Nothing Can Hurt Me
Posted by James MacDonald on November 1, 2007 07:56 AM | Comments (8)Hey:
I hope you are having a great week. I have been too busy--which in this case was not really avoidable. I was in Nashville and then Nebraska and now back in Chicago with a day of meetings. Up early and in God's Word, I was reminded of a passage of Scripture from John 11 that always kind of rattles my windows. :)
He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world." John 11:7-10
There were times in Jesus' earthly life when He did or said things that made people scratch their heads. Even those closest to Jesus couldn't figure Him out. One of those times was in John 11:7 when Jesus said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." Their mouths probably dropped open. Judea? Is that really a good idea? "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" But Jesus' answer showed no fear. "If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."
Jesus' point was that some people walk in the light and some walk in darkness. If you're living in the light, you have nothing to fear. Jesus certainly didn't dodge the bad guys or go shirking around the countryside. Earlier He had consoled the disciples that "No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18). He would not leave this world one second early.
What an awesome attitude with which to live your life. As long as I'm seeking to follow the Lord and doing what pleases Him, nothing or nobody can hurt me. I have nothing to fear. I have nothing worry about, nothing!!!
Let's go for that same confidence and refusal to fear as we follow Christ today! As long as you are in the light, NOTHING can hurt you!!!
Have a great day today, lift up your head. You are a son/daughter of the King and His protection is your birthright!
james
Comments
Posted by: Cherie Hill | November 1, 2007 09:15 AM
What a fantastic Word from God today. What is there to fear when God is on our side. He goes before us, and prepares the way, ALWAYS. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us; and He is faithful. Praying for you and your ministry; God is doing a great work through you....let nothing stand in your way, be strengthened by the awesome power that is in the name of Jesus. God bless!
In Christ,
Cherie Hill
Posted by: Denise Wampler | November 1, 2007 03:10 PM
Thank u, Pastor James, for SUCH encouragement from His Word!! Just this morning I received an email from a friend of mine who is not a Christian asking literally "need ur wisdom" (I really question the truth of such!) for a situation in his life. I was feeling some stress, wanting to send him words that truly reflect the LORD's heart. I feel much better after being reminded of Jesus' character & that I should not feel worry! It is amazing how He speaks to us.
U & your family are prayed for.
Posted by: Don | November 2, 2007 08:14 PM
James,
Response to:
"As long as I'm seeking to follow the Lord and doing what pleases Him, nothing or nobody can hurt me. I have nothing to fear."
While it is true that we have nothing to fear, because God is ultimately good; it is also true that bad and hurtful things still do happen to people, despite us following the Lord. Just look at Job as an example. God's ways are past finding out, yet we can fully trust Him.
Is it not better to say,"Though He slay me yet I will trust in Him"
Posted by: Susan J Powell | November 5, 2007 09:38 AM
Pastor James, I have not visited in awhile...like months, and today, I read this blog and was reminded that this ties in with the verse I live by in Matthew 6:33, " But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." It falls under the context of worry. It is great to know He has our back and our front.
Posted by: sharon | November 5, 2007 03:21 PM
Happy belated Birthday Pastor!!!!
I remembered your b'day because mine is right around the same day BUT....different year. I have 2 years on you and 'old' is far from how i feel.
I have gotten such a kick out of each year past 40 and I can only imagine that reaching the 50 mark is going to be even more amazing. Age has never bothered me (at least not like 'weight') so I trust your birthday was quite the celebration!
Celebrating our lives, in Christ, with a birthday!
Posted by: Cindy Mosier | November 5, 2007 09:29 PM
Pastor MacDonald..tonight (11-5-07) 14 ladies finished your study Gripped by the Greatest of God..we were drawn closer to God, to His Word and to walking worthy of the blood of Christ, thanks for your obedience in writting studies like this, also I was privileged to visit Elgin for two Sundays while in your area...once again your teaching spurs me on to live in the light of God's word, to walk on the lighted path of His presence and to serve in a manner worth of the Cross, we pray for you.>CM
Posted by: Mary | November 5, 2007 11:21 PM
Pastor James, I have been through many, many, dark times in my life, this latest one is by far the hardest one I've ever had to endure. My only concern is that He gets all the glory! Whatever I have to go through, as long as He is walking with me - I am happy to do it, as long as He will get the glory and people will be touched - My prayer is like the song by Mercy Me "...if that's what it takes to praise you - Jesus bring the rain."
God Bless you
Mary G.
Laredo, Texas
Posted by: Melissa | November 6, 2007 12:04 PM
Pastor James,
Last night on my way home from work I was listening to Walk in the Word which I absolutely love! - and your message was on Eros. I want to thank you so much for that message because being an 18 year old girl and growing up in a Christian environment, I always thought sex was "bad" I knew it wasn't inside of marriage, but I got the dirty feeling when I thought of it. I am a virgin praise the Lord but I thoroughly enjoyed your message, and always do enjoy them! God bless you!