What does September 11 bring to your mind?

September 11, 2020 nofearlindaLeave a comment

As we ponder the significance of 9/11 today, what comes to your mind? This is the 19th year anniversary of that tragic attack on the twin towers in New York and the Pentagon. Many of those alive today have no memory of that horrific day and those terrifying events. The same could be said for December 7th and the attack on Pearl Harbor. Both bring extreme sadness at the unnecessary loss of innocent lives, the aftermath of the events and their impact on families, the nation and our way of life. A great sense of invasion and insecurity looms in my mind.

So what of 9/11 and those fears and insecurities? Turn them over to Jesus and depend upon Him in all things. We can cling to Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Isaiah 26:3-4 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” I pray one of these verses gives you added hope in Jesus today.

As I looked back, five years ago on 9/11 my new book, Promises for Dynamic Living arrived. The arrival of a new book you’ve written is a momentous time for an author. At the heart of this book is hope and security. God’s Word provides us with an anchor for our souls in Christ and redemption though His work on the cross. Knowing promises our Heavenly Father has made to us, gives me hope as I know He is eternal and always faithful to keep His promises. He promised to send a savior and He did in the person of His own Son- Jesus. What hope we have in Christ! He fulfilled all the promises in the Bible about himself and all questions about redemption are Yes in Him. We do not need to fear for our future as it is guaranteed by Christ himself.

Living in a troubled world with HOPE,

Linda

A study in God’s Word that will bring you hope and assurance for living in a troubled world. Available on Amazon or at Certa Publishing. Promises-for-dynamic-living-cover

Assurances that bring Joy!

July 29, 2020 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Paul had just stated in Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” However, in today’s passage he goes on to explain these words in verses 1:22-26. “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. ²⁴But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.”

Paul is torn between the desire to be with Jesus and the desire to be with believers working to spread the gospel and for Christ. Paul doesn’t know what the future holds for him but he rejoices in the assurance that God holds the future! (Sounds like today huh!) He knows that God’s plans can be trusted and are good for him. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Paul also knows how the fellowship with other believers, the work of preaching, disciplining and proclaiming Christ is also good. He loves his fellow co-workers and loves seeing their joy in Christ and the glory they all bring to God.

Therefore, Paul is good with either way the future unfolds. He knows he will have joy in either case- death and moving into the presence of God (remember Paul is imprisoned at this point awaiting Caesar’s judgement) or life and continued fellowship and spread of the gospel here on earth.

What about you? Do you trust God with your future? Are you assured of eternal life with Christ as Paul was? I have listed the following verses below for you to mediate upon and claim their truths in your life. I pray they will bring you reassurance: John 3:16, John 3:36, John 6:47, Romans 6:23, 1 John 2:25, 1 John 5:11. (Printed out below)

Today my joy is increased as I know:

In death I will be with Jesus (verse 23)
The life I now have in Christ, in faith, is cause for joy. (25)
Fellowshipping with other believers, working in the cause of Christ brings me joy. (26)

May your joy be solidly rooted in Jesus as you walk in faith and trust in Almighty God.

Linda

John 3:16 ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

John 6:47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 John 2:25 “And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.”

1 John 5:11 “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

Eternal life with Jesus is a sure thing for the believer. Live like you believe it today!

No need to worry- We are SECURE in Him!

June 18, 2020 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Ephesians 1:13-14 holds wonderful truths for us to cling to that give us assurance of the hope and faith we have in Christ. “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

The truths of this passages are many. I now have His Holy Spirit living within me through faith in Jesus affirming, testifying and guaranteeing my inheritance in Him. These truths are confirmed other places in scripture as well.

Indwelling Holy Spirit testifying and affirming: Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 5:5 “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” 1 Thessalonians 4:8 “Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.” We can be assured that His Spirit is real and lives within us.

Holy Spirit guaranteeing: 2 Corinthians 5:5 “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” Hebrews 6:17 “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.” God gives us His word that His indwelling Holy Spirit guarantees our belonging to Him and our future with Him -heirs of His promises.

