March 20 - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

1 John 4:7-21

In this time of uncertainty, there is one thing that remains constant – God’s love.  Thank you, 1 John 4 for summing up my faith:

• God is love.
• God loves us.
• God sent his Son to atone for our sins.
• If we acknowledge Jesus is the Son of God, then God lives in us.
• We rely on the love God has for us.
• When God lives in us, we have no room for fear or hate, which allows us to…
• Love one another.

This is what it’s all about.

The past few days have been rough for everyone.  We are all trying to make extreme adjustments amid chaos.  I am so thankful I worship a God who calms my fears and reminds me daily that he will not abandon me!  As Pastor Steve says, I am a child of God living in the unshakable kingdom of God.  While I may feel shaken, I know that:

• God is love.
• God loves me.
• God sent his son to atone for my sins.
• Because I acknowledge Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in me.
• I rely on the love of God.
• God drives out my fear.
• I am called to love one another.

Father, help me love others as you love me.  The next few weeks will be challenging.  Humans sin, but you call us to love and be loved.  I am your child and because of that I want to be an example of your love in the world.  Amen

Application is the Sauce

The goal with each post to this devotional site, is to provide application. It is rewarding to write for this blog, as I seem to gain so much more than I ever give. When I spend time seeking out God's will for me from a daily reading and the application is revealed, I am humbled. Understanding the situation in each daily reading is valuable time spent.

There is so much richness in Scripture. I discover passages I have read many times over, have a new or different meaning for me personally in any given season of my life. I sensed God telling me during my husband's illness, "the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15b) So I just put him in the Heavenly Father's hands.

What I hear, what I sense God is trying to teach me all revolves around what is happening in my life at the time. That is why, when you read one of these posts, you may come away with an entirely different sense than what I am presenting. God is speaking into our individual life situations each time we open our Bibles and read with purpose.

For instance, I read 2 Kings 1:7-17 numerous times. I could not find the words that were speaking to me, the words that were meant to grow or guide me. I read from a few different versions, checked a couple commentaries and then it happened. God began to point out to me the idols that I worshiped. My finances have become an idol and that idol has created fear and worry.  I started to see God's Word guiding me to move from fear to trust Jesus.

King Ahaziah's idols did nothing to save him. Mine will not save me either. Only Jesus saves.

By the way, trust is my word for 2020, and the scripture verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. Do you have one yet? There is time.

2 Kings 1:7-17

Perfect Love

1 John 4:13-19

I don’t doubt God’s love for me.  I grew up saying, “I am a child of God,” and I confidently repeat those words often.  My difficulty arises in verse 16, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”  I know God loves me, but I don’t always rely on it.  When I’m struggling, I tend to look for strength within myself, in others or in things.  I forget where my strength lies.

Maybe that’s why anxiety and fear have played a much larger role in my life than I’d like to admit. When I read in verse 18, “The one who fears is not made perfect in love,” it makes me cringe.  I know I’m not perfect and fear has taken over my heart on too many occasions, but I would like to be made perfect in love. I want the peace that God can bring. So, how does that happen?

The Message translation states, “Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life is one not yet fully formed in love.”  Not YET fully formed – so there is hope.  It’s not too late!  God is working on me and doesn’t give up.  I believe he works on each of us every day.  Some days we get it and some days we don’t, but he loves us no matter what.  God is love and love doesn’t abandon.  One day we will be fully formed in love.

Jeremiah 29:13 talks about finding God when we seek him will all our heart. Father, I am your child.  Continue to transform me each day to know your love more and more.  Cast out my fears, so I may love you perfectly with my whole heart. Amen

Child of Destiny

Read Isaiah 8:13-14

At first glance, this passage can be a little intimidating. "The Lord Almighty is the One you are to regard as holy; He is the One you are to fear; He is the One you are to dread. He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah, He will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem He will be a trap and a snare."

Fear and dread don’t seem like words I'd use to describe God. Why would He cause people to stumble and fall? I typically don't think of Him this way, but it actually can be comforting.

A trap and a snare are comforting? Yes, we want to stumble and fall. We want God to trap and ensnare us when we're headed in the wrong direction. God is trying to keep us from evil and lead us to His goodness. He doesn’t want his people to be like those who follow the path leading to darkness. He doesn’t want us to be broken. He wants us to be whole in Him because He is our holy place.

