Luke 21:10-11
10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:28
28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
God’s shakings are always redemptive in nature. When the world is shaken and our lives shaken don't be dismayed because God's salvation is near. At the worst time in the history of the world, this is when Christ will show up. This is often true in our own lives. Often the best things that happen come out of our worst situations. I know that a lot of good things have come about in my life and our ministry as result of the Haiti earthquake.
Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
When things are shaken, don’t be afraid, His deliverance is at hand. Paul and Silas were beaten and through into a dark prison cell chained one to another. Yet, their spirits were strong and they were not discouraged. Their hope and joy was in the Lord. They prayed and worship the Lord. Then God broke forth on their situation and delivered them from their situation. Not only did God deliver them, but Cornelius's whole family.
Next time you are in a difficult situation, don't be discouraged, but put your hope and trust in God. You will then see His glory and deliverance, not only for you but others. Therefore, be strong and very courageous. God is our deliverer.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
God is our Refuge
PSALMS 46:1-3,10-11
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
I write this article today in hopes that it will encourage and strengthen you. I know that I need these words instruction and encouragement as much as you. My wife and I have and are going through hard times, and this scripture has come alive to us.
The Psalmist said, we will not fear. How many of you know this is easier said than done. We all struggle with fears and anxieties in our lives. The opposite to fear is faith. We are able to combat fear and anxieties through faith. Faith that God will protect us. Faith that God loves us. Faith that God knows what is best for us. Faith that God is in controll.
God says, be still and know that I am God. Be still means, don't be anxious. Be still means, not worrying. Be still mean, not having all the answers, but trusting God. Be still means, not trying to do things on your own, but waiting on God.
We can be still when:
- we know God is in control.
- we trust Him, knowing He will do what is best for us.
- we know he will accomplish His purpose in us and through us.
- we have faith that the Lord almighty is with us.
THE LORD WILL BE EXALTED & HIS PURPOSES WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Peace
Dear readers, I thought the following teaching would be approriate for all of you at this time. It was sent to me by Tom Brazel our international director.
Recently Chris Leidlein brought the devotional at our weekly EF Staff devotions. It was an excellent encouragement regarding the maintaining of personal peace in the midst of stress, pressure, and even, chaos. Chris stated, “The enemy of our souls wants to rob us of our peace. If he (our enemy) can get us to operate outside of the peace of God, then he can use us to cause others to lose their peace as well. If he can do this, he wins!
Chris presented four simple points to help us maintain our peace. I wanted to share them with you, because I know that there is pressure and stress all around you, and this can be helpful.
1) Remember who is ultimately in charge. (Let go of carnal striving.)
1 Sam 2:6-9 “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail.”
When we forget that the Lord is the One Who watches over His word to perform it; when we forget that the Lord will perfect that which concerns us; when we forget that the Lord is our rock, fortress, strength and defender, we must go to the fallback position of self-defense, self-preservation, and self-accomplishment. This is a very stressful position.
2) Keep an eternal perspective. (Get out of the smallness of your own mind.)
Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
We do not see things the way that God sees them, unless He reveals Himself to us. We cannot know the mind of God unless He reveals His mind to us. Knowing His thoughts on something changes our behavior and our attitude regarding that situation.
3) Know that you are not alone.
Heb 13:5-6 “…for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
We all know the feeling of being alone and isolated. But, in faith, we can determine to trust that He will be with us in the midst of trial, trouble and difficulty. Receiving “grace of grace” is often where we must begin. I have found that one of the most useful prayers I can pray is, “Lord, help me.”
4) Do what you can – then leave the results with the Lord.
Ps 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God…”
Eph 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
There are positive and constructive things that we can do in every circumstance and these ought to be done. However, once you have done all there is to do, it is time to stand. You don’t have to push your way through; you need to stand, and trust Him to bring you through to His desired end.
