Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear

1 John 4: God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them. ¹⁷ Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.

 

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Going out to play, I did not notice the door was broken, causing it to slam. “Stop slamming the door please” was the statement given to me that was easy to do. But when I was older and wanted to “sneak” back into the house after being out all night, I carefully placed the key in the door and gently opened it so it would not make any noise. I was met with “Who do you think you are?’

 

• I did not notice the door when I was doing something that was harmless.
• I did not even think about the door when I was enjoying myself the way I was expected to.
• I feared getting caught doing something I was not supposed to be doing, so I feared making noise with the door.

 

John attempted to address the fear of consequence. He started off by explaining that GOD is love. This is an important statement, because many may have focused on GOD dishing out wrath. He explained that by living a life that contains love, courage can increase and fear decrease.

 

My Observations:

• Satan wants me to live in fear, so he uses temptations that go directly against GOD to keep me wounded.
• GOD gave me HIS SON as a remedy to my sin, and by believing that I need salvation from GOD’s wrath, I can be saved from it.
• I no longer have to worry about GOD’s wrath, especially when I follow the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Motivated by love reduces my fear. I mean, when I am motivated by something that GOD will object to, I get filled with fear. I try to handle things on my own or side with people who are fumbling through life, just like me. When things still don’t appear to be going well, my fear increases. BUT GOD has a remedy to this fear.

 

Focusing on what the HOLY SPIRIT wants me to do and say, makes me change my words and even change my motive. I may not want to do something, but I will do it, if it pleases GOD. I also may want to do something that GOD does not want me to do. So by listening to the HOLY SPIRIT, I may sigh, and leave whatever that thing is alone. I am glad GOD cares about my fears and replaces them with HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain that “GOD is love?”
• Have you ever thought that GOD is out to get you because of a known or unknown sin?
• Will you find the root of your fears and see if you are missing a solid relationship with GOD?
• Will you also consider overcoming any fear you may have by placing GOD’s love into your solution today?

Reputation Faith

Reputation Faith

Hebrews 11: ³⁰ It was faith that made the walls of Jericho fall down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. ³¹ It was faith that kept the prostitute Rahab from being killed with those who disobeyed God, for she gave the Israelite spies a friendly welcome.

 

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“Let me see your paper” was said to me in a threatening tone. He knew my scrawny stature was no match for his brawn. I slid my paper closer to the edge and kept filling out the test. I was glad that was over. But then I heard him tell someone “You should sit by him next time.”

 

• I thought I was going to get beat up if I didn’t show my test.
• I was scared of the thugs reputation of beating people up.
• I was building a reputation of being a “scaredy cat” and a “professor” who could easily be pushed over and copied from.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gave another example of faith. This time it was the faith of “reputation.” The Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and the Egyptians were drowned in it while chasing them. All of the surrounding nations heard about this miracle and feared the Israelites. But Rahab feared their GOD.

 

My Observations:

• I can walk all my life in fear or I can place my hope in GOD.
• I can focus on “my” reputation, or believe that GOD will deliver me when HE says HE would.
• I can do the wrong thing out of fear or believe that GOD will protect me even when the odds are against me.

 

GOD’s reputation is at stake, not mine. I mean, when HE says HE will do something, it is HIS reputation that is at stake. I do not have to defend anything GOD said HE would do. HE is the most powerful, most high and lives everywhere. HE sees all, knows all and is above all.

 

I can place my faith in HIS reputation when mine falters. If all around me label me as weak, GOD says “I AM strong and you are in MY family.” I gladly place my faith in GOD’s reputation for delivering me every time.

 

Challenge

• What reputations are mentioned by the writer?
• Have you ever felt mislabeled by other people?
• Will you put your trust in the LORD today who brings you through all situations for HIS purpose?

Healthy Fear

 

Healthy Fear

Hebrews ²⁶ For there is no longer any sacrifice that will take away sins if we purposely go on sinning after the truth has been made known to us. ²⁷ Instead, all that is left is to wait in fear for the coming Judgment and the fierce fire which will destroy those who oppose God! ²⁸ Anyone who disobeys the Law of Moses is put to death without any mercy when judged guilty from the evidence of two or more witnesses. ²⁹ What, then, of those who despise the Son of God? who treat as a cheap thing the blood of God's covenant which purified them from sin? who insult the Spirit of grace? Just think how much worse is the punishment they will deserve! ³⁰ For we know who said, “I will take revenge, I will repay”; and who also said, “The Lord will judge his people.” ³¹ It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!

 

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“This same job again?!” I said to myself. I was tired of cleaning after people and felt stuck doing so. One guy suggested I sneak off work. I feared doing that, but the thought kept running through my mind. Weeks later, I said I would do it. I hurried through my work and snuck away.

 

• I had lost my fear of getting fired.
• I had gotten comfortable with doing wrong.
• I had lost sight of what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives a stern warning over believing in the SON of GOD. He implies the importance of needing either the Law or JESUS to remove the consequences of sin. He shows how ineffective the Law is towards removing sin. He then turns to JESUS being the only effective one who can absolve us from sin. Getting comfortable with disbelief will be dealt with harshly.

 

My Observations:

• My fear of the LORD is the beginning of my wisdom.
• I should fear taking JESUS actions lightly.
• Every one of my sins are forgiven, but I should not be ready to continue in sin.

 

When led by the HOLY SPIRIT, I no longer get comfortable with my sin. I mean, I get this feeling that I am doing something wrong and I feel I need to not do this particular sin, this time. I feel relieved when GOD guides me away or places a barrier in the way of my blatant sin.

 

Unhealthy fear to me is when I fear humans or job loss or money loss more than fearing belief in JESUS.  The HOLY SPIRIT whispers “don’t do that” when it comes to sin. I ignore the voice and instantly feel awful. I usually feel better when I heed HIS voice. My biggest fear is not trusting in the LORD. I am grateful for HIS forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about GOD’s judgment?
• Have you ever gotten comfortable with sin?
• Will you ask GOD for help in areas where you need HIM so HE will guide you to HIS places of refuge today?

Anytime, Anywhere

Anytime, Anywhere

2 Timothy 4: In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, I solemnly urge you ² to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience. 

 

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After hearing the message “Preach the Gospel of JESUS” I was excited as I sat in church. But the next day, it became difficult. I was at work so I talked about work stuff all day. Then when I left I went to the gym and we talked about body parts and ogled at the opposite sex. Soon it was the weekend and I had to have a minute to myself right? I went out with friends to bars.

 

• I did not see a time when it was right to speak about JESUS.
• I could not see a place where it was right to speak about JESUS.
• I felt awkward speaking about JESUS so I kept the message to myself.

 

Paul urges Timothy to “preach the message” and to “insist” that the message be preached by everyone. He then gave the value of preaching the Gospel. It can be used to convince, reproach and encourage. In other words, it is appropriate for all situations.

 

My Observations

• How I live my life will determine how much I speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me ready to speak about JESUS, anytime, anywhere.
• The HOLY SPIRIT should determine whether it is appropriate to speak about JESUS.

 

Fear, shame and doubt cause me to shut my mouth when it comes to JESUS. I mean, when I am in the middle of sin, I feel I can’t speak about JESUS, so I wait. When I am scared and facing difficult times, I feel I can’t speak about JESUS, so I wait. When I face new people or I am at work or I am doing a business deal I fear messing up and I feel I can’t speak about JESUS, so I wait.

 

I then find myself never, ever speaking about JESUS. I then hope someone else will do it or maybe I can be “good” enough that my example will show JESUS without ever needing to say a word. But this is counter to this command “preach the message and insist upon proclaiming it. Satan wants me fearing, shamed and doubting so I will not speak about JESUS because he knows it is powerful. I gladly put aside my fear, shame and doubt to speak about JESUS, especially when I feel it is not the right time.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the sense of urgency from the writer?
• Have you ever felt ill-equipped, shamed or inappropriate to speak about JESUS?
• When will you use actual words to “proclaim” HIS worthiness?
• Will you let GOD help you with your fear, shame and doubt so you can be used by HIM to preach the message of JESUS to many today?

How To

How To

Colossians 2: ⁸ See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. ⁹ For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity, ¹⁰ and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority.

 

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“Go in and ask for advice” were the words I dreaded. I did not like this particular boss, but somehow he had made it to the level he was. “Read this book” was his advice. I was the leadership book of the day that was useful, but not life changing.

 

• I got nothing from that experience.
• I was open to change my life based on a random philosophy.
• I was focused on “me”, so anything less than getting help for “me” was disappointing.

 

Paul gives a stern warning to avoid the “worthless deceit of human wisdom.” This sounds harsh, especially to those who study and receive degrees or fancy letters behind their name. Paul was not downplaying accomplishments, rather the focus of the philosophy. If a human is exalted and JESUS is not, then the philosophy is worthless.

 

My Observations

• There have been many times when I wanted to be exalted so I read books, watched videos and attended seminars on “how to” get better, BUT GOD is my only path to true health.
• I have sought advice on “how to” live better, BUT GOD wants my dependence to be on HIM.
• I have been in dire straits and would do almost anything to get out of my circumstance, BUT GOD shows me that HE is supreme and is in control of all.

 

“How To” videos are mesmerizing these days. I mean, anyone with a smart phone can record “how to” do something. Unfortunately, some of these recordings contain content that have an inferior philosophy to that of believing in JESUS.