QUESTIONS:

1. What path are you on? Where is it leading?

2. When you’re headed the wrong way, do you cry out to God and ask him to stop you in your tracks?

PRAYER:

Please, God, lay Your strong hand upon me and lead me in the right direction. When I go astray, grab me and set me back.

Jennifer Jerrome

Hangry Spirit

Dear Readers – Please welcome the first of our three newest writers to Daily Bible Blast, Abby Fullen. Abby will be writing the Thursday posts-below is her first contribution. 

Holy. I’m hesitant to use such a word to describe myself. I mean, I’m holy and so is the Holy Spirit? I don’t feel like I’m quite up to that standard. But when I read the definition of that word I find it to be a soothing balm- it turns it into a feeling, a state of being, an action. I can shed the fear of having to live up to an expectation and step into the holiness that Jesus’s sacrifice bestowed on me, on us.

Let’s look at holiness in the realm of fasting. Practicing Christians know well that we gain when we release. Through the actions of freeing ourselves from a master, we’re allowing ourselves to more fully experience the intentions God has for us.

I have an issue with “hanger” (angry hunger). Most of the time you may hear it as hangry, like “Watch out, she’s super hangry.” — Most often spoken by my mother. Instead of feeding that “hanger” with good food- vegetables, clean protein, natural sugar from fruits- I often choose to quickly satisfy it with processed foods full of bad fat and sugar. I spike my blood sugar levels so I can dissipate the uncomfortable feelings of hunger and anger as quickly as possible, without thought to the damage I’ve done. Because the hunger isn’t being fulfilled in a healthy way.

The same goes with my spiritual “hanger.” I’ve been in plenty of seasons when I’m so hungry for God, and so impatient, that I turn to lifestyle comparisons with strangers on social media, sugar-filled baked goods, and the first thing that pops up on my Netflix queue. Because I feel fed for a moment, long enough until I have to do it again. However, I’ve stopped instantly satisfying my cravings and I’ve made myself sit in impatience because constant feedings of comparison and fiction that end in emptiness aren’t working for me anymore. I’m not going to tell you that I have it figured out. I’m still hungry. But, drawing from the definition of “holy,” I am humbled, inspired, motivated, on fire for fulfilling my hunger for God in better ways, in a healthy way.

Through His sacrifice, I’m dedicated to Him, I’m “sacred” and “divine.” Why wouldn’t I want to live into those definitions the best I could? I want to feed my sanctification by fasting from that which only makes me hungrier. When I fast from unhealthy, instant gratification, my holiness is fed. And I feel the wholeness from His sacrifice which has made me holy.      ----Abby Fullen

Hebrews 10:9-14

Living filled with the spirit of...

What to do when...You know you messed up

Romans 8:14-15 (NIV)
¹⁴  because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵  For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.  

I just read an article that said the word 'spirit' is used nearly 700 times in the Bible, and usually is followed by the word, of.  Spirit of...fear, spirit of the Lord, spirit of power, spirit of truth, and so on. I have written before about the spirit of fear I once lived in. When my business was failing (before I knew Jesus personally), I was afraid of many things. I was afraid to check my mailbox, I jumped when the phone would ring, I was even afraid that someone would discover the fear I lived with.

I know now that my life of fear was consequences of my actions, or sometimes, my lack of action. Had I faced my fears head-on, (the spirit of courage), I could have saved myself so much pain and anguish. When I hit the bottom, or found myself in the pit, (as Beth Moore puts it) I decided there had to be more to life than the way I was doing it. I cried out to God for help and He responded in ways that eventually changed my entire life and grew my faith.

To get to this point, I had to recognized that I messed up, I had to admit that hiding my head in the sand only added to my fear. My first 'mess up' was thinking I could handle it all by myself. I had to learn to humble myself and ask God for help - even though I didn't really know Him. But this act of reaching out changed that too.

Now, life it good, not perfect, but good. God has used His Word to minister to my fearful heart and freed me from bondage. I have a new spirit of hope and a spirit of joy.

Romans 8:14-17

Trust and Obey - is there any other way?

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Many times in life I do not feel courageous.  In fact, I am downright fearful. There are challenges that cause me to hesitate. I doubt my ability to successfully maneuver new situations.  I seem to lose faith in my own abilities. 

