Bowling with the Guardrails Up

Last week, while my kids were on Spring Break, we ventured to the bowling alley.  My 11 year old son, Joe, wanted to bowl with the guardrails up.  However, I wanted to see how he would do with them down. Without the guardrails, he bowled a total score of 16 (or was it 9?).  Any rate, it was far below par (or is that just a golf term?  I know nothing about bowling other than you try to hit the pins and I rarely do that!).

For the second game, I gave in to his request for the guardrails.  Wouldn't you know it?!  He got two strikes right off the bat (wrong sport again-sorry) and he DIDN'T even use the guardrails!  I thought it was so interesting that with the guardrails down, he repeatedly threw the ball in the gutter, but when the guardrails were up, he did not even come close to hitting them!

For the first 6 frames, his ball stayed clear of the guardrails and he had a score of over 60! What was the difference?

The only conclusion I could make was that it was all mental.  Having the guardrails up boosted his confidence.

We also need guardrails in our lives.  The Word of God is our Guardrail.  Without our Guardrail, we end up in the gutter over and over again.  When the guardrails are up and we are in God's Word, we have confidence to move forward with the Lord.  We know He is protecting us and keeping us in the center of His will.  We can know He is there as our shield and ever-present help so we can be victorious rather than roll along the edges of life never reaching our goals (or pins).

Knowing what a confidence booster guardrails are, I may never bowl without the guardrails again!

I am thankful for the Word of God being my Guardrail!

Power Verses and Reflection Question: 

"Our soul waits for the Lord;  He is our help and our shield."  Psalm 33:20   

"For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught."  Proverbs 3:26

1.  How does the Word of God, as a guardrail in your life, give you confidence?

I'd love to hear from you in the comment section!  :)

How to Handle Fear {Part 2}

Yesterday, I shared in How to Handle Fear {Part 1} how David triumphed when others were paralyzed with fear.  Today, we will look at Joshua and how he handled fear.

In the book of Joshua, Moses is dead and God tells Joshua to prepare to enter the promise land. God tells Joshua 3 times in the first 9 verses of Joshua Chapter 1 to be of “good courage”.   Each of the three verses coincides with a reminder from the Lord later on in the book of what is needed to help his people “be of good courage” to face their fears.   

What the Israelites did to prepare their hearts for belief is an example we can follow to prepare our own hearts to believe and conquer fear. 

“Be strong and of good courage for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. “  Joshua 1:6

1.       Remember God’s promises.   God swore to their fathers to give them the land.  Anytime God makes a promise, we can expect Him to deliver on that promise.  We do not need to be afraid.  God will do what He said He will do.  Before Joshua led the Israelites to Jericho, he reminded them of God’s promise.  “The Lord your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.”(Joshua 1:13)  We too must remember and remind ourselves of what God says when we are afraid. 

“ Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses, My servant, commanded you; do not turn form it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:7

2.       Obey God.  Living pure and holy lives helps us overcome fear and walk in boldness.    In Joshua 3:5, Joshua exhorts the Israelites the day before the Lord opened the waters for them to cross over the River Jordan.  Joshua said, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”   When we are living in the truth of God’s Word, we can have confidence to do what God has called us to do and believe that the Lord will do wonders!

 “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9

3.       Remember God is with you.  Throughout Joshua 3 and 4 there is an emphasis on the Ark of the Covenant being with His people and going before them as they crossed over the River Jordan on dry land.  The Ark is mentioned in in Joshua 3:3,6,8,11,13,14,15 and Joshua 4: 5,6,7,9,10,11,16,18. Of course, the Ark of the Covenant is symbolic of the Lord being with them. 

When facing difficult circumstances or overcoming fears, it is important to remember our God is with us and goes before us (Psalm 139:5).  We must keep our eyes on Him.  They had a physical symbol of the Ark.  We don’t have an Ark, but we have something better, the living Word of God.

    

4.       Watch your words.  The last truth I want to point out from the book of Joshua is that God had the Israelites remain silent until they shouted for the walls of Jericho to come down.   “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth until the day I say to you, “Shout!” (Joshua 6: 10) 

What we say and don’t say will help us overcome our fears.  Words of unbelief and doubt reap actions of unbelief and doubt.  Words of belief and faith, reap actions of belief and faith.  Yesterday, we saw how David spoke words of faith to the giant and how it built his confidence and courage.   Words of doubt feed fear.  Words of faith feed courage. 

