Fear

March 16th – 1 Thessalonians 5:9

1 Thessalonians 5:9

The world is a scary place. And it grows scarier by the day. But for Christians no matter the chaos, we needn’t fear. Because we know God is in control. And as Jan Markell says, “The world isn’t falling to pieces, the pieces are falling into place.” War is coming. And God will not contain His judgements forever. For as He Himself warns, “Behold I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.” (Rev.16:15) But believers have the blessing of knowing that God’s plan isn’t for us to suffer the coming wrath. But rather to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. So no matter how dark the world grows, we can hold fast to God and stay strong. Because God’s glorious plan for our lives is one of salvation and redemption. Not one of death and destruction.

 

March 16th – 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Read More »

January 9th – Psalm 61:2

Psalm 61:2

When storms rage and the flood waters rise, the wisest advice is always to seek higher ground. Because the higher we climb, the more distance we put between us and the howling winds, the safer we become. And there’s no safer place to be than sheltered in the tent of the Lord. During times when we feel overwhelmed, we have the privilege of sheltering in the refuge of God. With everything happening in the world today, it’s easy for our hearts to become overwhelmed. 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 that those who put their faith in Him and not the world, can dwell forever in His fortress of peace and joy.

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January 8th – Psalm 56:3

Psalm 56:3

There are many fears in the world today. And while some are real, legitimate, fears, most are rooted in the lies of the Enemy. For he knows the power he wields when we are afraid. And as cunning as he is, Satan offers ample, worldly solutions to overcoming our worries. Because for every fear and phobia, there’s a book, exercise, or yoga pose hailed as a cure. Anything and everything, except the only thing, that can truly help us defeat our fear. And that’s having a close, personal, relationship with God. Our Heavenly Father cares about every aspect of our lives. He knows our hopes, dreams, fears, and doubts. And He loves us beyond measure. So much so that every tear we cry, our Father remembers. And He wants us to face each fear hand in hand with Him and in His strength. To trust Him with every worry on our hearts, and lay our fears at His feet.

 

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October 30th – Hebrews 12:28

Hebrews 12:28

God’s Promise – “I am giving you a kingdom that can never be shaken.”

The most important part of any building is the foundation. A strong foundation not only protects the outside from nature and its calamities, it also provides safety for the people dwelling inside. As Christians, the best foundation we can have is one built around God. For He gives us unshakable strength and security no matter the severity of the storm raging around us. In the last days, the foundation of the earth will be shaken like never before. Nothing made by the hands of man will be able to stand against the power of God. And sadly, many will lose their lives. That’s why if you haven’t received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, now is the time. For the days grow short until the Lord’s return. Yet believers never have to fear. Because no matter how hard the ground shakes, no crack or break will ever be found in the foundation of the Lord’s love, grace, and faithfulness!

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October 22nd – Psalm 29:11

Psalm 29:11

God’s Promise – “I will give you My strength and bless you with My peace.”

In todays climate everyone is over stressed, anxiety filled, and fearful for the future. That’s why we could all use a heaping dose of strength and peace. Life is difficult enough without trying to navigate it alone. My heart aches for those who do not know Christ as their Savior. For they have only themselves to rely on. Only themselves to turn to for comfort, guidance, and security. But thankfully as Christians, we can take refuge in the Lord. For He will never forsake nor disappoint us. Instead the Lord takes our weakness, and gives us His strength. A strength that can overcome any storm and win every battle. And the peace He offers, supersedes even the greatest deluge. For He is our eye in the hurricane. And when we stay centered in the Lord, no lightening bolt, thunder clap, or howling wind, can shake the perfect peace found in the Lord alone!

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September 29th – 2 Kings 6:16

2 Kings 6:16

When the king of Aram found out that the prophet Elisha was informing the Israelite army of his every move, he sent a great army of his own to surround the city where Elisha and his servant were staying. Filled with despair the servant asked Elisha, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15) But Elisha wasn’t afraid. Because through eyes of faith, he saw what God saw. A mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. Often when we look at the troubles facing us, our first response is worry, fear, and despair. We fail to see past our problems to what God sees. And what He sees is victory that comes only from trusting in His power, protection, and provision. The Lord will always provide the resources we need to get through any challenge. Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened. We too need to pray for open eyes of faith. Eyes that allows us to rest in the knowledge that even if we can’t see them, we are surrounded by a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire.

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September 23rd – Psalm 61:2

Psalm 61:2

Many times my heart has felt faint, consumed by discouragement and fear. And it’s during those times when praying and drawing nearer to God is a necessity. Because the Lord is our “higher Rock”, our unshakable foundation that will never fail. No matter what is going on in this fallen world, God goes before us and makes our paths straight.  Deut. 33:26 reminds us that, “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Satan loves to fill our minds with “what if” scenarios that all result in defeat. But God promises those who trust in Him and not the world, can live in peace and joy. King David who was protected by a mighty army knew better then to place his security in chariots and soldiers.  He understood that it was only God who could lead him to victory!

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September 11th – 1Corinthians 16:13

1 Corinthians 16:13

I love the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. One of my favorite quotes comes from his book “The Lord of the Rings.” The hobbit Bilbo Baggins tells his young cousin, “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” That’s how it is living in a fallen world. Scary things can be found all around us. And if we aren’t careful, we can find ourselves getting swept away in fear. We become focused on all there is to be afraid of. We feel overwhelmed by things out of our control, unable to enjoy God’s very best. Max Lucado once said, “The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.” When fear comes we need to put our faith and trust in the Lord, keeping our feet firmly planted on the path He provides and our eyes on Him. So when fear comes to call we can keep it a visitor and not a permanent resident.

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Spetember 8th – Romans 7:18

Romans 7:18

Christian author, Lysa TerKeurst once wrote, “You are more than the sum total of your feelings and perfectly capable of that little gift from Jesus called self-control.” Being a Christian means no more excuses for sin or being satisfied with merely the desire to do better. And no more saying, “I can’t help it, the temptation is too great.” Jesus faced every temptation we ever will. And the same power He had to walk in righteousness is available to us. Satan knows our weakness. And He takes great glee in dangling the carrot of sin before us. But God has always been one step ahead. He knew left to our own devices, we’ll choose sin every time. That’s why in His great love and mercy, He provided a way out. When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us. And through Him we have the strength to triumph over sin, win every battle, and overcome any temptation. So claim the power that is yours, and never again fear the enticement of the Enemy!

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September 7th – Proverbs 25:28

Proverbs 25:28

God’s gift of emotions is a double edged sword. For with one side we experience love, joy, and gratitude. Yet with the other, pain, fear, and doubt. And make no mistake. Satan wields the bitter side of that blade ferociously and without mercy. But get this. He can only attack if we let him. You heard me. The Enemy can only strike when we allow him a foothold into our hearts and minds. Paul makes it very clear in his letter to Timothy, that God fills our spirits with His strength, power and love. (2 Timothy) The very same power flowing through Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and walked on water, resides in us! And that power of God waits with an extended hand for us to grab hold. Because overcoming fear is a two person operation. God gives us the power, but we have to use our sound minds to practice self control. Meaning we are to actively and intentionally take ahold of our thoughts. And filter those thoughts through the sieve of God’s truth instead of Satan’s lies.

September 7th – Proverbs 25:28 Read More »