty

 

Courage for Duty

Philippians 1: ²⁰ My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

 

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“Why are you doing that?” some people questioned. “You could get sick or even die” was the escalated statement that made me nervous, but I felt led to go on the missions trip anyway.

 

• Going someplace outside my comfort zone did not make sense.
• Leaving a place where everything was alright seemed counterintuitive.
• Doing difficult things for GOD instead of easy things for myself seemed out of the ordinary.

 

Paul gave up everything to serve GOD. He had status, power and was probably very wealthy being a Pharisee of Pharisees. JESUS changed his life and now his deepest desire was to carry out the duties that bring honor to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Life serving GOD can get scary, especially when the evil one presents alternatives.
• Unknown paths look fearful BUT GOD wants me to walk with HIM down them.
• Faithful service may sometimes seem fruitless, BUT GOD wants me to have courage to continue.

 

“Keep going” are words that seem hard to do sometimes. I mean, when I feel “discouraged” I want to give up. Problem after problem after problem makes me think there is no relief in sight. BUT GOD says “Be strong and of good courage.”

 

GOD knows the future and HE knows why HE has me serving HIM. HE sees the adversary and has taken his tactics into account. No matter what happens, GOD wants me to keep my sense of duty to HIM. I gladly serve GOD, because I have no other place that provides refuge like HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s duty?
• Have you ever been led to serve GOD even though it may seem scary?
• Will you be “encouraged” to have “courage” to keep going so your service my “bring honor to CHRIST” today?

Must Appear

Must Appear

2 Corinthians 5: ⁶ So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord's home. ⁷ For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. ⁸ We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. ⁹ More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. ¹⁰ For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life.

 

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Receiving a summons to appear in court was never fun but it happened. The words “YOU MUST APPEAR” were in big bold red capital letters that seemed intimidating. The letter held instructions about my court date but it also had the traffic violation and the date of my malefaction.

 

• I felt angry, shamed and scared all at once.
• I felt like my perfect driving record was damaged.
• I felt that I had to drive extra perfect to keep from being judged again. This was super false!

 

Paul mentions the true purpose of life. He says “Life is a matter of faith” and then tells everyone that the faith that is worth anything is to please the LORD JESUS who will one day judge everyone according to every deed that is done.

 

My Observations

• Every deed I do is seen by GOD.
• One deed does not undo another deed in GOD’s eyes.
• GOD is the only one who sees the things I do for HIM and judges the things I do for myself.

 

Trying to act righteous can sometimes get me in trouble. I mean, when I think I am pleasing GOD by following the Bible to the letter, I may be hurting others by holding them to a standard I could not keep myself. BUT DOD wants me to act differently.

 

HE wants me to point my sinful life to HIM so others can do the same. Life is not about living in perfection rather accepting perfection which is JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT will then guide me to the places I need to go and deliver the words I need to say. Life is about surrender so I can be pleasing to GOD. The more I surrender to GOD the more pleasing and amazing deeds HE guides me to do.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about fear and courage in this passage?
• Have you ever placed your courage in something the crowd is saying but felt it could possibly be against what GOD is telling you?
• Can you gain courage to surrender your life to JESUS little by little, giving HIM your deeds as best as you can without worrying about HIS judgement but focusing in on HIS love today?

Courage for Truth

 

Courage for Truth

Acts 21: ²⁷ When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, ²⁸ shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

 

³⁰ The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. ³¹ While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. ³² He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

 

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Feeling pressured and not wanting to get in trouble, I thought of a “story” to cover myself. I had broken the bottom window of the door by losing my grip on my bike. Something popped in my head. I could blame the kid from two doors over. I mean, he “could” throw things, right? So what if he was in his wheelchair and wasn’t outside and the bushes would have not made it possible.

 

There were times when I was determined to cover myself.

There were times when I was too scared to even admit wrong to myself.

There were times when I felt it was easier to lie rather than facing the consequences of my actions.

 

Some Jews recognized Paul and immediately thought of lies. They grabbed him and told the crowd that Paul, singlehandedly, told “everyone” “everywhere” to not follow the Jewish law that he upheld. They also supposed he brought a Gentile into a Jewish temple. They stirred the crowd to beat Paul because of their lies.

 

GOD wants me to be courageous enough to tell the truth.

