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Headlines Are Designed to Generate Fear: God Says “Fear Not!”

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Headlines Are Designed to Generate Fear: Gods says "Fear Not"

Are you fearful right now? The media hopes you are. They’re trying their best to keep you stressed, anxious, and fearful and there’s plenty of material to fuel their fear mongering.

The coronavirus is spreading globally, even though statistics aren’t as bad as the flu virus, but the media wants us to panic.

5 Million Cases Worldwide, 650,000 Deaths Annually: The Seasonal Flu Virus is a “Serious Concern,” But the Wuhan Coronavirus Grabs the Headlines. “The common flu does not grab the headlines. But attach a foreign name to a virus – such as Ebola, Zika and Wuhan – and then the headlines flow.”

Panic has ensued and that’s negatively affecting the stock market, which can scare anyone who has investments. The more scared we become, the more the market falls and now breaking news headlines tell us Coronavirus reaching pandemic may hurl US economy into recession Fed may cut rates as a ‘way to stem panic’.

As if this wasn’t enough to keep people up at night, here are a few fear-stoking headlines today, Saturday 2/29/2020, as I’m writing this blog:

“U.S. equity markets were shoved into their fastest correction in history this week as fears of the coronavirus becoming a pandemic rattled investors and stoked recession fear.”

“This is Silently Destroying Your DNA Right Now!”

“Christians and Jews Are Now in the Crosshairs”

“Why sea salt is no longer safe to use”

Sometimes these alarming headlines are marketing ploys for us to buy products, but always the headline is designed to get you to read more. The goal is to keep you anxious and fearful as these following articles substantiate.

Headlines & Stories Are Written To Create Fear, Anxiety.

Commentary: Sex Sells But Fear and Anxiety Sells More!

This Is How Your Fear and Outrage Are Being Sold for Profit

How to Write Fear-Fueled Openings Readers Will Be Too Scared to Ignore…

There are actually tutorials on how to write headlines that generate fear.

Headline Writing Guide: How to Write Fear-Based Headlines

Is it any wonder that so many people are afraid and anxious today! Yet, 82 times in the Bible, we’re told to fear not! How do we put those verses into practice to calm our fears?

1. Don’t React to Headlines!

Since you now know, if you didn’t before, that the goal of a headline is to make your heart race in terror or angst, stop reading them and don’t reward the writers by opening their article. I know it’s tempting, but so often you find that the author really has nothing substantive to say on the subject or they’re just writing generalities or maybes. They don’t have facts, just speculation, and yet their headline served its purpose: getting you to open and read their dubious article.

2. Consider the Source

If you’ve never heard of the author of the article, or know them to be a sensationalist, do not take to heart what they write.

3. Take Your Worries to the Lord

You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLT

Recently, daily devotionals I read, instead of reading the news, have put everything into perspective for me. They offer peace instead of panic. For example here is an excerpt from Pastor Greg Laurie’s devotional From Worry to Worship where he reminds us . . .

“If you don’t want to live in anxiety, fear, and worry, then put matters in God’s hands. Don’t give up on this. Seek it above all things. When we listen to God’s Word, it puts everything in perspective. We see God for who He is. And we see life with all of its challenges for what it is. We see everything as we ought to see it. Instead of worrying, put God and His Word first in your life. Seek Him principally above everything else. Give Him priority.”

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Studies show that worry may actually shorten our lives not prolong them.

Sometimes we might think it’s expedient to worry, but worry often paralyzes us from taking preventive or positive actions. If we’re anxious about a new virus, and we definitely should take all the recommended precautions, worrying and fretting could cause other health issues that actually reduce our defenses and immune system. We for sure will be miserable, as will everyone around us.

I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3

Another devotional I receive is called Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns. Her message on February 28, 2020 was especially timely:

“Take a break and separate yourself from the things that cause fear or worry. Think about things that bring hope and bolster your faith, says the Lord. In this way, you will access strength and better health. Learn to live in the moment as you stay present with Me. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

We live in a fallen world and that’s what the media preys on to keep us fearfully going from one crisis to the next. But God’s Word, the Bible, is timeless. He knew in advance every world and personal crisis we would face and He has all the answers and antidotes to keep us calm, cool, and collected.

