Practical Wisdom

Over the last few days, I have heard from several people who either have underlying health problems or are older, as indeed many of us are! It is very easy to have fear about the possibiity of contracting the Coronavirus if it continues to spread. There is no way any of us wish to be affected by the virus, and yet we need to know how to continue fulfilling Father's plans for us day by day. We are not to be hidden away, but shining for Jesus. It is of utmost importance to learn to trust God as we go through dangerous times, but we also have to consider how to stay safe and receive God's wisdom in the way we go about our daily lives.

 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting James 1:5,6

God's wisdom is beyond ours! Jesus says in John 16:24:

24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

This He speaks in the context of telling the disciples that there will be times of trials and difficulties, and in v33, says, 
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

The Bible also tells us to obey authorities, and I believe, in this case, we need to hear the warnings to wash our hands frequently, to not travel on crowded buses and trains if it is possible etc, and to stay at home if we do have any coughing or cold symptoms. And remember there are still ordinary colds around!! We also need to ask Him what meetings to go to. I am convinced we need to continue having fellowship with one another. One friend in London had everyone who came to her home for a meeting, wash their hands as they came through the door. And they avoided kissing and hugging. We all need to hear God and then live our daily lives trusting Him, and remaining willing and open to anything He asks us to do. I KNOW then that our faithful God will keep us and protect us and our loved ones.

Ephesians 6:10, 13 (Amp)
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].......                                                                                        Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

"Do Not Fear!"

 Fear not, nor be afraid [in the coming violent upheavals]; have I not told it to you from of old and declared it? And you are My witnesses! Is there a God besides Me? There is no [other] Rock; I know not any.  Isaiah 44:8 (Amp)

It is said that the Bible contains 365 "Fear Not"s - one for every day of the year, and I am positive there would be one more somewhere for a Leap Year! I have never counted them, so I cannot verify this fact, but I do know there are Fear Nots throughout the Bible. With a good concordance, you could do a search, and remember also to include "Do not be afraid" and "Be not anxious" - there are so many different varieties of fear!!

I read the following scripture the other day in my daily readings and it spoke to me for all of us who love the Lord in these fear-filled times:

" ... neither be in fear of what they fear, nor make others afraid and in dread. The Lord of hosts, regard Him as holy and honour His holy Name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety ....
And He shall be a sanctuary, a sacred and indestructible refuge to those who reverently fear and trust in Him ....
And I will wait for the Lord .... Behold I and the children the Lord has given me are for signs and wonders. "    Isaiah 8: 12-18 (parts, from the Amplified Bible)

What a wonderful word! There are two major keys here as to how we stay in that place of refuge which the Lord promises for us. Firstly we remain in worship and holy reverence of our Lord. The fear of the Lord is very very different from the fear and anxiety the world gives. Simply put, it means to be in that place of looking to HIM first, remembering His holiness, His power, His might, His love and amazing grace! Worshipping in the quiet place on our own, and also with the fellowship of the saints where God has put us. Whenever we look up and worship, other things come into perspective. We can glory in the faithfulness of our Father through Jesus, by the Holy Spirit!

Secondly, we "wait for the Lord". Spend time in His presence, in His Word. Listen to Him and what He is saying in your situation. There will be comfort, encouragement, peace and joy, as well as hearing that still small voice in your heart with direction in your situation. 

As we do both these things, I am pretty sure we will be those who go out and bring courage and hope to others in the name of Jesus Christ. And we will not be joining the throng who increase fear and dread, or speak negativity and doom!

AND then there is the promise of refuge and safety - a sanctuary! How wonderful! And to cap it all, we AND our children will be for signs and wonders! Truly in this evil world today, God wants us shining as His lights, His beacons of hope to the world - and as we honour Him, and spend time with Him, the promise is for us and for our children to be signs and wonders in the bleakness of this world. 

Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame....   
For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet my love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.    Isaiah 54:4, 10

Riding the Wave

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the calamities in our world? I do. Not usually in fear for ourselves but in our concern and care for those suffering. And it is wonderful when, in a small way, we can help by supporting those Christian organisations who go into the devastation caused by natural disasters and bring practical help, provision, medical aid and rebuilding of communities.

But sometimes, it just seems too much. When all of us have the threat of this corona virus hanging over us, and meeting those who are losing their means of a livelihood, then the reality hits - this is not someting far distant - this is you and me having to weather the storm.  (Do scroll down and read the previous 2 posts, if you have come into this for the first time.) 