GOD wants me to be in the practice of admitting my sin so when someone confronts me, it won’t sting as much.

GOD wants me to invite people to GOD rather than excluding them to one race.

 

Believing in “a” truth is dangerous. I mean I can convince myself of anything regardless of the overwhelming evidence. GOD has provided overwhelming evidence of HIS love for humanity through HIS SON JESUS. HE chose to die for my sins and for that I am truly grateful!

 

What lies are you telling yourself or others?

When will you grow up to stop lying to show you are superior or “right?”

If you are courageous enough to lie to others and yourself, will you add to your courage by dropping your lies and telling people about “the” truth of JESUS being the only Savior today?

Bravery

2 Samuel 10: ¹² Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

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As I gobbled down my lunch, I set up my Backgammon game waiting for my next victim. Yes I said Backgammon and we had classes in caves too. A friend of mine brought an antagonistic individual to the table. He said to me “What would you say if I said there is no GOD?”

The only reason I remember this so vividly is because this was the first time anyone had challenged my beliefs. I mean up to this point I went to church and came home like everyone else. No one had ever asked me to explain my beliefs. I was scared, but words came out of my mouth. “I just know” was the beginning of the conversation that took the rest of the period.

• When I face something difficult, I get scared.
• When I face antagonistic situations I get frightened.
• When I face what seems to be an army of issues, I get nervous.

Fear consumes me, then it makes me want to run and hide in the corner.  At that point nothing gets done. I then remember the fear and get scared to try anything that is challenging. BUT GOD wants something different of me.

• GOD wants me to be strong when times are difficult.
• GOD wants me to fight when I face a foe of HIS.
• GOD wants me to realize the battle is won because HE is the one who fights for me.

When entering any battle I must equip myself with the knowledge that the outcome belongs to GOD. This makes me approach the battle differently.  I see an opponent as an ally rather than someone who needs to be conquered or removed to get my way.  This is GOD’s child and compassion coupled with strength is how I need to go into the battle.

I can’t win unless we all win. I must be brave enough to bring others along, when I can.

• Are you facing fear?
• Are you scared of something new?
• Can you give your fear over to GOD?
• Won’t you BE STRONG because GOD is with you? 

Have Courage!

Numbers 32: ²⁰ Then Moses said to them, “Do what you have promised to do. Prepare yourselves to fight for the Lord. ²¹ Prepare yourselves and go across the Jordan River. Fight for the Lord until he has driven out his enemies in front of him.

²² “When the land is under the Lord’s control, you can come back here. Your duty to the Lord and Israel will be over. Then the Lord will give you this land as your own.

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Traffic seemed thick on this rainy day heading into work. Several drivers seemed persistent on cutting me off. At work it seemed like nothing but bad news spewed from each person I met. I felt unnerved when I heard about some of the larger issues.

Then one of the senior executives came to me and said “Take the weather with you!” He smiled and walked away whistling! “Why is he so happy? This is a rotten day and everyone around me is rotten!” I thought to myself.

• Listening to negative attitudes can rob me of my courage.
• My negative mindset can make me fearful.
• Seeing nothing but problems can make me lose my courage.

Despair and hopelessness come from me dwelling on what I can or cannot see. I look at the situation with sinful eyes and see my feeble abilities going up against the giant problem and fear, doubt and worry ensues.  How can I handle giant problems?

• I must realize that while I think I am fighting, it is really GOD who is striking the blows.
• I must get in the battle in order for GOD to do the fighting.
• I must have courage to face situations and admit I am weak so GOD can step up and show HIS strength.

If I run away from my problems and hide in the corner, the problems will overtake me and make me doubt GOD more and more. GOD wants me to step out on faith and HE will do the rest!

• Are you facing problems that seem much larger than you expected?
• Do you feel like running and hiding?
• Can you look at GOD’s might and know HE is GOD?
• Won’t you accept HIS awesome power and fight today?

Where does my fear come from?

1 John 4: ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.

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“Come into my office” snorted my gruff boss. “We’re sending you to lead a new division” he grunted with a look of dissatisfaction. “Why? Did I do something wrong?” I replied. I mean, I thought I was doing everything right.  I quickly tried to retrace my footsteps.

“This is a good thing! Quit worrying!” was his reply. I had no idea this move was from the head of the department which was my a few levels above my boss.