We can’t outrun, outpace, outdo, outsmart, outlive . . . trouble. It has a way of popping up even in the good and prosperous seasons in our world and in our life.

We’ve all had those times when we wake up at night in a panic. Maybe it’s because we listened to the news before we went to bed or we can’t stop thinking about how world events will impact our future or we just heard disturbing personal news. That’s when we need to have John 14:1 memorized, the verse that Jesus said to His disciples to comfort them: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

A Personal “Fear Not” Story

In Everyday Brave: Living Courageously As a Woman of Faith, I admit that I am not naturally a calm person and I explain that: “The only way I calm an anxious heart is to pray about it, and then go about daily activities keeping my mind busy, trying not to dwell on the looming object of my wait.”

Last week, I had to have a dreaded MRI. I’ve had many and each time the technician asks me what kind of music I want to hear in the earphones they’ll put on me. My choice, “Christian Contemporary.” I happen to be claustrophobic so they put a washcloth over my eyes, which blocks out the sight of the tight enclosure, and I tell them to crank up the music.

So as the machine is pounding and clanging, I’m not looking at my fear. But I’m filling my mind and heart with God’s comforting words through song lyrics assuring me that with God’s help, I’m going to make it through this potentially fearful experience. And every time I do! Praise God.

You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:57

PS: You may have noticed that my Monday Morning Blog arrived to you last week on Tuesday morning! That was due to a glitch in MailChimp which sends my blog to your email. Thanks to the help of our wonderful web designer, the problem was corrected. This week, WordPress has completely changed it’s format so bear with me as I adjust to all these changes.

March 2, 2020
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How Do Your Plans for 2020 Align with God’s Plans for You?

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How Do Your Plans for 2020 Align with God's Plans for You?

I’m going to be honest with you right up front! I seriously considered taking a mini-vacation from writing this week’s Monday Morning Blog. After all, it’s that confusing time between Christmas and New Year’s when it’s hard to remember what day it is after taking a day off in the middle of the week and many of us might be suffering from the after-Christmas blahs. I know I am.

We had a wonderful Christmas with our family, which I had looked forward to for weeks . . . and then it’s over. We don’t often have a day to relax and spend time with those close to us that we don’t see every day. Of course, as Christians, we have Jesus in our heart year-round!

But I digress. I felt justified in not writing a blog on the last Monday of the year. I rationalized that you would probably be too busy to read it anyway. Then I received the email that changed everything. God nudged me off the couch and back to my office because there might be just one person who needs encouragement in determining what God wants him or her to do in 2020.

Here’s part of the email that motivated me to write this blog. It’s from the Faith Editor at Crosswalk.com where I’m a contributing writer:

“Hi wonderful writers! I just wanted to thank and congratulate you ‘select 6’ writers for pouring your hearts into content that made our top 10 in page view-volume for content that was created in 2019 for our Spiritual Life channel!”

You might remember that last week’s Monday Morning Blog was “When God Surprises You!” My editor’s congratulatory email was a huge surprise to me! To God be the Glory!

The Crosswalk article that placed #3 in the Top 10 viewed for 2019 was How to Know If Your Leap of Faith Is In God’s Will. This article only posted on Crosswalk on October 11, 2019, and yet, it was the third most read article for the entire year in the Faith and Spiritual Life category!

[Tweet “Christians want to know how to determine if we’re in God’s will when we make decisions, decide to follow a dream, make changes in our life . . . take a leap of faith.”]

Christians want to know how to determine if we’re in God’s will when we make decisions, decide to follow a dream, consider changes in our life . . . .

We ask: What am I doing here? What does God want me to do?

In the Crosswalk article, I share the 10 Steps that I went through 25 years ago to determine if it truly was God’s will for me to take a leap of faith and start a Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry. Little did I know then that not only was it God’s will, but He had plans to take the mentoring ministry beyond what I could’ve ever imagined or dreamed.

How Do Your Plans for 2020 Align with God's Plans for You?

As 2019 ends, you’re probably thinking about setting goals or resolutions for the coming year. The 10 Steps in my Crosswalk article could help guide you, like they did me, in determining if your plans align with God’s plans for you. God’s will for you. 

[Tweet “The 10 Steps in my Crosswalk article could help guide you, like they did me, in determining if your plans align with God’s plans for you. God’s will for you.”]

Maybe you really want to follow God’s calling for your life, but you’re afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. Or you might be fearful of failing or the cost seems too high to take a leap of faith into the unknown.

Let me assure you, if God is in it, He’ll be right beside you giving you the strength and courage to persevere.

[Tweet “Let me assure you, if God is in it, He’ll be right beside you giving you the strength and courage to persevere.”]

I can’t reproduce How to Know If You’re Leap of Faith Is In God’s Will here for copyright reasons, but here’s the link again. Crosswalk put the article into a beautiful slide show with pictures you’ll identify with for both men and women. The 10 faith steps in this article come from Scripture. God speaks to each of us through His Word.

[Tweet “God speaks to each of us through His Word.”]

I’m looking forward to hearing in the New Year the leaps of faith God confirms He wants you to take. I pray my Monday Morning Blogs will encourage you in your journey. We’re all sojourners together following the Lord’s leading to do His work on earth as it is in heaven.

Lord, please give me the strength to take a leap of faith and go where you call me to go and do what you ask me to do. My trust is in You alone. Empower me to align my plans with Your plans for me and to give You the glory for what You will do in and through me.

“True success in your life comes not in knowing the will of God, but in doing it.” –O.S. Hawkins The Believer’s Code

 “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” John 6:38 NLT

I wish you a blessed joyful New Year, not just on January 1, 2020, but everyday with every breath.

December 30, 2019
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Courage Is Fear that Calls on God

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The Reverend Billy Graham once said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man [or woman] takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” That quote came from an article “A Time for Moral Courage.” We certainly live in a time when moral courage is desperately needed in our culture. And we might wonder what we could do? What difference could we make in a world that seems to have gone crazy? Maybe fear stops us from taking a stand for our faith and beliefs.

[Tweet “Bravery isn’t about succeeding or failing; it’s about not letting fear imprison you from trying.”]

We’ve all experienced a time when we thought, or maybe said aloud and sincerely believed, There’s no way I can do this! Then we find ourselves doing what we thought was impossible. Bravery isn’t about succeeding or failing; it’s about not letting fear imprison you from trying. We could each have a positive influence on our communities by courageously standing strong and defending our beliefs, even during trying times, without fear of those who oppose us.

I admire the bravery and courage of every woman putting herself in harm’s way as a first responder, firefighter, police officer, and a member of the military to save and protect the lives of others. Many women find their inner brave when faced with a life-threatening situation. I once read of a mother who jumped into her car at a gas station and shot a man trying to carjack her car with her two toddlers in the backseat. She took quick decisive brave action to rescue her children.

[Tweet “Hurdles we have to overcome in our life can seem daunting and paralyzing”]

Hurdles we have to overcome in our life can seem daunting and paralyzing. Yet we read of amazingly brave women in the Bible who found the courage and strength to stand up against insurmountable odds. Esther and Deborah probably come to mind, but what about Moses’ mother, Jochebed, who gave him up for adoption to save his life and Miriam who followed her baby brother downstream and then approached Pharaoh’s daughter to see if she would like a nursemaid for the infant.

Or the two midwives, Shiphrah or Puah, who went against Pharaoh’s order to kill all the newborn Hebrew boys? Even when Pharaoh called them before him to explain why the babies were surviving, they didn’t flinch in giving him a story that the Hebrew women were stronger than the Egyptian women and delivered before they arrived. What bravery that must have taken with their own lives at stake, they risked everything to save lives.

[Tweet “As contemporary women, we also dig deep within our soul to overcome the enemy’s paralyzing tactics of fear, doubt, and discouragement”]

As contemporary women, we also dig deep within our soul to overcome the enemy’s paralyzing tactics of fear, doubt, and discouragement. With the Lord’s help, we’re all capable of taking bold, essential action to protect our physical and spiritual lives as well as the lives of others. I love what Cherie Denna, who is one of the present-day women sharing her story in Everyday Brave: Living Courageously as a Woman of Faith, says about how we can conquer our fears: “The only thing more powerful than fear is hope.

[Tweet “As believers, we know our hope comes from the Lord.”]

As believers, we know our hope comes from the Lord. “That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:10).

[Tweet “Courage is fear that calls on God. Spiritual strength makes us brave.”]