I read some time ago about Sir Francis Chichester, who sailed round the globe single-handed. When his small yacht was faced with a towering wave off the Cape of Good Hope, notoriously dangerous seas where 2 oceans meet, he looked at the wave threatening to overwhelm and eclipse his boat and drown him, and said, "We will go over!" And, indeed, his boat rose up on to the top of the mighty wave and then slid down the other side. He said that instead of this being a terror-filled experience, he was elated - it was exhilirating!

I often think of this when facing a difficult situation. Those who enjoy surfing will know a similar experiece, riding on a wave. And then others dive through a wave! GOD WILL take us through these present difficult times. He, Who walked on water, will always be by our side. Put your hand in His and trust in Him  - He is totally reliable!

God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor 1:9 (Amplified Bible)

 ... the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, .........5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 (Amp)

Daffodil through the Storms

One brave daffodil in my garden bloomed on February 7th! Since then it has experienced hailstorms, violent winds and torrential rain! But, apart from bending gently in the wind, it is still standing upright and smiling brightly, cheering me every time I look out of my window!



God has spoken to me through that small delicate flower. Although there may be storms and even hard hailstones falling, I can stand in God's grace ~ He will give me strength and peace. There is only one thing needed from me - to just lean into Him - ie: trust Him! To trust what He says in His Word.

Look again at that verse from Hebrews which I shared yesterday: 
        "For God Himself has said .... therefore we may boldly say .... " !
 When God says something, it is sure and certain. He is unchanging and totally to be relied upon. Therefore we can say it too, and as we speak God's Word out, faith grows. AND our roots go deeper into Him, so, that like that daffodil, we can stand during the trials, and even bring encouragement and blessing and hope to others.

I keep a pile of file cards by my bed, all with verses I have written on them, and I read a few every night before I go to sleep. The ones I have collected over the years are all promises for strength, health and healing, and about God's love and care for me. These scriptures sink in deeper than mind level, and come part of my being, and it is amazing how trust and faith in the Lord grow and flourish. I am sure that many of you reading this, who have been in the Word for years, know what I am talking about. 

This is definitely a time to reaffirm our trust in our loving faithful God, to tell Him we trust Him, to sink back into the arms of the only One Who will be able to keep us in these days.

I took a neighbour to a garden Centre today, to shop and have lunch together. It was interesting to hear from someone who would not call herself a believer, talking about the fear of the corona virus and also the anxiety. Her daughter and son-in-law run a business which depends on imports from China. The factory in China is closed and they have not been able to find any similar outlet in this country. This is an anxious worrying time for those who have a living to earn. I was able to share with her a little about the peace Jesus gives and will print out some scriptures for her, but, without Christ, people are fearful and their only hope is that it might all go away!

Yesterday was a global Day of Prayer, and we can truly believe that our heavenly Father will work. At the same time, we need to take every opportunity to get our own lives entrenched in the Word of God, and in His love and protection - but more on that tomorrow.

Meanwhile be a daffodil where you are. Stand in the grace of Jesus. Bend gently in the wind of the Spirit, and bless your family, your friends and your neighbours, schoolfriends and colleagues. 

"He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake nor let you down, relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!   So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, 
                     The Lord is my Helper ......"   Heb 13:5b, 6

"and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith."            1 John 5:4

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us." Romans 8:37

Are You Afraid?

We are living in the days before Christ's coming! I know that the early church could have said that too nearly 2000 years ago! But we are certainly closer to that Day now, and surely all the signs are pointing to His near coming and Jesus warned us to watch out for them and be READY to welcome Him coming in His glory.One thing He said in this context was, 

" ... you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled or afraid or terrified ... " Matthew 24:6 and Luke 21:8.
 The New Living Translation translates it as "Don't panic!"

Well, as I write this blog, there is fear all around the globe because of the spread of the Corona virus. There have also been other disasters over the last months ncluding catastrophic fires in Australia and California, and now terrible floods in English towns, destroying homes and businesses, and covering huge areas of farmland, preventing the planting of spring crops. So many reasons to naturally be afraid. And let's be honest - fear so easily creeps in when we hear the news, and do not know at this stage whether there will be a global pandemic or not.

BUT "DO NOT BE AFRAID!" is the constant echo throughout the Bible. I have been writing out scriptures today and will use some of them in a series over the next few days. But I do recommend to all who read this, to start your own search for verses from the Bible which tell of God's protection and keeping for His children.

If you need assurance that you are His child, please click on the labels menu beside this blog on the title "Becoming a Christian". This article will tell you how to be sure that you are safe in Father's arms and accepted into His family through what Jesus Christ has done for you.  

I leave you today with the following verses from Hebrews to meditate on and take into your heart, and tomorrow will continue with more encouragement in this time of stress and often anxiety for ourselves and our families.

Hebrews 13: 5b,6 in the Amplified version of the Bible:

...be satisfied with your present circumstances and with what you have; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake nor let you down, relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!