I doubt that I am the only one who is tempted to let the pressures of life and ministry steal my peace. I doubt that I am the only one among us who can become “stressed out.” God’s answer to stress is faith in Him. Faith that He is in control, so that I don’t have to be. Faith in God’s eternal perspective regarding everything, even things in temporal settings. Faith that I am not alone, ever. He is always with me. And faith that after I have done all I can do, God will bring me through.
If you’re feeling the stress of ministry, I would encourage you to put this note down, and simply pray, acknowledging to the Lord that you know He is in control, acknowledging that everything that is happening has an eternal consequence, and acknowledging and welcoming His abiding presence, knowing that He will bring the victory.
Recently Chris Leidlein brought the devotional at our weekly EF Staff devotions. It was an excellent encouragement regarding the maintaining of personal peace in the midst of stress, pressure, and even, chaos. Chris stated, “The enemy of our souls wants to rob us of our peace. If he (our enemy) can get us to operate outside of the peace of God, then he can use us to cause others to lose their peace as well. If he can do this, he wins!
Chris presented four simple points to help us maintain our peace. I wanted to share them with you, because I know that there is pressure and stress all around you, and this can be helpful.
1) Remember who is ultimately in charge. (Let go of carnal striving.)
1 Sam 2:6-9 “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail.”
When we forget that the Lord is the One Who watches over His word to perform it; when we forget that the Lord will perfect that which concerns us; when we forget that the Lord is our rock, fortress, strength and defender, we must go to the fallback position of self-defense, self-preservation, and self-accomplishment. This is a very stressful position.
2) Keep an eternal perspective. (Get out of the smallness of your own mind.)
Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
We do not see things the way that God sees them, unless He reveals Himself to us. We cannot know the mind of God unless He reveals His mind to us. Knowing His thoughts on something changes our behavior and our attitude regarding that situation.
3) Know that you are not alone.
Heb 13:5-6 “…for He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
We all know the feeling of being alone and isolated. But, in faith, we can determine to trust that He will be with us in the midst of trial, trouble and difficulty. Receiving “grace of grace” is often where we must begin. I have found that one of the most useful prayers I can pray is, “Lord, help me.”
4) Do what you can – then leave the results with the Lord.
Ps 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God…”
Eph 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
There are positive and constructive things that we can do in every circumstance and these ought to be done. However, once you have done all there is to do, it is time to stand. You don’t have to push your way through; you need to stand, and trust Him to bring you through to His desired end.
I doubt that I am the only one who is tempted to let the pressures of life and ministry steal my peace. I doubt that I am the only one among us who can become “stressed out.” God’s answer to stress is faith in Him. Faith that He is in control, so that I don’t have to be. Faith in God’s eternal perspective regarding everything, even things in temporal settings. Faith that I am not alone, ever. He is always with me. And faith that after I have done all I can do, God will bring me through.
If you’re feeling the stress of ministry, I would encourage you to put this note down, and simply pray, acknowledging to the Lord that you know He is in control, acknowledging that everything that is happening has an eternal consequence, and acknowledging and welcoming His abiding presence, knowing that He will bring the victory.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
THE SHAKEN LAND
Psalms 60:1-3
1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us;
you have been angry-now restore us!
2 You have shaken the land and torn it open;
mend its fractures, for it is quaking.
3 You have shown your people desperate times;
you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner
to be unfurled against the bow. Selah
5 Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
In this Psalm, David is speaking of God’s judgment bursting forth upon them. I believe the quake was God’s judgment for both the wicked and His people that all people may bow down before the Lord and call upon His name and turn from their own way, as many have already done.
Now we are to pray as David prayed, “….now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fracture, for it is quaking.” “Save and help us with your right hand that those you love may be delivered.”
As believers, what should be our stance? Should we be blaming others for our trouble? NO! Should we be blaming God? NO Should we be wallowing in self-pity and/or focused on our own needs? NO
Our first stance is to position ourselves in prayer for the land and its people, including the government and the wicked. The second stance is to make every effort to mend its fractures. We must not only call upon God to mend the land, and help us. We must act to mend the land and bring help to all that come across our path. The church of Haiti has a great opportunity to show the love of Christ, and the way to Christ. It is in the darkest times that His people shine the brightest if they are truly His people.