Courage is fear that calls on God. Spiritual strength makes us brave.

When you prayerfully push beyond what you think you can’t possibly do, you’re braver than you know.

When has God given you courage to overcome a fear?

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

You can take a peek into Everyday Brave on Amazon.

October 21, 2019
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Keeping Your Brave On Under Pressure

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Last weekend, I spoke at a women’s church retreat on the topic “You’re Braver Than You Know!” The women’s ministry team picked the topic from my new book Everyday Brave: Living Courageously As a Woman of Faith. I hope they left the weekend ready to take courageous steps of faith in their everyday lives.

[Tweet “Sometimes fear can stop us from trying new things or venturing out into unknown territory, but if we never try we won’t know what we might have accomplished.”]

Sometimes fear can stop us from trying new things or venturing out into unknown territory, but if we never try we won’t know what we might have accomplished.

I told the ladies this story of a recent fear I overcame.

My new Instant Pot sat in the box for weeks after my husband bought it for me on an Amazon Prime sale day. When I finally took it out to inspect it and read the directions for use, I packed it back into the box rationalizing that my grandkids were coming to visit and I didn’t have time to try this new unfamiliar appliance.

Truth be told, I was afraid of it. I had memories of my grandmother’s old style pressure cooker sizzling on the stove and her cautioning all the grandkids to stay away just in case it decided to explode. Explode?! Wow, Granny was brave and cooking looked really hard and dangerous.

One friend recently told me she has memories of her mother and grandmother canning chicken in a pressure cooker when it did explode. Chicken and glass flew all over the kitchen and parts of the appliance lodged in the ceiling of the kitchen never to be seen again!

I was comforted to know I wasn’t the only woman with trepidations when I joined a Facebook Instant Pot group trying to build up my courage to try this thing. Some women said theirs was still in the box since Christmas and it was now August. But many in the group said what so many had told me, “I love it.” Not just like it, they loved it!

Eventually, I did unbox the “beast” again and this time with my husband reading the directions and wearing his BBQ heat-resistant gloves, I bravely conquered my fear and cooked a delicious Pork Tenderloin in seventeen minutes. It actually wasn’t that hard and I didn’t need the goggles and face protection I had ready to put on . . . just in case.

REmaining brave under pressure!

I know some of you can relate to my experience and others are laughing because to you it was no big deal and you made your first Instant Pot meal with no fear or apprehension. Others might be reconsidering purchasing one or yours is still in the box too. Don’t let me scare you. They really are safe when you follow all the directions. But don’t let anyone pressure you into trying it until you feel ready.

Fear is Normal.

[Tweet “Fears are a natural part of life. We all have them. Fear is an honest, real emotion.”]

Fears are a natural part of life. We all have them. Fear is an honest, real emotion. Our heart races. We tremble. There’s a sinking sensation in our stomach. We’re terrified. Frozen. We’re not going to be brave this time.

Sometimes fear of loss or harm motivates a courageous act we wouldn’t otherwise consider. We’re usually brave and courageous in situations that involve something or someone valuable to us. Risking danger or overcoming our fears reveals what is immensely important to us to protect or accomplish.

Often fear is a healthy reaction to a dangerous situation. Other times, it’s rooted in past or recent trauma or chronic worry. Overcoming some fears may require the assistance of counselors, therapists, or doctors. Admitting you need help and acquiring it is courageous.

[Tweet “Conquering a fear can offer a world of new opportunities and accomplishments we’ve previously avoided.”]

Conquering a fear can offer a world of new opportunities and accomplishments we’ve previously avoided, like my experience with the Instant Pot. But no amount of outside pressure from others helps. We need to be ready on the inside.

God knows we live in a world with things that go bump in the night, so he gave us a remedy. This may sound too simple, but “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). You might have to do this repeatedly, but take it from me—it works.

A friend recently shared wise words from Mary Anne Radmacher on a wall hanging in her home: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”

Like my fear of the Instant Pot, is fear stopping you from doing something?

What fear has God helped you bravely overcome?

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

Everyday Brave is available on Amazon, Christianbook.com, BarnesandNoble.com and signed at my website. 

September 23, 2019
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Who Me Everyday Brave?

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Who Me Everyday Brave?

