1 John 4:18 NIV, “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.”
Fear is sometimes a natural response when we feel something is beyond our control. Our minds can run wild imagining the worst possible outcomes. In those moments or days where we experience fear, learning to make prayer our first response can be difficult, but it is necessary. Prayer allows us to cast our fears and worries upon God, and receive His help. It gives God the opportunity to give us guidance and open our eyes to see things from His perspective. Through prayer, He will intervene on our behalf. Knowing that God loves us perfectly will bring peace to our hearts and calm our fears, even in life’s toughest situations. When our hope is Him, we can overcome our fears.
1 John 3:18 NLT, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending a webinar and heard Anne Beiler speak, the founder of Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest pretzel franchise. As she candidly shared about her faith in Jesus Christ, and how He helped her to grow personally and professionally, I was inspired. She said she always felt so small and insignificant as a person, and had to learn to believe that she is who God says she is.
I have enjoyed Auntie Anne’s pretzels numerous times in the past while at the shopping mall. Most recently while my daughter was visiting from Spain this summer, we had some of these delicious pretzels; however, I had never heard the story behind it all. She brought much hope to those of us who want to lead like Jesus in our daily lives.
Photo by: Eva Elijas Of Estonia 🇪🇪
Some points she made about leadership are below:
Lead by example:
We often hear this, but to actually do it takes perseverance because we sometimes have to go against the grain, and choose the ways of Jesus over the ways of friends, family, or others we are around. (Matthew 19:29)
Invest in others and respect them:
We live in a world where we are encouraged to selfishly put our own needs before the needs of others. But Jesus says to think of others first and love them. Kindness and compassion are needed in our world. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Do not engage in negativity:
This is a reminder to avoid godless chatter and useless arguments. In the world of social media, it’s easy to get caught up in negativity. We must even guard against negativity in our personal lives and in the workplace. It’s not necessary to respond to every negative thing that comes our way. (2 Timothy 2:16)
Trying to be perfect is impossible:
Excellence is possible, but perfection is not. Represent Jesus by striving for excellence, which simply means doing things to the best of your ability. He is our strength. (1 Peter 2:9)
Do not compromise truth:
Be who you are in Jesus Christ, and set a good example of His love to those around you. Make wise choices and act in a way that reflects His glory. Stand for the truth in God’s Word. (John 17:17)
Exodus 19:12 NLT, “Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death.”
Just like He did with the Israelites in this verse, God also sets boundaries in our lives. He knows that certain actions, situations, or people will lead us down the path of destruction. We have to trust God, and believe that He only wants what is best for us. He is all wise and all knowing, and we can not let our own desires, curiosity, or impatience cause us to disobey the Lord.
Photo by: Joël Super of Switzerland 🇨🇭
Something may seem right from our view, but God knows it is not right for us; He can see the big picture, so we must trust His wisdom. Godly well balanced boundaries are good, pray and ask God to help you create and maintain healthy boundaries in your life.
Proverbs 11:14 NASB, “Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in an abundance of counselors there is victory.”
We all need people in our lives who can help us to stay on the right track, people who will advise us according to God’s Word, people who are walking in His truth. In fact, the Bible warns us not to seek counsel from ungodly people (Psalm 1:1). Trying to live for Christ by ourselves is not the way God intended it to be, we must pray for one another and keep one another encouraged. We must also pray for those in authority, that God will help them to make wise decisions. May we all help each other to stay on that narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:14).
Matthew 14:27 NLT, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Photo by: Artem Beliaikin of Russia 🇷🇺
I am sure most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus walking on the water, and Him calling Peter out of the boat to join Him. You can read the whole story here if you like, Matthew 14:22-33.
However, this particular verse in the chapter, verse 27, stood out to me the last time I read it. It is a reminder that Jesus wants us to be willing to step out in faith and not be afraid because as He said, “I am here!” When we are met with new challenges or even called to pursue new ventures, He is with us, giving us what we need to obey Him and move forward. Do you trust Him to supply your every need and be with you as He promised? Our faith filled steps of obedience will lead to God’s best for our lives, and our obedience is even a blessing to those around us.
Trust Jesus today and don’t be afraid to do as He says; He is right there with you. Take courage!
Psalm 118:24 NLT, “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Rejoice and be glad! Our days may not always go perfectly and life sometimes brings unexpected circumstances our way, but since we know God is in control, we can rejoice. Nothing we encounter is a surprise to Him, and He already knows what we need, even before we ask. We are privileged to have a Heavenly Father who delights in hearing our requests and our praises, so rejoice and be glad.
Thanks big brother Matt @ Jesusluvsallfor tagging me! The kids in my city return to school tomorrow, praying all the students across the world have a safe and successful school year. 🌎 📚❤️
P.S. Back in May, when I went to get my second Covid shot, my high school home room teacher, Mr. Parker, was there volunteering. That was exciting, I hadn’t seen him since graduating from high school. 🤗
Photo by: Alexandr Podvalny of Ukraine 🇺🇦
Here is how the tag works.
1- Choose any picture you like to represent school.
2- Please share a link back to the creator of Back to School Tag- jesusluvsall.org
3- Thank the person who tagged you.
4- Answer the questions.
5- Tag whoever you like.
Here are the questions with my answers.
What is a favorite memory for you from your school days?
I liked having a 2 hour work release during my senior year. I was in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and was working at a shoe store in the mall so was able to get off early for work.
2. What is a fun story from your school days?
Looking back, it’s funny how I pretty much ate the same thing for lunch everyday the last year or two of high school from the a la carte line. It was always pizza or chicken sandwiches, French fries, and lemonade.
3. Who is a teacher you have fond memories of?
I liked many of my teachers, but I remember my 7th grade home room teacher Mr. King seemed extra nice. He had his wife bake us brownies once. And he was actually a kindergarten teacher at my elementary school back when I was in kindergarten.
4. What classes did you like as a child?
Science and Art were interesting to me. But English was probably the subject I always did the best in.
5. What classes did you like as a university student?
Technology and Innovation because learning about the many future technology ideas was interesting. Also the World Religions class because it’s helps to have an understanding about what others believe when trying to share Jesus Christ.
6. Is there a teacher who impacted your life?
I remember the names of all my teachers, so I am guessing in some way they all made a difference even though I can’t remember a specific story right now.
7. Is there a teacher you did not like but now you do?
Mrs. Morgan in the 6th grade was considered by most to be the “mean teacher.” I don’t have any contact with her today, but I guess she was just being stern to keep us on the right track lol.
Anyone reading this who would like to share their school memories, please feel free! Remember to pray for the safety of all students. 📚✏️
Drawing Closer to Christ 