Don't Be Afraid

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

Many things can cause anxiety such as tornado sirens screaming out, earthquakes, war, floods, heights, dying, getting cancer, snakes, bees,  and spiders. You can probably add to the list. God does not want His children afraid but wants them peaceful. Recently with the outbreaks of  F3 tornadoes in our area there were some anxious moments but I felt a sense of calmness through all those sirens going off.

Our enemy Satan loves it when God's children become fearful. If you get fearful it means your mind is off of God and onto being afraid. This is a time when you are having a weak moment and he likes to take advantage of you. Do not allow things to scare you. Know that Christ has your back so to speak. Know that you can rely on God to see you through and give you the peace only He provides.

PRAYER: Many things can frighten me Lord if I purposely choose to let them. I know you are my hiding place and I can trust you to care for me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

FEAR NOT

Today's world in the United States of America for many is full of fear of the unknown. We know and believe God is in fact in control and sometimes that includes letting bad situations play themselves out. Fear of a depression, fear of healthcare system collapsing, fear of financial ruin, fear of Communism, fear of homelessness, fear of losing a job, fear of bankruptcy, fear of the unknown. There are many who do not see these things and perhaps are not fearful.

Where does fear originate from? The answer is not God. Satan is the author of all the bad stuff. The evil in the world are from him. In John 10:10(HCSB) it says 'A thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it in abundance.' When we are not tuned into God it is easy to be led astray and believe lies of the enemy. Satan is a liar. He is evil. He is meaning to get us in his trap.

Some good news is found in Isaiah 41:10 (NIV). 'So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' You may have noticed I have referred to that verse in many devotions. It is good to try to commit that to memory. If you feel yourself becoming fearful you can read this verse out loud. Do not allow the enemy to get you in his trap.

Today start the day by saying "Thank you for this day. I will trust you Lord and not be afraid."

PRAYER: Lord there are many times I get anxious about things going on around me. I need to stay in your word and on my knees in prayer. You will protect us Lord and I have faith in you. Help me not to fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Assignment: Read Psalm 91

Click link below and listen to the words of the song.

http://youtu.be/oA0RZE-JAHg

WHAT ARE YOUR "GIANTS"?

Do you have a situation looming over you in your life that seems like it is way too big and will never go away? There is a saying "this too shall pass" but when you are in the midst of your "battle" it sure does not seem that way. During times like these it is essential you practice focusing on "things above" and to try to not dwell on that which drags you down. Problems can, and will, overwhelm you if all you do is think on them.

I loved the movie "Facing The Giants" which dealt with many issues in life that seemed humanly impossible but with God in the equation nothing was impossible. Matthew 19:26(NIV) clearly lays it out 'Jesus looked at them and said,"With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible"'. Pretty clear wouldn't you say? You have to have faith and you have to believe.

In the Bible it says in Mark 9:23(NIV) 'And Jesus said to him "If you can?All things are possible to Him who believes."' Do you have that kind of "mountain moving" faith? "But my problem is way too big and nothing is going to help." Who puts thoughts like that in your head? Not God, that is for sure.

I heard someone once say "Believe receive, doubt do without." God is way bigger than anything overwhelming we humans here on earth. Don't stop praying or believing your situation can't change.

Right now start having positive thoughts and do not allow the enemy to get you fearful or doubtful. God is a miracle working God! Believe it and keep praying!!

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to believe and not lose hope. I choose to focus on good and not bad that cam create gloom and doom. I will seek your peace and pursue it .In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for awesome song:

http://youtu.be/68q8y5nkdPo