A tangible inheritance in Jesus: 1 Peter 1:4 “and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,” Colossians 3:24 “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Our inheritance is kept safe in heaven, a reward waiting for us for living a life of faith that brings glory to Jesus.

As you review these precious truths today. Which ones resonate with your spirit and give you peace? Claim God’s promises today! He has an inheritance for us, He gives us His Holy Spirit when we believe in Jesus and His Holy Spirit affirms and testify with our spirits so we can be assured of His love, a future with Him and His saving grace. Praise God for His wonderful provision for us. He knows we, as finite beings, need assurances and He graciously gives us all we need. Thank you Lord Jesus.

Linda

Assurance and Purpose come from the Risen Jesus – Do you feel it?

May 1, 2020 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Jesus was actively reassuring his followers on Resurrection Sunday. He appeared to the two men on the Road to Emmaus, to the women in the garden and Mary, to Peter and to a gathering of disciples in a closed room. John records this appearance in John 20:19-22. I like the Amplified translation as it makes what happened clearer. ¹⁹So when it was evening on that same day, the first day of the week, though the disciples were [meeting] behind barred doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” ²⁰After He said this, He showed them His hands and His side.” The fact that Jesus appeared to them without opening the door tells us He was a spirit. Yet, he showed them His hands and side that had been pierced at the cross which tells us He was physically real. Only Jesus could be both in His resurrection body. He begins with the common Hebrew greeting- ‘Peace to you’. This shows Jesus’ love and sensitivity as perhaps they would have expected a harsh word from Jesus for abandoning Him after His arrest. They received peace and warmth from their Savior not rebuke or criticism. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with great joy. ²¹Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives].” ²²And when He said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Their response to Jesus was pure joy! Then He sent greetings of peace to them and gave them orders to tell others. He was sending them with power from His Holy Spirit to go and be His representatives, telling others of His death, resurrection, salvation and forgiveness of sins. Jesus breathed on them power that would sustain them until the coming of the Holy Spirit 50 days later at Pentecost.

romans 10 17 What is your response to the risen Savior? I’m sure the disciples had various reactions like joy that He was alive, curiosity about His wounds, questions about their purpose in life now that He is no longer teaching them day to day? Jesus answered their questions, shared in their joy and gave them purpose. It is the same purpose Jesus has for us- tell others the good news of the gospel. He desires that everyone hear how He saves us from eternal punishment for our sins and forgives us. Paul reminds us in Romans 10:17 ^“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Jesus sent them, and us too, into the world where we live to tell others the good news of Christ. We have to speak out and speak up for Jesus.

Who will you joyfully tell today?

Linda

Who is after your mind? Be protected- use your helmet!

April 8, 2020April 16, 2020 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Ephesians 6:17 is part of a sentence that began yesterday in 6:16 that has an important element for 6:17. “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Each piece of armor that Paul is instructing believers to put on are to be used at all times in all circumstances. He knew the devil is always ready to attack. Peter knew it also as he wrote in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Being ready means putting on our armor as we endeavor to walk with Jesus daily.

Verse 17 mentions 2 pieces of armor but I’m only going to focus on one today, the helmet of salvation. Why did Paul associate salvation with the helmet in our armor? Salvation is not just redemption but is our protection plan for eternity. Ephesians 1:13 told us “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,” We are sealed for eternity and nothing or not one can take our salvation away from us! This is a blessed assurance or promise from God and God always keeps His promises!

A helmet is essential because it protects your head and your mind. Satan is after our minds. He want to turn us away from godly thinking, confuse, disrupt or distort our thinking. The brain controls the body so protecting our mind is vital for survival. 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us that we need to hold every thought captive to Christ. “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” Opinions, false doctrines and arguments against the faith can be overcome with all thoughts captivated by Christ and His truths. Having a firmly placed and active helmet helps us keep our shield of faith in place and solidifies who we are in Christ. We need to think like kingdom citizens. Protecting our minds from attacks of stray thoughts, doubts, letting fear creep in and control us or letting desires over come what we know is right are all things we are vulnerable to without a good helmet. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can have assurance of salvation for all eternity and be mentally protected from attacks by Satan.