In order to accomplish this, we must have the same faith as David and declare, “you have raised a banner”. When David speaks of a banner here, he is speaking of God’s great might. He is speaking of victory. Praise the Lord! Those who fear Him are victorious.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey
I was thinking today about the people of Isreal and how God promised them a land flowing with milk and honey.
Exodus 3:8 - "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites."
God promised to deliver them from captivity and suffering and bring them into a good and spacious land. Yet, there were two requirements for them to enter the promised land. The first was to have faith in God. They had to believe that God was great enough to defeat the giants in the land and their enemies. They had to believe in God's strength and provision for them. The second requirement was that they needed to obey his command to go into the promise land. We see that the people who were brought up out of Egypt failed in both requirements for their success and blessing. As result, they had to walk around in the desert for forty years. It was the new generation who believed God and obeyed him who ended up possessing the land of milk and honey.
You today may be in a difficult situation. You may be suffering. You may be wandering in the desert, not seeing the blessing of God. God has promised those who put their trust in Him and obey His commands blessing, protection, and prosperity.
Psalms 1:1-3 -"1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. "
There will be times of suffering, and difficulty. There will be desert experiences. yet, God does not intend to leave us there. He wants to bless us. He does seek our good.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Yet, we are often in the desert and remain in the desert due to our lack of trust and obedience in Him. Let us be the new generation of people, not like our forefathers, and step out in faith and obedience. There is no situation to great for God. he wants to see you prosper and live in peace.
Exodus 3:8 - "So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites."
God promised to deliver them from captivity and suffering and bring them into a good and spacious land. Yet, there were two requirements for them to enter the promised land. The first was to have faith in God. They had to believe that God was great enough to defeat the giants in the land and their enemies. They had to believe in God's strength and provision for them. The second requirement was that they needed to obey his command to go into the promise land. We see that the people who were brought up out of Egypt failed in both requirements for their success and blessing. As result, they had to walk around in the desert for forty years. It was the new generation who believed God and obeyed him who ended up possessing the land of milk and honey.
You today may be in a difficult situation. You may be suffering. You may be wandering in the desert, not seeing the blessing of God. God has promised those who put their trust in Him and obey His commands blessing, protection, and prosperity.
Psalms 1:1-3 -"1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. "
There will be times of suffering, and difficulty. There will be desert experiences. yet, God does not intend to leave us there. He wants to bless us. He does seek our good.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Yet, we are often in the desert and remain in the desert due to our lack of trust and obedience in Him. Let us be the new generation of people, not like our forefathers, and step out in faith and obedience. There is no situation to great for God. he wants to see you prosper and live in peace.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Great Expectations
Below is a weekly study or word of encouragement that my brother writes every week. I thought that you might like it.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
This was a trying time for Mary and Martha. Their brother Lazarus had been sick, and they had sent a message to Jesus to come quickly. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were good friends of Jesus, almost like family. Jesus often stayed in their home that was not far from Jerusalem . But for some reason beyond their comprehension, Jesus had delayed, and now Lazarus had been dead for four days. When Jesus finally arrives, Martha is the first one to meet him. Notice her comment in verse 21. "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” She is declaring her faith that Jesus could have healed her brother. But now that he is dead and buried, all hope is passed.
Sometimes we are like Mary and Martha. We have received promises from God, had visions or dreams that we have prayed and believed for, and they just haven’t come to pass. Maybe we have an unsaved loved one or a child who has strayed away from God for whom we have prayed for years, and there seems no more hope. Maybe we have launched out in ministry and expected great things for God, and it hasn’t happened. Maybe we have prayed for a job or some desperately needed financial provision, and nothing has come forth. We don’t understand why it hasn’t happened. We really believed God. Over time the call, the vision, the prayer and desire dies’ and we bury it and go on with life. Like Martha, we say, “God if you would have come through then it would have been awesome, but it is a little late now.”
