Fear Not Joy Is Here!

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My very first memories of Christmas center on a fearful, defenseless young girl, abused, and helpless to change the horrible situation around her. For me Christmas was a season of enhanced fears, shattered dreams, and broken promises. By God’s grace, my grandfather’s prayers changed my life and instilled in me joy and hope, as he shared stories of Jesus’ birth and His unending love for me.

Everyone experiences fear at some point in their lives, whether it’s a gnawing, anxious feeling or a paralyzing fear. Even positive changes, like a marriage or a promotion, can prompt feelings of fear. Almost every day I meet and pray with people who are afraid or anxious especially during this difficult season. Perhaps they fear failure, rejection or how others perceive them. Perhaps they fear losing a loved one, issues from their past, lack of money, disease, or Covid-19.

Surprisingly, the very first Christmas was surrounded in fear. When an angel of the Lord first appeared before Mary, the angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”… Mary was greatly troubled (frightened) at his words… But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”(Luke 1:28-33)

As that mighty angel of the Lord began to speak to Mary, I can just imagine how fearful she must have been! And yet, following the angel’s bold announcement of the forthcoming Savior, Mary’s fear was immediately replaced with joy, a promise of astounding and phenomenal joy!

When angels appeared before the shepherds proclaiming the birth of Christ, they too were afraid. In fact the Bible says they were terrified. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11) Then a company of angels appeared praising God and rejoicing:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

At that time the shepherds fear quickly changed to great joy and exultation.

The Christmas story reminds us that Jesus came to remove all fear. In fact, “Fear not!” is the most repeated command in the Bible. Lloyd Ogilvie in his book Facing the Future without Fear stated that there are 366 “Fear nots” in the Bible, one for every day of the year, including Leap Year! How like our Father to not want us to go a single day without hearing his word of comfort, “Fear not!”

For that reason, we are challenged to move beyond our circumstances and to set our sights on the true meaning of Christmas. With great joy we rejoice in our Savior, Jesus Christ, who protects us, delivers us and is our eternal hope. Christmas triumphs over fear. It defeats fear and conquers it for all time. 

What gift will you give Jesus this Christmas season? Ask Him. Be expectant and go forth. I pray the Lord will encourage you to share His “joy” this Christmas season. Be intentional, be bold and share the gift of Christ. I thank the Lord for my grandfather who by God’s grace led me to Christ and away from fear.

Many are lost and suffering greatly this season. They need the hope that only Jesus can give. Go and share Him. Go and tell them,

“Fear Not my friends ….Joy is here! “

Merry Christmas

Karen

Men and Women in Blue (Please join me in agreeing in prayer for our police officers)

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Dear Men and Women in Blue,

As we enter these final days of the election, I send you this prayer and reminder that you are never alone. God is always with you and will strengthen you during this difficult time. There are many who are praying for you and are so grateful for you and all the officers that God has called into the selfless service of law enforcement.Thank You Lord for providing faithful men and women to stand against the evil of this world. Lord, You know the internal and external battles they face on a daily basis. Even as our police officers risk their lives to protect us, dear God, protect them also.Be a shield for them according to Psalm3:3. Lift up their countenances and be their comfort in the face of disheartening circumstances. “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.“ (Psalm 3:3)Give them the courage and ability it takes to always do what is right and necessary.As David declared in Psalm 23:4, I ask that our officers remain assured of Your presence even in the face of the gravest of dangers. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)Father, may they be strong and courageous, confident in Your promise to be with them wherever their duty may take them, just as You assured your servant Joshua. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”(Joshua 1:9)Lord, strengthen our officers to stay brave and strong in seemingly impossible situations. Please, keep them reminded, like Paul boldly declared, that it is in You that they possess the ability to do the impossible. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “ (Philippians 4:13)In cases where they have to make rapid decisions in extreme situations, Lord, may Your wisdom and courage cover and protect our officers. May they respond to situations in the fear of God, rather than depend on their own wisdom.Lord may Your peace be with our police officers while they discharge their duties. May You enlighten them with Your wisdom and clarity to make sound and moral decisions at all times. In accordance with Your Word, may they, by your Spirit, mete out justice and peace for all concerned. “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.”(Romans 13:4) And Lord, I ask that as they bring order to our society, You maintain and prosper their homes and families as well. Provide for them and protect them night and day. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

Did Rahab Shelter in Place?

