When Doubt Creeps In

  

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

"Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen."

Matthew 21:21 (NLT)

Doubt: a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. 

We all try to have faith "like a mustard seed". That tiny powerhouse of energy within us that, when nurtured, will blossom into a productive, living source that will carry us through the trials of this life. 

But what about when doubt creeps in. That unwelcome feeling that threatens our security. It creeps in through the back door and stands there, darkening the doorway. It wants to block the Light. 

Doubt brings Fear.

If we begin to entertain doubt, our next unwelcome guest is fear. And fear will steal our joy.

Don't let doubt even get a foothold in the door. Stomp out your doubt with FAITH.

Faith is our strong belief in God, our constant companion, our deliverer. Putting our faith in God as our confidence and our trust renews our strength to combat doubt and fear. Keeping our faith in God prohibits fear and doubt from creeping in to steal our joy.

Nurture your faith, keep it strong to combat fear and doubt. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, and your thoughts will not wander to doubting. We can trust in God. He's proven it. And He is always there for us. No matter what we face.

"When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."

Psalm 94:19 (NLT)

One of my favorite contemporary Christian recording artists is a man who knows a thing or two about fear. Through his faith in God, Jason Gray overcame a debilitating stutter to become a successful singer-songwriter who shares his faith and humbly shares his story with his audiences. When Jason speaks, his stutter is evident, but through his songs, God has blessed him with the power to share His love and never once does he stutter.

This song, "No Thief Like Fear" is from his album, "A Way to See in the Dark" 

Subscribers please click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.
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Nothing is Wasted

Fox River Park

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

Okay, I'm sure you're wondering why I have an autumnal picture posted when spring is just around the corner (it is, isn't it?) There is a reason. 

Have you ever noticed the depth of organic debris on the forest floor? Nothing is wasted in nature. Everything that falls to the ground is either eaten by something larger (and then left as waste) or simply begins the process of decay. Slowly, everything becomes food for the microbes in the soil; and as they are further broken down, the elements become food for the plants themselves. It's a very efficient system.

God's purpose for our lives makes certain nothing is wasted in us, either. Every opportunity to make a mistake is an opportunity to learn. Every gift that we have is a chance to share who we are. God can use all that we encounter in life as a learning experience, an opportunity for us to grow in spirit, and to grow closer to Him.

We need to be tuned into these opportunities for growth. If we are beaten down by life, and have no hope, it may be hard to see the promise in a missed opportunity or a broken dream. This is where trust plays a great part in our relationship with our Redeemer. The truth is, we can turn to God at any time, in gratefulness or sorrow. He is waiting for us to come to Him.

Keeping our heart open to the possibilities is extremely difficult when life looks hopeless, but it is the only way to see our way forward. Trust in God that He has a plan, and that He will use everything we endure to lead us into a closer relationship with Him. 

Taken this morning outside my back door

In God, there is always hope. Nothing is wasted, in the hands of our Redeemer. 

Trust Him, and believe that He will make all things new.   

"After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.”

John 6:12 (NLT)

Enjoy Jason Gray's beautiful and truth filled song "Nothing is Wasted".

Subscribers please click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog 

and mobile viewers click here to view this video on youtube. Thank you! :)

You Are Beloved

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Phillipians 4:8 New Revised Standard Version

God does not see us the way we see ourselves. We focus on what we've done wrong, and how imperfect we are. We dwell on past mistakes, and think we are not worthy of the many blessings God desires to bestow on us.

DON'T LISTEN TO THESE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS!

God sees us as pure as freshly fallen snow.

He sees our inner beauty and the promise in each of us 

for what we can become.

He loves us, every one of us.

We are His children

and we are Beloved.

Jason Gray's song "Remind Me Who I Am"

Reminds me every time I hear it

That no matter what the world tells me,

I must always remember...

I AM A CHILD OF GOD

Subscribers please click on Hope to Find to view this video on my website