A Certain Hope for Uncertain Times

Kathi Macias has become one of my go-to friends for biblical wisdom applied in practical ways. In this Encouragement UPGRADE, she reminds us circumstances may change, but our hope is in our God who never changes.

"My favorite scenario is that Jesus will arrive and scoop us up before the going gets REALLY tough," Kathi says, "but Jesus Himself told us that no one knows the day or the hour when He will return."

I (Dawn) admit that I'm also hoping Jesus returns... SOON! As our culture disintegrates, sometimes my heart fills with fear. But then I fix my eyes on Jesus, and something else too—which Kathy writes about here.

Kathi continues . . .

I’ve noticed that a lot of people tend to be dividing into two different camps lately:

• those who run around pulling their hair and screaming that the sky is falling, and
• those who have no clue, nor do they care what’s going on beyond their own little self-developed bubble.

This wouldn’t disturb me so much if it were strictly unbelievers reacting this way, but even some Christians seem caught up in one or the other of these behaviors.

I have a tendency to lean toward the screamers, since I too sense we are living in perilous times.

But then again, when in history have times not been perilous, at least somewhere in the globe?

Of course, I don’t want to discount prophecy, and it’s difficult not to listen to the news and try to line it up with Scripture.

But whether we’re in the last days, the next-to-last days, or the last of the last days—

Is stocking up on peanut butter and toilet paper really what we are called to do as Christians?

All right, I admit that I’m of practical German stock, and I like the feeling of security I get from being out of debt and having enough canned soup on hand to last me until the millennium—just in case.

My favorite scenario is that Jesus will arrive and scoop us up before the going gets REALLY tough, but Jesus Himself told us that no one knows the day or the hour when He will return. The only thing we can know for certain is that He WILL come . . . and when He does, it will be at the perfect time.

So where does that leave us, particularly as we work our way through 2021, with looming economic problems, virus vaccines and lockdowns, and uncertainty at every turn?

It leaves us in exactly the same place as when things were going more smoothly and everything seemed right within our own little world. It wasn’t right, of course; it only seemed that way because our personal life situation wasn’t threatened.

And that’s the point.

People have lived with threats and wars and terrorism and economic instability since Adam and Eve were exiled from the Garden.

Might we be living at the end of the age, when everything comes to a head and Jesus really does return? Most certainly.

Then again…

It really doesn’t matter, for how we live is not to be based on what we think tomorrow might bring, but rather on what God has called us to do TODAY.

• “Every commandment which I command you TODAY you must be careful to observe…” (Deuteronomy 8:1, emphasis added).
• “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for THE DAY is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34, emphasis added).
• “TODAY, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8, emphasis added).

We are called to be faithful TODAY—not to lament our failures of yesterday or fret about tomorrow.

If we are true believers, then we are to be about the Father’s business, as Jesus was when He walked the earth. We are to fulfill the Great Commission of going into all the world to proclaim the gospel and make disciples.

That’s what we need to focus on TODAY—whether tomorrow seems to threaten turmoil or promise peace. For the Scriptures are clear that regardless of what we face, God’s thoughts and plans for us are “of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Several years ago, I wrote a book called The Moses Quilt, a contemporary romance told against the backdrop of the life of one of America’s greatest heroines, Harriet Tubman.

This amazing woman of faith and courage was born into slavery and went through life uneducated and nearly penniless. Yet she not only escaped slavery herself but went back into the “lion’s den” nineteen times to successfully lead out about 300 other slaves, including her elderly parents—all the time knowing there was a “wanted dead or alive” bounty on her head.

How was she able to do it? By refusing to allow the circumstances to dissuade her from following what she believed was God’s call on her life.

Harriet stood on God’s promises.

She stood on scriptures she had memorized from hearing others recite them—because she was unable to read—and lived accordingly.

Those same promises that fortified Harriet Tubman’s courage are available to us.

With that in mind,

• we don’t need to scream and pull our hair,
• nor do we need to hide within our personal safety bubbles and ignore the world around us.

God is calling us to so much more; He is calling us to be about His business and to enter into those plans and thoughts He has for us… to give us a future and a hope, just as Harriet Tubman and so many others did before us.

