Do not Panic

“He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them.”

Deuteronomy 20:3 NIV -- http://bible.com/111/deu.20.3.niv

I have ISIS on my mind, as does the rest of the world. The attacks in Paris last week may be a sign of a new offensive. This "war" is being fought in a very real way. I just heard about a High School group in Dekalb county that have cancelled there trip to Paris in 2017. I'm not sure what I think about that. Regardless what some people think, we are at war and I personally wouldn't travel abroad right now. But, two years from now? I think our fears of war, our fears for confronting evil can get out of control. We can't let the enemy change our lives. That is exactly what they want.

It's not just the fear of terrorists. We fear many of the evils in this world. We need to take this verse to heart. WE can't be fainthearted. We can not change the way we live our lives because of that evil. We need to hold dear our powerful, wonderful God. My wonderful Heavenly Father is with me. He is with those that love him and call upon his name. I will NOT be afraid!

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you for your protection. I praise you for your love. I do not fear evil because you are with me. Please Lord help our leaders be strong in the face of this terrible threat. Give them wisdom and strength to continue the fight against evil in this world. We owe it to the weak and vulnerable to protect them with all our strength. We need to be strong and not panic or live lives filled with terror. We can only do that with you! Amen!

Jesus is terrifying?

“King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.”

Matthew 2:3 NLT. (http://bible.com/116/mat.2.3.nlt)

I can understand why King Herod was deeply disturbed about the birth of the Messiah. But what about everyone else in Jerusalem? Why would the coming of the leader of the Jews be so frightening?

Well, if those people were anything like we are today, just the unknown would be enough to send an entire community into a tizzy. But they also had a vision of their savior being a "militant" leader who would rule with an iron hand. Boy, were they surprised!

What about today? Why are so many people intimidated and fearful of Christianity? Christians are under attack. How does my faith intimidate so much? The answer comes directly from the father of lies. Satan himself perpetuates the fear. He replays over and over the sins of our fathers as mean, cruel, and ruthless people. Yes, all the way back during the crusades we sinned greatly against man kind. It is brought up in every argument against Christianity. Many believe the crusades were completely necessary to keep faith alive and not be snuffed out by militant Muslims. Even so, look at our record since that time. Look at the church and the mission. Look at the servant heart that has served so many places around the world. We feed the hungry, we house the poor, we heal the sick. The power to do good in the world is fueled by the power of Jesus. It is a lie to fear Jesus. Jesus is love. Jesus is a servants heart. 

Dear Lord, I am distraught by the constant attack on our faith. I am dismayed with the depiction of Christians as mean, bigoted, and unloving. Help me Lord, to not dwell on the lies spread about my faith. Help me to constantly show my love, your love, to those around me. Help me to be above the fray and serve, even those that hate me. I praise you for your love and support through all the trials I face on this earth. You are an amazing and wonderful God of Love. Amen!

I'm afraid!

God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak. (Proverbs 14:34 MSG)

I am truly afraid. 

I'm afraid of the road this country is traveling. I'm afraid of the polarization of our politicians, churches, and neighbors. I'm afraid of apathy. I'm afraid of wealth vs poverty, us vs them, and hatred for those different than us. I'm afraid of a world where nothing is right and nothing is wrong. I'm afraid of groups that can justify ruthless murder through God. I'm afraid of a morality that defies nature. I'm afraid of the epidemic of laziness and entitlement. I'm afraid of a society that will only give if there is something in it for them. I'm afraid of the persecution of those that love God and publicly proclaim his love. I'm afraid of life where relationships take the backseat to things! I'm afraid of weakness in the face of an unpopular stand. I'm afraid the number of people living without God. I'm afraid! I'm afraid! I'm afraid!

Yet,

Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus Loves Me! Yes, Jesus Loves Me! Yes, Jesus Loves Me! The Bible tells me so!

It's easy to look at this world with great fear. But, you deny the power of God if that fear paralyzes you that you can not live life for him. Our devotion to the love of Christ will overcome all fear! Praise God for his love even in these evil times! Praise God for his promise of eternal life!

Fear Not! Are you kidding?

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. (Luke 1:30 NIV)

Several times during the Christmas story, Angels visit and their first words are: "Do not be afraid!" Who were they kidding? The shepherds and Mary both got to sense the terror of having these powerful beings disrupt an otherwise peaceful night. I can't even explain the terror I would feel, let alone what my reaction would be. The presence of the angelic host must be quite the powerful, awe inspiring sight. It's easy to say I would love to see it, but I'm not sure I could handle it!