 

Each human wants to be GOD and wants to be in control of his or her own life. GOD wants us to surrender our desires to HIM and allow HIS SON to be exalted amongst all humans. JESUS, lived, died and was raised from the dead. I gladly give all authority in my life to HIM and know HE is in control of all my circumstances.

 

Challenge

• What do you get from the writer’s warning?
• Have you ever been so desperate that you would listen to an inferior philosophy from another human?
• Will you allow GOD to pick you back up so you can clearly hear HIM and follow the HOLY SPIRIT which draws all humans to the FATHER through CHRIST today?

Safe Delivery

 

Safe Delivery

Acts 23: ³¹ So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. ³² The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. ³³ When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. ³⁴ The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵ he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.

 

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Feeling uneasy, I went back to the hotel room. I was parting from the company after more than a decade of work there. A new group came in and decided to clean house. I had faced this before, but this time it was different. I feared my physical safety. I was relieved when I was dropped off at the airport.

 

• There have been times when I felt uneasy.
• There have been times when I feared for my life.
• There have been times when I needed protection and did not know where to turn.

 

Paul was surrounded by over 400 soldiers. When they arrived far enough, the cavalry went all the way to his destination, while the other soldiers returned to the barracks. Paul was protected all the way to the next place.

 

• GOD wants me to seek HIS protection.
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD watches over me when I am in the presence of my enemies.

 

There is no situation GOD does not know about. It may be confusing or even scary that I don’t know what is going on. BUT GOD does. HE knows the situation and has factored in someone else’s evil in HIS great plan for me. Any robbery of earthly treasures from me is noted by GOD. HE rewards me with heavenly treasures that cannot rot or rust. I place my trust in GOD.

 

• Are you feeling uneasy about your situation?
• Do you feel unsafe?
• Will you continue to put your trust in GOD, knowing HE is the only one who can deliver you to safety today?

Worthless Commerce

Worthless Commerce

Acts 19: ²³ About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. ²⁴ A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. ²⁵ He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. ²⁶ And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. ²⁷ There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

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Needing money, I quickly thought of ideas for businesses that would bring in income quickly. I looked at triangle shaped schemes, get rich quick investments and begging a crowd for a few dollars each. None of them had any appeal. I felt lost.

• There were times when I worried about money.
• There were times when I considered doing “anything” for money.
• There were times when I felt desperate enough to do something “temporarily” for money that GOD would not be pleased with.

Demetrius was a wealthy, known businessman in the community. He brought the business community together to speak against Paul, who was speaking about JESUS being GOD. Demetrius knew his business would be hurt if people believed in JESUS. Instead of changing professions, he formed a mob.

• GOD wants me to keep HIS ways in front of me.
• GOD wants me to base my decisions on HIS commands.
• GOD wants me to let HIM handle those who will not follow HIM.

Desperation for money can bring on some extreme thoughts. I mean, when I walked in fear, I would lie cheat and steal to get a few dollars. BUT GOD showed me another way. GOD wants me to show love rather than hate when it comes to business.

HE is pleased when I pray for my enemies and treat all people fairly. Bowing down to GOD shows HIM I fear HIM in a healthy way. I am grateful HIS way is always solid.

• Are you lying to yourself about your profession?
• Is GOD pleased at what you do on your job or your business?
• Will you look at the examples of JESUS and believe only in HIM for your next move?

Fear for Strength

Fear for Strength

Acts 5: ²⁶ Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. ²⁷ And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, ²⁸ saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

²⁹ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. ³¹ Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

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In a certain country, the rule was “No proselytizing.” In other words, “Do not preach about JESUS” or face the consequences. This bothered me because we were on a missions trip to do exactly that. “LORD what do YOU want me to do?” I asked. Then a way was made. If the locals asked about my faith, then I could explain what I believed. One person did, then another. It was all worked out.

• There were times when I was scared to present my belief in JESUS.
• There were times when I felt driven to present how JESUS saved me from eternal death.
• There were times when I saw the opposition to presenting the great news about JESUS.

The church leaders took a weak position on fear. They worried about what the people thought so they quietly sneaked the apostles away. Their fear was because of their murderous actions and their eternally deadly stance on disbelieving JESUS as Savior. They were full of weak fear.

• GOD wants me to fear not telling people about HIM.
• GOD wants me to fear not following what HE tells me to do.
• GOD wants me to fear not believing in JESUS as my Savior.

When GOD tells me to do something contrary to what humans say, HE wants me to obey HIM. HIS voice is that of love and salvation, not harm or pain. Some people do things in the name of GOD, but are really acting in their own power like those who murdered JESUS.

GOD sees the heart and fills it with the desire to speak about HIM at all costs. But this can only happen to those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. To those, HE freely gives the HOLY SPIRIT. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you acting on your own desires without consulting GOD?
• Do you think your actions are pleasing to GOD?
• Will you start fearing what GOD says to do over any human thought little by little today?