• Sometimes I think the worst is going to happen to me.
• Sometimes I think GOD is punishing me because I’m not getting my way.
• Sometimes I look into the future and I see problems, fears and doubts.

When I wake up worrying about bills, job status, or acceptance, I had no idea I wasn’t “trusting” GOD. I believe in HIM and even know about HIM but where is my trust “in” HIM? I am a planner with a flaw. I try to “plan” my way out of situations ordained by GOD and instead of trusting that HE knows what HE is doing, I fret at potential losses and casualties. What can I do about this?

• GOD wants me to trust HIS plan even when it seems different than my goals.
• GOD desires that I trust HIM especially during difficult times.
• GOD wishes that I trust HIS unfailing love for me instead of looking at HIM as the great punisher.

I guess that’s why GOD doesn’t want me to sin.  Not because when I sin, HE has to punch me in the face rather when I sin, I run away from GOD in fear of retribution from HIM. My sin causes doubt in GOD’s plan and soon I doubt HIS love and I become a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom.

GOD wants me to trust HIM to let HIM take things away from me as well as give me things when I can handle them. HIS perfect love removes my fear.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you know GOD has a great plan for you?
• Can you believe HE can’t wait to see you succeed?
• Won’t you accept that the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are all pulling for you?

Have heart, have hope.

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ^17 18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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My hard working parents bought me a gift for Christmas but it wasn’t what I wanted. I cried and couldn’t see their effort nor could I see that actually the gift was better than the thing I wanted until I began to play with it.

My car died on the side of the road in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. I sulked and wondered why I had this raggedy car and couldn’t see that about ten minutes later a couple would pick me up and would pray with me. I guess I lose heart too quickly.

• When I focus on my momentary troubles I lose heart quickly.
• When I look at my current situation I build up worry quickly.
• When I see my immediate problem I create fear quickly.

Every time I think there is no hope, GOD steps in and shows HIS marvelous plan.  HE knew I would be in trouble and HE knew I would need the thing HE planned.  I fret, fray and fight the situation meanwhile GOD is busy handling what is going on.

• GOD renews my mind and SPIRIT daily.
• GOD gave me eternal glory that outweighs any situation.
• GOD is my guide to the other side of my problems.

HE placed HIS light in me to work out all situations, troubles and attacks. HE gave me another tool to fight fear and that is to focus on what is unseen rather than what is seen. GOD is on the other side of this and every situation which gives me hope.

• Have you lost your hope?
• Can you stop focusing on what you see and focus on what GOD is doing?
• Will you believe GOD has this situation all worked out with a better plan than you can see?
• Can you stop worrying for a short period of time to praise GOD today?

Keep Courage!

Acts 27: ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

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With my heart racing I slowly crept down the stairs. You could smell the mild scent of mold and mildew in the air. It was dark but I could identify my surroundings. I avoided the puddle and managed not to knock anything over. Step by step I made it all the way to the back of the basement in our home.

I had overcome a fear that something was living in our basement when the lights were out and this person or thing was out to get me! What an imagination at ten years old.

• There are going to be situations that cause me to have great fear.
• There are going to be times when I doubt that GOD can handle the situation.
• There are going to be circumstances that are way out of my control and I have a choice between faith and worry.

Walking through life is like walking through that dark basement. Yes the surroundings can be familiar but I am not always sure of where I am stepping. My mind races and tries to resolve the fear I have and just when I think I have defeated it, something else happens to make me cringe all the more.

• “Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I walk in unknown territory.
• “Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I sense danger or distress.
• “Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I feel anxious and cannot resolve the current situation.

Paul and the shipwrecked crew felt lost. With no food or supplies all seemed lost. BUT GOD said “Keep up your courage” to Paul and that’s what he told everyone. They landed safe just like GOD said. I am glad GOD says to me “keep up your courage!”

• Are you feeling anxious?
• What circumstance is too big for GOD?
• Didn’t HE say “I will never leave you nor forsake you?”
• Can you give GOD your fear and trade it for courage that HE will bring you through the circumstance stronger and wiser?

When GOD is with you "Take Courage!"

 Acts 23: 9There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. "We find nothing wrong with this man," they said. "What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" 10The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

 

11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

 

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Wow. I am still amazed at how many times GOD says "take courage!" It seems like I just wrote about this the other day. No matter how rough and tough my situation gets, I guess I am supposed to take courage.

