We Already Possess Power Over Fear

Has fear ever plagued your mind? Have you ever lost a battle to fear? My hand is raised. It doesn’t have to be this way for children of God. Because God is not the source of fear. And He already provided us with power over fear for the victory.

Fear stalks us. And when we least expect it, it grabs us in the darkness with a relentless grip, refusing to let go or loosen its hold. It sets in as our uninvited companion. 

Power Over Fear: What-ifs

Fear lives in the what-ifs plaguing our mind. It’s our worst nightmare, sleepless nights refuse us any rest. 

Instead, fear whispers the worst-case scenarios to our heart. Afraid of the unknown, it wrestles with our spirit pinning us in a position of panic. 

That fearful feeling sets in. I know it all too well. And I’m betting so do you. 

Fear Messes With Our Wellness

Being afraid always messes with our emotional and spiritual wellness.

It happens when we face surgery. Or, when cancer pays a visit to us or a family member. When our child is bullied or a bully in our own path lurks nearby. Or, if our child lost her way and we fear for her well-being. 

Likewise, with job loss, financial woes or fill in the blank with what makes you most afraid.

Power Over Fear: A Terrible Co-pilot

It even rides side-saddle with me when driving in inclement weather. You see, once upon a time an ice-and-snow-covered highway, on top of a mountain, spun me into circles then slid me into a ditch.

That day fear slipped into my passenger seat, buckling in for the long-haul. Ever since I battle anxiety like a dreadful enemy while driving during the least hint of snow or heavy rain.

Yet, fear is a terrible co-pilot in life. One we need to kick to the curb.

Fear is a terrible co-pilot in life. One we need to kick to the curb. #fear Share on X

Fearless Calls Us By Name

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Jesus Saves: Salvation Scriptures and Prayer

One of my favorite hashtags to use on social media is Jesus Saves (#JesusSaves).

But I realize not everyone understands what the phrase means.

Because before I understood my need for salvation and a Savior, I only knew a little about Jesus.

And I didn’t understand God’s story in sending Jesus, His Son, to die for me.

But after Jesus saved me at sixteen, my story became a God story.

First, the term saves carries the connotation of a rescue from something or someone.

Second, we need a rescuer, the one who saves, the savior.

According to the Bible, the gospel message is the foundation of these main essentials:

Jesus. The Savior who loves and takes away the sins of the world.

Salvation. Eternal life provided through the bloodshed of Jesus.

Eternity. Spiritual life after this physical life in either heaven or hell.

Jesus. The Savior who loves and takes away the sins of the world. Share on X

So let’s look at a list of scriptures from the Bible that show us our need for salvation and how Jesus saves us.

Jesus Saves Scripture

(1.) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17 (ESV)

(2.) “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (ESV)

(3.) “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (ESV)

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Marriage Lessons From the 10 Commandments

There are no easy or fast rules for marriage. No code to break. Also, no scientific formula guaranteeing 100% satisfaction. But what if we uncovered marriage lessons from God’s ten commandments?

Since God created marriage, He helps us manage and sustain our marriage as we submit to His ways.

Even more, the Lord possesses all the knowledge to lead us in our marriage. 

Yet, our job is to simply seek God’s knowledge.

Rather than producing our own marriage commandments with good advice, let’s use the truths behind God’s Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:7-21.

So keeping the original truth, while reflecting on how each commandment can apply to our spouse, here are ten marriage lessons to help us build a firm foundation.

There are no easy or fast rules for marriage. No code to break. No scientific formula guaranteeing 100% satisfaction. But what if we uncovered marriage lessons from God's ten commandments? Share on X

Marriage Lessons to Supercharge Our Marriage

1.) You shall have no other gods before me. After God, our spouse is our most important relationship. What “other” things or relationships do you put before God? Then, what about your marriage?

2.) You shall not make for yourself a carved image…for I am a jealous God. God is jealous for our complete loyalty and whole-hearted devotion. In the same way, our spouse desires we stay loyal and devoted. Sexual and emotional faithfulness, and being a faithful friend is important. Do you feel you love your spouse with a steadfast, deep, and sure devotion?

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When I Asked God to Send Me a Friend

“I really need a friend.” 

Have you ever thought you could really use a friend? Maybe you prayed for the Lord to send you a friend in a new city, job, group or church.

Since our family spent over thirty-five years in full-time church ministry and lived in different towns and states, friendship became somewhat of a lifeline. So I usually prayed for at least one friend at each new place.

Have you ever prayed that the Lord would send you a friend?

Early in our marriage, we moved to a small farm town in a new state. Our daughter was only eighteen months old at the time.

Gracious ladies from the church brought us dinner for a few nights and I unpacked boxes while our daughter napped during the day.

Still, I’ll never forget the Sunday when a young woman approached me after a service. “Do you need anything? Let me know if you need anything.” Her sentiments seemed honest and heartfelt. 

I politely thanked her and continued with: No, we are fine.

But as I started to walk away, I felt the Lord nudging me to turn back around and tell her I needed a friend. With the Lord helping me to be brave, I walked toward her: I thought of something I need, I really need a friend.

You know what? We formed a wonderful friendship and kept in touch when my family moved again. It was a God-thing.

Created for Friendship

The enemy wants us to believe the lie that we are “fine” without friends. Or, that you and your family have each other and you don’t need friends in your community.

The enemy wants us to believe the lie that we are “fine” without friends. Or, that you and your family have each other and you don’t need friends in your community. Share on X

But it’s not true. God created us for relationship and community. First, the Lord desires that we are in relationship with him. Have you found a friend in Jesus?

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5 Breakup Letters to Send for Intimacy With Christ

Have you ever received or sent a breakup letter? 

Is there anything holding you back from intimacy with Christ?

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He slid the note across a neighboring student’s desk, motioning to pass to the intended recipient—me. My name visible along the top fold of paper.

Feeling as though the world came to an end that day and I would never survive breaking up. The quirkiness of seventh grade.

When did I decide boys didn’t have cooties? This should be re-evaluated.

Still, sobering breakups thundered in my young life. I made it out alive.

Yet, as with most hurting hearts, my heart lacked resilience.

Breakups are hard and heartbreaking. The larger the investment of time, the harder we fall.

A Necessary Breakup

But although painful, some breakups are in my best interest. Therefore, I composed 5 notes to send, specifying the exact reasons I want out to each intended recipient.

Dear Insecurity,

We’ve spent a lot of time together. I have grown comfortable with you these many years. You’re a loyal companion, but not a trustworthy one. Instead, you always deny the truth and believe a lie. It’s been just the two of us in this love affair. But I’m tired of the on-again, off-again charade. It’s off. We’re done.

Sincerely, Secure in Christ.

Dear Perfectionism,

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