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One of my favorite books of the Bible is Joshua. The book of Joshua is dramatic and contains well-known miracle-filled episodes of the courageous leader Joshua who was used mightily for the glory of the Lord. An important theme of the book of Joshua is repeated in the beginning: “As I was with Moses, I will be with you” (Joshua1:5, 3:7). God assures Joshua He will be with him always. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” This theme is developed as Joshua is compared to Moses, and repeats many of his actions throughout the book. Joshua is a leader without hesitation, valiant and bold. He reminds me of an audacious robin hood type character who is enflamed and empowered by the Spirit of God. Joshua braves impossible feats of courage, rescuing and caring for the meek and helpless, and fearlessly crushing great evil and despair through the hand of God. Joshua is portrayed as a prototype for future Kings and one who keeps the teaching of Moses in its entirety (1:7-8, 11:15). 

The interesting figure of Rahab is introduced in Chapter 2. This chapter reveals the exciting story of a brave prostitute and innkeeper, living in the evil city of Jericho. Rahab was a dauntless woman who risked her life and the lives of her family to hide Joshua’s spies from the King of Jericho. In return for her service Rahab survived the conquest of the city. Joshua’s spies had instructed her to gather her family and stay in her house till the battle and wrath of God passed. You might even say that Rahab was told to “shelter in place.” This reminds me of another passage along the same order in Isaiah 26:20 when God brings judgment on the wicked and protects the people of God. He says: “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.”

Rahab was also told to hang a scarlet cord over her window to distinguish her and protect her. Just as the blood of the lamb covered the doorposts of God’s people in Egypt and protected them, a scarlet cord symbolized the blood covering for Rahab. Today as we “shelter in place” it is the actual blood of Christ that covers us. We don’t need the blood of a physical lamb or a scarlet cord in the window to “shelter in place.” We are covered by the precious blood of Christ. 

Even though Rahab had a really dark and dirty past, her great faith in the Lord gave her a significant role in history. Surprisingly she is later listed in the lineage of Christ. Rahab proves to be a woman of authentic faith: she had heard what the people of God had done in crossing the Red Sea and in defeating other nations. She recognized and trusted that this was the true God who would lead Israel to victory over Jericho and deliver her family from the coming wrath. 

Most remarkably we see the fruit of this faith in the grace Rahab shows her family. Women did not become prostitutes in the ancient world unless they had no other options. It was only if a woman was a captive, had no family, or was abandoned by her family, that she would turn to prostitution. Since we know Rahab’s family was alive and well, the fact that she negotiated for their salvation, despite the fact that they left her to this lifestyle, demonstrates Rahab’s incredible grace in saving them. To risk her life to save her family was/is a sign of her faith in this great God, the one true God. And the spies, far from despising Rahab (a social outcast and traitor to her country), they not only offer her protection for protecting them, but, they offer her hesed. “Hesed” is the Hebrew word used in this chapter of Rahab and throughout Scripture to refer to the kind of love God shows His covenant people. It is not just affection, but it is the loyal, unrelenting love of God. It is God’s love that never stops pursuing His people until they are safely with Him. When the spies hear Rahab’s testimony, they recognize a person of faith and offer to her and her family not only physical protection, but also offer her a place in the covenant community. One might call it an adoption of Rahab and her family into the people of God. 

This is so exciting to me! No matter what terrible mistakes we have made in our lives, no matter how dark the city, the state or the nation we live in, there is hope for adoption in the family of God. Who would have ever thought that Rahab, a prostitute and an outcaste, basically a leper in her own city, would be found in the lineage of Christ. She lived in Jericho, the most evil place around! Horrible influences! Words can’t even describe the depth of depravity there! And yet, through it all, God made a way for Rahab and all of her family. God allowed her to HEAR of Him and His great testimonies. And Rahab, through a thick veil of darkness, dared to LISTEN and HEAR. She saw the LIGHT and dared to BELIEVE! What a merciful God we serve! What HESED! How truly blessed we are! 
“Sheltered in Place” or not, God can cut through the darkest of evil! He can cut through the worst environments! Nothing can hold God back! He can cut through the deepest despair! He can cut through the deadliest of viruses! He transcends time and space! He will use us even in a gripping season like this one. 
Yield yourselves to Him, allow Him to use you even now! 
For He says to His anointed, to all of us who believe in Him (Isaiah 45:2-3):

“I will go before you
and will level the mountains;
I will break down gates of bronze
and cut through bars of iron.