 

But what happens when I just can't do it? Am I sinning because I can't muster up the courage to get things done? It makes me feel worse when I am afraid and wondering if I disappointed GOD in some way to be going through this situation.

 

Then when I read this scripture I see that GOD still doesn't work the way I think HE works. 

• When GOD has a plan no one can stop it. 
• When GOD has a plan things may seem dismal, but HE always has a way. 
• When GOD has a plan I have to accept what HE is doing with HIS plan, even the outcome.

Paul was in a very messy situation. He was nearing the end of his journey and was about to face death, again! GOD said "I have another plan for you."

• When GOD changes "the plan that I see", I shouldn't fight it.
• When GOD goes in a different direction, I should be ready for an adventure not a miserable ride.
• When GOD shows me what HE can do, it should give me faith, not discourage me.

 

GOD protected Paul for another discussion. Forty men vowed to kill him, yet GOD had him escape to speak about HIS SON another day. I don't know about you, but life is a daily adventure for me. God and bad things happen, yet GOD is still there with me.

• Are you discouraged?
• Can you see that GOD may have changed the plan that you see?
• Is there some difficulty that you are facing?
• Is GOD powerful enough to change your situation?
• Why hasn't HE changed the situation yet?

Again HE says "Do not worry, Do not be afraid."

Luke 12:22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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I don't know about you but my excitement for GOD is temporary. I can be excited about what I hear about GOD for a day or two but it quickly fades when I get a bill, bad news or "no news." I actually think "no news" is worse when I am waiting on something.

I worry so easily. I have heard some misguided preachers tell people their worry is a sin so pick yourself up and stop doing it. Well good for them. But what about the rest of us who worry and like to wallow in our pity? HE has an answer for that.

GOD constantly tries to let me know HE is not a villain and HE loves HIS humans. HE tries to say how much HE loves me but my sin nature gets in the way of seeing HIS pursuit of me.

HE gives an example of animals HE provides for. HE provides food, life and habitat for them. It's quite amazing that GOD cares about the amount of fur a specific deer has. HE provides grass for the cows and grain for birds.

HE cares about how the sun will affect the flowers. HE makes nature more beautiful and breath taking than anything humans could ever build. Now HE turns HIS attention to me. HE says there is NOTHING in nature more important than me.

HE built this entire world for you and I. Unfortunately, the world is under a curse and the once perfect place is no longer paradise. HE says, "Don't focus on the food, clothes or needs while you are on this earth." HE says HE fully understands my needs.

So how do I stop worrying? HE isn't trying to persecute me in this passage rather HE is trying to provide comfort.

• When I worry, think of how GOD provides for the plants and animals.
• When I worry, think of how much more GOD loves me than them.
• When I worry, remember the times HE brought me through troubles.
• When I worry, focus on the things HE has given me and not on things that are gone.
• When I worry, tell someone about the greatness of CHRIST.

It's amazing how confused Christians can be when it comes to GOD. HE gives us answers as plain as day right in HIS Bible. Do not worry means stop focusing on the problem and focus on the solution, or should I say "soul-ution." Do not be afraid means focus on GOD's SON as the ultimate gift and the ultimate fighter.

Imagine GOD fighting your battle for you. HE laughs at the person or thing that is opposing you. HE laughs at the thing tempting you. HE laughs at the thing that causes you worry and doubt. HE says to you and I, "be still and watch my power and glory."

Once I realize GOD is far more excited about me than I am of HIM, I can do what HE says namely help others. Once I stop pitying myself and my situation then I can sell something I own and give the money to someone in need. HE never says give it all up, just some of it.

Focus on helping others and the hole in your heart gets filled and you store up treasures in heaven.

• Are you worried about life again?
• Can you focus on GOD's power?
• Do you believe HE cares about little things too?
• Do you believe HE cares what happens on earth as well as eternity?
• Do you actually believe HE cares about you and your decisions today?

Take Courage! Don't Be Afraid.

Matthew 14:23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

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As I read the Bible, I see that GOD understands humans thoroughly. I get scared so easily! At one time I thought I was the most courageous person who ever existed. Nothing could stop me!