How are your responding to these uncertain, sometimes scary times? How might standing on God's promises and the encouragement in His Word give you sure hope and a plan for moving forward in obedience to Him?

Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com) is an award-winning author of more than 50 books. A wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she lives in Southern California with her husband, Al.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of ambermb at Pixabay.

Holy Week — A Blueprint for Turbulent Times

Joanie Shawhan is a great example of finding the positive in the midst of negative. In this pre-Easter UPGRADE, she offers some wise tips for tuning this year's "Holy Week" into a positive, God-honoring, life-growing opportunity.

Joanie says, "This past year hasn’t gone according to my plan."

I (Dawn) think this past year destroyed or greatly altered a lot of our plans! But it also gave us many opportunities for a fresh perspective and growth. I love Joanie's approach to one of the most amazing weeks on the Christian calendar.

Joanie continues . . .

The results of my hopes and prayers haven’t been what I expected or even desired. I’ve felt bewildered, disappointed, and disillusioned.

I haven’t understood how these outcomes could be God’s will.

As I grappled to understand this past season, God gave me A BLUEPRINT of how to respond in these turbulent times: 

Walk with Jesus and His disciples through Holy Week.

How do I walk with Jesus through Holy Week?

1. I Humble Myself.

Adulation and triumph charged the atmosphere as the disciples jostled along with the crowd, waved their palm branches, and hailed Jesus as king.

But Jesus didn’t enter Jerusalem riding on the horse of a conquering king. He rode on the back of a donkey, a lowly beast.

The disciples didn’t understand the true mission of Jesus.

I also need to acknowledge when I misinterpreted God’s plan.

2. I Repent.

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He cleansed the temple. In what areas does my temple need cleansing?

• Am I walking in offense or holding grudges?
• Sometimes I blame others for what I perceive as negative outcomes.

I need to repent of the ill will I’ve harbored toward others.

3. I Serve Others.

At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. In the washing of the feet, Jesus called His disciples to be servants, even though they didn’t understand what He meant.

I am also called to serve, to serve even those who may have harmed me.

4. I Commune with Jesus.

Jesus instituted The Lord’s Supper during Holy Week, an opportunity for intimate communion with Him.

As I draw closer to Jesus through communion, praise, worship, and the scriptures, He will draw close to me.

He will reveal Himself to me and share what is important to Him.

5. I Pray.

Jesus invited three of his disciples to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane—pray they would not fall into temptation.

When I’m pressed by trials, I’m tempted to fall into discouragement, despair, fear, or anger.

In the garden, Jesus laid down his will. I also need to lay down my will—

• To let go of my expectations,
• To let go my plans, and
• To let go of my ways.

He has a better way even when I don’t understand.

6. I Watch My Words.

Whether my words are spoken or written, I need to watch what I say and set a guard over my lips, especially when I don’t understand.

Peter denied Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest. He didn’t understand God’s plan—Jesus’ death and resurrection.

When the chief priests and elders stood before Pontius Pilate and spewed their accusations concerning Jesus, He remained silent.

Sometimes my greatest strength is silence.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

7. I Forgive.

Jesus forgave those who hurt Him and betrayed Him at the cross.

Many people do not understand the ramifications of their actions and their hurtful words in these chaotic times.

Jesus calls me to offer mercy and forgiveness.

8. I Watch and Wait.

When all seemed lost at the cross, Jesus rose from the dead.

God has a plan, a plan greater than any plan I could have conceived—a plan filled with joy!

The King of Glory is still on his throne. He will be glorified.

Let’s walk with Jesus through Holy Week and allow Him to lead us out of darkness and confusion into his light and truth.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV).

How will you draw near to Jesus during Holy Week?

Joanie Shawhan is a Selah Awards Finalist for In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer. She is an ovarian cancer survivor, registered nurse, speaker, and radio and television guest. She speaks to medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program. She co-founded an ovarian cancer social group, The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. Publishing credits include: Guideposts Divine Interventions, The Upper Room, Coping with Cancer Magazine, and God Still Meets Needs. Contact Joanie at  www.joanieshawhan.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Prixel Creative at Lightstock.

5 Tips to Building Resilience in Children

Morgan Farr continues to challenge us with her positive, biblical, life-motivating posts. In this Parenting UPGRADE, she shares five ways to build resilience in children—but parents may find they need to build their own resilience first!

"In the chaos that has happened in the last year, resilience has been an essential part of our family dynamic," Morgan says. "Being able to adjust quickly and easily with small children is no easy feat!"

I (Dawn) think resilience is something I learned as a "Navy brat," so I totally agree with everything Morgan shares here. I was blessed to learn resilience, though—unlike Morgan—I didn't always appreciate what God used to teach me this character quality.

Morgan continues . . .

We are a military family. My husband is a veterinarian in the Army. That means we are built on resilience. We have to be, because with the military, you have no idea what they are going to throw at you or when it might happen.

Resilience is defined in the Oxford English dictionary as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, or toughness.

For military families, that could mean a surprise TDY—temporary duty travel—and extended deployment, or finding out you are PCSing (getting a permanent change of station) a year early. 

None of it rattles us because we are resilient.

In the last year, we have had our resiliency put to the test with COVID-19 and the shutdowns.

Here are my "5 Tips to Building Resilience in Children" that have helped us cope through these unprecedented times.

1. Let them see you WORK.

Children need to see that everything they have comes from the hard work of their parents.

Whether it is the money coming in to purchase things or the chores done to keep the home running, everything has a cost.

Don’t be afraid to include children in CHORES—basic chores for younger kids and more complicated chores for older children.

This helps kids to learn to work hard and be appreciative of the things they have. It also helps to prevent entitlement.

2. Let them see you PLAY.

Children are not meant to be little adults. They are unique individual little beings that have to learn how to exist in this world.

Children learn best through play.

• Let them get dirty.
• Let them explore nature.
• Let them splash in puddles.
• Let them be children.

Then, join in and show them that having fun and enjoying the life that God has blessed you with is a good thing.

3. Let them see you SUCCEED.

Do you have goals you want to achieve? Share them with your kids.

For example, I wanted to run a 5k after my daughter was born. The kids were much more understanding when I wanted to jump on the treadmill when they understood I was working towards a goal.

They also got to see that not everything happens as soon as you want it to!

Tell them about your goals and why you set them.

Let them watch what it looks like to work hard and succeed at something that isn’t easy.

4. Let them see you FAIL.

I set a goal this year to be able to do double-unders—a move with a jump rope when a person needs to jump up higher than usual while swinging the rope twice under his or her feet.

My legs are torn up, and it hurts to miss with a jump rope.

It has been a humbling experience to keep failing at this goal.

My kids have been watching me try again and again to get this movement.

I have 9 months left in 2021. How much will they learn about not giving up before I get this down? 

5. Let them see you ON YOUR KNEES.

Big win this week? Praise God! Major failure? Praise God!

Whether in success or failure, show your children that you praise the Lord.

Let them see that you don’t just go to God when you have a problem, but also when you win.

Show them that absolutely everything you are is due to the mercy of God.

As a bonus tip, I challenge you to memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says,

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Then teach it to your children.

When the good or the bad happens, recite this verse and praise God for His infinite mercies!

How can you help your children be resilient this week?

Morgan Farr is a Texas-loving, succulent-cultivating, book nerd and aspiring author. Stationed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this Army wife is learning to train dogs, developing her four young children, and tackling homeschool life… while moving all over the country. You can find more of Morgan’s thoughts on her blog.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Wokadapix at Pixabay.

Help! I Feel Insecure!

Kathy Collard Miller is a truth seeker and truth teller, and she finds the truth that guides her life in the Word of God. In this Christian Growth UPGRADE, she offers wise, biblical counsel about insecurity.

"Feeling insecure is a common emotion and an attitude stemming from believe we are inferior," Kathy says. "What can we do about it?"

I (Dawn) never realized how insecure I was growing up, and I couldn't figure out the puzzle to make my insecurity go away! But just as Kathy shares, I finally discovered the biblical truths that helped me overcome my faulty beliefs.

Kathy continues . . .

I grew up thinking of myself as always guilty and always imperfect. I even thought God agreed with me.

But after I became a Christian at age 18, God began the slow process of showing me how He viewed me—as forgivable, worthwhile, and unconditionally loved. Little by little, my insecurity gave way to security.

Truth from several verses were a key part of this transformation.

1. Nothing can separate me from God—even my sin.

My insecurity had a lot to do with thinking God was waiting to see how well I performed before making my salvation "official."

Then I came across Ephesians 1:13a:

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (NIV).

When I was a teenager, it was popular to put melted wax on an envelope to seal it. I didn’t know that in biblical times, a scroll was closed with a wax seal to not only authenticate the scroll but also make sure no one broke open the important document. It was secure and safe from the information being changed by others.

In the same way, the gift of the Holy Spirit to us at the moment of salvation makes us secure and safe from the heart being deprived of its eternal spiritual inheritance.

2. God’s opinion of me is more important than the opinions of others.

A large part of my insecurity resulted from basing my worth and value upon the opinions of others. It won’t surprise you I’m a people pleaser.

I needed the approval of other people.

But Jesus’s example spoke volumes to me. At one point when He was pointing out why the Pharisees wouldn’t believe in Him, Jesus told them:

How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (John 5:44 NIV).

When I realized I was more interested in someone else’s “glorious” opinion of me than God's, I knew the reason I was insecure: people’s opinions were fickle. I couldn’t control them or convince them.

When I became convinced God’s love for me never changed, I felt secure because Jesus died on the cross and declared, “It is finished.” It could never be changed.

3. God Is Faithful.

Insecurity is fueled by thinking I have to make God look good by my good behavior.

I carry the weight of God’s reputation on my shoulders. If I falter, I’m responsible for how other people view God.

This fear creates tension and stress.

That lie was dissipated for me when I read 2 Thessalonians 3:34:

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command (NIV).

Interestingly, the Thessalonian believers were far from perfect. Paul was writing to them to get them back on the right path by reminding them God was the one who faithfully held them, strengthened them, and protected them.

Paul’s confidence wasn’t in believers “self-made security” but in God’s faithfulness. Then God would get the glory by keeping the true believers secure in Him.

       How to TRANSFORM Insecure Feelings & Attitudes

1. Look for the underlying causes.

Most often we are insecure because of wounds from our childhood and teen years. The comments of others and how we were treated communicated we weren’t valuable and important.

By rejecting those lies, we can push against acting as if they are true.

2. Use spiritual battle.

Insecure feelings can be overwhelming. By actively rebuking the lie with truth, the powerful feelings will diminish.

Say it out loud—“My Father God, you tell me I am valuable and important to you. That’s why you sent Jesus to die for me. I didn’t deserve His sacrifice but you made it possible because of your unconditional love for me.”

Repeat that truth over and over again, even if it’s many times a day.

3. Rehearse who God is.

Our security is based totally on the nature of God. He is faithful. He devised a salvation plan He wants to keep. He has a hold of you and me that cannot be broken.

We are secure in Christ because it brings glory to Him.

It really is possible to feel less insecure and more secure because of God’s unfathomable love!

What truth about your security will you repeat over and over again by faith?

Kathy Collard Miller loves to help women trust God more through her 58 books and speaking in 35 states and nine foreign countries. Kathy’s newest book, co-written with her husband, Larry, is God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature. Her website/blog is www.KathyCollardMiller.com; and check out her Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Kathy-Collard-Miller/e/B001KMI10S/

Graphic adapted, courtesy of John Hain at Pixabay.

Are You 'Testing Positive'?

In this Attitude UPGRADE, Dawn Wilson encourages intentional choices for hope, joy and optimism.

In the tests of life, are you testing positive?

Over the past year with the COVID-19, we've become so aware of the phrase "testing positive." A positive test means a person may have antibodies from an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or another related coronavirus.

"Testing positive" can also can be a result for any other number of tests for various cancers and diseases.

It's usully not a happy day when we "test positive."