Our challenge is that we live in time, bound by circumstances and situations that are beyond our control. But God is not bound by either time or circumstances. Revelations 13:8 says that Christ was crucified from the creation of the earth. In God’s mind, even before He created Adam and Eve, Christ had been crucified for man’s redemption. It was a done deal. Neither time nor circumstances could alter it. In Eph 1:18-20 Paul prays, “that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know ….what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.” That resurrection power is available to you to fulfill His promises to you.
The Bible says, “By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.” Hebrews 11:11 Notice the time factor, Abraham was past age, and circumstance, Sarah was barren. What we think is past may be the present to God. What we deem as dead is not dead to God.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 says “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” The same one who established you, anointed you and sealed you by His Spirit will do it through you. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” Hebrews 10-35-36
May God by His Spirit rekindle the great expectations that you once had.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
This was a trying time for Mary and Martha. Their brother Lazarus had been sick, and they had sent a message to Jesus to come quickly. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were good friends of Jesus, almost like family. Jesus often stayed in their home that was not far from Jerusalem . But for some reason beyond their comprehension, Jesus had delayed, and now Lazarus had been dead for four days. When Jesus finally arrives, Martha is the first one to meet him. Notice her comment in verse 21. "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” She is declaring her faith that Jesus could have healed her brother. But now that he is dead and buried, all hope is passed.
Sometimes we are like Mary and Martha. We have received promises from God, had visions or dreams that we have prayed and believed for, and they just haven’t come to pass. Maybe we have an unsaved loved one or a child who has strayed away from God for whom we have prayed for years, and there seems no more hope. Maybe we have launched out in ministry and expected great things for God, and it hasn’t happened. Maybe we have prayed for a job or some desperately needed financial provision, and nothing has come forth. We don’t understand why it hasn’t happened. We really believed God. Over time the call, the vision, the prayer and desire dies’ and we bury it and go on with life. Like Martha, we say, “God if you would have come through then it would have been awesome, but it is a little late now.”
Our challenge is that we live in time, bound by circumstances and situations that are beyond our control. But God is not bound by either time or circumstances. Revelations 13:8 says that Christ was crucified from the creation of the earth. In God’s mind, even before He created Adam and Eve, Christ had been crucified for man’s redemption. It was a done deal. Neither time nor circumstances could alter it. In Eph 1:18-20 Paul prays, “that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know ….what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.” That resurrection power is available to you to fulfill His promises to you.
The Bible says, “By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.” Hebrews 11:11 Notice the time factor, Abraham was past age, and circumstance, Sarah was barren. What we think is past may be the present to God. What we deem as dead is not dead to God.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 says “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” The same one who established you, anointed you and sealed you by His Spirit will do it through you. “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” Hebrews 10-35-36
May God by His Spirit rekindle the great expectations that you once had.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
One Demonic Spirit
I want to talk about a topic of great importance to all, but even more so to those who lived the January 12th earthquake. I am saddened to see poeple still gripped with fear in the nation of Haiti. Many not willing to sleep in their homes that are not damaged. Even more sad is seeing Christians un-willing to spend time in building with concrete roofs for fear of them collapsing when or if another earthquake happens. This should not be so.
We have all experienced fear. We have all had to deal with fear at some point in our lives. Many of us deal with it on a daily basis. Some people are all bound up with fear. We usually call them phobias. There are many things to fear, and many reasons to fear. Maybe we have more reason to fear now then ever before in the history of the world. There is violence, wars, famines, flooding, hurricanes,earthquakes, poverty, and all sorts of evil taking place all over the world. We in Haiti may have more reason to fear than some other places. It only takes 10 minutes of listening to the news, talking to someone about what is happening in Haiti or hear the terrible stories before fear begins to set in. I have heard of things that have taken place these past months that are so terrible. I wouldn’t even repeat. Most people in Haiti are living in fear, or at least having to deal with fear on a daily basis.
