No Fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Perhaps ‘fear not’ is repeated so often (365 times in the NIV) because we need constant reassurance that God is always near and we can depend on His love! We can lean on His strength and count on His help. He is always near!

Think about His love… Think about His grace…

Abba, Father, show us Your Presence in every part of our lives. Take away any fear, worry, or anxiety and replace it with strength, love, and self-control. Hold us close and give us comfort.

Blessings and grace to you and yours!

Marie

Where Are You?

Oh, Jesus, where are you…

z1…when the violence in this world is creating fear and chaos all around?

 

z2…when my heart is aching from yet another stab in the back?

 

z3…when I recognize my sin is more than I can bear?

 

 

z4…when a child is so sick?

 

z5…when the love of my life is losing strength?

 

 

z6…when loneliness is pressing in like the darkness of night?

 

z7…when leadership is not showing faith in You?

 

 

z8…when resources are running low?

 

z9…when there’s no joy or delight in the day?

 

 

 

And He answered…

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:16

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.  John 14:14 

What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.  People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works.  Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don’t worry.  Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes, without missing out.  You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matthew 6:31-34  MSG

Heavenly Father, let your Word be constantly on my mind.  Draw me closer and closer to You.  Give me strength, courage and wisdom for all that happens.  Make it so in Jesus name.

A Satisfied Spirit Fears Not

No Fear

Throughout scripture we are told not to be afraid.  Why is that?  God knew, when He put Adam and Eve out of the garden, that fear would be a part of everyday life.  So then what do we fear?  For me,  it’s something will happen to someone I love when they are not near me.  Or, there won’t be enough money for everything we need.  Or, not enough time for what I need to get done.  Or, someone will not like how I look.

We fear because we are worriers, we are anxious about the unknown.  I know that God has me in his constant protection, that He is caring for me personally, yet I still give in to wandering thoughts about what will happen if?…

It’s interesting to me that when the Bible talks about fear it is connected to a specific cause.  God told Joshua not to fear when he took over after Moses.  He simply said,  “Take courage, fear not, I was with Moses and I will be with you!”  The angel, messenger from God, said to Jesus’ mother, “Fear not”, you are blessed and highly favored.  God is with you!”  The angels at the tomb told the two Marys not to fear.  (Mark 16)  In Acts 18:9 Paul is told not to fear but to speak out.

I’m told the only way to conquer my fear is to face it.  Perhaps so but the Word says I don’t have to face it alone.  God is always with me and with Him all the the Angel Armies of Heaven.  Why would I fear with that at my Protector’s disposal?

Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin

Heavenly Father I know You are always with me, always by my side.  Grant me peace in the knowledge that I need fear no evil.  Give me strength to stand and speak for You.  I beseech You in the Precious Name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior.  Make it so!

Fear is …

Ray and I went to see After Earth this weekend.  It was not well reviewed by the critics but we’ve found many good to great movies by not paying attention to those who think it’s their job to tear everything down.   The story line is about a father and son relationship.  It’s about how to overcome fear and totally depend on someone who knows and loves you.  I was delighted and amazed to see so many Bible ‘threads’ in a 2 hour space.  Biblical themes like honor your father and mother,  covered and protected by the wings of an eagle, do exactly what the Father says and you will succeed, and FEAR NOT.

English: There is no fear, until we make it up.

English: There is no fear, until we make it up. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I want to look at this concept of fear not today.  Did you know these words are repeated 365 times in the Word.  That’s not a coincidence.  God knows this world is a fearful and fearsome place.  He knows that every day comes with it’s own circumstances and challenges and that these can produce fear in us.  In Psalm 23 David says, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil…”  How can he say that with such trust?  He knows the One who protects, defends and loves.  He knows God’s characteristics.  He knows the One and Only will not let him down.

Fear is an emotional reaction to an unknown result.  It can paralyze us.  It can cause us to want to hide.  It can keep us from realizing our Kingdom purpose.  It can make us bitter and mean.  IF WE LET IT!

When God says FEAR NOT!  He’s saying quit looking at what could be and look at what is.  He’s saying I’m right here, hold on, look up, you can count on Me.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  It does not say I can do this alone,  it says depend on ME!  From Genesis to Revelation there is constant proof that when we depend on God we have nothing to fear.  He has our back (our front, our side, all that we can and can’t see).  FEAR NOT!

Worship Him with music!    He Will Make A Way

Ah, Lord, God, I am counting on You.  Create in me a spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control.  Whenever I enter the valley of fear shine Your light on me.  Make it so, Lord!

Conquering Fear

Walking on Water Hajdudorog

Walking on Water Hajdudorog (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

We often become frightened by the unknowns around us. Things like what will happen tomorrow, health issues, age issues, family issues, world issues…All of these and more cause us to fear the unknown. What are we to do?When the disciples feared what they thought was a ghost walking toward them on the water He (Jesus) said to them, “Take courage, it is I”. (See Matt. 14:25-32) When Joshua was appointed to take Moses’ place (after his death) and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land God said to him, “Be strong and courageous”. (See Joshua 1:6-9) So why should we not become frightened in any of life’s challenges? When Jesus said ‘it is I’ he meant that He is there for us, have faith in His presence. To Joshua God went on to say, “Don’t be frightened. I AM with you”. Embedded in both the Father and the Son’s response is trust Me. I AM. I will. I can.
 
Heavenly father, You know my fears, my hurts, my heart.  He me grab on and hold on.  Make it so.