Tag: overcoming fear

May 21, 2025 Tuesday's Meeting Post a Comment

Justified by Grace

Opening Scripture

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
— Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)

Rebuilding Men to Transform Society

If we want to see real change in our families, neighborhoods, and cities, it has to begin with the heart of a man. Rebuilding men means rebuilding their relationship with God. The best way to do that is through prayer and reading the Bible. A man who prays is a man who listens to God. A man who reads the Word is a man who learns God’s truth. Strong men make strong families. Strong families change society.

Hard Work, Preparation, and God’s Grace

In the world of sports, talent alone is not enough. Take NFL player Patrick Peterson as an example. His success came from hard work, preparation, and discipline. But beyond that, God’s hand was on his life. Talent may open a door, but it is God’s grace and our work ethic that keep it open. The same is true in our lives. Whether on the field or in everyday life, success comes when we give our best and trust God’s plan.

God Opens Doors When We Trust Him

There are moments when God gives us a new opportunity, but fear from our past holds us back. Some of us have hesitated before, missed chances, or let fear win. But God doesn’t want us to live in fear. When He sends the right people to encourage us or opens a door, we can move forward with peace. If He leads you there, He will guide you through it.

Trusting God One Day at a Time

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 not to worry about tomorrow. Every day has its own challenges. What we need is trust for today. Sometimes we get anxious trying to figure everything out, but God promises to direct our steps. When we seek Him daily, we learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

Prayer in Hard Times

Life will test us. Whether it’s a loved one struggling with addiction, the sudden loss of a friend, or personal pain we can’t explain, prayer keeps us connected to God. Miracles still happen when people pray. Comfort still comes when we cry out to God. He hears us. He is with us. In hard times, prayer isn’t just an option. It’s a lifeline.

God’s Protection in Our Youth

Many of us look back and see how God protected us even when we didn’t know Him. Some of us made reckless choices as children.  Through it all, God’s hand was there. These stories remind us that God’s mercy has always been working in the background.

Justified by Grace, Not Works

We are not saved by our good works or by cleaning up our act. We are made right with God through grace. This is called justification. It is a free gift given to those who believe in Jesus. Galatians 2:16 tells us that no one is justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. Many people struggle with this because it seems too good to be true. But this is the truth of the Gospel.

Sanctification: Growing Into Who God Called Us to Be

After justification, God begins to change us from the inside out. This is called sanctification. It’s a process where God shapes us to look more like Jesus. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t mean we become perfect. It means we keep growing. God is patient with us and walks with us every step of the way.

Renewed by the Holy Spirit

We are not just improved people, we are made new. The Holy Spirit gives us new life. He breaks old chains, removes generational curses, and makes us part of God’s family. We are no longer defined by the past. Now we belong to God. Romans 8:15 says we have received the Spirit of adoption. We are His sons.

Prayer, Power, and Peace in Jesus

Through Jesus, we have power in prayer. We plead the blood of Jesus over our lives and find strength in the Spirit. Prayer gives us the courage to face temptation, peace in the storm, and victory over sin. When we pray with faith, we invite God’s power into every part of our lives.

Leaning on God’s Wisdom, Not Ours

Our way of thinking often leads to fear, confusion, or pride. But the Holy Spirit teaches us a new way. When we lean on God’s understanding instead of our own, we walk in truth. He guides us, corrects us, and shows us the better path. Trust Him, even when you don’t have it all figured out.

Final Thought: God Is Still Rebuilding Men

He’s not finished with you. Every prayer, every verse, every moment of obedience—God is using it to build something greater. He is rebuilding men who will stand for truth, lead their families, and bring light to the world. Let Him rebuild your life and use you to transform others.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your grace that makes me right with You. Help me to trust Your plans and not my own. Guide my steps each day and renew my heart by Your Spirit. Use me to bring change in my family, my community, and beyond. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Scripture

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
— Titus 3:5 (NKJV)

January 29, 2025 Tuesday's Meeting Post a Comment

Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Man

Opening Scripture

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.’”
— Jeremiah 17:5,7 (NKJV)

The Danger of Trusting in Man

Trusting in people or in our own abilities can lead to disappointment, failure, and even spiritual ruin. The Bible warns that when we rely on human strength alone, we place ourselves in a cursed position. People are flawed, limited, and prone to making mistakes. Even our own wisdom and confidence can mislead us if they are not rooted in God’s truth.

The Blessing of Trusting in God

On the other hand, those who trust in the Lord are blessed. God is unchanging, all-powerful, and always faithful. He sees the full picture of our lives and guides us according to His perfect plan. When we depend on Him, we receive security, peace, and strength that no human effort can provide.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Seeking God’s Presence for Guidance

God desires to lead us, but we must make the effort to seek Him. Prayer and time in His Word allow us to hear His voice clearly. The enemy will try to keep us distracted and distant from God because he knows that when we are close to the Lord, we gain strength and discernment to overcome temptation and hardship.

God’s Plan Requires Cooperation

God has a purpose for each of us, but we must be willing to follow His process. Sometimes, His guidance requires patience, faith, and endurance. The enemy tries to fight our prayer life because he knows that through prayer, we receive wisdom, direction, and power to resist his attacks.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Stillness before God allows us to hear His voice and understand His plan. If we rush ahead without waiting on Him, we risk stepping outside of His will.

The Power of Obedience and Faith

True success comes from walking in obedience to God. Those who yield to His Spirit experience divine blessings and provision. The Bible shows countless examples of people who trusted God, obeyed His direction, and saw miraculous breakthroughs.

When we prioritize God over material things and personal ambition, He provides all we need. This requires faith, but God always rewards those who diligently seek Him.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Final Encouragement: Trust in God’s Hands

Like clay in the hands of the potter, we must allow God to shape our lives. If we harden our hearts and resist His molding, we risk becoming useless in His plan. But if we remain humble, willing, and obedient, He will make us into vessels of honor.

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV)

Let’s make the decision today to trust in God completely, seek His presence daily, and obey His voice, knowing that His way is always best.

January 15, 2025 Tuesday's Meeting Post a Comment

Seeking God’s Kingdom Above All

Opening Scripture

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
—Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

The Importance of a Kingdom Mindset

In today’s world, it’s easy to focus on material things or personal success, but God calls us to seek His kingdom first. A kingdom mindset means prioritizing what matters to God—loving others, sharing the gospel, and living in obedience to His Word. Without this focus, it’s harder to navigate life’s challenges because we lack the spiritual tools needed to stay grounded.

Feeding God’s People with His Word

The Bible reminds us that God’s people need His Word, not personal anointing or charisma. Feeding others begins with personal devotion. Spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and living out the Word allows us to lead by example and encourage others to do the same.

Attention Shapes Direction

What we focus on determines the course of our lives. When we fix our eyes on God and His righteousness, everything else falls into place. But if our attention shifts to money, material possessions, or even fear, we risk drifting from God’s plan. As Jesus taught, when we seek the kingdom first, God will take care of all our needs.

Trusting God with the Future

In times of uncertainty, remember that God is the ultimate provider. Whether it’s protecting us from danger, guiding us toward new opportunities, or teaching us to trust Him more, His faithfulness never fails. Let’s realign our hearts with His kingdom today, trusting that His plans for us are always good.

Closing Scripture

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
—Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)

November 20, 2024 Tuesday's Meeting Post a Comment

The Roar Is Just a Distraction

Opening Scripture

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)

The Roar Is Just a Distraction

The enemy wants to isolate you, just like a lion separates prey from its group. Satan roars loudly in our lives, trying to shake us with fear and doubt. But remember: his roar can only scare—you belong to God, and no roar can destroy you unless you let it.

1. The Devil’s Roar: A Deceptive Threat

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
—1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

A lion’s roar is meant to scare prey into running—this is where the real danger begins. In panic, prey moves away from safety, separating from their group and exposing themselves to an ambush.

Similarly, the devil uses fear to isolate us. When we’re overwhelmed, ashamed, or discouraged, we might stop reaching out to others. We might avoid church, skip prayer, or withdraw from those who could help. But that’s when we become the most vulnerable!

Ask Yourself: Is It a Blessing or Bait?

Not every opportunity, voice, or feeling is from God. What seems good could be a trap. Fear and urgency are often signs of bait, not blessing. Be still and ask: Is this pushing me closer to God or pulling me away?

2. Don’t Fear the Storm—Calm the Source

“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling… Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!'”
—Mark 4:37-39 (NKJV)

In Mark 4, the disciples panicked because their boat was filling with water. But Jesus didn’t focus on the waves; He rebuked the wind that caused the storm.

Often, we fixate on the visible problem, but God wants to deal with the root. Fear and doubt are the “roars” in your storm. Trust God to calm the source, not just the symptoms.

3. Stay Connected—We’re Stronger Together

When life gets hard, the worst thing you can do is isolate yourself. God designed us to lean on one another. Be intentional about staying connected to other believers who will pray for you, encourage you, and help you back up when you fall.

“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

4. Men: Lead Your Families Through the Roar

As spiritual leaders, men have a responsibility to guide their families in faith. The enemy roars the loudest at households led by godly men. Your job is not to panic over the waves but to stand firm, pointing your family toward Christ.

Hold On: God’s Voice Is Greater Than the Roar

When you open your heart in prayer, God’s Word pierces through every fear. His truth doesn’t bounce off—it lands with power. The roar is loud, but it’s empty compared to God’s authority.

“And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
—Colossians 3:10 (NKJV)

No matter how loud the roar, stand still. Remember, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Don’t let fear push you into the ambush—listen for God’s voice and walk in His strength.

Final Thought: The lion’s roar may startle, but it cannot defeat you. Stay close to God, surround yourself with faithful companions, and trust the One who calms every storm.