Fear is a Liar

Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"


1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made 

perfect

 in 

love.”

Fear is a liar!!! We need not fear the unknown because we know the One who knows!!   I have things I fret about.   Fearing what could happen, fearing what won’t happen.   How silly.    God knows what will and won’t, His perfect plan will unfold.  Fear is a liar.   Listen to the Spirit of Truth.  Jesus said, He will never leave us nor forsake us He will make all things work together for our good.  Let’s go forward, trusting Him all the way!!! Faith not Fear today and always.😇♥️🙏

Well worn path

Ephesians 4:22 "You we're taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new In attitude of your minds; 25 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."   Put off the old self!!   That sounds easy but can be so difficult.  We can get stuck in a rut.  We get so used to old habits, they become a well worn path.   There is comfort, in a well worn path, even if it is destructive.   Today, let His Holy Spirit, direct your path in His righteousness not necessarily your comfort.   Eventually your new path will be the well worn path that comes with peace in your soul.😇🙏♥️

Mighty to save

Zephaniah 3:12 " But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the Lord.

13 The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will tell no lie, nor deceit be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid."     I like all of Zephaniah chapter three.   This morning I especially identifying with being meek and humble.   Because meek and humble are not my qualities.  I also am looking at " no one will make them afraid".  I spend too much time in fear.   I get "concerned" over too many things.  My concern is actually fear things won't happen the way I want them too.   How arrogant and prideful of me!! This is the opposite of meek and humble.  This is a good illustration how the Bible is a lamp to my feet!!  Now I just have to go forward in meekness, humility trusting God and letting go of fear.   This will take Jesus!!! Good thing He is with us every moment of every day to help us in such things.

Slow fade…

Romans 6:12 "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."   A little bit of sin can create a big desire for it!! If we continue to walk in willful sin it numbs us.   The holocaust always bothers me.   I wonder how my German ancestors could do such horrible acts.   I heard that Hitler would have his youth preform less horrible acts to get them numb to their conscious.  Such as killing a cat then a dog ( which still is horrible).   Is there a sin in your life you've decided, "isn't so bad" so you've stopped trying to let it go? We always have sin, we are humane and it's our plight.   When we stop trying to fight it......that type of thinking, can lead to much worse.  

Familiar?

John 13:34 "A new command I give you, Love one another, as I have loved you, so you must love one another."   I can more easily identify with love others as Jesus loves me then I can love your neighbor as yourself.    When I was a child many bad things happened and I felt very unloveable.   Rejection and hurt were familiar to me so I was drawn to abusive people.    When the people you love the most are the people who hurt you the most eventually you feel unworthy of love.    You internalize I'm not worthy. Truth is non of us are worthy!! Each one of us sins and continuously falls short of what God would want us to do or be.   So it’s easy for each of us to walk in unworthiness. Worthiness doesn't come from our behavior, it comes through the finished work of Jesus on the cross!!! He loves us each so much, he took all our unworthiness and sin, on the cross and in exchange gave us His worthiness and righteousness not because we earned it but because He loves us.   That is how we are to love others forgive them and love them completely.   It's so beautiful to love others this way.  It's so beautiful to love myself this way.   For me to truly love myself and others completely, I have to first accept the love Jesus died to give me.    Then, I can love other as Jesus loves me!!   I start with a. Simple prayer, “ Jesus, thank you for loving me, thank you for taking my son and making me right  help me remember always you are my Savior and friend!  ( I'm not advocating staying in abusive relationships, I'm against that!  We are not to put ourselves in hurtful abuse it's not being loved as Jesus loves us.    We can have loving forgiveness toward people that we can't allow in our lives)

Single command

Galatians 5:14 " The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."    I really like this verse today.    Am I truly loving my neighbor as myself? Who is my neighbor? What is in my heart?   All good questions to ponder.  😇🙏♥️.

In His Shelter!!

Psalm 91:1-2 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."  Dwell in the shelter of the Most High!! Rest in the shadow of the Almighty!!   These words have been giving me great comfort in the past few days.  Nothing is bad, everything is actually really good my son just got engaged and I'm thrilled!! In good times and in difficult times, I want to rest in His protection and shelter.  When I do, I get a tremendous peace. A peace that helps me weather any storm or that helps me rejoice completely in the beautiful!!!

