What words from scripture do you cling to when you are afraid or unsure of your future, when challenged by the world’s standards and pressures of living or when extremely ill or saddened?
Deuteronomy 31:6 is one of my ‘go to verses’. It is one of the first verses I memorized that I hold dear to my heart. “ Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” What is it about this verse that is so reassuring? Moses tells us that God will have our back and we just need to find the strength and courage that God will provide. He is omnipresent- always there with me. God is faithful and will tenaciously stick to me when others might leave, He will not! God desires that I be courageous in actions and thoughts. God has work for me and you to do that requires that I trust in him and put my fears behind me. God promises to be there, and even goes ahead of me and meets me there when I need it the most. God does not want us to be fearful of people and circumstances. He has us covered and will go with us through whatever lies ahead. How can these thoughts and truths not bring you hope and assurance? God is for us. God is with us.
Pastor Alex’s second point was the truth that God lives within us. John 14:16-17 “ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” I love these words of assurance from Jesus himself that the Holy Spirit will live within the believer. He will empower us in living for Jesus. You may ask how do I know that His spirit is within me? Take Romans 8:16 to heart, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” You will know and feel His affirmation within your soul that you belong to Him! Paul shares with us in. Colossians how he feels doing the Lord’s work, Colossians 1:28-29 “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Paul could feel God at work in his life. We can feel this too.
One of the unshakable truths of God’s Word is that HE is with us 24/7. We can run but cannot hide from God. Remember the story of Jonah. God called him to go to Nineveh and preach but he decided he didn’t want to go and do it as he felt the people underserving of God’s mercy. That did not work out so well for Jonah as he ended up in the belly of the big fish for 3 days. He repented and went to Nineveh as God directed.
Pastor Alex’s second point was the truth that God lives within us. John 14:16-17 “ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” I love these words of assurance from Jesus himself that the Holy Spirit will live within the believer. He will empower us in living for Jesus. You may ask how do I know that His spirit is within me? Take Romans 8:16 to heart, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” You will know and feel His affirmation within your soul that you belong to Him! Paul shares with us in. Colossians how he feels doing the Lord’s work, Colossians 1:28-29 “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Paul could feel God at work in his life. We can feel this too.
One of the unshakable truths of God’s Word is that HE is with us 24/7. We can run but cannot hide from God. Remember the story of Jonah. God called him to go to Nineveh and preach but he decided he didn’t want to go and do it as he felt the people underserving of God’s mercy. That did not work out so well for Jonah as he ended up in the belly of the big fish for 3 days. He repented and went to Nineveh as God directed.
What about you?
Are you trying to do things your own way and are you either ignoring or disregarding God’s direction for your life?
Hopefully, you will take the truth of God’s presence with you seriously and seek His guidance and help. God promises to never leave us or forsake us. You can always count upon him as it is a truth founded on His character. God does not lie and is always faithful even when we are not.
This week try to take stock of where you are in regard to knowing and feeling God presence in your daily life. Take a few minutes to contemplate those things that happen each day where you see and feel were orchestrated by God showing you His providential care. Let these revelations lead you to praise and thanksgiving.
Linda
This week try to take stock of where you are in regard to knowing and feeling God presence in your daily life. Take a few minutes to contemplate those things that happen each day where you see and feel were orchestrated by God showing you His providential care. Let these revelations lead you to praise and thanksgiving.
Linda
MESSAGE LINK
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass
Watch on Youtube
LINDA'S BLOG
Linda is a member of Crossroads church and regularly blogs about her faith.
Fearless Living
Fearless Living
CROSSROADS CHURCH
Discovering God is a fresh look at how God is moving in our lives. Rooted in the Crossroads Church community, we reflect on sermons, share stories, and explore everyday moments where God invites us to grow. Join us as we take steps toward Him together. Learn more at www.wearecrossroads.church.
Discovering God is a fresh look at how God is moving in our lives. Rooted in the Crossroads Church community, we reflect on sermons, share stories, and explore everyday moments where God invites us to grow. Join us as we take steps toward Him together. Learn more at www.wearecrossroads.church.
GIVE
Support the ministry of Crossroads and help us tell the story of Jesus with others.