When small things would go wrong, I would spring into action! Something breaks in the house, I would say, "get my tools, I'm going in!" I would drive anywhere without being nervous. I boldly went to neighborhoods and preached. It was easy to do all these things when the money flowed right and everyone was healthy in my family and my relationships were tight. I call this period my "in the boat" time.

Peter and the other disciples were "in the boat" after witnessing JESUS feed about 20,000 people with a little boy's lunch. They were sent by JESUS and they figured HE would join them maybe in another boat or it would take a while to connect. HE walked on water, scared them and then calmed them down. "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.", HE said.

Now it seems like this should be the end right? The disciples were afraid of a ghost and JESUS said "I'm here." But Peter does something strange. He says "If it's YOU."

I pondered what Peter was asking. For all the disciples knew, it may have been an evil spirit that caused the storm. They still weren't sure it was JESUS. Peter said, in so many words, "I'll take one for the team" by requesting to go out in waves that were about to overtake the boat.

Peter walked on water. He walked on waves and took steps. Wow! This is faith and courage! I have done this as well. Not literally, but I have experienced the "out of the boat" feeling. I have attempted things I wouldn't normally try because of the safe life I was trying to protect.

I have gone around the world telling people about GOD's SON and it felt great walking on those waves. Trust me, I was very nervous to get out there and do that! GOD wants us to know that HE can do anything.

I bet you thought I was going to focus on Peter sinking. Well, he did. Just like you and I, Peter saw what was going on and got scared again. JESUS rescued him and calmed the storm. But Peter still walked on water.

I like the reaction of the disciples. They said to JESUS "Truly YOU are the SON of GOD!" You will never know how your "out of the boat" experience will affect someone.

• Is your life amazing right now?
• Are you limiting GOD by showing "in the boat" faith?
• Can you ask HIM to "identify HIMSELF" to make sure this "new idea" is what HE wants you to do?
• Can you get "out of the boat" in terms of your serving?

GOD keeps HIS promises.

Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord!How joyful are those who fear the Lordand delight in obeying his commands.2 Their children will be successful everywhere;an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.3 They themselves will be wealthy,and their good deeds will last forever.4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.5 Good comes to those who lend money generouslyand conduct their business fairly.6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.Those who are righteous will be long remembered.7 They do not fear bad news;they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.8 They are confident and fearlessand can face their foes triumphantly.9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.Their good deeds will be remembered forever.They will have influence and honor.10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.They will grind their teeth in anger;they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

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I noticed that GOD uses the word "will" a lot in this passage. HE never says "maybe." Since GOD understands and knows everything we will go through HE can easily keep HIS promises.So I thought, where is the wealth? Where is the stuff? Then I read the passage again, this time from a less selfish view. GOD calls me to obey HIS commands. HE gives me a list of things to do.

• Be Generous
• Be Compassionate
• Be Righteous
• Give Generously
• Conduct Business Fairly
• Be Confident
• Trust in the LORD
• Be Fearless
• Be Generous
• Have good deeds

This great Psalm full of promises depends on me. In spite of my circumstances I must be faithful to GOD and not worry whether HE is holding up HIS end of the bargain. Too many times I don't put my trust in HIM and I check to see whether HE is doing HIS part. I set selfish expectations of what "wealth" looks like. I act like the spoiled child who says "yeah, but I don't have the gold Ipod." When I do this, I can't recognize the wealth GOD has provided for me.

GOD said I would be wealthy and my good deeds would last forever. HE said I would not be overcome by evil. HE promised that my children would be blessed and HIS light would shine on me.

All I have to do is be able to accept bad news. What bad news? Verses 7 and 8 jumped out at me. You mean that sometimes I will hear bad news and I will have some people who don't like me? Yes! I should expect my plans to go off track. I should expect adversaries. I should expect stuff to break and for some people to break their promises.

BUT, I should keep my trust in the LORD. I shouldn't look over HIS shoulder to see if HE is doing HIS job. HE gave me plenty to do. I have noticed that when I am generous even in lean times, I am wealthy in ways I didn't expect. I end up with plenty of true friends. I end up wealthy in wisdom and love. My spirit gets excited and I rest easier.

• Can you expect bad news and put your trust in the LORD?
• Are you setting selfish expectations on GOD?
• Do you recognize the blessings HE has given you already?
• Do you believe HE will provide for you?