Where did fear originate? It began with Adam and Eve when they fell. It was one of the curses that sin brought into the world. God never intended or desired for man to live in fear. Satan now uses fear to control and immobilize people. There are those who become possessed by fear. I know this for a fact because a spirit of fear once possessed me. My last year in Bible school, I was plagued with all kinds of fears. It wasn’t until I read a book called, “One Demonic Spirit” that I got set free.
It is not in God’s plan for us to live in fear, and he wants us to be free from fear.
The Bible says that we should not fear our enemies.The odds may be great, and seemingly overwhelming, but we don’t need to be afraid, God is with us.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - "When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
The Bible says we don’t need to be afraid of those who hate us or those who seek to destroy us, because we serve a great and powerful God.
II Chronicles 32:7 - ""Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him."
Do not be afraid of what you have heard. There are all kinds of rumors flying around Haiti of bigger earthquake coming, and of fire shooting out of the sun.
II Kings 19:6 says, "Isaiah said to them, "Tell your master, 'This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me."
We must not live out of fear of what I call, "the what if's". What if an earthquake comes? What if my house falls? What if I can't feed my family? What if the person hates me? What if my loved one dies? What if, what if, what if. I know that I have a tendecy to do just this kind of thing, but I must not let it get a hold on my life.
We must not fear those who try to trap us, neither the evils of day or of night as long as we abide in God.. (
Psalms 91:1-7 - "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
There is a part here that is of great importance to those in Haiti, "you will not fear the terror of night". Many people live in their houses during the day, but unwilling to sleep in them at night. It is because they fear the terror of night. They fear the house falling on them in the night. As Christians, we are not to fear the terror of the night.
We must not fear evil tidings or bad news.
Psalms 112:6-8 - "Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
We are not to fear natural disaster or when the world around us is in turmoil.
Psalms 46:1-3 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah"
We are not to fear sudden disaster. (Prov. 3:25,26)
Proverbs 3:25,26 - "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."
If we take a careful look at all these passages, we will find that God never promises that these will not come our way or happen to us. Yet, he promises that he will be with us and give us victory over them or through them.
The only things the Bible tells us to fear is God only and his judgment or wrath. (Deut. 10:12; Isa. 8:13; Ps. 119:120)
There are several reasons that we fear.
We fear because we lack faith in God.
Isaiah 12:2 - "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
We fear because we don’t understand God’s love for us. (I John 4:18)
1 John 4:18 -"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
God wants us to have peace. (Ps. 29:11; 85:8; Jhn. 14:27; 16:33)
We find peace when we have confidence in God’s protection. (Ps. 4:8)
Psalms 4:8 - "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
We find peace when we keep our minds fixed on him.
Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
A Spirit controlled mind will bring peace.
Romans 8:6 - "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;"
We find peace when we cast our cares on Him. (Philippians 4:6-8)
Fear is from the devil. God commands us not to fear. Fear becomes sin when it immobilizes us, and hinders us from doing what we need to do. Fear becomes sin when it hinders us from obeying God and doing what is right. (I Peter 3:6,14) Fear is the opposite of faith. The Bible says without faith we can not please God. When we fear, it is not pleasing to God. Yet, God has come to give us peace. He is able to give you peace that passes all understanding. The Bible says that there will be many trials and troubles, but God is able to give you peace over them or through them. We need not be afraid.
I found the victory over fear in my life when I realized it was not from God but a demonic spirit. When I understood this, I bowed down in prayer and bound the spirit and asked God to deliver me from the spirit of fear. It left me immediately. This doesn't mean it doesn't pop up its ugly head at times, but now I know it is not only psychological, but spiritual and that I need to do battle with it.
We have all experienced fear. We have all had to deal with fear at some point in our lives. Many of us deal with it on a daily basis. Some people are all bound up with fear. We usually call them phobias. There are many things to fear, and many reasons to fear. Maybe we have more reason to fear now then ever before in the history of the world. There is violence, wars, famines, flooding, hurricanes,earthquakes, poverty, and all sorts of evil taking place all over the world. We in Haiti may have more reason to fear than some other places. It only takes 10 minutes of listening to the news, talking to someone about what is happening in Haiti or hear the terrible stories before fear begins to set in. I have heard of things that have taken place these past months that are so terrible. I wouldn’t even repeat. Most people in Haiti are living in fear, or at least having to deal with fear on a daily basis.
