Give Your Fears to Jesus

It’s Monday, and I have been getting caught up on errands, and watching the weather channel with interest to the coming storm.  I’ve had a couple of thoughts.  The Bible says, ‘Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring sea and waves.  People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the celestial powers will be shaken.’  Jesus then referred to his return and said ‘Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near!’  (Luke 21:25-28). 

I’ve never been one to predict the Lord’s return and I’m not going to start today.  Jesus said that no man knows the hour.  The Father knows the hour.  He did give warning signs and one of those included people overcome by fear.  These can be fearful days.  There is uncertainty with regard to the storm, the economy, the upcoming election, and besides all that global issues.  In the midst of it all, give God your fears.  Pray and trust the Lord in the midst of whatever storm you are facing – literal or internal.  Stand on the promises of God.  “I sought the LORD and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”  Psalm 34:4

In the midst of it all, give your fears to Jesus.  He is the master of the wind.  He is the one in this boat of life with you and will never leave you or forsake you.  If you have never trusted in Him as your Lord and Savior, do so now without delay!  May the Lord be your peace in the midst of the storm.  One day, He will come again.  What a day that will be!

Bruce

The Fire is Burning Again!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted on this blog.  I was reminded of that recently, and nudged by the Lord to get back at it!  Some times life brings great challenges.  For me these have included my sister being diagnosed with brain cancer, and my mother – a widow of 32 years – breaking her hip at the age of 85. 

In the midst of it all God is working and He has the big plan!  I’m so thankful for family, friends, and the family of God.  I’m thankful for the privilege to serve the Lord.  I’m grateful for the Lord’s faithfulness and for His awesome power.  While it has been a year of challenges, there have also been some wonderful celebrations.  Our first grandchild was born and we love her dearly.  Our third child (no longer a child!) graduated from college.  Another wedding is in the plans in the Aubrey family and in many ways life is good. 

Paul wrote to Timothy and said – ‘Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.’  2 Timothy 1:6.  Fires die down and sometimes fires blaze.  The saddest thing would be for a fire to go out unnecessarily or unintentionally.  This verse speaks of the responsibility of the person to keep ablaze the gift of God.  Spend time in the word, in prayer, serving the Lord, staying healthy and embracing and enjoying the Lord and the life He has given us!

I was reminded at the Southern Baptist Convention this year through the preaching of Pastor Don Wilton that as a pastor I need to fight like a soldier, run like an athlete and work like a farmer.  All three of those statements resonated profoundly with me.  I cherish the memory and embrace the challenge again today.  I encourage you to do the same.  I feel like my fire is burning again.  My prayer is that yours will also!

Bruce