Take the narrow gate for wide resaults

Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  14 but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."    

Wide is the gate that leads to destruction.  

I spent 29 years trying to quit drinking only to relapse over and over again.   Praise the Lord, I have spent the last 18 sober.    Wide is the gate that leads to destruction.    During my relapse. I kept looking for an easier softer way to manage my drinking.    The problem is my drinking always managed me.  I was enslaved to it and couldn't imagine surviving without it.    It was my go to.  

I finally hit a new low that made me realize, I had to quit.  I got a second drunk driving ticket and my kids were in the car.  I thought I was getting away with my drinking tell that point.  I knew that if I didn't quit drinking I would drive drunk again.  So, I entered a treatment program and did everything they told me to do, their way,not mine was hard for me.  After step 5, I remembered Jesus.  I called upon Him to help and He showed up.   I was given a fresh start and I knew I never wanted to forget that I was deeply loved, forgiven and had a purpose.  I knew that if I ever picked up again, I would forget Jesus  and be a slave to the booze once again.   AA is a great program.  I need it.   But for me AA alone didn't keep me clean.   I needed the guidance of the AA program in combination with Jesus.   Matthew 28:20 "Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age." ( these are the words of Jesus).  Recovery programs without Jesus remind me of the wide road.  I think remember a statistic that 90% of people that use AA alone go back to drinking, but 70% of people that have Christ based recovery program will stay clean.    Unfortunately, people would rather try to conquer this deserve on their own.    What ever your battle is be inspired to take the narrow road, let Jesus take your hand and walk with you.   Let Him be your shelter in the storm.  

Soar in His provision!

Isaiah 40:27 "Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God?"  28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  29 He give strength to the weary and power to the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Today, I was contemplating how I can trust in man more than I trust in God.   Not intentionally, but none the less I do.  Today my goal is to rest in the shelter of our Most High, so I can fly like upon the wings of Eagles.  The soaring eagle 🦅 seems effortless.  Just beautiful, but as they take off thier is tremendous power in their wings.   Let's get our power from trusting Jesus today so we can soar in His provision!!😇🙏♥️

He lifted me out of the slimy pit!

Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.  2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.  4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."     

Whenever I read these verses I think of my deliverance from alcoholism.   I'm delivered from its all consuming grip.   That doesn't mean I am free to drink.    I can not drink or it's all consuming grip would destroy me once again and alcohol would be my God.  It would be my false God.   I used to use it for everything, when I was happy, when I was sad, I began to use it as just a way to function a continuous numbing.   

I was becoming the eye of crap tornado spewing crap over all my family and not realizing I was the problem.  I convinced myself I was "getting away with it".   When I read these verses I am so thankful, to have my feet on the solid ground of Jesus.    What keeps me sober is knowing that if I pick up again, the false god I'll be serving will be the booze.   It would be the thing that would consume my thoughts and planning.    Is there something consuming your thoughts? Is it Your love for Jesus?  Or do you have a false god and need to get your feet, back on the sold ROCK of Jesus?  He loves you more then you can imagine!!😇🙏♥️

Public display of faith

I wanted to share this with you somehow. So I copied and pasted this from a post by Billy Cole...Amen!

*************

Cardiac arrest on live TV. 

When Damar went to the ground that was life leaving his body. He was dead on the field until he was resuscitated, twice. 

As I was on the treadmill this morning with praise music filling my ears I had ESPN on mute watching the images of teammates and Bengals players crying and in total astonishment. I began to see these giant gladiators praying under their breath, on one knee, and in Tim Settle’s case literally on both knees and hands begging for their brother’s life. 

The images ended with an ambulance driving off the field with every single person on that field in a circle on bended knee praying for that man’s life. 

Then I saw pictures of Damar on Instagram. He often wore a cross on his cheek in games in eye black and publicly proclaims his Faith on his social media. I began to see the whole situation beyond my shock. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. 

