Happy Monday!

And it is a happy Monday because this is the day that the Lord has made!  We are surrounded by fear and worry and doubts right now but our God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow.    As believers, don’t we know that ultimately, it is all in God’s hands?  When the fear, worries and doubt strikes, throw it all into God’s hands.

I believe we should do our due diligence EVERY day!  Not just when something is going on around us.  Stay away from sick people and if you are sick, stay away from other people.  Wash your hands.  Drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet that will strengthen your body, not tear it down.  Did I mention washing your hands?  Do NOT hoard toilet paper, baby wipes and food.  By doing so, you are effectively guaranteeing that others will do without.  Is that really how you want your life to be defined?

If you need to, turn off the television.  Don’t buy into what the fear mongers are selling.  If you get anxious, read a book.  I can recommend one that’s full of passion, violence, history and so much more and it is the one book that has been able to withstand all the critics for thousands of years!  If you need to ponder on something, try the scriptures below and, as always,

Pray Unceasingly!!

Lois

2 Chronicles 7:14   14” If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

 Psalm 91  “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” … “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”

 Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

(Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.- Corrie Ten Boom)

Philippians 4:6-7  “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Instead of Worry, Remember What God Has Done

Rick Warren

Matthew 19:26 NLT  “With God everything is possible.”

When you’re facing tough times, worry is a natural human response. But, instead of worrying, God wants you to worship. One way you can worship God is by believing who he is and what he can do.

In the book of 2 Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat and Israel found themselves in a tough spot. Three enemy nations were on their way to make war against them.

Though he was afraid, the king’s first response was to gather his people to pray. He stood before the whole nation and prayed aloud. His prayer is a great model to show you how to pray when you feel stressed out and overwhelmed.

First, when you pray during a stressful time, remind yourself of who God is. Focus on his strength, character, and power. God can handle anything, including whatever you’re facing right now.

In Matthew 19:26, Jesus says, “With God everything is possible” (NLT).

King Jehoshaphat knew this is true. He reminded himself of it as he prayed, “Are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you” (2 Chronicles 20:6 NIV).

The king’s enemy was coming against him. But he chose to take his eyes off the problem and instead put his eyes on God’s strength and power. He reminded himself of who God is.

After you remember who God is, remind yourself of what he has done. Remember when God has helped other people and when he has helped you. Recalling those things will give you confidence that God will handle whatever you are facing.

When King Jehoshaphat prays, “Did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel?” (2 Chronicles 20:7 NIV), he’s remembering when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

Jehoshaphat reminded himself of when God had helped Israel drive out enemies before. That gave him confidence that God will do it again.

What are you worrying about today? Instead of worrying, spend some time in prayer, remembering who God is and what he has done. Believe he can handle whatever you’re facing.