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Grateful For The Light We Have

Posted on February 28, 2014January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

We’ve written much lately about the importance of light, especially in dark places, including how little light we get, on average, here in the North Country of New Hampshire.

Remember that old saying about always being thankful, because there is always someone, somewhere, in worse shape than you.

I’d like to share a couple of links to 2 stories/slide presentations.
The first is a link to a story which a friend in Indiana sent me.
It is about a village named Viganella, a village in the Italian Alps, which sits at the bottom of a steep valley, and surrounding mountains cut off direct sunlight during the winter. The southern side of the valley is so sheer that on November 11, the sun disappears and does not reappear until February 2. Not a single ray of sunlight falls on Viganella in the weeks in between.
The solution? Install a giant mirror on the mountainside, to reflect the sun’s light into the village below.
Here are 2 raw links to the story:

First, from BBC News:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6189371.stm

Another story, from Twisted Sifter:
http://twistedsifter.com/2012/02/village-builds-giant-mirror-to-combat-darkness/

Next … it’s called “The Coldest City in the World.” Winter temperatures in Oymyakon, Russia, average minus 50 C ( minus 58 F). The remote village is generally considered the coldest inhabited area on Earth.

Here’s a link to a slide show presented by The Weather Channel:
http://www.weather.com/travel/breathtaking-photos-coldest-city-world-20140128

So, it’s not so bad up here in the Great North Woods. According to information I just got from wunderground.com, here’s how it’s looked up here:
Our first snow of this Winter was on November 14.
In November, we had 14 days with recorded snowfall.
In December, we had 20 days with recorded snowfall.
In January, we had 15 days with recorded snowfall.
So far in February, we’ve had 20 days of recorded snowfall. This is through yesterday (Feb. 26). Yes … it is snowing now …

Our Temperatures so far this Winter:
Our first night with zero or below temperatures was November 29, when the low was exactly zero … the next night, November 30, it was -5.
In December, we had 8 nights with zero or below.
In January, we had 16 nights with zero or below.
So far in February, we’ve had 14 nights with zero or below.
Of course, the low tonight should be -2.

So far, we’ve had 5 nights where it was -20 degrees or colder.

Note these are not “wind chills,” but actual air temperatures.

For those with pellet stoves … we have used almost 6 tons of pellets this Winter, and should need one more ton to get us through …

And … just for my brother in North Georgia … and, other teachers across the globe … so far this Winter, we have had no “snow days” at School … however, we have had 2 separate “2 hour-delays,” where School started 2 hours late. Our School rule for going outside at recess is this:
If the temperature is Above Zero (And, this does include wind chill), the children go outside. And, yes, at times this Winter, there have been weeks where the children could not go outside for a single recess.

We haven’t gotten nearly as much snow this year. However, the snow is still piled us almost to the edge of the garage roof. And, I am grateful
that I have only had to shovel the roof of our home one time so far.

So … overall, a great Winter, and looking for the first robins
to show up in a couple of weeks.
Blessings,
Ted

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Hearing/Seeing/Reading The Declaration of Independence: A Super Idea

Posted on February 5, 2014June 2, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

I was working on a post involving our Nation Anthem … when I viewed the presentation of “The Declaration of Independence” as part of this year’s Super Bowl pre-game (I joined in at 5:45).
I had honestly forgotten that this has become an annual presentation of the reading of the Declaration of Independence, regardless of the network broadcasting the game.

It got me to thinking … as I would hope each time we read or hear those words, we get to thinking …
But, what I thought about was this: How often, as Americans, do we actually see, hear, or read the Declaration of Independence? My thoughts on the National Anthem were leaning toward the same question: As Americans … if not for sporting events … how often do we hear the National Anthem? While we’ll cover that next time, I am trying to remember when was the last time I read or heard the Declaration of Independence? Last Super Bowl? Honestly? Probably.

I can remember, growing up, in school, we always had to memorize the Declaration (or at least parts of it), the Preamble to the Constitution … and, the Gettysburg address, for example.
What about now?
As a teacher, I should know the answer, but I’m not thinking as locally here as nationally. How often, as we enjoy the benefits of the ideals these great documents represent, are we exposed to the words of those documents?

Many of our Government buildings still have framed displays of these great documents, but how often do I just stop, take a moment, and read them?

In my research, trying to find a definitive answer to the question of “How often is the Declaration of Independence read?” I came across this story from July 02, 2010, written by Jane Hampton Cook, and featured on FoxNews.com. The story was entitled “Why Everyone Should Read the Declaration of Independence.” I am quoting especially the part of the story which details how “by chance” the “Original” Declaration of Independence was spared from destruction in a fire at the US Patent Office … Enjoy the story, and the special video presentation:

Why Everyone Should Read the Declaration of Independence By Jane Hampton Cook Published July 02, 2010 FoxNews.com

For 35 years the Patent Office in Washington, D.C. displayed the official signed copy of the Declaration of Independence for all to see …
As a special present to the nation, the declaration returned to its birthplace, Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, for ongoing celebrations of its 100th birthday in 1876. It then moved to the State Department Library in early 1877. Within months, the Patent Office burned. Had the declaration been returned to its usual spot, the nation’s first treasure would have been lost forever — a close call and warning to preserve it as tightly as a mother protects an infant.

By modern standards, they were really reckless with the declaration in its early days. At first it was frequently unrolled and then rolled up again, weakening the paper. At the Patent Office, a nearby window exposed its already rapidly deteriorating ink to sunlight. Today the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and all four pages of the U.S. Constitution are carefully displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. They reside in $4 million aluminum and titanium fireproof containers. The fragile parchments do not touch the glass, and their airtight cases are filled with a non-leaky preserving gas. The treasures enjoy a steady climate controlled temperature of 67 degrees.

The principles behind independence haven’t changed … Our founder’s belief that rights came from a Creator — hasn’t changed. The principle of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness still screams the “American dream” as much as it did in 1776 … Failure to read and appreciate the Declaration of Independence today is a failure to understand who we are as Americans.

The best way to preserve independence — not simply the document but what it means — is to pass its principles to the next generation. We must read the declaration for ourselves and to our children.

And because this national treasure wasn’t burned in a fire in 1877, it’s available for all to see in person by visiting the National Archives in our nation’s capital.

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Shared Email Stories: 26 GUARDS

Posted on February 2, 2014January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan:

“While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord.
I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.

Two weeks later I repeated my journey.

Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, ‘Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.’

At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.
The young man pressed the point, however, and said, ‘No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.’”

At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened.
The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story:

“On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?”

The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn’t concerned with who they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26.

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Inspirational Quotes: For Teachers, Students … And Parents

Posted on January 11, 2014June 2, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

Continuing our theme “For Teachers, Students … and Parents,” here is a list of quotes I received from the Teachers website, SimpleK12.

I’m asked why I don’t write more about the “Teacher” part of my persona, and I will try to do more sharing of that part of my life in the future …

So, here’s just a glimpse: I worked over at school today, in order to not have to go in this weekend … either day … I would not have been able to finish today, had not a dear friend and co-worker also stayed over to help me … When I left the school, only one teacher was still in the building … After completing my home improvement project I planned for tonight, I am rushing to meet the deadline of getting this posted by midnight … I still have “stuff” to do tonight, and the reason I “busted it” today, was so I would not have to work at school tomorrow, Saturday, because I have seven (yes, seven) different webinars I will be participating in, on Saturday, beginning early Saturday morning … my last webinar is scheduled to end at 4:30 … so, I’ll still be able to watch football!!!

Anyway, that’s a brief glimpse of what it’s like … without the business, writing projects and obligations, etc. Please enjoy the quotes, and, have a blessed weekend.

When you get the chance, at every opportunity, please pray for our teachers!

Inspirational Teacher Quotes

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
— Goethe

“Every truth has four corners: as a teacher I give you one corner, and it is for you to find the other three.”
— Confucius

“Learning is finding out what we already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, and teachers.”
— Richard Bach

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
— Helen Keller

“A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron.”
— Horace Mann

“The great end of education is to discipline rather than to furnish the mind; to train it to the use of its own powers rather than to fill it with the accumulation of others.”
— Tyron Edwards

“A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank … but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child.”
— Forest Witcraft

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin

“It is not what is poured into a student that counts but what is planted.”
–Linda Conway

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
— Albert Einstein

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, the excitement, and the mystery of the world we live in.”
— Rachel Carlson

“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.”— William Butler Yeats

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve.”
— Mary Kay Ash

“We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.”
— Malcolm Gladwell

“The greatest sign of a success for a teacher … is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.”— Maria Montessori

“Don’t follow your dreams; chase them.”
— Richard Dumb

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.”
— Helen Keller

“You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
— Anonymous

“The miracle is this – the more we share, the more we have.”
— Leonard Nimoy

“The purpose of life is not to be happy – but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.”
— Leo Rosten

“Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.”
— David McCullough

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
— Derek Bok

“Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
— John C. Maxwell

“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
— Sydney J. Harris

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.”
— John Cotton Dana

“Do not let the reasons for your challenges become the excuses for your failure.”
— Laura Frith

“If someone is going down the wrong road, he doesn’t need motivation to speed him up. What he needs is education to turn him around.”
— Jim Rohn

“Let us never be betrayed into saying we have finished our education because that would mean we had stopped growing.”
— Julia H. Gulliver

“Seek first to understand and then to be understood.”
— Steven Covey

“The secret of education lies in respecting the student.”— Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.”
— Scott Hayden

“Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”
— Henry Ford

“As knowledge increases, wonder deepens.”
— Charles Morgan

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”
— Scott Hamilton

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
— Winston Churchill

“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.”
— Albert Einstein

“Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
— Jim Henson

“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.”
— Phil Collins

“Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.”
— Jacques Barzun

“An attitude of positive expectation is the mark of the superior personality.”
— Brian Tracy

“When you study great teachers … you will learn much more from their caring and hard work than from their style.”— William Glasser

“Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself.”
— Paulo Coelho

“In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.”
— Lee Iacocca

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
— Alvin Toffler

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow; Learn as if you were to live forever.”
— Mahatma Gandhi

“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Only a life lived for others is a life worth living.”
— Albert Einstein

“If it matters to you, you will find a way. If it doesn’t you will find an excuse.”
— Unknown

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
— Henry Ford

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”— William Arthur Ward

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.”
— John Dewey

Here is a direct link to Simple K12: The Teacher Learning Community

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Not Resolution … But, Revelation

Posted on January 1, 2014January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

“We don’t need a New Year’s resolution … we need a new Revelation … of who Jesus is … and, what we are, in Him.”
R.V.R..

Here is a summary of the facts, received from College of the Open Bible:
(Guess which Bible study I’m doing this week?)

Did you know that Jesus Christ was older than His mother and the same age as His Father when He was born?
Amazing biblical facts about Jesus Christ to share this season:

The most significant question of the universe continues to be: What think ye of Christ? Your answer to this most important question will not only determine your eternal destiny, but also reflects the way you live now. One of the most powerful thoughts a Christian possesses is the fact that Jesus Christ can never be less than who He is … He is LORD.

The Pre-existence of Jesus Christ as God:
1. As taught by John the Baptist: John 1:15.
2. As taught by the apostle John: John 1:1.
3. As taught by the apostle Paul: 1 Timothy 3:16.
4. As taught by Christ Himself: John 8:58.
What was Christ Jesus the Savior doing before His Bethlehem appearance?
a. He created the universe: John 1:3; Colossians 1:16. This creation included everything, from electrons to galaxies, and from angels to Adam.
b. He was controlling this created universe: Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17.
c. He was communing with the Father: John 17:24.

The Incarnation: That God the Son could take upon himself the full nature of man and yet retain the full nature of God. The Bible declares that Christ was as much God as if He had never been man, and as much man as if He had never been God. When God the Son joined himself to a body at Bethlehem, it was an eternal arrangement. He will continue to manifest Himself in this body (its resurrected state) throughout eternity.

The prophecies concerning the Incarnation:
a. Old Testament
* By Isaiah the prophet: Isaiah 7:14.
* By Micah the prophet: Micah 5:2.

b. New Testament: Heavenly announcements were given to at least eight individuals or groups concerning the Incarnation in the New Testament.
* To Zacharias: Luke 1:17, 76.
* To Mary: Luke 1:31-35.
* To Joseph: Matthew 1:20, 21.
* To the shepherds: Luke 2:10-12.

Why the virgin birth (Incarnation)? God never does anything without a good reason, and in this case, there are profound reasons for the Incarnation.

a. To reveal the invisible God: John 1:18, 14:9.
b. To fulfill prophecy: Genesis 3:15.
c. To guarantee the Davidic covenant: Luke 1:31-33.
d. To make a sacrifice for our sins: 1 John 3:5.
e. To reconcile man to God: 1 Timothy 2:5-6.
f. To provide an example for believers: 1 Peter 2:21.
g. To provide the believer with a high priest: Hebrews 2:17.
h. To destroy the devil and his works: 1 John 3:8.
i. To escape the historical curse: Romans 5:12.
j. To heal the brokenhearted: Luke 4:18.
k. To set a liberty the bruised: Luke 4:18.
l. To give abundant life: John 3:36.
m. To glorify the Father: John 13:31, 17:4.

The Humanity of Jesus Christ: Jesus was a real man!
1. He had a human parentage: Luke 1:31; Galatians 4:4.
2. He had a human body, soul, and spirit: Matthew 26:12; John 12:27; Matthew 2:8.
3. He looked like a man: John 4:9, 20:15.
4. He possessed flesh and blood: Hebrews 2:14.
5. He grew: Luke 2:40.
6. He asked questions: Luke 2:46.
7. He prayed: John 17.
8. He was tempted: Matthew 4:1.
9. He hungered: Matthew 4:2.
10. He thirsted: John 4:7.
11. He was weary: John 4:6
12. He slept: Matthew 8:24.
13. He wept: John 11:35.
14. He suffered: 1 Peter 4:1.
15. He bled: John 19:34.
16. He died: Matthew 27:50.

The Deity of Jesus Christ: Jesus Is God!
1. Christ is Omnipotent (all powerful).
a. Over disease: Luke 4:39.
b. Over demons: Matthew 8:16-17.
c. Over men: Matthew 9:9; John 17:2.
d. Over nature: Matthew 8:26.
e. Over sin: Matthew 9:1-8.
f. Over traditions: Matthew 9:10-17.
g. Over death: Luke 7:14-15.
h. Over all your problems: Romans 8:28.
2. Christ is Omniscient (all knowing): John 2:24, 16:30.
3. Christ is Omnipresent: John 3:13, 14:20.
4. Christ is Worshipped as God:
a. By the angels: Hebrews 1:6.
b. By men: Luke 2:15; Matthew 2:2, 11.
5. Christ forgives sins: Mark 2:5, 11; 1 John 1:9.
6. Christ judges: John 5:22.
7. Christ saves: John 10:28.

The Death of Jesus Christ – The death of Christ has the prominent place in the Word of God. Indeed, the death of Christ is the essential foundation in Christianity. The death of Christ is the subject of supreme interest in heaven and must be in the hearts of believers.

The Old Testament reveals the plan of Christ crucified, while the New Testament reveals the man, Christ, crucified.

1. The Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) foreshadow Christ crucified.
2. The Prophets foretell of Christ crucified.
3. The Psalms express the feelings of Christ crucified.
4. The Gospels give the facts of Christ crucified.
5. The Epistles give the fruit of Christ crucified.

The death of Jesus Christ is important for three compelling and significant reasons:
1. Christ crucified satisfied our sin debt.
2. Christ crucified satisfied the holiness of God.
3. Christ crucified satisfied the human heart (those who receive Christ).

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ:
The importance of the resurrection: 1 Cor. 15:12-19.
If one denies the resurrection, he is forced to six horrible conclusions:

1. All gospel preaching has been, is now, and always will be, completely useless.
2. All past, present, and future faith is futile.
3. All preachers become notorious liars.
4. All living Christians are still in their sins.
5. All departed Christians are in hell.
6. All reason and purpose for life itself is destroyed.

The order of the resurrection: The resurrection of Christ is represented in 1 Corinthians 15:20-24 as being the first of its kind, thus indicating that previous miracles, such as the raising of Lazarus, were more on the order of restoring a dead mortal body to a living mortal body. True resurrection carries with it glorification.

There are three such resurrections:
1. The resurrection of Christ: Matthew 28:5-8.
2. The rapture / resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18.
3. The pre-millennial resurrection of Old Testament and tribulation saints: Rev 20:5-6.

The Ascension and Present Ministry of Jesus Christ:
a. The fact of His ascension and ministry: Mark 16:19; Acts 1:9; Romans 8:34.
b. The purpose of His ascension and ministry:
1. To be our Forerunner: Hebrews 6:19-20.
2. To prepare a place for us: John 14:2.
3. To give spiritual gifts to His followers: Ephesians 4:10-13.
4. To offer encouragement to His followers: Hebrews 4:14-16.
5. To make high priestly prayers for us: Romans 8:34.

The theme of God’s Word is Jesus Christ Crucified, God Satisfied, The Believing Sinner Justified.

Sincerely,
Dr. Arthur Belanger
College of the Open Bible

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The Story of the Candy Cane

Posted on December 29, 2013January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

We offer this story, courtesy of the “Scripture Candy” company, located in Birmingham, Alabama. Someone had given Carol a gift of their “Candy Cane Stocking Set,” which featured a candy cane, and a bookmark with “The Candy Cane Story.” We like to feature stories about where common sayings or things originated, so, here’s “The Story of the Candy Cane.” Even before reading the story, it strikes me how candy canes are shaped … in the form of the letter “J,” and a Shepherd’s staff.

The Candy Cane Legend

“A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness for his Savior, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. The white symbolizes the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-35) and the sinless nature of Jesus (1 John 3:5). The hardness of the candy symbolizes the Solid Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), the foundation of the Church (Matthew 16:18), and the firmness of the promises of God (Psalms 18:30-32). The candy maker made the candy into the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior (John 3:16-17), and a symbol to represent the staff of the Good Shepherd (John 10:14). The candy maker decided to stain it with red stripes, representing the stripes Jesus received prior to His crucifixion (Mark 15:15-20) for our healing (Isaiah 53:5). The large red stripe represents the shedding of His blood on the cross for our salvation (Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7).”

We visited the website of the “Scripture Candy” store, and we love their Logo, which we show below. You can click on the image to visit them … We also encourage you to read their story, and their mission, to “Reach The World One Piece At A Time!”

P.S. Just reading all of the verses contained in the story makes a great Bible Study!
Blessings to you, and your family,
Ted and Carol

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Guest Post: Continuing Thoughts on Thanksgiving

Posted on December 17, 2013January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

I just can’t stop thinking about how blessed we are here in America. Every day.