"Testing positive" can either be considered good or bad when it comes to pregnancy tests. Christians believe children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), but sometimes the timing of a pregnancy can cause someone to doubt that!

Yet nothing takes our God by surprise. He often has greater plans than we can anticipate.

There's also such a thing as testing "false positive."

A test can incorrectly indicate that a particular condition or attribute is present. For example, during stress testing, which is a routine diagnostic tool used to detect heart disease, women have a significant number of false positives.

The Lord spoke to me about my attitudes a few weeks ago. I got caught up in all the negative news on television, and it colored my thoughts and attitudes.

It was as if the Lord said,  

"I want you to walk with me in the light, and not in the darkness. Put away your negativity. I am the God of Hope!"

You see, I had a "false positive."

• On the outside—I had the appearance of joy.
• On the inside—I was dark, fretful, and grumbling.
• On those days, the condition of my heart did not line up with what I said I believed.

God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7); He knows the truth about our attitudes. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sinful attitudes (John 16:8) so we can realign our hearts with God's Word and walk in truth, pleasing our Father God.

Christians should be realists, but they also should be the most positive, optimistic people in the world.

God's grace and mercy are deep to meet our needs (Hebrews 4:16), and His promises for the family of faith are incredible.

Why We Can Be Positive in Christ

• We are new creations, made alive with Him (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:5);
• We are inhabited by the Trinity—God takes up residence (John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 4:15);
• We are partakers of the divine nature and have a new heart (2 Peter 1:4; Ezekiel 11:19);
• We are no longer slaves to sin, but called to be holy and pleasing to God (Romans 6:5-6; Romans 12:1);
• Free from condemnation, we now can walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1);
• We are being transformed, conformed to the image of Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24; Romans 8:29; 2  Corinthians 3:18);
• We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37);
• As God's workmanship, we can do good works that glorify God (Ephesians 2:10);
• We are chosen to declare God's praises (1 Peter 2:9);
• Because of God's grace and power, we can become servants of the gospel, discipling and teaching others (Ephesans 3:7; Matthew 28:18-20);
• We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3);
• And so much more!

So how do we live so we will "test positive" in authentic ways?

1. Read the Word with the desire to obey God in faith.

Read with the intent to hear from God or learn something new about Him. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to show us how to live to joyfully please the Father and train for righteousness and ministry (2 Timothy 3:16).

Is there is something God wants you to act on or obey that might increase your hope, faith, or joy?

Is there something that might help you live for Him or minister more effectively?

2. Communicate regularly with the Father.

The God of all wisdom, comfort, power, etc. wants to express His nature to you. He will use scripture and biblical truth to encourage your heart.

Are you so connected to the Lord through prayer that you can receive from Him at any time and in any circumstance?

What has He said to you recently that encouraged or challenged you?

3. Check your heart daily to be sure you are walking in the Spirit.

Review what it means to walk in the Spirit. In part, it involves submission to the will of God and keeping in step with the Spirit of God.

Some people think this will rob them of joy in this life, but to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18b) and walk in the Spirit is to experience the "fruit of the Spirit"—and that includes joy and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). Walking in the Spirit enables us to enjoy all the Spirit has for us, and to respond in the toughest situations as Jesus would.

Are you filled with and walking in the Spirit daily?

What's the evidence in your life?

4. Express gratitude, worship and praise to the Lord.

As we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will find our hearts overflowing with gratitude, singing and joy (Ephesians 5:18-29; Colossians 3:16).

We were created to worship God (Psalm 29:1-2; Psalm 95:1-2)—it's both a way of life and a particular activity. Our worship increases as we trust His sovereign love and care.

It shouldn't be unusual to break out in spontaneous praise (Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 34:1-4; Isaiah 57:15).

When was the last time you broke out in gratitude, worship, or praise to God?

If it's a struggle, what unhealthy or ungodly attitude is in the way? Can you give that to Jesus today?

Whenever you hear the words "tested positive," use it to spur you on to REMEMBER how God increases your hope, joy, and optimism in Him.

How will YOU "Test Positive" in the Lord?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, at Revive Our Hearts, a blogger at TrueWoman.com, writes wiki-type posts at  Christianity.com, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.