Where did fear originate? It began with Adam and Eve when they fell. It was one of the curses that sin brought into the world. God never intended or desired for man to live in fear. Satan now uses fear to control and immobilize people. There are those who become possessed by fear. I know this for a fact because a spirit of fear once possessed me. My last year in Bible school, I was plagued with all kinds of fears. It wasn’t until I read a book called, “One Demonic Spirit” that I got set free.
It is not in God’s plan for us to live in fear, and he wants us to be free from fear.
The Bible says that we should not fear our enemies.The odds may be great, and seemingly overwhelming, but we don’t need to be afraid, God is with us.
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - "When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
The Bible says we don’t need to be afraid of those who hate us or those who seek to destroy us, because we serve a great and powerful God.
II Chronicles 32:7 - ""Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him."
Do not be afraid of what you have heard. There are all kinds of rumors flying around Haiti of bigger earthquake coming, and of fire shooting out of the sun.
II Kings 19:6 says, "Isaiah said to them, "Tell your master, 'This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me."
We must not live out of fear of what I call, "the what if's". What if an earthquake comes? What if my house falls? What if I can't feed my family? What if the person hates me? What if my loved one dies? What if, what if, what if. I know that I have a tendecy to do just this kind of thing, but I must not let it get a hold on my life.
We must not fear those who try to trap us, neither the evils of day or of night as long as we abide in God.. (
Psalms 91:1-7 - "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
There is a part here that is of great importance to those in Haiti, "you will not fear the terror of night". Many people live in their houses during the day, but unwilling to sleep in them at night. It is because they fear the terror of night. They fear the house falling on them in the night. As Christians, we are not to fear the terror of the night.
We must not fear evil tidings or bad news.
Psalms 112:6-8 - "Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
We are not to fear natural disaster or when the world around us is in turmoil.
Psalms 46:1-3 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah"
We are not to fear sudden disaster. (Prov. 3:25,26)
Proverbs 3:25,26 - "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."
If we take a careful look at all these passages, we will find that God never promises that these will not come our way or happen to us. Yet, he promises that he will be with us and give us victory over them or through them.
The only things the Bible tells us to fear is God only and his judgment or wrath. (Deut. 10:12; Isa. 8:13; Ps. 119:120)
There are several reasons that we fear.
We fear because we lack faith in God.
Isaiah 12:2 - "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
We fear because we don’t understand God’s love for us. (I John 4:18)
1 John 4:18 -"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
God wants us to have peace. (Ps. 29:11; 85:8; Jhn. 14:27; 16:33)
We find peace when we have confidence in God’s protection. (Ps. 4:8)
Psalms 4:8 - "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
We find peace when we keep our minds fixed on him.
Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
A Spirit controlled mind will bring peace.
Romans 8:6 - "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;"
We find peace when we cast our cares on Him. (Philippians 4:6-8)
Fear is from the devil. God commands us not to fear. Fear becomes sin when it immobilizes us, and hinders us from doing what we need to do. Fear becomes sin when it hinders us from obeying God and doing what is right. (I Peter 3:6,14) Fear is the opposite of faith. The Bible says without faith we can not please God. When we fear, it is not pleasing to God. Yet, God has come to give us peace. He is able to give you peace that passes all understanding. The Bible says that there will be many trials and troubles, but God is able to give you peace over them or through them. We need not be afraid.
I found the victory over fear in my life when I realized it was not from God but a demonic spirit. When I understood this, I bowed down in prayer and bound the spirit and asked God to deliver me from the spirit of fear. It left me immediately. This doesn't mean it doesn't pop up its ugly head at times, but now I know it is not only psychological, but spiritual and that I need to do battle with it.
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