Last week was the exciting release of Everyday Brave: Living Courageously As a Woman of Faith. As promised, two winners were selected from the comments on last weeks blog Are Your Ready to Get Your Brave On With Me?

Congratulations to the winners Charmaine and Leann. Thank you everyone who also left a comment and I hope you’ll continue leaving your thoughts on how the blogs speak to you. It’s always encouraging to hear from you.

Since the focus of Everyday Brave is to encourage us to be courageous women of faith in our daily lives, I thought it might be helpful to take a closer look at how we define bravery.

What do you think of when you hear the word brave?

We might all define bravery in different terms, but I think we can agree it takes courage to be brave. I heard Bill Carter, a former Secret Service Agent on a talk show where he gave this definition of courage: “It requires courage to take advantage of opportunities.” I like this definition because every day we encounter “opportunities” where acting on them and forging ahead into unknown territory requires courage and bravery.

Defining the true nature of bravery can be difficult and confusing at best. Maybe when you think about bravery, you imagine people being valiant, resolute, unafraid, adventuresome, bold, fearless, spunky, gritty, spirited, undaunted—the list goes on and on. As intimidating as these descriptions may seem, every woman (yes, even you) has embodied at least one of those descriptions of bravery at some point in her life. Which of those terms best describes you?

Friends and family often describe me as being bold, resolute, adventuresome, undaunted—and yes, even gritty and spunky. But people also call me brave for being willing to speak out against ungodly cultural issues of our times, something I think every Christian should naturally do.

[Tweet “When we get right down to it, we’re all braver than we think we are or give ourselves credit for, even though others might see us as brave. “]

When we get right down to it, we’re all braver than we think we are or give ourselves credit for, even though others might see us as brave. Yet I find this is often an uncomfortable admission for many women to make about themselves. Is it for you?

When I was writing Everyday Brave, I prayed that the Lord would provide me with guidance on how to encourage women to share their thoughts on bravery. I was so grateful when He gave me an idea for a new approach. On Facebook, I selected a brightly colored background and typed in the question, “What is the bravest thing God has ever asked you to do?” The comments started flowing. Here are a few. Can you relate to any?

  • Forgive abusers
  • Teenage unwed pregnancy
  • Trust God
  • Obey the Holy Spirit
  • Let go and let God
  • Bury children
  • Watch loved ones pass away
  • Adopt
  • Love unconditionally
  • Be a caregiver
  • Endure illness/cancer/pain
  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Remarry
  • Move
  • Have children/Raise a family
  • Homeschool
  • Wait

You probably thought of more things to add. Did you notice no one said “Running into a burning house to save a dog”? Or “Stopping a carjacker”? Or “Helping the police subdue a thief”? Of course, those are incredibly brave actions, but the women answering my Facebook question listed mostly everyday life circumstances they felt required such bravery that only God could help them, even though some listed “Trust God.”

[Tweet “Sometimes, being brave means not taking any action at all—staying silent when everything in you screams to bolt or revolt.”]

Sometimes, being brave means not taking any action at all—staying silent when everything in you screams to bolt or revolt.

We tend to categorize “brave women” as those who go into the international mission field or into the military. Police officers, firefighters, first responders. Any woman who goes into a dangerous career, willing to lay down her life for a job, cause, or belief, is superhero brave in our eyes. And so she should be. These women display other-centered, not self-centered, courage—the difference between desperate and real bravery.

Typically, we don’t consider that “ordinary” women like you and me display real other-centered bravery and courage every single day, often in the routines of life. But we get our brave on during situations that involve something or someone valuable to us. Risking danger or overcoming our fears reveals what is immensely important to us to protect or accomplish.

[Tweet “We may not realize it, but a courageous heart makes us “superheroes” to those who know us and especially to God”]

We may not realize it, but a courageous heart makes us “superheroes” to those who know us and especially to God.

Trust God!

The antidote to fear, worry, and anxiety is to trust God. Faith is the opposite of fear. So we call on God to help us and then we don’t doubt Him. We believe that God’s got this and He’s way ahead of us.

God is looking for obedient, courageous hearts. Often that doesn’t require doing something dramatic, but simply submitting to Him in the everyday situations of our life. As we do, He will probably ask us to do more and more and more, but it won’t seem as scary because we’ve become used to having Him by our side.

