FEAR NOT !

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". 

I heard a pastors saying it recently there are 365 'FEAR NOT" in the Bible, one for every day of the year. Probably we need to remind/ hold on to one promise for each day. We live in a world where so much of fear, people are living under fear and move in the fear and die in their fear. But for the child of God everyday is an exciting day to walk with Jesus. Whatever comes on the way Jesus is bigger than all the mountains and challenges we have and His promises always there to leads us further.

The first reference we see in the Bible on this word in Genesis 15:1 "After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying FEAR NOT, Abraham: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward"

Moses is giving instruction to all the people of Israel towards end of his life"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Jesus told his disciples in Luke 12:7 "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. FEAR NOT therefore; you are more value than many sparrows".

In all the above references God is telling to His people fear not, i will fight your life battles. Battle is not yours but it belongs to the Lord  and he will see you though it.
Always remember in your life Journey, you are not alone, God is always there with you. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you

Here I am sharing one of my favorite songs;

1. I've seen the lightning flashing,
   And heard the thunder roll,
   I've felt sin’s breakers dashing,
   Trying to conquer my soul;
   I've heard the voice of my Savior,
   Telling me still to fight on,
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.
   • No, never alone,
     No, never alone,
     He promised never to leave me,
     Never to leave me alone.
2. The world’s fierce winds are blowing,
   Temptation’s sharp and keen,
   I have a peace in knowing
   My Savior stands between—
   He stands to shield me from danger,
   When earthly friends are gone,
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.
3. When in affliction’s valley
   I’m treading the road of care,
   My Savior helps me to carry
   My cross when heavy to bear,
   Though all around me is darkness,
   Earthly joys all flown;
   My Savior whispers His promise,
   “I never will leave thee alone.”
4. He died for me on the mountain,
   For me they pierced His side,
   For me He opened the fountain,
   The crimson, cleansing tide;
   For me He’s waiting in glory,
   Seated upon His throne,
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.
5. 
   

Jesus is the Vine

Jesus is the Vine (Author Unknown)

Jesus is the Vine:

I am the true vine,

He is your real source of life.

You are the branches.

If you will rest in Him,

Abide in Me,

And let Him live through you—

And I in you,

You will be all He wants you to be.

Then you will bear much fruit.

You will know what He wants you to ask of Him,

Ask whatever you will,

For it will be exactly what He has been waiting to do for you.

And it shall be done for you.

His love is so great

I have loved you;

That you will never need to look elsewhere again.

May My joy be in you.

You will be completely satisfied

That your joy may be full—

Because He is your friend!

For you are My friend.

Memorizing the Word of God

Hiding God’s Word in our heart is a key component to Christian growth. There are many wonderful verses in the Bible which can be an encouragement to you daily. If you are new to memorizing scripture, then these are some great Bible verses to memorize. You can add to this list and keep learning the scripture and that will be great treasure for you. In psalms 119:11 says “I HAVE HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU”.

 Chuck Swindoll wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61). 

• Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. 
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 
• Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think 
• Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 
• 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 
• John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 
• Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 
• Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
• Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
• Mathew 28:18-19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
• 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
• Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
• Proverb 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.
• Joshua 1:8 The book of the Law shall not depart form your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE in it day and night, that you may observe to DO according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
• Ephesians 5:16-17 Make use of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord want us to do.
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WHY? WHY?

WHY? WHY?

 This is the familiar question we asked in our life journey; especially when we face various trails and difficulty in life. Sometime uncertain future, unexpected circumstances may cause us to ask this question. But one way or other we all ask God why? Why that’s happened to me? Why that happened to a good believer? 

Bibles reveals to us that our God who is a sovereign God and God in his sovereignty he chooses to do certain things in His creation. As we see in Jeremiah 18, God is a potter and we are the clay in His hands; so God has ultimate control over events in our lives. 

When we see the people from Bible; God never answer to the WHY part of their life but sometime in life God will reveal to you for what He allows you to go through the trails. If we see the life of Joseph; he was devoted to God and was having good life. But in the life journey he faced various trials such as his own brothers betrayed him, he was in the jail for his purity, etc. 

Sometimes, it seems as if there is no point for going through trails. However, you know the true God and that He always has a purpose- whether you understand it or not why? 

When the trial was over, God exalted Joseph. He even got his family back. God exceedingly blessed him. 

Finally Joseph is telling his brothers in Genesis 50:20 “you intended it to harm me, but God intended it all for good”. 

God never revealed WHY part of the life but sometime on the journey he will revel to you for what He allows trails or certain things in your life. Our God is sovereign God!

