Do you get easily distracted? Have you ever devoted time to reading the Bible or prayer, five minutes pass, and you are thinking about all of the to-dos on your list? Friends, the world is full of distractions from social media, to cell phones, to Netflix, etc. Have you seen the movie, Up? I love the talking dog. He would be doing one thing and see a squirrel and be distracted by the potential squirrel.

I confess I am guilty of being distracted from things that are important in my life such as reading the Bible, time with my family, and even prayer. I wake up in the morning and have my day planned out. I make a to-do list, and every time I check off something on my list, I am dancing on the inside. However, more times than not, I end up wasting a lot of my day with things that are pointless. 

In my last blog, I shared that I have been asking God, “what does he want me to do in 2019?” 

Friends, we have a purpose in God. If we ask God what He wants us to do, he will let us know. God determines our purpose. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God Works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And those He predestined, He also classed; those He called, He also justified, those He justified, He also glorified.”

Stay focused and do not be distracted by the things in life. Call upon the name of the Lord day or night! Listen to worship music throughout your day. Seek God!

Can you think of a time in your life when you were totally afraid?  I know I can. Many times, in my life I was stricken with fear. Fear of losing my job, friends, family etc. Friends, fear is a liar! 

Psalm 23:4 states, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” God never promised us that we would never walk through the valleys, but He did say He would be with us. 

There are many different types of fear such as fearing the increasing violent crimes in our neighborhood, mass shootings, terrorism, or natural disasters. One of the biggest fears is being alone. It is perfectly normal to experience fear. There are also good fears such as a healthy fear that keeps us from harm or the fear of the Lord which is more of an awe for our Creator. 

We cannot live in constant fear and have faith at the same time! 

Joshua 1:9 states, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Friends God wants us to be strong and courageous. Do not waste time living in fear. Go to God with these fears and ask Him to give you courage and strength. God has a plan for your life. Do not let fear hold you back from fulfilling that plan! 

Take a few minutes to listen to “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams

Happy Thursday! Friends have you ever worried that God will not come through for you? Do you fear being alone? Do you fear being rejected? I have been there too! 

I have worried myself to death over finances, family problems, my future etc. I admit that I have had a hard time casting my cares on God. In fact, there are times that I thought I gave it to God, but I took it back. 

I think it is hard to caste our cares because the Devil comes in and torments us. He tries to convince us that God doesn’t love us. 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). 

When the Devil comes around and tries to torment me with his trash talk, I say to myself, “God loves me!” I do this whenever I am feeling insecure. Just know that nothing can separate us from the love of God. I hope that you begin today and say with confidence, “God loves me!” 

Please take a minute to listen to “How He Loves” by David Crowder.. Blessings to you!