[Tweet “Wherever God has given you the strength to face adversity and trials of life—or maybe just normal everyday occurrences—with courage and bravery, praise him.”]

Wherever God has given you the strength to face adversity and trials of life—or maybe just normal everyday occurrences—with courage and bravery, praise Him. Then, share your victory with others. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).

[Tweet “When the world sees God’s people acting courageously, all we have to say is, “He gave me the courage I needed to persevere.”]

When the world sees God’s people acting courageously, all we have to say is, “He gave me the courage I needed to persevere. I couldn’t have done this without the Lord’s help. To God be the glory for the things He has done in and through my life. Yes, God has made me brave!”

Will you share with us where God has made you brave? Give Him the glory for something He helped you do that you couldn’t do on your own! Let us rejoice with you!

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy of Everyday Brave and shared with me the encouragement you’ve received to Get Your Brave On! That is my prayer for this book. I hope you’ll share it with others and it always blesses an author if you leave a review or comment on Amazon to help other readers know more about the book.

If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

Who Me Everyday Brave?

 

September 16, 2019
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Stepping Out in Faith to Mentor

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Stepping out in faith to mentor

Stepping out in faith to mentor

You might have noticed there wasn’t a Monday Morning Blog last week. That was operator error. I had a guest blogger, but I didn’t hit “schedule” and so it only went out on social media but not to my email followers. It was such a great post that I wanted to resend it to all of you.

The reason I had scheduled a guest blogger was because last weekend I was speaking at First Baptist Church Riverview, Florida on the topic of Stepping Out in Faith. You can see me speaking and some of the ladies in attendance in the opening pictures, and Tammy Keene the founder of the Glory Conference and me finally meeting after two years of planning this conference, which was so blessed by the Lord. I told the story of how I stepped out in faith to start Woman to Woman Mentoring and then offered 10 Steps to Know You’re Stepping Out in Faith with God. I’ll share those 10 steps in a future blog.

But for today, I’d like you to read Andrea Chatelain’s post below because she talks about some of the reasons we might not think we’re equipped to mentor and how to overcome those insecurities.

Throw Out Insecurity and Cast Your Net

By Andrea Chatelain

I was a shell of a woman. Broken over miscarriages and lonely in faith, I called the one friend I had and asked her to gather some gals. We bought the shortest Bible study available, and strangers gathered in my living room. I had no idea what I was doing. Why had God prompted me to open my house and my heart to others when I felt so unqualified, imperfect, and weary? Truth is, He can work great things out of our vulnerability if we’ll be bold enough to follow.

[Tweet “God can work great things out of our vulnerability if we’ll be bold enough to follow.”]

Being a mentor starts with this motto: Throw out insecurity and cast your net.

Before Jesus’ disciples followed Him, many were fishermen. They spent their days casting out a net because they knew there were fish in the water–even if they weren’t biting. Some days the disciples hauled in so many fish the boat was overflowing, other times there wasn’t much to show for their efforts.

But they kept throwing their nets.

Then Jesus invited them to catch something better. “And He said to them, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 ESV

To do the important work of mentoring others, bringing them up in love and truth, we have to believe two things: 1. God chose us fully aware of our shortcomings. 2. The outcome is in His control as we follow His lead.

If we examine the first disciples, Christ didn’t always choose the most qualified. He called those willing to follow and throw their net. And the same is true of us.

[Tweet “God has chosen each of us to cast our nets right where we are and mentor others in love and truth not because we are awesome, but because He is awesome.”]

God has chosen each of us to cast our nets right where we are and mentor others in love and truth not because we are awesome, but because He is awesome. Believing that perfection isn’t required to lead others emboldens us to step out of our comfort zone and do the sometimes intimidating job of mentoring. So we throw off insecurity and say yes to every crazy idea God gives us knowing it’s not about what we have to give, but about trusting the One who’s leading us.

[Tweet “To boldly say yes when God calls us to mentor or disciple others, we must also trust Him with the outcome.”]

To boldly say yes when God calls us to mentor or disciple others, we must also trust Him with the outcome. In the past, I didn’t open myself up to mentoring because I was simply afraid no one would show up, or that the group wouldn’t be successful. I believed the outcome of my leadership was all on me. And that left me paralyzed.

