Category: No Fear Here

Certainty & Confidence

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Take heart! The upcoming election is secure. Anxiety gnaws, newscasts distress, opinions dither—but they only offer humanity’s feeble wisdom.

Remember! God reigns. He alone knows the end from the beginning. He sees what is yet to come. He is on His throne and is the ultimate authority in the affairs of earth.

Be encouraged! His purposes will stand. He will do what He pleases—to bless us, draw us, protect us—and to reveal Himself as the Glorious One and draw all people to Himself.

Isaiah 46:9b-10

Believing and Adjusting

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

What do I believe when I hear reports of the wrath and destruction of war? Or when I gape in disbelief at the devastating pictures of nature’s unrestrained power? Or when I witness the aftereffects in our son’s body after only one week of chemo? Or when I cringe at the rage displayed in the current civil war in America? I will be overwhelmed if I fail to adjust what I see by what I believe.

I adjust my line of vision from what is before me and focus my eyes higher. I look up—to the God who sees all, knows all, and, yes, controls all. I believe in His purposes, His heart, and His sovereignty. I don’t argue with things too high or complex for my understanding.

I adjust my thinking and take my cue from the Psalms, professing ultimate, unequivocal truth.

The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
    indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
    you are from all eternity. Psalm 93:1-2

I will adjust my mind to dwell on what I know is true because what I see and understand is limited, too short-sighted. The God I believe is unlimited and sees the end from the beginning—I will choose to believe in Him, His grace, and His salvation.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart

IMHO

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

No more Light Side! We are facing health challenges with our son David and my writing inspiration and time is pretty sparse right now. However, I was impressed with this teaching and want to pass it on for your consideration.

In My Humble Opinion, I found this sermon to be fair and stimulating—Election 2024. It is rare to find moderate, objective commentary that is offered from a Biblical perspective concerning policies in the upcoming election.

In My Humble Opinion, an election is not about a person or personality but about supporting Biblical standards. Even a cursory look at the Old Testament kings shows us that, while God doesn’t overlook sin, He uses sinners for His purposes.

I am so thankful He is the ultimate Ruler and King over all. He is in control of our seemingly out-of-control world. Think on these verses, one from the Old Testament, one from the New.

  • He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. Daniel 2:21a
  • There is no authority except that which God has established. 
    The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1b

Lord, your will be done.

Please do not respond with political arguments; I will not engage. Simply hit delete!

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart

Thanking when Quaking

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

One of my favorite genres is historical fiction. The characters, real and imagined, propel the stories and seem to meet the challenges of their day with better grace than I would. I think the most stabilizing lesson I learn is the repetition of tragedy throughout history. When it comes to sin and aggression, there is nothing new under the sun. This calms me when current events cause me to quake with outrage and stimulate fear. Psalm 75 addresses these emotions, but look how it starts out,

“We give thanks to you, O, God.”

The thanks is not due to peace and prosperity. Thanks is given because in the lack of peace and prosperity God is constant. The psalmist’s assurances speak to us today:

  • When the earth and all its people quake, God holds its pillars firm (v 3)—we are upset, God is not. He’s got it and us covered.
  • God chooses the appointed time and judges uprightly (v 2)—in His time evil will be justly judged.
  • God brings one down and exalts another (v 7)—leaders, generals, presidents, and prime ministers serve at His command.

I’m guessing you need these reassurances as much as I do so, once again, let’s proclaim, “No fear here!” Let’s choose to focus on the God who holds the world in His hands, rather than on the chaos swarming around us. God upholds the world. God appoints the time of judgement. God raises up and brings down rulers.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart