We are each designed for a unique and divine purpose. Live yours!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Overcome fear and discouragement with the "three J's"

In the midst of all the snow and due to church services being canceled today, we did some "channel surfing" to find some spiritual programming that might take the place of our attending our own church.

I was not disappointed! Pastor Zachery Tims of New Destiny Christian Center talked today about how we can overcome fear and disappointment with the "Three J's."

The first "J" was Joseph. Pastor Tims reassured listeners not to be afraid of their current circumstance--no matter how hard it is. "But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." (Genesis 50:19-21 NIV).

The second "J" to which Dr. Tims referred was Job. "At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing" (Job1:20-22 NIV).

The third "J" was Jesus. "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith( Philippians 3:7-9 NIV).



Blessings on your journey,
Mary

5 comments:

Andrea said...

WOW!! Awesome post!
Hugs and prayers,
andrea

Connie Arnold said...

Thanks for sharing the three J's and encouraging scriptures, Mary!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

This is a great post...I love those three J's.

Barbara said...

This is great...I needed all three of those J's at this particular time.

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

It's always so uplifting and gives me courage to read about those God used in the Bible for the good, even in the midst of trials they endured.

Thank you Mary for this great post and for sharing these scriptures.

Lee Ann