Fear

January 23rd – Philippians 1:6

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Philippians 1:6

Facing the unknown of change is a scary proposition. And going it alone makes change that much more daunting. But for those who put their faith in Jesus, we never face anything by ourselves. Because in the journey of change, we are never alone. For the Lord walks beside us, guiding, comforting, and transforming us every step of the way. When we received Jesus as our Savior, God started a good work within us. To mold us into His perfect image. And He promises the work will continue until completion. Each day, God is busy smoothing our rough edges, and making our paths clear. So when we work at changing our lives to ones that bring Him glory, we can be assured of God’s refining hand constantly working alongside us. As we navigate the ebbs and flows of change, Philippians 1:6 serves as a wonderful reminder that the Creator who began the work of transformation within us, will be always be there there sculpting our hearts and lives into the reflection of His divine purpose and perfect image.

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January 16th – 1 John 4:18

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1 John 4:18

Change isn’t easy. And facing the unknown is scary. But perfect love, as described in 1 John 4:18, acts as a shield against the fear of change. Because when we’re rooted in God’s unwavering love, we have all we need to embrace new beginnings without the anxiety that change often brings. With fear cast out, we have the courage needed for our journey of renewal and fresh starts. If each morning we surrender our day to God, we can embrace the freshness of the day without being stuck by the shackles of fear. And in the beauty of God’s perfect love, the prospect of a new beginning becomes not just a possibility but a reality to be embraced with faith and assurance. So as we step into uncharted territory, we can do so confidently. Because our path is illuminated by the radiant light of God’s perfect love, giving us the courage of a transformed and hopeful tomorrow. Courage to claim the promises of new beginnings that unfold when God’s love takes center stage in our hearts.

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January 13th – Deuteronomy 1:6

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Deuteronomy 1:6

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck on a mountain top, too comfortable or too afraid to come down. But if we really want to move toward something new, we need courage. Courage to step into the valley of change, where growth and new opportunities await. And although scary, if we descend with faith guiding our steps, we can find excitement knowing every slope leads to a new beginning. The Israelites found themselves stuck at Mt. Horeb, afraid to enter the land God gave them. Yet He called them to put aside their fear. To arise and claim His beautiful promise. And He calls us to do the same. He beckons us to embrace change, and embark on a fresh chapter in life under His loving care. To move forward with bravery and faith. In our own journey of moving from the mountain, Deuteronomy 1:6 serves as a wonderful compass. One that directs us toward uncharted territories. Amazing new places where God’s promises unfold, and the beauty of new beginnings await for those who trust in His leading.

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December 29th – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

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2 Corinthians 4:8-9

As we get ready to usher in a new year, we know the months ahead will be filled with their own set of challenges. Yet we can approach each one not with fear or despair, but with an unwavering trust in God’s sustaining power. And with a full confidence that although the waves may crash and the boat rock, we will not be swept away. For if we have a foundation built on faith in God, no storm of life can overcome us. No matter what the Enemy throws at us, or how hard he tries to destroy us, no plan of his will succeed. As a beacon in the night, Our Heavenly Father will be there guiding and protecting us through it all, His strength made perfect in our weakness. So bring on the new year! And as we encounter the uncertainties that it will may bring, let us face them with unwavering trust in God’s unfailing grace. For where there is trust, there is the promise of endless possibilities and unwavering hope.

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December 14th – Psalm 23:4

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Psalm 23:4

One of the greatest things about Christmas is the peace we find having Jesus as our Shepherd. For He guides us through the valleys, leads us beside the still waters of His love, and wraps our hearts in the tranquil warmth of His eternal presence. That’s why amidst the festive chaos and twinkling lights of Christmas, Psalm 23:4 whispers a timeless invitation to find solace and peace in the comforting presence of Jesus. As we navigate the bustling holiday season, this verse reassures us that even in the shadows of life’s uncertainties, we need not fear. Because our Shepherd walks beside us. Christmas becomes a sacred pause, an opportunity to rest in the green pastures of His love and be overfilled with the comfort of His peace. In the embrace of the Christmas story, we find a Savior who is not only the beacon of hope but also the gentle Shepherd. And in the jingle of bells and the glow of lights, the holiday season whispers a melody of comfort, and in Jesus, our Shepherd, we find tranquility for every heart’s silent night.