I will give you hidden treasures,
riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”

Blessings,
Karen

Inexpressible Joy

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“Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8)

When my son, Jason, was very young, he was a hearty eater. That boy loved to eat! In fact, he ate pretty much everything I put in front of him. As a well-meaning mother desiring to give her child healthy, nutritional food, one day I tried to get him to eat spinach. After all, Popeye ate spinach and Jason loved those cartoons so it should work. Right? –Wrong! He would have none of that. A few days later, in another attempt, I added applesauce and mixed it well with the spinach. As soon as I went to the kitchen and back, I was delighted to find his plate completely empty. The next day while cleaning, to my dismay, I found a huge pile of spinach and applesauce on the carpet under the dining table! Yikes!

That’s a pretty accurate picture of how we can foolishly reject God’s good provision for us. Our Father offers us good, nutritious food — food that will satisfy and nourish and make us healthy and strong — but we refuse it. Occasionally we may try to satisfy our deep heart hungers by overindulging other appetites. We try to satisfy ourselves with excessive food or drink. We pamper ourselves with unnecessary comforts, like never-ending Netflix or mind-dulling social media and games. Some may seek immoral pleasure in another person or on a screen. As God begins to help us see the dysfunction and unhealthy desires within ourselves, we can begin to see more clearly how savoring what Jesus has for us is much more satisfying than anything the world has to offer. It fills, satisfies and brings joy. Consider these four questions regarding your heart hungers.

1. What Do I Crave?

What do you really want? What do you really yearn for? If you are running after anything other than Jesus for your soul’s ultimate satisfaction, then you’ll be left empty in the end — like trying to sustain yourself on junk food. The pleasures of this life surely are many, but only Jesus offers full, everlasting joy.

2. Why Do I Come to Jesus?

How do you come to him? Sometimes we come to Jesus as a means to our own ends — a way of getting whatever we think we want. We place our order, wait, and expect our request to arrive in the package that we define. False expectations defeat us. So again, why do we come to Jesus? Are we coming to him just to tell him what we want or are we coming to him because he is all we truly need? Begin to meditate more on “who he is” rather than what he does for you. Begin to “know” him.

3. Do I Need Praise?

Do you hunger for the praise of people? That can be delicious, a yummy meal! It can also be addictive. You get a little taste of it, and you want more and more every day. In John 5 Jesus exposes the danger of craving praise from others. “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” Do you detect in yourself a yearning for the praise of others? Do you find yourself sharing stories in which you’re the hero? Do you find yourself spinning stories in such a way that you become the hero? Ouch! Not so delicious. Feeling queasy now!

4. What Makes Me Angry?

What makes you furious? What are some of the things that really tick you off? Do you have road rage? Are you often impatient with your kids? Do you get mad over spilled milk? Do you react because you’re idolizing efficiency and productivity(performance-based) or because you’re trying to do too many things? When you find everlasting joy in Jesus, God will grant you a peace that surpasses any earthly understanding. Sure, you’ll still have lots of ups and downs, but you can cast your concerns and fears on him. Think about your anger — whether it is manifest in loud yelling or quiet grumbling and complaining. What is it that makes you feel that way, and how might that indicate what you’re craving, what you’re idolizing?

Pursue Real Joy

Jesus says, “Do not work for the food that perishes.” So much of the food we crave in life is perishing. At the heart of Christianity is the freedom not to work ourselves ragged, in an effort to buy tons of stuff that isn’t going to last or truly matter. Let’s not clamor for the stuff of this world that is going to perish in the end. Rather, let’s seek to hold these things with an open hand as we pursue a nutritious, divine diet. Delight yourself in the imperishable food, the eternal food, and God will indeed nourish your heart with what you truly need. Savor all that Jesus is for you, and he will fill you with inexpressible JOY!

Fruit of the Spirit… Faithfulness

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Faithfulness: Do we do what we say we’ll do, even in the smallest matters?

The faithfulness of God consists, in part, of him always doing what he says he will do: “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). The faithfulness of God’s people consists, likewise, in our making every effort to do what we say we’ll do, even when it hurts.

The Spirit makes us strive to say with Paul, “As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No” (2 Corinthians 1:18). The faithful build such a trustworthy reputation that, when they fail to follow through on their word, others do not say, “Well, you know him,” but are rather surprised. If we say we’ll come to small group, we come. If we commit to cleaning the bathroom, we clean it. If we agree to call someone on Thursday at 4:00, we call on Thursday at 4:00. We labor to be faithful, even if our areas of responsibility right now are only “a little” (Matthew 25:21), knowing that how we handle little responsibilities reveals how we will handle big ones (Luke 16:10; 2 Timothy 2:2).
Father, we pray, make us faithful!