Kiss the Wave…Face your Fear!
(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Kiss the Wave – LISTEN HERE)
Our hearts and lives are often paralyzed by fear.
Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of hurting yourself. Fear of the unknown. The list goes on. The list of “phobias” in the realm of psychology is long and extensive. Almost anything you encounter can cause you fear. While fear is an emotion we have and it can prompt us to move out of harm’s way or prevent ourselves from getting hurt, fear can often be a paralyzing factor in our day. Fear causes anxiety, worry, and panic. Our aversion to fear leads us to take the path of least resistance or never take a path because our fear has created a reality in our minds that prevents us from moving forward.
So if we are going to win the day, we have to face our fears that leave us immobilized and full of anxiety.
I wish I knew to whom to give credit, but fear has been labeled this way:
FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
For example, the disciples on the evening of the resurrection were locked in the upper room for fear of the Jews. Had they received a death threat note from the Sanhedrin that they were next? Was the room they were in circled by the temple guards? Neither of these appears to be true, but they had convinced themselves that they were next. So they hid in fear.
Like most encounters with fear in the Bible, the Lord, Jesus, steps into the fear and calms it.
John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Did the circumstances change? Did the disciples receive a note that the Sanhedrin realized its error and they would no longer be targeting the followers of Jesus? Nope. Fear based on false evidence was replaced with peace based on actual evidence.
The Apostle John was one of those in the room whose heart of fear was replaced with peace.
1 John 4:18 says, “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.”
If Jesus drives away fear, one has to ask, “Where does fear come from?”
Well, if fear is often based on false evidence, it would follow that fear by enlarge is authored by Satan the father of lies. Satan loves to disrupt the peace of our hearts by getting our minds to create stories that aren’t factually true, but disrupt our emotions by making them appear real.
So, Satan’s lies must be replaced by God’s truth.
What are you afraid of?
Acknowledge the emotion of fear is real. However, evaluate the evidence to determine if the story creating that fear is factual.
Psychologists at Penn State studied people with General Anxiety Disorder to determine what percentage of things they worry about actually come true. Here’s their summation:
The result? A whopping 91 percent of worries were false alarms. And of the remaining 9 percent of worries that did come true, the outcome was better than expected about a third of the time. For about one in four participants, exactly zero of their worries materialized.
These findings underscore “worry’s deceit,” in the words of study authors Lucas S. LaFreniere and Michelle G. Newman. “Deceit” is a good word to describe the nature of worry, implicitly demanding that we pay attention to it because the threat is real. In reality, it’s nearly always a false alarm. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/201907/how-often-do-your-worries-actually-come-true)
Fear is not that far off from worry and anxiety. Recognize that nearly all of fear is a deception of Satan.
But God’s perfect love, truth and peace can drive out fear…more tomorrow.
Apply: Ask God to reveal the lies and truth about what you fear. What does he open to you?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your perfect love. Allow it to drive out all fears in my heart! AMEN.
Win the Day…Kiss the Wave?
(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Kiss the Wave – LISTEN HERE)
“I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages”
― Charles H. Spurgeon
Waves are powerful. Small waves that lap the shoreline are ones we readily splash through. A little bit bigger waves give enough power to propel a boogie board with a small person on it. Larger waves are captured by surfers. But the larger the wave, one realizes the power and immensity are going to be overwhelming and fatal. Large waves toss a person, a surfer around and without anchor, a boat would be dashed into the shoreline and lost.
Yet, Spurgeon uses this analogy to put a perspective on the powerful waves that sweep over us in life…they are a blessing to receive when that wave crashes us into the Rock of Ages, Jesus himself.
But they don’t always do that.
All too often, the waves of life have potential to dash us against the rocks of fear, insecurity and anything but Jesus.
The reality is life is filled with waves of various sizes…relationship challenges, political concerns, health issues, family stains, financial worries and more.
So what makes the difference between whether we curse the wave (i.e. blame God for it and drift from God because of it) or kiss the wave (i.e. thank God for it and move closer to God as a result of it)?