Again, like David, we can see the train of thought--belief-faith-courage-action-success, in the example of Joshua.  He believed God’s promise, He had faith and encouraged himself and others in that faith through God’s Word, He took action on what God said to do, and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down in the end.  Any giant or wall of fear cannot stand against our God and the truth of His Word!   

One Thing

 

Distraction.  The word for "distracted" in Luke 10:40-42  is from the Greek word, perispao.  It means to draw away, to be driven about mentally, to be over-occupied, or too busy.  

There are many distractions in this world that clamor for our attention.  Distractions can range from insignificant fun to dangerous detouring sin. But mostly, distractions are the everyday activities in our lives that keep us busy from sun-up to sundown until we crawl from exhaustion into the comfort of rest in our beds. 

Busyness can keep us from the feet of Jesus and severely hinder our relationship with the Lord.  Even good busyness.

"But Martha was distracted with much serving."   Sometimes the distractions in our life that keep us from the feet of Jesus as not necessary bad or amusing.  I know there have been times I have been so busy with serving that I didn't take the time needed to sit at the feet of Jesus.  I was too tired, too exhausted from much doing to spend the needed time just being. 

"Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."

Sometimes pressure is unwittingly or purposely put on us to serve beyond our capabilities or beyond healthy balances.  A friend told me yesterday how someone had asked her to serve in a ministry at church. She replied that she didn't have time.  Then the person asking began to tell her all the ways she was serving to attempt to make her feel guilty.   You can say no.

The second point of this line makes me laugh.  Martha was telling Jesus what to do!  She was demanding Jesus do something!  She must have really been stressed.  

"And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things." 

How about you?  Are you worried and troubled about many things?  Are you stressed because of all the busyness in your life?  

"But ONE THING is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

One thing.  Mary sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word.  Mary chose worship.  How long has it been since you just sat at the feet of Jesus in your bedroom and listened to worship music?  How long since you delved into His Word and let His Words soak into your Spirit and revive your soul?  Are you too busy?  Are you distracted?  The Almighty God of the Universe, Creator of all things, Your Creator is longing to spend time with you.

Only one thing is needed.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI_1YliutzA

When You Need a Bigger Boat

In 1 Samuel 17, we find David about to face the giant Goliath. Now, Goliath was huge.  He was nine and a half feet tall, and you can bet he worked out!  

When David heard about this giant who threatened the Israelite army, he asked, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?"  David showed no fear.  He knew God was on his side.  He had seen how God had helped in the past and knew He would help him in this situation ( 1 Sam 17:35-36).

He faced the giant and spoke to the giant, "The battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands." 

We too have giants we need to face.  They may not be physically nine feet tall, but they can seem just as insurmountable in size.

Like David, we need to know some things before we are ready to face our giants.

What did David know?  What was it that made Him so ready and EAGER even to face this giant with certainty that he would come out victorious?

1.  David knew His God.   He spent many hours in the presence of the Lord.  Before David was a giant slayer, he was a harp player.  He spent many hours singing and praising the Lord in the middle of the meadow.  David had a strong relationship with the Lord, which fed his confidence.

2.  David knew His God was with Him and would help him.  He drew confidence from past victories.  "Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." (1 Samuel 17:36).

3.  David knew who he was.  He knew God was on His side and that he was in the army of the Living God.

We too can get in a position where we can confidently face our giants: 

Spend time in the presence of the Lord in praise and worship and prayer.  

Remember past victories where God has provided and proved faithful time and again.  

Know who you are, that you are in the army of the Living God.  You are a child of the Most High.   

Who is this giant who dares defy the child of the Most High, and the army of the Living God? 

Once you are ready to face the giants, call them out.  David had to identify the giant, call him out and face him.  What are your giants?  Fear? Insecurity?  Pride?  Marriage issues?  Children struggles?  Health?

After you have identified your giants, speak to them as David did.  Speak God's Word.  God's Word is a double edged sword and it will defeat those giants.

For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb 4:12)

As I identified my giants, I began to speak to them.  I had many scriptures memorized to help conquer the giants.  One giant in particular was bigger than I realized and I knew I needed more ammo.