Imagine if we could get as many people that watch Monday Night Football every week to see and feel the Lord’s power and grace. 

WHAT IF WE JUST DID??  

Is it a coincidence that the man who fell lifeless to the turf and had breath refill his lungs in front of I don’t know how many tens of millions of people proclaimed his faith on his cheek and social media?

Is it a coincidence that these giants and superstars didn’t pound their chest or rely on their own bravado or strength to rescue their brother?  

Is it a coincidence that that instead they turned to the Lord Almighty to save his life!?

I’ve never seen an NFL game stopped like that and not resume. The NFL is almighty right?  It’s the hundred billions of dollars machine that never quits churning. The NFL is often a reason we hurry home from church to watch our favorite team or skip it all together. 

Did our God just put that show on pause to show his glory and grace?  Did He just remind the world of his might and his salvation. Of a resurrection?

My heart and my prayers go out to Damar, his family, and his teammates. I don’t know Damar. But I do know for certain that as a Child of God and a man of Faith that he will be healed on this side or the other.

Public display of Faith

Matthew 10:33

" But whoever denies Me before men, I will also 

deny

 him before My Father who is in heaven."   Political correctness seems to be to deny the power of Jesus.  To say "All roads lead to Heaven".   There was a time in my life I got a caught up in, humanism.   I was using, power of my mind, types of things to change my circumstances.   I was trying to be in control.   It made sense to me because I had used visualation techniques, when I was racing, seeing myself crossing the finish line, breaking the tape.  The problem I had with this is truly many things are out of my control.    I'm really not in control of much.  My main job is to do what Jesus said, "Love the Lord and Love others as He has loved us." While Trusting Him 100%.  I came across the following article about Demar and the Cincinnati Bengals.  It's a pretty cool display of forgetting political  correctness when you need God.   There is an old saying,"There are no atheists in a foxhole.    Where are you on boldly walking in your faith?   

Pray first. Sleep second

Luke 22:46 "Why are you sleeping?" He asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."    These are the words of Jesus.   Get up and Pray!! Why are you sleeping?   Sometime I simply get lulled into sin.   It's me not paying attention to the worldly desire and not taking a stand against them.    In 1 Corinthians 6:19 it talks about our bodies being the temple of His Holy Spirit.  I use the saying treat your body like a temple not a trash can.   Yet, I can easily decide to quickly fox up cheese and crackers verses making broccoli and chicken.  I choose the easiest most immediately satisfying thing often, without going to prayer.  I hope this little Fit Bit helps you to remember to go to prayer first.  Get your direction and strength through Him.   He will give you a path for your feet and peace in your heart.   Follow His peace!! Follow His word.😇🙏♥️

Servant hearts

 Mark 10:43 "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  I have been so blessed with friends and family helping me get through, my moms things, getting her house packed up; so I can rent it out.   The generosity has been heart warming.  I have said, "I don't want my kids to have to take care of me the way I had to take care of my mom." Yet, one of the best things in my life has been my helping others.   Taking care of my mother made me a better person.    No one wants to be a burden on someone else.   I have a very difficult time asking for help.  I am so thankful my friends just helped, I didn't ask.   I never feel worthy of taking help.  I'm so blessed by my  their love.  I hope it has helped them too.   It has been such a blessing to me!  Great news my moms home is almost ready to rent and I might have renters!!  Thank you Jesus for people with servant hearts 😇🙏♥️

Manipulation?

This passage goes with yesterdays verse.        I'm a recovering Alcoholic part of my alcoholism is being a manipulator.  As an alcoholic I got used to protecting my addiction.  I manipulated my environment and the people around me to protect my disease. I didn’t realize I was doing that while I was actively using and it's still hard for me to realize when I am manipulating now.    How I recognize  my toxic behavior now  is reading the Word of God and letting it convict me.  It’s hard to obey His word over my worldly desires.  Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God....".  Matthew 11:30 “My yoke is easy, My burden is light.”    These are a couple verses that convict me, when I’m going in the wrong direction. Einstein learned 9,999 ways not to build a light bulb.   It's finding the balance of  knowing when to keep trying and when to let go and let God.  I'm pretty stubborn,   I get things in my head and heart then don't listen to Gods’ direction.  I pretend I am letting God.  But when I humbly look at myself.  I realize it's my pride, my manipulation not His word that I am following.    I hope this helps you reflect on whether or not you are doing life your way or HIS.  