Here are thoughts on Thanksgiving here in the United States, from Don Merritt, over at the “Life Reference” Blog:

“Thanksgiving has been a central idea in American history and culture, even before there was an America … I think that this notion of Thanksgiving has had a profound effect on our Nation. Here’s why …”

And, it’s was not just Don’s thoughts, but the comments which his readers posted which made me really continue to think, and thank …
Enjoy, and be blessed:

Thanksgiving Reflections

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Fear Not: Verses to Encourage You

Posted on November 6, 2013January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

We are always so blessed and encouraged when someone sends us a Bible verse … the right verse just seems to show up at the right time …
Often, we’ll receive a particular verse as part of correspondence with friends and customers, and, so often, it is just what we needed to hear at just the right time. I am always seeing messages the Lord is sending my way, wherever I go. It may be a bumper sticker or automobile tag, a sign somewhere, and many times, it’ll be a poster someone has posted on their door or wall. God always uses whatever means are necessary to put the right words in front of us, or allows us to hear “just what we needed” from a friend or associate … often during just a “regular” conversation. How many times have we gotten “confirmation” from a simple conversation with someone we just happen to run into?
I remember once, being deep in thought over a particular problem I was confronting, stepping out of an elevator, and walking down the hall behind 2 men who were having a conversation. I only overheard a small part of what they were saying … but, it was exactly what I needed to hear to help and encourage me … at that exact moment.

There are just so many verses in Scripture which deal with fear … all written to help and encourage us. I can’t reinforce how strongly I feel that the most important way to start your day is with prayer and Bible study. Even just one verse … being allowed to sink into your mind and soul first thing in the morning … will stay with you the rest of the day. Many times, someone will send me a list of verses on a particular subject, and I may spend the entire week-or longer-using those verses for my morning study.

So, I’ll share this list with you, which I received from Gregory Dickow Ministries, which really helped me, and it can help you. I’ll provide a link for you to download these below.

My Pastor used to always remind us that courage does not mean that you are not scared … even “scared to death” … courage means that you act in spite of your fear.
I hear Joyce Meyer, in teaching about overcoming fear, that FEAR stands for
“False Evidence Appearing Real.”
I hear another Pastor give an example like this:
Fear knocked on my door.
I went to the door with Faith.
When I opened the door, there was no one there.

Enjoy these verses:

Scripture Verses for VICTORY OVER FEAR
BY PASTOR GREGORY DICKOW

II Timothy 1:7
God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a calm, well balanced mind.

Isaiah 12:2
I am not afraid because God is my salvation and I trust Him.

1 John 4:18
I am not tormented because all fear is cast out in God’s perfect love.

Isaiah 41:10
I do not fear nor am I dismayed, because God is with me. God makes me strong and helps me and upholds me with His victorious and righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:1
I do not fear, for God has redeemed me and called me by name – I am His.

Hebrews 13:6
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man can do to me.

Proverbs 29:25
I avoid snares because I do not fear man, but I place my trust in the Lord and therefore I am safe.

Deuteronomy 31:6
I am strong and courageous, delivered from fear, because the Lord my God goes with me. He will not fail me nor forsake me.

Deuteronomy 1:21
I will not fear nor be discouraged, for the Lord my God has set the land before me – I will go up and possess it.

Deuteronomy 3:22
I will not fear, for the Lord my God shall fight for me.

Luke 12:32
I do not fear, for it is my Father’s good pleasure to give me the kingdom.

Psalm 112:7
I am not afraid of bad news, for my heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

Isaiah 12:2
I am strong and courageous, not fearful and dismayed for the Lord Jehovah is my strength, my song and my salvation.

John 14:27
I walk in the peace that Jesus has left for me, not peace as the world gives. My heart is not troubled neither is it afraid.

Here’s a direct link, if you’d like to download the Scriptures:
Gregory Dickow Ministries

GUEST POSTS, SUCCESS: NOTES, QUOTES, & FOLKS

Guest Post: So What is “Church Growth” Anyway? | Life Reference

Posted on July 21, 2013January 1, 2018 by pastorappreciationblog

“It is my view that a church cannot grow numerically until it’s leaders and congregation grow enough spiritually to do the things that cause church growth.”

As a follow-up to our “Success Guaranteed” posts, we share this article from Don Merritt, over at his “Life Reference” Blog.
Enjoy, grow, and be blessed!

So What is “Church Growth” Anyway? | Life Reference.

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