I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
Fighting Fear and Trusting God
The list of things to think, worry, and debate about can feel endless: wars, viruses, finances, relationships, politics, religion, job security, natural disasters, the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones … the list could go on forever.
But Jesus told His disciples, who also had plenty to fear (death being at the top of the list)…
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
John 14:1 NLT
It’s a bold statement, but is it even possible to not be shaken by life’s circumstances? Jesus seemed to think so, because He said those words not long before He was nailed to a cross.
Jesus knew…
He's the source of true peace.
He's the source of real joy.
He's the source of freedom from worry.
Trusting in God doesn’t ensure an easy life, but it means we know He’s walking through life with us.
So how do we avoid getting stuck in a cycle of fear? How—practically—do we keep from getting overwhelmed with anxiety?
- We can take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ.
- We can prioritize His wisdom by reading, studying, and praying Scripture.
- We can take our honest thoughts and questions to a trusted friend.
- We can listen to music that leads us into worship as we go about our days.
Without doubt, there will be troubling situations that come up. But because we know and trust who’s in charge, we don’t have to be troubled by those events.
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
So what is elevating fear in your life, and how will you replace it with practices that draw you closer to God’s presence? Spend some time today determining what steps you can take to place your trust in God more consistently.
Day 24 of the reading of the gospel of Luke
Merry Christmas Eve
Luke 24
“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, ...
The Fulfillment of Promises Made Long Ago
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
To modern ears, this verse is a familiar, warm, and comforting centerpiece of the Christmas story. But to those who first heard these words from the angel on the night Jesus was born, every word was electric, buzzing with fulfilled expectations.
A Savior.
Born in Bethlehem, the town of David.
The Messiah.
The Lord.
For centuries, Israel had lived with a promise. The prophet Isaiah had declared, “To us a child is born, to us a son is given… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jeremiah had spoken of a righteous branch from David’s line, a King who would reign wisely and bring justice (Jeremiah 23:5). Micah, too, had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, David’s town (Micah 5:2).
So when the angel announced this birth to shepherds under the night sky, it wasn’t just...