I was frozen in fear and insecurity thinking it was necessary to possess all the answers for the women I mentored. But when I changed my mindset, having faith God called me to that post, He provided me with strength and wisdom through His Holy Spirit, and the pressure subsided. And even if it didn’t turn out the way I expected, I learned to trust that was part of God’s plan too.

So no, I’ve never been a perfect leader, and I doubt I ever will be, but God showed up each week to that Bible study as I committed to love and serve others. As I continue to cast my net despite my fears and insecurities, God has built friendships, grown my faith, and healed my heart.

Who is God calling you to reach out to? What fear is holding you back?

[Tweet “Trust that God knows exactly who you are, your weakness and strengths, and wants to use you to encourage and mentor others.”]

Trust that God knows exactly who you are, your weakness and strengths, and wants to use you to encourage and mentor others. He will be glorified as you faithfully say yes!

If you’re looking at the following picture and wondering why I have stuffed animal sheep on the stage with me, read a little about my Feed My Sheep Story and my testimony.

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May 13, 2019
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Why We Need Mentoring Part Two By Tammy Keene

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This week we have the second part of Tammy Keene’s blog post on how mentoring has impacted her life and led her to start a mentoring ministry at her church, First Baptist Church of Riverview. If you didn’t get to read last week’s Why We Need Mentoring Part One, be sure and read it first so you can meet Tammy.

This is also Love Your Body Like God Loves Your Body last Monday of the month and Tammy gives some good advice on sticking with weight loss or any health regime.

Why We Need Mentoring Part Two By Tammy Keene

In 2013, I invited Lisa Weaver to join me on a weight loss journey. What started as just the two of us meeting at the gym to walk on a treadmill and discuss a Bible study became so much more.

Looking back at this time, I have recognized a very important lesson: this simple act of obedience led me to where I am today. As I reflect now, I am shocked that I would have the boldness to ask another woman to join me on a weight loss journey.

That weight loss journey led to the Tuesday Night Ladies Bible Study. It was during our first Bible study, that God laid on my heart to share what we were learning with other ladies. It started out as a weight loss Bible study, but it became so much more.

[Tweet “Sometimes you need to pass the baton so God can use you somewhere else.”]

Sometimes you need to pass the baton so God can use you somewhere else.

In preparation for starting our mentoring ministry, I felt God calling me to step away from leading the Tuesday Night Bible Study. I almost let my fear of stepping away get in the way of what God was trying to accomplish. As I stepped away, God blessed the Tuesday Night Bible Study with two women to co-lead.

This was just the start because God was not done. He also led three more ladies to lead two more Bible studies I was leading on Wednesday mornings.

[Tweet “God’s economics are so much better than ours!”]

God’s economics are so much better than mine! 

If I had allowed my fear of letting go hold me back, I would have missed being a small part of some of the blessings at First Baptist Church of Riverview.

In Janet Thompson’s book, Mentoring for All Seasons, one mentee shared her concern about mentoring. “Where are all the mentors? I remember looking up to several women in the church, but I was never able to wiggle my way under their wing. It shouldn’t have been so hard, and no mom should have to go it alone. The church should weave mentoring into the fabric of the church.” (p. 143)

I know that as women, we are very busy, our schedules are packed and our time is precious, but I truly believe the experience of having a mentor or mentee is necessary for each of us. You’ll be amazed by what God will show you during this time.

Another mentor shared in Mentoring for All Seasons that: “Sometimes we don’t fully discover our strengths because we let doubt and fear keep us from moving forward…we minimize those feelings, put things off for a later date or hold back because we doubt our feelings or our own abilities. But when we say yes – even if we aren’t sure if we’re qualified or how it’s all going to turn out – that’s when He opens new doors to discover, live, and love our strengths…that’s when lives are changed, including ours…one by one the world is changed too.” (p. 145)

In 2013, I didn’t realize I had a passion for mentoring, but God used the lessons learned over my lifetime to confirm that He has placed me exactly where I am meant to be. I am blessed to be a small part of the mentoring ministry at FBCR, mentoring is my passion! 

Tammy Keene

Why We Need Mentoring Party Two by Tammy Keene

Where might God be calling you to step away, so He can help you step into something new?