6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm. I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?

Eve's Story!

 "Forever Loved. Eve's Story"

A New Book - Not to be Missed!
On Sale NOW on Amazon and Eden, and in bookstores around the world!

This brilliant book is written by my daughter, Joanna Chee. It is a book to touch the heart of every woman (and even some men too) with the love of Father God for her. I was overwhelmed with the amazing desire of God to be with me, His total acceptance and total joy in us His own precious children. 

Please read on for more details:

 EVE

First woman. First to be tempted. First to sin.

But what if there were more to her story than that?

Forever Loved: Eve’s Story is the story of Father and daughter, as told by Eve.

It is a story of preciousness and beauty, of tender love and grace. Through Eve, God reveals his Father heart of love for you, his treasured daughter. He whispers to you now, and calls you closer.

Reviews

Love it! I recommend this book to anyone wanting a new understanding and a fresh touch of God the Father’s love. Daphne Godwin, Ffald Y Brenin, Place of ‘The Grace Outpouring’

This book will draw you into a deep longing for intimacy with Father God. I was very touched by the depth and richness of relationship between Eve and Papa.  Grace Hee, Chair of The Women’s Commission, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, Malaysia

Just read … in tears … so awesome. What a Father we have! Can’t wait to recommend it to lots of people. Rebecca Brownridge, Vicar’s Wife and Leader, Wales

I love how, while holding to biblical truth, Joanna reveals fresh insight into how our loving Father relates to his children—especially his daughters—in our good and our bad moments.  His generosity is immense!  Alison Eckleben, Senior Pastor, Every Nation Church, London

About the author:

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Joanna gets excited about God! She loves to write, and is often awake in the night with a million ideas for her next book or project. It is her heart to encourage and equip women to love their families and meet with God. Joanna blogs at JoannaMayChee.com and MumsKidsJesus.com, where her blog posts, free resources and courses are a source of encouragement and inspiration to women around the world. Joanna, her husband, and four children have lived and ministered in Malaysia, Bosnia and Turkey, and are now settled near London. Connect with Joanna: Facebook.com/JoannaMayChee | Facebook.com/MumsKidsJesus | 

For more reviews and book information about "Forever Loved. Eve's Story" and for purchasing options please click on this link:                                                                  https://joannamaychee.com/forever-loved-eves-story/

"The shadow of His wings!" Psalm 36:7

Some time ago, I was stirred up  by hearing someone saying that because a colleague was ministering and doing the will of God, she was being attacked by the devil. Also, recently, I have heard more than once that extraordinary argument, saying, "I must be doing something right, because the enemy is attacking - with sickness, accidents, financial upheaval etc etc!" Where does it say that in the Bible? Does the Bible say anywhere that we will be under severe attack when we serve the Lord? No! My Bible tells me that, as a believer, I am hidden  with Christ in God. (Col 3:3) What safer place could there be? The enemy has to get through both my Saviour and my Father to reach me!

We have Psalm 91 and countless other references in the Old Testament alone to tell us that Almighty God is our strong tower and our refuge. He covers us with His feathers and keeps us safe from harm! Then in the New Testament, we are given all the armour in Ephesians 6 and told to stand strong in the battle, and that we are more than conquerors. Jesus commands us to ask that we may receive and our joy will be full!

Of course, there is an enemy against us! Peter describes him like a lion prowling around seeking whom he may devour, 1 Peter 5:8. (See also Psalm 17:9-12 ~ "My deadly enemies who  surround me ... he is like a lion that is eager to tear ... Arise O Lord, confront Him and bring him low!") 
Jesus is the  Lion of Judah! 
Now I can see that if a person is not watchful, because they get caught up in serving the Lord, then maybe satan will have an opportunity. But we have been given weapons of our warfare - we have been chosen to be victorious with Christ! We are overcomers - not because of what we do, but because of what HE has done on the cross. Once for all satan has been defeated. Read Colossians 2:8-15 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-7.

The war has been won. There are still battles to fight, but the Lord protects His children. Stay close to Him. That is the safe place. Don't allow the fear of lies that you can be harmed when you step out in the will of God. God's will is the safest place you can be!

You are the apple of God's eye and He keeps you SAFE! 
Deuteronomy 32:10
"He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; he encircled him, He instructed him, he kept him as the apple of His eye.
As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings..."

Why don't you pray the words of Psalm 17:7-9 and Psalm 18:1-3.

Ps 17:7-9
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
From the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.

Ps 18:1-3
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

You are saved, you are delivered because you have been translated into the Kingdom of His light through the death of Christ on the cross for you! You are precious and chosen and a child of God. Hallelujah! Praise Jesus today!