The telling phrase is 'my own abilities'. Whenever I consider going out on my own, trusting my own abilities and not turning to God for whatever I will need to accomplish the task, fear has an inroad.


I am not alone. Once I acknowledge this I discover there is One who is there, at my side, ready to give me courage. I must keep my eyes on the One, or like Peter, I'll sink into my fears. The waves of trouble with wash over me and I will feel as though I am drowning in my circumstances.

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (Matthew 14:32)

Here's the issue; I realize I am afraid of are the things of this world: financial security, getting older, being alone -- and there are still 'those days' when it is difficult to put on a brave front and walk with confidence. But, knowing that Jesus is in the boat with me, makes all the difference.

Matthew 14:22-33

Caged by Love

Psalm 19:7 (NIV)
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 

Research reveals that using a crate to train your puppy is not cruel, but a helpful tool for both owner and young pup. The crate insures that while in the puppy stages, our furry companion won't demolish our carpets and furniture. The confinement a crate offers provides for a safe environment for Fido to stay as he learns the rules.

When I feel bad because he has been left alone, locked behind wire bars, for a portion of the day the fact is he recognizes he is safe there. Many dogs are prone to seek out a den to lay in, the crate is that den, not a prison to for punishment or to keep him from having fun.

The laws of God, the Commandments are similar in intent. They are guidelines to help us grow up strong and faithful. They are lights for our path rather than chains on our hands and feet.

Psalm 19:9 (NIV)
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

Rules are not meant to stifle our joy; quite the opposite. Just as we teach to rules of the house to a new pup so ensure his safety and to make him a fruitful part of the household, the rules Jesus teaches are for the same purpose. They teach us right from wrong and from them we gain love and peace. We become valuable players in the game of life.




Psalm 19:7-14

Love Doesn't Fear

Acts 9:36-43 (NIV) All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.  Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.  He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.  This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.   

Dorcas made a strong impression on her community.  This woman commanded the love and respect of many.  She spent her life doing good, serving the poor in her hometown, concentrating on widows.

When she became ill, the disciples in Joppa didn't hesitate to reach out to Peter who was in a nearby town.  They implored him to come and try to provide a cure for this woman of God. But, by the time Peter arrived, she had died.

Dorcas was a friend to widows and those friends stood by her.  When she became ill, they were with her going so far as to call upon someone who could help, a disciple who had been known to pray to Jesus for healing people.

This passage makes me ask about my own faith. I know Jesus cares about my well-being and that He is capable of curing any illness I might encounter. But, do I really believe He is available to me, is close enough to hear my prayers? I am working on trust and realize if and when I truly trust, my faith with be obvious and there will be no more fear.   Perfect love casts out fear. (1John 4:18)

Acts 9:36-43

Psalm 27

Prayer is Waiting

We wait in line at the grocery store. We wait in traffic. We wait to be seated at restaurants, then wait to give our order, wait to be served, wait for our check, wait for our change, and then wait to exit the parking lot so we can wait at the traffic light for our turn to go, so we can get to the next intersection and wait some more.

We accept this waiting because it is a must if we are to get what we want and remain safe.

Psalm 27: 1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:4-5 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple. For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in his dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”

In this fast food, express line world, we forget what it is we are called to do. Psalm 27: 14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

He will give us what we desire, and He has promised to keep us safe. We can count on that promise. Our grocery stores, restaurants, and cars may offer us momentary satisfaction, but our true source of peace and contentment can be found only in the Lord.

As we conclude this series in Psalms, please remember that this book is a wonderful source of encouragement and comfort when this world beats us down. Psalms holds truth and hope for all of us. Turn to Psalms when you are tempted to close off the rest of the world and have yourself a pity party. Open the book of Psalms when those you thought were friends disappoint you. Rest in the book of Psalms when your heart is broken. His word is always there for you, and His promises remain.

Strength Will Rise As We Wait Upon The Lord!

Listen to “Everlasting God” by Chris Tomlin

Listen to/Read Psalm 27 

The Story - Chapter 15 - 2 Kings 2, 4, 6

How big are your giants?  Are they big enough to keep you in isolation, hiding you out so they don't find you?  Do they keep you awake at night, causing you to loose peaceful and precious rest?  Are these giants ruining your appetite; zapping your strength?  Just what in the world can do this to us?