[Tweet “Where might God be calling you to step away, so He can help you step into something new?”]

How has mentoring changed your life?

Why we need mentoring Part 2 by Tammy Keene

Notice Tammy made sure the Bible studies she was leading had capable new leaders before she left. That’s one important point I also make in The Team That Jesus Built. Never walk away from a ministry unless you’ve equipped someone to take your place.

[Tweet “Never walk away from a ministry unless you’ve equipped someone to take your place.”]

Then you don’t leave a void or hurt the ministry you’re leaving.

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October 1, 2018
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Unity Only Comes Through the Prince of Peace

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Jesus the Prince of Peace is the only answer to world peace!

This will be my last Monday Morning Blog for 2017 since Christmas and New Year’s Day falls on Monday this year. I hope you’ll be enjoying those Mondays and not spending time on electronics! So I wanted to close out the year with a Christmas poem I wrote December 2001, three months after 9/11. With all the unrest and fear in our nation today about North Korea and terrorist attacks again, I thought this poem was still appropriate.

[Tweet “Everyone is looking for “someone” who will bring lasting peace and justice to our world, but that will never happen through a mere human.”]

Everyone is looking for someone or something to bring lasting unity, peace, and justice to our world, but that will never happen through mere human efforts. Just like one human or one thing doesn’t cause division and injustice in our world.

[Tweet “One human doesn’t cause division in our world.”]

Sin causes division in people groups, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NLT)

[Tweet “Sin causes division in people groups,”]

Only Jesus can restore unity.

Sing along with Petra in this YouTube video, “When Will the World See That We Need Jesus?

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlFVVXqrs6U

“For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.” (Ephesians 2:14 NLT)

[Tweet “Only Jesus can bring about truth and peace. He is the Prince of Peace!”]

Remember that true peace is found in only One Person (Luke 2:8-14) and Truth and Justice (John 14:6) is fulfilled in that same Person, the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,[a] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NLT)

CHRISTMAS POEM 2001

Never Forget 9-11

 

We call on You in times of trouble,

Some sense to make amongst the rubble.

But as the ashes form a heap,

Normal life is what we seek.

 

‘Oh My God,’ is soon replaced

With don’t put Jesus in our face.

Prayers once heard throughout the land,

Now return to being banned.

 

God displayed on screen and lawn,

Soon will fade into a yawn.

A cycle repeated year after year,

As the final trumpet call draws near.

 

A Babe was born on Christmas day,

So you and I could be saved.

What will it take for all to heed,

Jesus Christ is all we need.

 

Lord, help us gathered in Your sight,

Make a difference in this plight.

Give us boldness to proclaim,

Peace on earth is why You came!

Janet Thompson  12/11

This was the note that went along with the poem my husband and I sent out Christmas 2011. Like the poem, it’s still applicable to our times today!

Reading Chapter 5 of Isaiah inspired this poem. Our small group is [was] doing a Bible study titled “ISAIAH: Trusting God in Troubled Times.”* Amazing how the book of Isaiah in the Bible parallels the world’s happenings today! No one could have forecasted the events of our times more accurately than God, the Creator of our world. We encourage you to read the book of Isaiah.

With so much talk about survival kits and what to do in an emergency, we can tell you from our experience, the only survival kit for anything that will ever happen in your life and our world is all found in one place—the Bible. Is a modern translation on your Christmas list?

Do you know someone who needs a Survival Kit for Christmas? Are you wondering what to get that hard person to buy for on your list? Do them a favor that could save their life—buy them God’s Survival Kit and manual for life—the Holy Bible.

[Tweet “Are you wondering what to get that hard person to buy for on your list? Do them a favor that could save their life”]

Our prayer is that your Christmas focuses on Christ and relationships more than ever before! That you experience the peace, joy, and hope that comes from personally knowing the Babe in the manger. He’s all grown up now and so in love with you. Celebrate each day of life as a gift from Him, and in return, give Jesus Christ the gift of your life.

Merry Christmas and Happy Blessed New Year, Janet and Dave Thompson

*Isaiah: Trusting God in Troubled Times by Howard Peskett; Inter Varsity Press  A LifeGuide Bible Study

*Picture shared from Church of God of Prophecy

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December 18, 2017
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