Do It Afraid

Multiple times we read in the bible, “Do not be afraid." Afraid of people. Afraid of circumstances. Afraid of what people will say and do. Each instruction speaks to the fear – yet – continues with instruction. Sometimes we must “Do it afraid!”  Stepping out in faith does not mean there is not some level of fear. Apprehension. Pause. We cannot, must not allow fear to paralyze us. To Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Elijah, "Do not be afraid." Hezekiah "He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him (2 Ki 18:6) Yet it was told him "Do not be afraid" (19:6). And to Daniel "Do not be afraid." (10:12).  And Stephen giving his speech, (Acts 7) I’m sure his heart was racing.  Were they men of faith?  Yes.  They did it afraid, in and through the fear.  Do it afraid.

 

Quietly

"Let all that I am wait QUIETLY..." Wow, what a challenge. If you are like me, I tend to always be fiddling with stuff. Crackling - noisy stuff. Stuff that is full of complaint and self focused. Yes, I am noisy. May I lay it all down and come to God empty handed (best plan for a noise-less encounter). Quietly.

 

Guarding

30 Second Bible Study: "Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Pro 4:23, NIV). Besides, paying close attention and learning good judgment and not losing sight of wisdom, (context of the Proverb) we are to guard, we are to protect our heart. Our heart (our inner man; our mind, will and emotions) is vulnerable. It HAS to be protected. Guarding is a God quality, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble..." (Ps 32:7a) And not to mention, (but I will, because I NEED it) “Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth, keep watch over the doors of my lips." (Ps 141:3). Guarding and protecting is a shared responsibility, God does His part and WE do ours. Guarding.

 

Your Listing

 

Esther 'sacrificed' - she went before the king to speak on behalf of her people without an invitation (punishable by death) she survived and the King granted her request. Ruth 'loved' her mom in law and followed her to a new country, people, God and found Boaz (King David's great-grandparents). Martha 'served' those who studied at Jesus' feet. Hannah 'prayed' for a child and believed God to provide (thus Samuel). Mary 'believed' the angel and summitted her will to being Jesus' mom. Miriam 'danced' and lead others in worship as they left Egypt and escaped the Egyptian army.

What will be YOUR listing...

Write It Out

 

When studying a portion of scripture (Or a book of the bible) what better way to ponder the words than reading and writing. Keep an "It is written" journal. Write it out word for word. AND, if you write it in cursive, it may be 'code' for future days.   The kings of Israel were commissioned to "write for himself on a scroll a copy of the law." (Deut 17:18).  Write it out.

Consuming Fire

 

"The Lord is a Consuming Fire ("Esh Oklah" in Hebrew, Deut 4:23-24) who will ultimately destroy whatever is opposed to His holiness. He is also a Jealous God, who loves us completely and who, therefore, demands our wholehearted response. If we love Him, we can be confident of His mercy, and our own zeal will make us jealous for God's honor and glory." (Excerpt from my morning devotional, "Praying the Name of God" by Ann Spangler). In our current culture we raise & wave the banner of God's love, which is SO worthy to do so. But we often forget our God is so HOLY. May we echo the Pastors' words in Hebrews; "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (12:28-29). In reverence and awe.

Recognizing Him

 

30 SECOND BIBLE STUDY: Luke 24 (following the resurrection) - Jesus walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they were (divinely) kept from recognizing Jesus (For a time / for a purpose). Once in the home of the disciples, "As they sat down to eat, He (Jesus) took the bread and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave it to them." (v30) Continuing, "Suddenly, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him..." (v31). It was NOT the custom that the guest would serve the bread, but Jesus did. (COULD IT BE) as He pulled up the sleeves of His cloak, they saw the nail prints on His wrists! THERE! Do you see it! (Divinely seeing) recognizing Jesus! May we too be aware and see what He puts in front of us, recognizing Him. (Point to Ponder). Happy mid-week or for some of us, Happy 2,435 day of 2020.