Leadership Ministries Worldwide
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Yesterday, many LMW folks, past and present, gathered at the graveside of a beloved colleague, J. Renee Bottoms. We at Leadership Ministries Worldwide mourn her passing yet rejoice that she is in the presence of her Lord. Renee worked at LMW for seventeen years on the editorial staff until her retirement in January. Her keen eye for detail was a great asset to the ministry. Originally from Texas, Renee worked as a family practice attorney for many years. When she moved to Chattanooga with her husband Rick, she began working for LMW. Her legal background and meticulous nature served her well at LMW; her skills were invaluable during the creation of the NIV collection of The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Renee’s sweet spirit of encouragement along with her devotion and love for Jesus were hallmarks of her personality.
Please pray for Renee’s husband, Rick, and other loved ones she is leaving behind. Pray also for her colleagues at LMW who carry on, encouraged by her faithful example.
| We have just sent 24 copies of the everyWORD gospels of John and Luke to the Avenal State Prison in California. Would you pray with us that these materials would be used for the Kingdom? This prison houses about 4,000 men, many of whom need to be strengthened in their faith. Many more of the inmates need to hear about Jesus! Please pray for Chaplain Enrique Castro and his work as he ministers to the inmates. |
| As Hebrews 13:3 says, Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. New Internation Version |
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Psalms 56:3-4
David had unwisely placed himself in a situation that intensified his fear: not only was Saul seeking his life, but Achish and the officials of Gath were also considering what to do with him. David confronted his fear with unwavering trust in the LORD and by praising the LORD for the reliability of His Word. Years earlier, God had chosen and secretly anointed David to be Israel’s future king. Now, David was buoyed by the confidence that God would fulfill that which He had promised. Secure in God’s sovereign plan for his life, David determined that he would not fear what mortal man could do to him. No human being could overrule God’s purpose for his life.
Trusting in the Lord like David did can eliminate any fear you have. Praising God and relying on His Word produces resilience and trust in God that will give you confidence that His ultimate purposes for your life will prevail even in the state of fearing particular outcomes.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie ten Boom
Study Questions
Other Verses: Hebrews 13:6; Psalms 100:1-5
Download a free PDF of this section of Psalms in The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible and continue your study:
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalms 23:4
Some scholars think the valley of the shadow of death was the name of an actual valley, an extremely dangerous one, through which shepherds and their flocks were forced to cross. Valleys are symbols of the darkest times of life. The valley of the shadow of death speaks of life’s gravest circumstances, fearful occasions when death is a real possibility. David testified that he was not afraid to walk through life’s darkest valleys. Although he was defenseless in himself, he was not alone in the peril: his Shepherd was with him. The LORD would protect him and keep him close to His side. David was comforted— turned from fear and terror—because his Shepherd was skillfully armed with His rod and His staff.
David was fearless in the valley because he knew his Shepherd would protect him from all deadly threats, including his own waywardness. His Shepherd would keep him close to His side in the darkness and would be with him through every step until he passed safely through to the light on the other side.
Study Questions
Download the free PDF of this section of Psalms in the The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible to continue your study:
"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.” Joshua 1:9
We must be strong and courageous as we march through life. Fear and discouragement can be conquered only as we are strong and courageous. God is with us, and He will never leave nor forsake us. This is His promise to us just as it was to Joshua. His unfailing presence is always with us wherever we go. Therefore, we must stand strong and courageous against all the enemies, trials, and temptations that confront us. No matter how many crushing problems, tough situations, or difficult people we face—no matter how many lustful temptations or terrifying trials we face— God is right there with us. God will deliver us and give us victory over the enemy that confronts us. We must stand strong and courageous, conquering all opposition and fulfilling our task for the LORD.
Study Questions
Other Verses: Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Chronicles 15:7; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:1
Download the free PDF of this section of Joshua in The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible® to continue your study: