It's often said that the Bible tells us, "Do not fear," or "Fear not," 365 times--one for every day of the year. While the actual count may very slightly depending on the translation, the concept is solidly accurate: God's Word is filled with reminders that we do not need to live in fear, regardless of life's uncertainties. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly speaks to His people, encouraging them to let go of their fear and trust in Him. These messages often come in times of transition, trial, or uncertainty--moments when fear would seem natural. In Joshua 1:9, God says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Here, God speaks directly into Joshua's anxieties as he takes over leadership after Moses, reminding him that God's presence is a constant and unfailing support. The beauty of God's commands to "fear not" lies not only in their frequency but in their context. God's call to "not fear" is often accompanied by a promise of His presence, His protection, and His provision. He calms us with the promise that He will be with us, so we do not have to be afraid. This isn't a call to deny our fears but a reminder that we're not alone in them. God is present, willing to uphold and strengthen us through the trials. Living without fear is a process of surrender and trust. We grow in it day by day. Each time we read the words "fear not," it's as if God is tenderly reminding us of His faithfulness and unfailing love. So today, whatever fears you may face, remember that God speaks courage and hope into our lives--not once, but over and over. The same God who walked with Joshua invites us to trust Him. Get quiet long enough to listen to the whisper: "Do not fear, for I am with you."

What are you focused on today? Let me know!

Anxiety was my alarm clock this morning. Before the morning dew dried from the blades of grass, my heart was already twisted in knots at the various issues and distractions that were before me. It’s no wonder my mind initially went to Matthew 6:25-34. While the verses can bring a sense of calm, I was still haunted by the reality that the issues weren’t going away by osmosis, and, if I’m honest, some of the issues were a product of my own doing either willingly or ignorantly. Still, I persist in reading the verses to gain a sense of hope where despair would rest otherwise. The theme of the verses is simple—do not worry. Although the reading of those words is simple, the application is difficult. Why would I not choose to worry? By not worrying it seems that I do not care about the problems that lay before me. It’s almost insensitive for me to be told that I shouldn’t worry seeing that my problems lay before me in plain sight. If I don’t worry about them then who will? Are you saying that I should relinquish full control and trust that God will truly see my way through? That, too, is easier said than done, but isn’t that the objective of faith? Isn’t it the very evidence of what we cannot see? Isn’t it the hope that we know based on the trust we have inherited from our Heavenly Father? If so then why is my faith so small? I’ve seen God do so many miraculous things in my life yet I’m paralyzed when anything new arises. It’s as if I’ve seen and known nothing. I can look back over my life to gain evidence of what my God has done. Still, my heart ravages with fear and wrestles with anxiety. Here’s where I choose to land when it comes to this central theme: if I keep my eyes on God whenever I’m tempted to worry then I’ll be okay. This means that the greatest form of work is to remain in faith, and that’s hard work! Cheers to working hard today to stay in faith and out of anxiety. My problems are not larger than my God, and He gives me the wisdom to resolve them. I must do the work, which is to remain in faith. Anxiety adds nothing to my life; therefore, I’ll remain in peace. Though the storms may come and the thunder roars overhead, I’ll be thankful for the rain because I need it to water the seeds I’ve planted so they may bloom in the coming season. Selah!

10/16/24 - “Walk Through” Psalm 23:4-6 An emphasis must be placed on the words “walk through.” These words are important because they imply that the nomad must avoid building a house and living in his place of darkness and death. He must continue moving although difficult and emotionally taxing. The setting is also important because it’s the Valley of shadow of death. A shadow denotes a presence whether seen or unseen. It means there’s something there that could elicit fear especially if the figure isn’t known. Secondly, the concept of death means that what was once there ceases from existing. Imagine walking a path that’s filled with the trauma of yesterday. Though the date has passed, the pain of those experiences lives on within us, and we become haunted by the shadows of what was even though it’s not what’s now. Then, consider walking a path where tombstones showcase the death of your finances, relationships, marriage, vision, purpose and the like. It would seem that all is lost and nothing exists except the reality of what was and the fear of what would never be again. But, our God doesn’t leave us hopeless. Our “walk through” isn’t with faith alone. The verse states that His rod and His staff will comfort us, which is the ultimate work of compassion and selflessness. How does a rod and staff bring comfort? Well, the rod is symbolic of discipline, and our Father only disciplines those He loves. His correction helps us to course-correct, turn away, move on and reconsider our options. He doesn’t make the decision for us; He provides us the wisdom, which He gives liberally, so we can utilize the gift of freewill He so generously affords us. Then, there’s His staff, which is used for guidance. We walk through the Valley, but we aren’t left to determine the exit alone. Like Moses leading God’s people towards freedom with his staff, He allows us to walk cautiously over dead bones and in the midst of fear towards a place of hope. Thankfully, we cross to the other side with an understanding that we are not seeking to become more, earn more, do more or be more popular. Instead, we walk to the end of the Valley to find freedom. There’s a table there for reconciliation with enemies, an anointing service held to prepare me for the journey to come, an overflowing cup and two holy mercenaries—Grace and mercy. Imagine being stalked by Grace and mercy. How amazingly wonderful! It’s at the end of the Valley that we arrive at our dwelling place—the House of the Lord—a place of freedom and love.

Hey Crew, Our Talks will begin this Sunday. Here's some information you need to know: - Talks will be held on Sundays at 6pmPT (unless noted otherwise). - Talks are generally led by me -- Cornelius. - Talks are at minimum 20 minutes but no more than 30 minutes. - Talks will ALWAYS be FREE to the Crew. - If you'd like to dive deeper in a particular Talk with the host, you will be able to do so but it may be at cost. Our saying is: "The Crew is FREE to join, but the Mentality is will COST you!" I highly encourage you to invest in a subject matter that greatly interests you. - The zoom link for all Talks will be posted no later than 24 hours before the Talk begins. - If you have questions pertaining to the upcoming topic that you want the host to answer, please send them no later than 48 hours before the Talk begins. Any questions?