Chuck Swindoll, 10 Leadership Lessons

Chuck Swindoll, 10 Leadership Lessons Learned in 50 Years of Leadership 

Chuck Swindoll, accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award at Catalyst 09, offered the following lessons he has learned:

1. It’s lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions. The tougher the decision, the lonelier it is. 
2. It’s dangerous to succeed. 
3. I’m most concerned for those who aren't even 30 and are very gifted and successful. Sometimes God uses someone right out of youth, but usually he uses leaders who have been crushed. 
4. It’s hardest at home. No one ever told me this in Seminary. 
5. It’s essential to be real. If there’s one realm where phoniness is common, it’s among leaders. Stay real. 
6. It’s painful to obey. The Lord will direct you to do some things that won’t be your choice. Invariably you will give up what you want to do for the cross. 
7. Brokenness and failure are necessary. 
8. Attitude is more important than actions. Your family may not have told you: some of you are hard to be around. A bad attitude overshadows good actions. 
9. Integrity eclipses image. Today we highlight image. But it’s what you’re doing behind the scenes. God’s way is better than my way. 
10. Christ likeness begins and ends with humility.

Which of these lessons strikes you most? Why?

If you were to add an 11th lesson, what would it be?

Finishing Well - Dr. J. Robert Clinton

Finishing Well  - Dr. J. Robert Clinton

(free PDF download is available from their website or you can find it in my resources sessions)  

I found this article on Christian leadership very  helpful and encouraging; so I am sharing it here with you all.

In his introduction Clinton writes,

"A repeated reading of the Bible with a focus on leadership reveals four crucial observations fraught
with leadership implications:

• Observation 1. Few leaders finish well.
• Observation 2. Leadership is difficult.
• Observation 3. God's enabling presence is the essential ingredient of successful leadership.
• Observation 4. Spiritual leadership can make a difference.

And what is true of Biblical leaders is equally true of historical and contemporary leaders. It is the first
observation to which this article speaks. Identifying the fact that few leaders finish well was a breakthrough warning for me. This led to further study. Why do few leaders finish well? What stops them? What helps them? What does it mean to finish well? This article identifies six characteristics of those finishing well."

Six Characteristics of Leaders who Finish Well.

• Characteristic 1 - They maintain a personal vibrant relationship with God right up to the end.
• Characteristic 2 - They maintain a learning posture and can learn from various kinds of sources—life especially.
• Characteristic 3 - They manifest Christ-likeness in character as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.
• Characteristic 4 - Truth is lived out in their lives so that convictions and promises of God are seen to
  be real.
• Characteristic 5 - They leave behind one or more ultimate contributions.
• Characteristic 6 - They walk with a growing awareness of a sense of destiny and see some or all of it
  fulfilled.

Six Major Barriers Identified to Finishing Well

• Barrier 1. Finances—their Use And Abuse
• Barrier 2. Power—its Abuse
• Barrier 3. Pride--which Leads To Downfall
• Barrier 4. Sex--illicit Relationships
• Barrier 5. FAMILY--Critical Issues
• Barrier 6. Plateauing.

Five Factors That Enhance Finishing Well

• Enhancement 1. Perspective.
• Enhancement 2. Renewal.
• Enhancement 3. Disciplines.
• Enhancement 4. Learning Posture.
• Enhancement 5. Mentoring.

Checklist: 30 Key Areas in our Christian Walk

I found this check list in Missional Challenge. And it is useful resources to evaluate and see our beliefs, virtues and practices as we grow in the Lord.  Some of these 30 lists might simply "ticked off" and others worth spending time for evaluation and for asking God's grace to live out our faith.

30 Key Areas in our Christian Walk

Beliefs
1. Trinity. I believe the God of the Bible is the only true God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
2. Salvation by Grace. I believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by God’s Grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Authority of the Bible. I believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command my belief and action.
4. Personal God. I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life.
5. Identity in Christ. I believe I am significant because of my position as a child of God.
6. Church. I believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish his purposes on earth today. 
7. Humanity. I believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.
8. Compassion. I believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need. 
9. Eternity. I believe there is a heaven and a hell, and I believe Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and establish his eternal kingdom.
10. Stewardship. I believe everything I am or own belongs to God. 

Virtues
1. Love. I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others.
2. Joy. I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances.
3. Peace. I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, myself, and others.
4. Patience. I take a long time to overheat, and I endure patiently the unavoidable pressures of life.
5. Kindness/Goodness. I choose to do the right things in my relationships with others.
6. Faithfulness. I have established a good name with God and with others based on my long-term loyalty to that relationship.
7. Gentleness. I am thoughtful, considerate, and calm in dealing with others.
8. Self-Control. I have power, through Christ, to control myself.
9. Hope. I can cope with the hardships of life and death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ.
10. Humility. I choose to esteem others above myself.

Practices
1. Worship. I worship God for who he is and what he has done for me.
2. Prayer. I pray to God to know him, to lay my requests before him, and to find direction for my daily life.
3. Bible Study. I study the Bible to know God, the truth, and to find direction for my daily life.
4. Single-mindedness. I focus on God and his priorities for my life.
5. Biblical Community. I fellowship with other Christians to accomplish God’s purposes in my life, others’ lives, and in the world.
6. Spiritual Gifts. I know and use my spiritual gifts to fulfill God’s purposes.
7. Giving Away My Time. I give away my time to fulfill God’s purposes.
8. Giving Away My Money. I give away my money to fulfill God’s purposes.
9. Giving Away My Faith. I give away my faith to fulfill God’s purposes.
10. Giving Away My Life. I give away my life to fulfill God’s purposes.