At the Beth Moore Simulcast on September 15 I accepted her counsel to daily review with JESUS certain Scriptures related to FEAR. I have some fears. And HE intends for me to come to freedom. By the way if you want this list of Scripture you can click HERE and get your own copy.
I loved yesterday’s TEXT. It was blunt, to the point and delivered with His holy, loving gentleness to my heart. I loved it!! I said that already, didn’t I? Here’s yesterday’s:
“Say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Don’t be afraid or cowardly because of these two smoldering stubs of firebrands . . . “
I’m telling you I love it! “Calm down and be quiet – that’s nothing! I got this!”
That’s what it said to me. I can hear HIM saying it. I can see the love in His eyes and the loving grin on is Face when He said it to me! He is so AWESOME!!
Today.
Well, today is just as loving, just as kind, just as wonderful and just as blunt and correcting!
Isaiah 35:4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; He will save you.”
via Is 35:4 HCSB – Say to the cowardly: “Be strong; do – Bible Gateway.
Cowardly.
I don’t care much for that word. Not at first blush. Perhaps you don’t like it either. HOWEVER, it does fit. King James translation uses the word fearful. New American Standard uses the word anxious. And I checked a few other versions each uses either fearful or anxious. And we get the meaning, right?
Cowardly is not flattering. But neither is JESUS. He is Truth.
Cowardly does mean fearful. Anxious. Timid. And so on.
However. In the middle of my heart came a sobering message. It bites a bit but it is freeing when applied.
Say to the cowardly – the timid, the fearful, the anxious . . .
What is often the hallmark of anxious, timid, fearfulness? Is it: Negative, complaining words leading to negative, complaining, anxious countenance? Yeah. I’m Afraid so. :)
So could it be that our complaining, negative, ‘what now!’ words are actually announcing that we are acting in a cowardly way? Could it be that our complaining, negative, ‘come on now!’ words are actually saying:
“I am afraid, GOD.”
“I am afraid of what is happening right now.”
“I am afraid of what will happen.”
“I am afraid, GOD, that You really don’t have my back here.”
And to the cowardly, The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD says: “Be strong; do not fear! Here is your GOD; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; He will save you.”
Now how’s that for a loving correction?! And in the words of my Pastor: “Get it? Got it! Good!”
Today I am first of all praising and thanking ABBA for this message. And I am here with not new requests but the same. All the same. They are not old – to Him or me – just ready for a fresh touch today.
ABBA, thank You. Thank You for Your Word that is forever fresh, forever alive to give a fresh touch each time we read. Thank You for Your personal touch to every open heart. Thank You for the touch You have for each one who comes here to read and pray today. It is my prayer each will accept and receive what You have for them. Mindful now, of many: Nicole and Matt; Dori, Kerri, Pam, Debbie; others grieving and adjusting to a new kind of normal; hard-willed children, grandchildren and spouses. Israel. America. November’s Election. Arrogant, blindness. And the BODY of CHRIST. All matters important to our beings. In each of our individual places, we come believing You, loving You and entrusting them and us to You in JESUS Mighty and Holy name.
Blessings to you Dear Friends +++
Remember YOU have the God-given RIGHT to do right in this wrong world!