Have you ever been truly afraid? I was riding my motorcycle in the late fall of the year several years ago. I had a VERY near miss with a deer. It happened so quick, but it happened in slow motion at the same time. We actually came eye to eye as he veered to leep over the back of my motorcycle. I was so petrified, but didn't even slow down after it happened. I was paralyzed with fear. 

The older I get the less paralyzed I am with fear. I have survived enough calamity that I know I have nothing to fear. I don't fear people's opinions. I don't fear confrontations. I'm not afraid to stand up for Jesus. I'm not afraid to do the unpopular thing. I just don't fear much. I'm not in the same breath as Mary, but for some reason I have been blessed by God and he has shown, time and time again, that I have nothing to fear. When all is crumbling, I can see the face of God and know I'm ok. 

In the peace of this wonderful Christmas season, fear not, for if you have committed your life to Jesus, you will find favor with God. Praise God for the strength he provides to endure all times, both good and bad.

How can you fear that?

Acts 24

 ²⁴ Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵ As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” ²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

Doesn't it seem odd that the presentation of the Gospel can generate fear in someone with the power of Felix? In the Bible, one of the most popular sayings is "to fear the Lord". Many of the early Christians, in the Bible, talk about "death is gain." Stephen was stoned to death for his belief. We are asked to sacrifice, give up stuff, and deny ourselves. An unbeliever could easily become "scared" by all of this. SO, it doesn't surprise me that Felix was fearful. In his mind he has a lot to lose by turning his life to Christ.

I have been a Christian for nearly 40 years. I can honestly say I have never felt it a sacrifice following Christ. As a matter of fact, I have been embarrassingly blessed by God. I have been blessed WAY beyond what I deserve. But, the greatest reward is the guarantee that I will live forever in paradise with Jesus. What kind of sacrifice is that. If you view following Christ from the "Worlds Perspective" you are certainly going to be disappointed. The sinner can't see God and they can't see the rewards either. 


Worshipping God, life everlasting, no pain, no suffering, no sorrow. How can you fear that? 

Walk don't Run!

Psalm 23 (New International Version, ©2010)

⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.


This passage of scripture has comforted more people over the years. It has been quoted (along with the rest of Psalm 23) at countless funerals. God has provided this scripture, through David, for the purpose of comfort.

If I were writing this scripture, I might have changed it to this: "Even while I am running through the darkest valley, I will be afraid of everything until I remember you are with me." I can't imagine WALKING through a valley of darkness. Just visualize walking through a cemetery all alone at night. Could you walk? Not me!

I wish my faith was stronger. I wish I could confidently "Walk" through trials in my life. But, I am more likely to run like a wild man from my trials. That's where the rod and the staff come into play. A shepherds rod and staff served two purposes. One was for defense, but the other purpose was for "discipline". Believe it or not, sheep don't always go where they are supposed to. (neither do we) Sometimes they need some more aggressive guidance. How true that is about me? Yes, even that is comforting. Once I have committed my life to the Lord and lean on him for direction, he will do it. Sometimes that rod and staff hurt. But, they are necessary. Our Shepherd will take whatever means necessary to keep us on the right path and he will do whatever he can to protect us from evil. He does it so we can walk through life with confidence, even through the toughest of trials and tribulations.

God is with us. He loves us. He is our comfort. He carries a powerful rod and staff, but he loves us like no one else can. Amen to that! 

Shot from the Shadows!

Psalm 11 (New International Version, ©2010)

 ¹ In the LORD I take refuge.
   How then can you say to me:
   “Flee like a bird to your mountain. ² For look, the wicked bend their bows;
   they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
   at the upright in heart. ³ When the foundations are being destroyed,
   what can the righteous do?”


How many times have you just wanted to escape? I can tell you that I have had those thoughts a lot lately. I feel like I have been shot at from the shadows and sometimes it feels like the foundations are crumbling.  I can relate to David!

But, just like David, I can not escape. I have to face those who would come against me. I take refuge in the Lord. He is my rock and my foundation. He is the help in times of trouble. He is my shield and I will trust in his protection alone. We can do npthing, but the Lord is in control and he is more than enough to save us.

Dear Lord, Forgive me for my weakness and my fear. I should know, from all the times of my life, that  you alone are my refuge. I have no fear because of you. Thank You Lord! Amen!

Scared to Death!

