Choose life

 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”  Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

What choices am I making in today’s world?  A world that has turned everyone’s life topsy turvey with the COVID 19 virus, hate, rioting, killings and an election year where everyone is throwing mud at each other.  How have we come to the place where concern for others no longer matter?

What is my choice? What is the key to my life? In all honesty, I’ve become very cynical. I find it hard to trust, to hope and find a joy in life. God help me be more like a little child full of trust. I chose life.

Fear Force

 I don’t remember fear as a young child but from my teen years on it was an ever present force to be reckoned with.  Lately forgiveness is knocking at my door for the one(s) who instilled the fear. I forgive.

“Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place.”  Proverbs 29:25 - TPT

Driving Love

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

It’s not what drives out fear but who. Jesus, the only perfect being, is that perfect love.  Yes, fear is punishment or as KJV puts it, torment.  It torments the mind, the spirit, the emotions and the body.  Jesus loves me —- there is no fear.  I love Jesus —- there is no fear.  Fear can’t live in me when Jesus does.  When fear moves in —- where does Jesus go?

Here’s the picture I see.  Jesus says He will never leave me.  Ever have someone so determined to see you that they park themselves outside your door, ringing the doorbell and knocking on the door? Probably not that often.  But that is how I see Jesus in this.  He won’t give up even if we get frustrated at his persistence.  Even if that anger stems from fear. Even if that fear keeps that door locked tight.  Because his love will eventually overcome that fear.  It has to because he has, he is, the perfect love.  Imagine being loved like that. Wouldn’t you finally open the door?

Rebuilding with Ezra

I’ve been reading Ezra this week and as I came to the end of the book I started recapping it.  

Overview: God stirs the heart of leaders towards Him and finances the upcoming returns.

Return of the first exiles. 

Starting to rebuild the altar and temple with financial blessings from others.

Restoration of stolen items.

Opposition.

Rebuilding starts again.

More exiles return and there is prosperity.

Financing the rebuilding.

Repentance.

My life lesson in this is that the first thing to rebuild is my spiritual life. (Altar and temple rebuilt first.) 

Watch for any opposition that could shut down the rebuilding but also allow for God to step in and counter the opposition so rebuilding can continue.  

Trust God in the financial matters.

Last but certainly the most important, make sure my heart is right with God and is seeking after Him.

Walking A Tightrope Of Trust

Life is often like walking a tightrope of trust with no safety net.  It’s a scary place.  It’s a time to find my bravery for each step I take.  A time to hear God say and hold close to my heart, “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. I’m with you. Be strong and courageous.”  

Rebuilding Around The Corner

My lesson in trust feels like a turning point for me.  Today I read a line in a book about “rebuilding” her life that resonated with me.  Webster’s dictionary defines the word rebuild as; to make extensive repairs or changes or to restore to a previous state.

The theme for my life that started in 2019 has been “rest, rebuild and wait”.  Today as I read that line, I sensed the time is coming for the rebuilding to start in my life.

Will God repair my life or will he make changes? Then again, maybe he will restore my life? Time will tell what plan God has in mind and all the little details he has planned.

Trust Me Confirmed

My middle of the night whisper from God to "Trust Me", was confirmed a few hours later by a unexpected phone call.

Feeling relieved and thankful knowing God had already called in the front line from behind the scenes and I didn't know it.

I need to remember that God has my back even when I don't see Him in the shadows. Yesterday proved He was standing behind His word.  "Trust Me."

Trust Me

A couple days ago I was awake at 2 am wrestling with another issue a friend shared with me.  My first response earlier in the day was anxiety and panic.  But this morning’s early thoughts brought ideas for sharing that weight of responsibility.

Trust has always been an issue with me. It’s easier to do it myself is my thought, especially over the last 10 years. But sometimes doing it myself is only an illusion of being easier.

“Trust me.” I heard that phrase once again tonight.  God’s voice continues to remind me that I am not alone no matter how much it feels like it.

Trust me, with concerns for your friend.
Trust me, with your own health.
Trust me, with your finances.
Trust me, with the house.
Trust me, with things needing to be done.
Trust me, with the trials of this world.

Psalm 62:5–8 (NLT): Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7 My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.

Psalm 91:14–15 (NLT): The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.

Isaiah 12:2 (NLT): See, God has come to save me.
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.”