I thought back to the movie Jaws.  When they went out to face the "giant" shark, it wasn't until they stood face to face with the giant that they realized they might need a "bigger boat."  David only needed one stone, but sometimes we need a "bigger boat".

Get your Bible out and look up verses to speak to your giant.  I found about eight and wrote them on note cards.  Anytime my giants try to rear their ugly heads, I am going to stand like David did and speak to them.  The spoken Word of God is stronger than any sword and more powerful than any giant.  They have to fall in defeat when hit with the ammo of the Word.

Face those giants and speak to them!

Who is this giant that he should defy the armies of the living God. The battle is the Lord's and He will give you into my hands.  Victory is mine!  (Sue paraphrase)  : ) 

CowAnt.Com

Suddenly the door flew open.  My nine year old, Joe, came screeching into the house to enthusiastically announce his discovery!  His eyes lit bright with excitement, and his face red and glowing.....

"Mom, come quick!  You have to see what I found!  You have to come before it is gone!"

Curiously I followed, "Ok, I'm coming.  What did you find?!"

He led me to the driveway, then to the road just outside.  His eyes searched and searched.  "It was right here!  It must have left, " he said with disappointment.

"What was it?  What did you see?" 

"A Cow Ant.  It was this big I-------------------------------------I.  (Pretty big for an ant!)  They can eat a person!"

I questioned the existence of the cow ant and that this man eating creature was outside our driveway.  However this nine year old insisted he saw one and that they could eat people. (Needless to say, I am glad it was gone!) : )

A few hours later at the dinner table, Joe described his discovery to everyone.  Again, we questioned if there was an ant who could eat people.  Chris, his dad, recommended we look it up on the internet.

Then, our 6 year old, Luke, said, " You can look it up at CowAnt.Com."  
Laughter filled the room.   
(After all, doesn't everything have a .com behind it. )  : ) 



Well, after some research, I am surprised and not too thrilled to announce that there IS a killer ant nicknamed the "CowAnt" because it can kill a cow.  Holy Cow Ant, Batman!  However, it did not say anything about eating people.  Thankfully, it is not native to Tennessee and is only found in the desert.  No, this information was not found at CowAnt.com.  : ) 

Even our six year old understood that we can find most information on the internet. There is another source, however, that is even more useful to life. Many people do not realize the value of the information it contains.  It is also always accurate, unlike the internet.   It is called the Bible. : )

There are some who may attempt to dispute the fact that the Bible is accurate and truth.  If that is you, I encourage you to read, "Evidence That Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell.  He was also skeptical at one time, and set out to disprove the Bible.  You may be interested in what he found and how he found it.

The Bible is a resource that is living, breathing.  It is God's Word and it is alive.  That may sound strange, but it breaths life into any situation.  The truth of this book spoken has tremendous power.  When you read it, it speaks to you, the Lord unlocks the secrets of mysteries.  This Word changes lives.  It is alive.  When Jesus spoke the Word, Satan had to leave Him. When we speak the Word, the enemy leaves us too.  Powerful.

But Jesus Answered him, saying, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'   Luke 4:4

My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.  Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.  Prov 4:21-22

It brings life.  No matter how dry or dead your life may seem.  The word of God will bring you life.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  John 14:27

It brings peace.   I know this first hand.  When I was in graduate school and away from the Lord, I desperately wanted peace.  It occurred to me that reading my Bible might help.  (That had to be the Holy Spirit.)  It did help, I gained a peace I never knew before.  Today, it still brings peace. 

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17

It brings faith. The more we hear God's word, the more faith we have in it.  Whatever area you need more faith in, find verses in God's Word and read them over and over again until it is a part of you. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Psalms 119:105

It brings direction.  God's word is better than a google map.  It won't ever get you lost!  The word of God will direct and guide you in life.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

It brings enlightenment and revelation.  The last part of the verse above says the word "is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart."  The word of God reveals what is in our thoughts and hearts.  It is a mirror into our soul. 

Now, I know you won't find all that at CowAnt.com or any other .com for that matter unless it is a biblical .com.

The above verses describe only the surface of what is found in God's word.   You will have to dig and see for yourself all the treasures that are available to discover.  Then, just like my son when he found his cow ant, you won't be able to keep it to yourself.  You will go running, eyes bright with enthusiasm, to tell someone......You have to see what I found!