Here are a few verses about how God protects our minds in Christ:

Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,because he trusts in you”. Peace of mind is yours in Christ.

Romans 8:6 “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Life is yours in Christ.

Colossians 3:2 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”. Heavenly thinking is yours to possess.

1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ” Complete preparation for spiritual battles is ours through Christ.

As you go through today, think about your gift of salvation through faith in Christ. Praise and thank God for this precious gift and how it protects and defends your mind and thinking. Your salvation is sure and true and you hold it for all eternity. Thank you Jesus.

Linda

Holy Week -Wednesday. Plots are hatched against Jesus as Judas is lured by officials to betray Christ. Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11, Luke 22:3-6. As He looked towards the cross and betrayal which was to come on Thursday evening and Friday, Jesus likely took this day to rest and be with those He cherished on earth.

Experiencing His Power within

March 3, 2020April 16, 2026 nofearlindaLeave a comment

As Paul wrote that he was praying for the Ephesian believers, he eloquently told them he was praying for the eyes of their hearts to be flooded with light. He wanted them to know God, know His power and believe that they possess a portion of that same power in their lives. Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. ¹⁹I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power ²⁰that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Ask yourself, do I feel flooded with His light in my life? Am I confident and assured in my faith? Do I feel like I belong to Him? Paul says we can be sure of His love and power in our lives as it is the same power that raised Christ from the dead! His indwelling Holy Spirit is that power in our lives. The same power that created the universe and defeated death lives within us. When we truly grasp this truth, there is nothing that can shake or defeat us. In Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Today ask God to show you His power within as you step out in faith to engage in your day. May you have a new sense of confidence and awareness of His Holy Spirit within you.

Linda

#9 Practicing Devotion to God- by relying upon His Grace

February 24, 2020 nofearlindaLeave a comment

What is Grace? It is defined as God’s unmerited favor towards us. We did nothing and can do nothing to deserve His favor. It is something that God gives us freely by faith in Jesus from the depth of His love for us. Scripture teaches us that God’s grace is always sufficient and because God is omnipotent He will never run out of grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 is one of my go to verses for power, strength and assurance about God’s grace. Paul recalls the words of Christ to him, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God graciously gives us what we need in our weakness and brings glory to Himself by showing His power in our lives. I cling to the sufficiency of His grace.

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We are saved by His grace, certainly not by anything we have done or will do. We cannot be good enough, clean enough or pure enough on our own. Salvation is a gracious gift of God given to us through our faith in Jesus. He saves us by grace and graciously uses us to do His good works. He could do everything himself, but He graciously allows us to participate for our good and His glory.

Hebrews 4:16 adds one other dimension to His grace towards us. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Because of our faith in Jesus, our high priest, and His work on the cross, we have access to God and can approach Him in prayer. When we do, we are assured that we will find grace and mercy in our times of need. There is never a time that God is not with me and I can always know that He will meet my needs with grace and mercy. What a blessed hope!

May you grow to trust in His grace, lean into and depend upon His grace and let His grace give you Hope as you draw near to Him with a heart of love and devotion.

Linda

I pray you have been blessed as much as I have by going through these 9 practical ways to show our loyalty and devotion to God. We can practice devotion to God by: recalling His attributes, remembering His good works towards us, relating to Him in prayer, reading and meditating on His Word, resting in our identity in Christ, repenting regularly, responding to the world biblically, remembering our Savior and relying upon His grace. May you remember to incorporate these into your life on a daily basis and receive His blessings!

Christmas with Eternity in Focus!