Fear is a crippling emotion and one Scripture addresses again and again.  Fear is an emotion, a feeling, and we all know that feelings aren't facts; they are gut reactions to the unknown.  Our fears can take on the appearance of GIANTS, they can stop us in our tracks and they rob us of our peace and tranquility.

When we come to believe in God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we need not fear anything.  That is a bold statement to make and one that is very difficult to live up to.  I can speak from experience as I am confident you can also.  As I was praying about the giants in my life today I was reminded of another concept called perspective.  The giants in life take on different shapes and forms depending on our current perspective.

For instance, there was a time when I worried about money, about retirement and how it was all going to work. I worried about my children and grandchildren and was fearful of the state of our country; the list goes on. Then suddenly all these things were put into a new perspective when a terminal illness struck.  None of the things listed to this point mattered any longer.  They were not giants anymore, but minuscule issues - they did not matter.

2 Kings 6:16 (NIV) 
"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 

This story today is about the giants in Elisha's servants eyes.  It is a fascinating story of the fear this servant experienced when he saw the enemy/giants surrounding the city.  Elisha prayed for his man to see there was nothing to fear.

2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)
"And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." 

The next time fear gets ahold of you, read this story and then ask God to reveal himself, to show you just how much He has your fears/giants under his command.

Read 2 Kings 2, 4, 6 here

Listen to 2 Kings 2, 4, 6 here

Stormy Weather -- Matthew 14:22-36

The storms of life really rock our boat.  Cheesy, perhaps, but that was the thought I had while reading the text for today.  I had spent so much time yesterday living in fear, allowing the uncertainty of life dictate my mood, that I was seeking some truth this morning.  God was good to me as he led me to work on this devotional earlier than usual.

You can stop reading right now because I know this text is meant for me, unless of course, you too find yourself fearing tomorrow, worrying about unseen situations and doing God's job for Him.  Storms are a part of life, they help us to grow strong and they show us how to focus on Jesus.  Peter began to sink into the sea because he took his eyes off of Jesus.  That is what I did yesterday, but not today.

It is God’s job to calm my seas, to part the waters for me, to reach out a hand and pull me up.  It is not my job; I cannot do these the things God is supposed to do.  I can only let God be God and enjoy it.

I am going to memorize part of the reading today.  "Take Courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid...Come." (Matthew 14:27,29)

Read the text for today by clicking here.

God Only Know... Genesis 32-33

Have you ever been afraid of the future? Has the unknown ever made you turn to God pleading for deliverance? My husband and I are in a season of waiting. Steve has been waiting for over a year to be ordained. We are not sure where God wants us and at times the waiting is scaring.

When we face an unknown future we have three options. Go back to where we came from, stay where we are, or keep moving forward. My husband and I have chosen to keep moving forward. We continue to serve God, knowing he has our future figured out. We pray for direction, but that doesn’t mean we stop serving as we wait for His answer.

Jacob didn’t know how his brother Esau would react to him returning. Through deception Jacob had taken his brother’s birthright and blessing. Afraid, Jacob turned to God and asked for deliverance. He also reminded himself of God’s promises and then chose to continue moving forward. With nothing else he could do about his brother, Jacob had to trust God with his future.

Trusting is not easy, an unknown future can be scary, but when we trust our future to the One who created time, we can move forward confidently knowing that the God who loves us is in control.

Read the entire passage on Biblegateway Genesis 32-33

Some Doubted...?

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Matthew 28:16

But some doubted… Wow, what hard words to understand. How could some of the eleven remaining disciples doubt after all they had been through? They have seen the risen Messiah. They have touched him, broke bread with him, some have fished with him again. I’m not sure what they doubted, maybe they were on overload. Too much has happened this past month to process. Maybe they doubted that Jesus should be leaving again. The job before them was too big.

Whatever their doubt, it doesn’t seem to stress Jesus. He sees the big picture. He went ahead and commissioned those standing there, assuring them that, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” It’s as if he is saying, “You know me, we have spent lots of time doing this work already. Now trust me and keep doing what we’ve been doing, and oh yeah, I am with you ALWAYS, to the very end of the age. When you need me I’ll be right here.”

Let’s trust God for that today.

Read today entire passage on Bible Gateway Matthew 28: 16-20

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