Don't Be 'Scaarrred'!

My people, my people, my people.....I missed you all. It has been a while because I've been sick. For those of you who know me personally, I thank you for your prayers. They worked. I'm not 100% yet but I am well enough to type, so here I am.

This post has been weighing on my heart for a while to share and I couldn't wait another day to post. It is comprised of Bible study notes I gathered from my former pastor, Bill Langley in a series dated 2/11/2009.



My notes are condensed as best as possible so you get all the meat and none of the fat, gristle...you know what I mean? The best part of the pork chop, that little round section that's the most tender part? I call it the "booty" (See Exhibit A), sorry I don't know the formal term. You know I'm country! I digress. Sorry. Let's go!












Exhibit A

This lesson is on the topic of fear and worrying. How do we cope on dark days? Why did this happen to me? What did I do wrong? What if ______? I don't know if I can make it....etc.

Read Psalm 23

1. Dark days are inevitable.
2. Dark days are unpredictable. They are unexpected and can come at the worst times. Jeremiah 4:20 - Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment. (NIV)
3. Dark days don't play favorites. No one gets a free ride. (Us Christians included....) Matthew 5:44-45 - ..........He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (NIV)
4. Dark days are temporary. 1 Peter 1:6-7 - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (NIV)
5. Dark days have a purpose. Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
6. Dark days help me develop character. Some may say, "well..I've had enough character development in my life!" : )

SOLUTION: What to do in the dark days!!!

1. Refuse to be discouraged. Never forget in the dark what God has shown you in the light. Psalm 23:4 - ....I will fear no evil.
2. Remember that God is with you. God not only promises His power but also His presence.
3. Rely on God's protection and guidance.

In closing, a few facts to know about shadows ("shadow of death")....

1. Think about it, shadows are always bigger than reality.
2. Shadows can't hurt you.
3. A shadow can't exist without a light.

I pray this is helpful to someone, like I said its been on my heart for a long time to post these notes. It has helped me out a lot. Have a great week (Spring Break! for some of you)!!