His way, His yoke

Matthew 11:28-29.  28" Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."    Sometimes I try too hard.    When I read this passage I am remembering that you can't fit a square peg in a round hole.   I have always been a "get it done" kind of gal.   My moms theme song was, "My Way" and I'm definitely her daughter.    At the end of my moms life I witnessed her truly trusting Gods way and not hers.  When I trust Gods way and not mine I am taking on His yoke and resting in He knows best.  This is a constant battle for me letting go and letting God.   Our strength arises as we wait upon the Lord!!   

I’d never be like Peter! Really??

John 13:38 "Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me?  I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!""   When I read about Peter's denial of Jesus, at first I think to myself, " how horrible of him, I wouldn't do that".  But then I think about it truly.   How do I deny Jesus now?    I can be praying full heartedly one minute and the next I'm not acting like a Christian.  My selfishness and desire to "fit in" can be the same as Peter denial.   Funny how I've always judged Peter, just to see I am really just like him.   I am thankful for Gods’ ever present Grace and Mercy.  My desire is to keep on keeping on, in His direction, no matter how many times I fail.   Be inspired to Never Give up!!!  Let Jesus be your strength and you confidence as you live for Him!!!

Judge free zone

John 12:46 "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 47 As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him.    For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it."   If Jesus isn't judging, why do we?    Love others not judge.     All people sin and fall short of the glory of God.  Each of us are loved and created for Him, by Him.   😇🙏♥️   Let’s try our best to love others as they are.  

Teachable is a good place to be

John 12:27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say?  Father, save me from this hour? No it was for this very reason I came to this hour.  28 Father, glorify your name!"   These are the words of Jesus.   There is an old saying ,"We have to go through to get to."   I recently celebrated 18 years sober.   I quit drinking after a 2nd drunk driving ticket.   They were years apart so effectively I received two first offenses but I knew that if I didn't quit I would drive compromised again.   I really didn't like that ticket or all the money and therapy I had to go through.   But I am so thankful for that ticket today.      I have a great life, yes I have plenty of trouble(we all do) But wow, Do I have amazing!  I think about where my life could be if I'd have chosen to continue in the distruction.   It was for that very hour, I was born.    I am confident of that.    My alcoholism had been a huge benefit to me.   AA and other recovery  and Bible based groups have helped me with humility.  Humility makes me teachable.    Teachable is a good place to start.    Praise the Lord!  He can take our difficulties and make them our turning points😇🙏♥️

Solid rock or sinking sand?

Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal."  The Lord is the solid rock on which we stand!!   All other ground is sinking sand.   I have looked to my athletic abilities and a variety of things to bring me comfort in life.  Yet, my true comfort comes from TRUSTING God in all things.  I am discovering the peace of less.   Often, I fill my life so full,  to not "feel " the emptiness that happens in this life.  The only way to truly be filled, is to abide in Jesus.    I am learning I need to simply BE quiet and TRUST Him letting Jesus fill me from within. I really struggle with the Be Quiet.   Truth be known, I struggle with TRUST Him too.   I come up with a "Kimberly" idea to fix things and then I "get busy" fixing.    This is me trusting me and my ways over God and God ways.  This is me building my house on sinking sand.     Today, please join me in keeping Christ as the solid ROCK on which we stand.😇🙏♥️

Courage for 2023

John 12:42 "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;  43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God."      

John 12:42 "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;  43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God."      It’s so easy to be a man pleaser over a God pleaser.  I have internalized  political correctness so much, I find myself cowardly in my Christian testimony.   Jesus said, "if you deny me I will deny you". Ultimately, even if we get 100 years here on Earth it's a small fraction compared to eternity.    Delayed gratification is being a God pleaser over a man pleaser.    My New Years quest is to be more bold in the Lord each and every day!!  Please join me!😇🙏🎉🎊. Happy New Years!!