"Do Not Be Afraid"

Ronnie's Meditation

Isaiah 41:10 (GNT)

  ^" Do not be afraid—I am with you!
    I am your God—let nothing terrify you!
I will make you strong and help you;
    I will protect you and save you.

God does not want us to waste energy or suffer because we are afraid.  He reminds us throughout the Bible, we have nothing to fear because He will help us and protect us with whatever we are going through.  

Recently, this subject has become extra important to me. I realize my faith is weak and fear thoughts so easily come rushing into my thoughts.  My whole body feels sick.  It is then I pray, "dear God, help me not to be afraid. I can't do this without You."   With my weak faith and all, God comes to my aid.  Then I know it is not my power, but His that keeps me from dissolving in fear.  

Because I'm human, sometimes the fear grabs hold of me and won't let go.  My faith in God is shaken.  Once again I pray, and again  I know I must leave this worry with God.  I must not think about it, but turn my thoughts to something more pleasant.  After all, what good is a prayer if I keep taking back the fear by thinking about it over and over.  

Life is not easy.  Things happen that make us afraid, but we can leave everything with God, knowing that whatever happens He is working on it for our own eternal good. 

RONNIE'S MEDITATION




TIP FOR CAREGIVER

Before my parents developed serious medical problems, Bill and I would take them for little outings.  When George felt up to it, he and I would go to church together.  My mother enjoyed car rides; she loved to watch the world go by.  All four of us went to restaurants, just to get out and to give me a break from cooking.  Once we shared four different meals, buffet style.  On the way home from a doctor’s appointment, we all enjoyed hamburgers at a fast food restaurant or an ice cream cones at a neighborhood convenience store.  We also visited family, people that my mother and George enjoyed seeing.  These many outings gave all of us a change in scenery and a lift to our spirits.

 
 From my book:  TREADING WATER WITH GOD, Lessons in Love While Care Giving

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Dana's meditation for 1/2/14

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19–21

When we are taking our final breaths here on Earth, I believe we will not be thinking about our possessions; how rich or poor we were in material wealth, but how we loved and how we were loved. Our relationship with Jesus is important now. Get to know your Savior; He will share all of His gifts with you if you just say the word. Know His heart; be His heart as much as you can. This final relationship will endure forever and it is yours just for the asking.

I wish God's peace for all of us in 2014. Please share your love with others. It only gets richer that way.

DANA'S MEDITATION 12/10/2013

Prayer of Confession

Holy God we come before you a broken people in a broken world.
We confess we have often ignored your presence.
We have forged our own paths and charted our own waters.
In the name of independence we have ignored your aid, your comfort, and your peace.
We have called upon you in desperation
rather than recalling your mighty and faithful acts in all times and places.
Forgive us.
Be with us even now. Amen


This prayer speaks volumes to me. I find myself distracted more often than I would like with the things of this Earth and not the things of my God. I find it is so easy to slip away; to undo the discipline I need to stay the path of Jesus. Oh and I do catch myself doing this and feeling neglectful but at the same time feeling that need to challenge my Lord. I am not worthy of Him and yet He continues to love me and lift me up. Sweet Father God, please continue to lead me back to you when I stray. In your loving arms is where I am happiest.

DANA'S MEDITATION

For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.   Hebrews 10:36


I had been looking online for a job fort almost two years and my unemployment insurance was about to run out. I had made arrangements to start my social security early which meant a decreased amount monthly, but I didn't want to be in a situation where I was a burden on family and friends. They had all been so kind and generous but I knew I needed to make every effort to support myself. God stepped right in with an answer to my situation. I was in the lobby of my church's administrative office when a woman came in and asked if the pastor was in. She wasn't but I told her when she would be available. She then handed me a pamphlet about a senior work training project in our county. All I needed to be was over 55! I have been in this program since January, 2013, working at a community agency. It is only part time but it has helped me immensely to make ends meet while I continue to look for work. God's timing is awesome. Ask and you shall receive.
Give your concerns to Him. He will make a way for you if it is in His plan for you. Be patient and have faith. He saves just in the nick of time.

Dear heavenly Father, I thank you everyday for the works you do in my life. Help me to pass on your blessings with others so they may know your awesome love. In Jesus' name I pray.

RONNIE'S MEDITATION 

James 1:5

Good News Translation (GNT)

^"But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all."


I have found that if I ask God for wisdom regarding anything that I don't understand or I can't make a  decision about, He is faithful.   He communicates with me through books, friends, sermons, and my internal thoughts and feelings.  I get a sense of rightness about something, and I trust He is guiding me in that direction.  

I'd like to read how you feel about God's guidance.  Leave a message.  It will appear after I read it.

Hugs to you and God's peace

MONDAY NOV. 18TH

DANA'S MEDITATION

The Lord is near.

 Do not worry about anything.

but in everything by prayers and supplication with thanksgiving

let you requests be made known to God.

And the peace that surpasses all understanding 

will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. 

Phillipians 4:5-7

We are nearing our annual day of Thanksgiving as a nation. We have so much to be thankful for and many of us take it for granted as if we are entitled to have this abundance. Think of other people throughout the world that do not know this assuredness of wealth. In our country as well, there are many who can not live the American dream due to extreme poverty. How are you helping? Please consider praying for the less fortunate; please consider donating to a food pantry or to a charitable organization that can reach out and bless them. We are all God's creation. He loves us all and wants us to love each other as we love ourselves.

May the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones, Amen.