December 25, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Merry-Christmas

Today we celebrate the birth of the Christ. His birth was foretold by the ancient prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born…” The place was foretold in Micah 5:3 “But you Bethlehem…”. He came to earth that day born as a human child, yet one who would lead a sinless life and die to save us from our sins. We believe that only God’s Son, Jesus, could satisfy Holy God and bring us back into relationship with God. Isaiah foretold in Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him.” So where does that leave us? If we believe He was born miraculously as a man who was both fully human and fully God, and He was able to die to save us from our sins, what more is there for us to believe? He is coming again. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”

As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, we need to remember the story does not end in the manger or at the cross. The story of the redemption of mankind will end with us living with God for eternity. Just as His first coming was heralded by angels so will His second coming. Just as His first coming was miraculous, awesome and breathtaking so will His second coming be worthy of King Jesus when we meet Him in the air.

What do these events say about God? God is eternal. God exists outside of time. He is not measured by anything. We measure time by the movement of the planets and stars, which God created. God has always been and always will be. No one is like Him. We are not eternal because we have a beginning and an end. Because God is eternal, He can give us eternal life. David described God in Psalm 90:2 “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, form everlasting to everlasting you are God.” John wrote in Revelation 4:8 “Holy, holy, holy is he Lord God Almighty, who was, and is and is to come.”

With our finite minds, the eternality of God is difficult to grasp. However, we can be assured that God is who He says He is and will do as He has planned for eternity. Jesus is the one who holds the key to our eternal life. John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Come to Him this Christmas and be filled with His eternal blessing. Look past the manger, past the cross and look forward to His return!

Linda

Mary and Me too, God knows our NAMES!

December 4, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Gabriel next appeared to Mary, the young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and told her she was going to be the mother of the Son of God. Mary was fearful and concerned about what this would mean for her future. The angel calmed her fears and pointed her to God. Luke 1:26-33

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³²He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

There is so much to see about God in this portion of the Christmas Story. God is all powerful and can do all things, Omnipotent. God has a plan for the redemption of mankind and has had it since the beginning of time and He is using a young girl to move His plan forward, Sovereign, Eternal. But today, I see a personal God. The angel told Mary not to fear and called her by name. God knew her personally. She was not just some girl but one God had specifically chosen for the task of being the mother of Jesus, His Son. God is a person who knows us, desires a relationship with us and communicates with us. Here He spoke to Mary by name through the angel Gabriel, but He also speaks to us today through His Word and in prayer.

Jesus assured us in John 10:3-4 “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” Jesus as our good shepherd knows each one who believes in Him by name. We are also assured that as believers we can and will recognize Him when He speaks or calls to us.

Mary as a young girl knew this too and trusted her future to God. God knows you personally; He knows your name. Call out to Him today with assurance that He will answer because He knows you and knows exactly what you need even before you ask. Be greatly encouraged, the God of the universe knows you by name.

Linda

Are you sure God is listening?

April 12, 2019 nofearlindaLeave a comment

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I have access to God in prayer. The Bible is filled with believers’ prayers to God. David, Job, Solomon, Daniel and the list goes on and on as they called upon God and were assured that He heard their prayers. Jesus prayed and was heard by the Father and, he often sought a solitary place to spend time with His Father to gain strength and commune with Him. Since Jesus died on the cross, believers have an internal connection through the Holy Spirit with Him. Here are a few scripture for you to meditate upon today as you consider your prayer life and connection to Him.

Ephesians 2:13, 17-18 ” But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.¹⁸For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” His Holy Spirit brings us near to Him, thank you Jesus!

Ephesian 3:12 “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” We can seek Him boldly with confidence because of Jesus, thank you Jesus!

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” We can come before Him knowing He will treat us with grace and mercy, thank you Jesus!

Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely, those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” I can know that I am whole in Him and I am humbled by the truth that Jesus prays for me, thank you Jesus!

James 4:8a “Come near to God and he will come near to you. ” Access to God is made possible by Jesus as His Holy Spirit helps draw us closer to Him, thank you Jesus!

I pray these verses assure you that as a believer you have access to God in prayer, can approach Him with confidence, know that Jesus will intercede for you before the Father and that He desires that we come and draw near to Him. Pray boldly with confidence, Jesus is with you.