Revelation 11 (The Message)

 ^7-10"When they've completed their witness, the Beast from the Abyss will emerge and fight them, conquer and kill them, leaving their corpses exposed on the street of the Great City spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, the same City where their Master was crucified. For three and a half days they'll be there—exposed, prevented from getting a decent burial, stared at by the curious from all over the world. Those people will cheer at the spectacle, shouting 'Good riddance!' and calling for a celebration, for these two prophets pricked the conscience of all the people on earth, made it impossible for them to enjoy their sins.¹¹"Then, after three and a half days, the Living Spirit of God will enter them—they're on their feet!—and all those gloating spectators will be scared to death."^12-13I heard a strong voice out of Heaven calling, "Come up here!" and up they went to Heaven, wrapped in a cloud, their enemies watching it all. At that moment there was a gigantic earthquake—a tenth of the city fell to ruin, seven thousand perished in the earthquake, the rest frightened to the core of their being, frightened into giving honor to the God-of-Heaven.

Have you ever been really scared?  Stephanie Loves Harrison Ford. So, one time we went to the movies to watch "What Lies Beneath". That was a scary movie. Steph and I don't go to scary movies. This was the exception. We loved the movie, but we were scared to death! I'm sure their are scarier movies out there. We just don't go to watch them. I remember when my daughter McKenzie was in Junior high and she went over to a friends house. They started watching "Children of the Corn". She told her friends that she was feeling sick and she called us to come and get her. When we picked her up, she told us that the movie really scared her and she couldn't watch it. This may seem silly. But, at the time, we lived in the middle of a corn field out in the middle of nowhere. I was scared coming into the house from the drive way! The house was old and creepy. I completely understood why she wanted to come home and NOT watch the movie. 

Sometimes I think the Book of Revelation was written to scare us to death. The end of the world as we know it is pretty scary. The suffering, destruction, and death that will occur is scary. I can just picture this huge Football Stadium type crowd cheering at the destruction of the two witnesses, "Gloating" over their destruction. Then after 3 1/2 days they and their rotting corpses get up and are filled with the Holy Spirit! That would scare you to death. The point is to frighten them to their core and turn them to God. 

Sometimes it takes a scary moment, a close call, or a miraculous event to turn us toward God. We are so stubborn and blind to his power. Sometimes we need the shock value of a Scary Event to open our eyes! So if you don't like being scared to death, save yourself some needless fear. Just come to Jesus right now! Don't wait! You won't ever have to "Fear" again!

Dear Lord, I know I have nothing to fear with you in my heart. The only thing in life that is truly scary is a life without you. Thank You Lord for conquering fear and death. Thank You for caring for us and comforting us in our time of fear. We love you and Praise Your Name. Amen!

The only thing to fear is............

Revelation 2 (The Message)

 ⁸Write this to Smyrna, to the Angel of the church. The Beginning and Ending, the First and Final One, the Once Dead and Then Come Alive, speaks: ⁹"I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jews, who in fact belong to Satan's crowd.¹⁰"Fear nothing in the things you're about to suffer—but stay on guard! Fear nothing! The Devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing—ten days. It won't last forever.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave his famous speech about fear at his Inaugural address on March 4, 1933. Here is that transcript:


"I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.


I wonder if he read Revelation 2:10. They sound similar in tone and power.  FDR gave his famous speech before attacking the problem of the Great Depression. He knew that unless we addressed our fear of what was to come, we could not move forward. We would be paralyzed.
We are now and have been facing one of the most difficult times in our nation's history. Unemployment may not be at the same levels of the great depression, but they are very high. Our nation has been paralyzed, maybe not by fear, but by lack of openness and candor of our leaders. The same frankness and vigor of our leaders is just not present. They are too busy destroying each other to think about healing our nation. Many Americans fear what is going to happen to them. They are close to losing their homes to foreclosure, they are struggling to put food on the table, many are either unemployed or underemployed. You can sense the stress level of the nation when you follow the present election campaigns. It wasn't just FDR that told us we don't have anything to fear. God has also told us we have nothing to fear. The Devil has no power over us. We might have some suffering down hear on Earth. Their will be poverty, dire poverty, and pain, constant pain. But, we have the power of the almighty God on our side. We know that we have the victory. Our life here on Earth is only fleeting in terms of the Eternity we are promised. Praise God, he loves us and cares for us. We have nothing to fear with God on our side.


Dear Lord, Thank you for your love. We know we don't deserve it and our faith is weak. We count on your strength, we count on your perfect wisdom, to guide us through poverty, pain, and all of life's troubles. We love you. We worship you. We adore you! Amen!