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November 25th – 1 Peter 4:12

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1 Peter 4:12

Through an intense and transformative force, fire removes impurities from precious metals. Such are the intense trials we face in life. If we let them, they have the ability to purify our hearts, strengthen our resolve, and deepen our reliance on God. But the purification process is hard, and often times painful. Yet even though Jesus tells us trials are inevitable, He also tells us we don’t suffer in vain. That’s why we can endure any challenge grounded in hope. Because we know our trials become a refining fire, shaping our character and deepening our faith. Through the refining flames of adversity, our impurities are burned away. Impurities like doubt, fear, and self reliance. Like a precious gem, we become beautifully purified. Shining with a renewed strength and enduring faith. This turns trials from stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Ones that let us embrace challenges with a hopeful and enduring spirit. For each one comes with the great purpose of shaping us into the glorious image of our Savior!

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September 27th – Joshua 1:9

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Joshua 1:9

“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.”

The story of Joshua is one of my favorites in the Bible. Imagine the weight of being called to take over for Moses and lead God’s people into their promised land. And as someone who doesn’t easily embrace change and is prone to fear, I can’t help but admire his strength. Because Joshua never let the unknown keep him from obeying the Lord. God often calls us to step out of our comfort zone, urging us to embrace change and growth. Because as our Heavenly Father, He knows us better than we know ourselves. And He sees the missed opportunities and experiences that come from always staying in our own little box. So God encourages us to break free from our self-imposed limitations, trust in His plan, and follow Him into the unknown with faith, courage, and excitement. If we want a personal transformation, a deeper understanding of our purpose, and a closer connection to God, that can only happen through leaps of faith. Times when we overcome our fears, and embrace the unknown.

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September 21st – Matthew 6:31

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Matthew 6:31

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”

Scars and traumas we’ve suffered in the past can make trust and surrender difficult. And the thought of giving up control over our lives and circumstances is a scary thought. But that’s just what God commands us to do. He tells us to trust in Him, and His love. To surrender to His ability to take care of every need we have. But living in a fallen world means it’s in our nature to worry. Yet living a life of worry is pointless. It doesn’t change the outcome of any situation, and only adds undue anxiety. Jesus teaches that focusing on our worries will not extend our lives by even a fraction of a second, let alone improve it. In Matthew 6:27 He says, “And who of you being worried can add a single hour to his life?” Spending our time worrying about what might be, prevents us from experiencing the joy of what God is doing for us right now.  And more often than not, things usually don’t turned out as we feared. For as a famous scholar once said, “worry about the future is wasted effort, and the future of reality is seldom as bad as the future of our fears.”

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July 18th – Proverbs 9:10

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Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Author John Bevere wrote, “We cannot truly love God until we fear Him, nor can we properly fear Him until we love Him.” Love seems counterintuitive to fear. Especially when it comes to loving God. After all aren’t we told in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love casts out fear? And there’s no more perfect love than God’s. But far from meaning terror or dread, when the Bible speaks of the fear of the Lord it’s referring to a deep reverence and awe for who God is and all that He does. And a respect for the Ruler and Creator of all things due Him and no other. So fearing the Lord means submitting ourselves to His authority. And in doing so becoming open to receiving divine wisdom. Wisdom that keeps us grounded, humble, and receptive to learning from both the joys and challenges of life. The fear of the Lord encourages us to seek knowledge, insight, and spiritual growth. Which in turn leads to a deeper and wiser understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us.

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April 12th – Psalm 61:4

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Psalm 61:4

It’s easy to fall into a state of worry and fear. Because it’s natural to want to feel safe and protected; to worry for our safety and the safety of our loved ones. But fear is a weapon of the enemy. Satan fills our mind with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But as Christians we have the power to overcome fear. We can claim the promises of God who says that those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. And when we shelter under the wings of the Lord, not even the strongest storm can rattle our calm. The world is rapidly becoming more dangerous by the day.  And although we have no control over what happens around us, we can control how we react. We can either cower and hide, living a life of worry and fear, or we can trust in God who promises to be a, “tower of strength against the enemy.” (Ps. 61:3)

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