The difference is whether I see God’s purposes in the waves he allows to come into my life. If I do, I will recognize the blessing God intends. If I don’t I will never see the power of God show up.
How so?
Let’s go back to the disciples on the evening of Jesus’ resurrection. As you read the account ask, “What is the wave and how did Jesus ensure the wave drove them back to him?
John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
What was the wave?
Their Leader was crucified and dead. Confusion came as some said he was alive. Fear was palpable as they sat together behind closed doors because of perceived threat from the Jewish leaders.
What was going to happen? We don’t know the conversation, but they could have been talking about what the next step was, reflecting on the impact of what had just happened, and questioning the reports of the women that said he was alive.
Fear kept them behind closed doors.
Fear paralyzed them.
Fear kept them from enjoying an evening of celebration because Jesus was alive.
But Jesus changes that by bringing his presence and his peace among them. They were overjoyed.
And then Jesus sends them out with the message of forgiveness.
Jesus changes the wave from one that we feel like cursing to one we feel like kissing.
We’ll unpack more of the process that moves us when a wave is crashing to be dashed into the Rock of Ages.
Apply: What is the wave in your life right now? Is it leading you closer or farther from Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus thank you for the waves in my life. Help me to learn to deal with them in a way that leads me closer to you, not farther away. AMEN
How do we win the day and flip the script?
(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Flip the Script – LISTEN HERE)
How do we Flip the Script?
The narrative that runs through our mind is one that often determines the course of our day. So how can we give the Lord more opportunities to rewrite the story not only in our minds, but of our lives?
First and foremost, we want to as much as possible fix our hearts and minds and eyes on Jesus.
Remember Peter? He and the other disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and Peter challenged Jesus to call him out. When Jesus did, Peter stepped out of the boat and DID walk on the water…until he took his eyes off of Jesus.
Matthew 14:28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Commit each day to focus on Jesus. I pray these devotions help. Make use of a daily Bible reading plan from the YouVersion Bible App or another source. Have a Jesus time to begin your day.
Second, reflect and write your story.
I will be honest, journaling hasn’t been a huge part of my life. But when I have done it, it is helpful to reflect and think through the narrative that was part of my day. When our story is on paper, it engages other senses and allows our minds shift from the details to the meaning and significance of that event or season in life. Ask yourself the reporter questions: Who was involved? Why did it happen or why did I react the way I did? How did it make me feel? How did it lead me to act? When can I try something different or do that again? Take time to evaluate your story and insert new promises and new thinking from Jesus into your mindset and heart.
Don’t forget to write about thinks for which you are grateful. Gratitude quickly changes our perspective from what we perceive is wrong, to the blessings God is giving.
Third, connect with a Christian friend.
A confidant is a blessing to hear and reflect on your story and you for them. Others can hear or perceive things we can’t. An outside perspective can often give insights to an internal reality. Of course, a Christian counselor or pastor can be options if professional help is needed.
Next week we will “Kiss the Wave”…but until then, perhaps a verse from the popular hymn “Amazing Grace” captures the reality and prayer for God’s grace to change our story and “Flip the Script.”
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun.
–John Newton, 1725-1807
Flip the Script…Change Your Focus!
(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Flip the Script – LISTEN HERE)
Do you like optical illusions?
They do funny things with your brain depending on where you focus. I remember the “3D” holograms in the late 80s’ that you had to “look through the picture” to see the image pop up in front of you. It was tough because you couldn’t focus on what you could see in front of you, you had to look “beyond the surface” and then the image became clear in front of you.
It’s easy to focus on what is in front of us. It’s what is reality in the moment. Our days are filled with tasks that need accomplishing. We have homes to clean, homework to do, reports to finish, calls to make, meals to prepare, cars to fix, etc. So it’s hard to think and focus on something beyond the urgent of the day.
But is that really where we should focus?
Thomas, for whatever reason, wasn’t with the disciples when they were gathered on the evening of the resurrection. (I always wonder where he was…) Jesus appeared to the disciples that were there and they told Thomas. But Thomas wasn’t buying it. He wanted to see for himself.
John 20:24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
I’m not sure why the credibility of the other ten disciples didn’t convince Thomas, other than the reality of the moment could not comprehend the reality of the resurrection. Jesus loves Thomas enough to help him see what was real.
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
I’m glad Thomas challenged the report of the disciples. I probably would have done the same. Through the interaction, Jesus affirms that our focus should not always be on what we can see, but one what we have not seen.
Jesus helps us realize that focusing beyond just our personal experience to the promises and truths that God has given us gives perspective on the day at hand. What do I mean?
When we win the day, we focus on the long game, not the immediate. What keeps us close to Jesus and on the path to heaven. The world and all it has to offer is not the end game, heaven is with Jesus.
When we win the day we realize the temporary things of this world are minor in comparison to the eternal realities Jesus has both won for us and promised to us.
2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
So flip the script today…focus on what is eternal, not just on the temporary.
Apply: What happens when you see your tasks today in light of eternity? Do some tasks fall off your list? Do other activities make the list?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for moving our focus from only what is temporary to that which is eternal. Guide our days to always walk in the way of the eternal! AMEN.
Flip the Script…with a new story!
(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Flip the Script – LISTEN HERE)
The narrative that goes on in your mind is a powerful story. This story is made up of past experiences, personal interactions, and powerful memories.
According to a study done by Emory University, the best predictor of a child’s emotional well-being is not getting them into a great school. It’s not giving them lots of hugs and kisses. It’s not taking them on a pilgrimage to Disney World. It’s not watching Pixar films. According to these researchers at the Emory University, the number one indicator of emotional well-being, drum roll, is a child knowing their family history.
Think about this for a moment. You can probably still hear the words your parents spoke to you…positive or negative which determine your confidence, sense of value, or significance. Perhaps a teacher in school discounted your abilities and you still let that recording play over and over again. On the other hand it could have been a positive comment that replays constantly. Our story is a powerful component of our day to day thinking and mindset. If we have a narrative that is full of confidence, positivity, value and worth…it’s probably easier to win the day. If we have a narrative that is filled with negativity, self-deprecation, low confidence and sense of worth, we may struggle even to get out of bed in the morning.
What I’m about to share next is in no way minimizing the struggle that some feel. (Professional counseling can be an avenue to re-write narratives in our minds.)
The disciples had a story. In fact “nicknames” were perhaps indicators of their story. “Doubting” Thomas…The “Sons of Thunder”…the tax-collector…fishermen…zealot…etc. While these aspects were part of their story, what changed was the intersection of Jesus into their story.
On the evening of the resurrection, the disciples were locked in a room because they were afraid of the Jews. They didn’t want to be next in line to take a spot on the cross. Their immediate story was one of fear, uncertainty and questions.
John 20:9 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Jesus didn’t want their stories to be defined by their past or by their most current emotions. He appears to them to affirm their value, settle their hearts, and commission them for his purposes. Jesus’ personal interaction with the disciples indicated they were significant, valued, and important to Jesus.
It didn’t matter what the Jewish leaders thought. It didn’t matter what the people in Jerusalem thought. It didn’t matter that they were fisherman or tax-collectors. Jesus flips the script of their story by intersecting them with his story.
Jesus’ opinion is the only one that matters. No matter what our past story is, we can allow our minds to form a new story based on our interaction with Jesus…a story that each day plays the very true narrative that you are loved, forgiven, a child of God with a heavenly purpose for your day.
So with a new story beginning to play in your mind…Win the day!
Apply: What narrative from your past affects your days on a regular basis? What begins to change when you allow Jesus’ narrative to begin to replace the old story?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for intersecting into our story to instill in us that we are forgiven, gifted, children of yours. Let us win the day because you won our eternity! AMEN.