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Archive for the tag “spirit of fear”

29 Feb 2020

Focus and Attitude

How much fear are you feeling today? It seems the world is spinning out of control. With the stock market taking a nose dive for the last week; the election and the virus running the news cycle, it’s enough to cause great fear among us. I know for myself, I have been a bit concerned about all these things. This news cycle is enough for any of us to take a pause to feel a bit concerned about the future. We are living in unprecedented times. Our culture and our times will never be as they were before. Not to give you a real downer today, but just a reality check.

Let’s look at the future for a minute. Socialism will one day rule over us. It’s the way of the future – not just for us in the US, but around the world – we will one day be ruled by the one world government. They will be in charge of everything – from financial, to religion, to how we spend our time. It’s going to happen eventually.

A plague (along with war and famine) will one day wipe out a forth of the world’s population. And one day there will be a one world currency because of the fall of financial systems as we know it today. The future looks a bit bleak, right? The future has been given to us in the Book of Revelation so it will come to pass, one day, but not today.

Today, it’s just a blip on the screen. Socialism won’t come in full force no matter who wins the election, because it’s not time yet. It might be a step in that direction if the socialist candidate gets in the White House. We do have a choice this year on how the future will look for the next four years. Choose wisely, my friends. We still have a congress that will keep socialism at bay for a few more years (hopefully).

The virus that is playing havoc today with the news cycle will die down again eventually. Yes, there will be some sick people out there carrying this thing to the ends of the earth, but it’s not the plague that will take out millions of people. The flu is more threatening than this current virus – so far. It could change, but scientists are working hard to find a cure or vaccine, whichever comes first. And the financial crisis won’t last; stocks will rise again and the economy will bounce back when fear isn’t driving financial decisions.

I took a road trip last week to see one of my dear aunts. Visiting her was such a blessing. Her attitude was so refreshing in this climate of fear. The doctor recently asked her if she had been depressed lately. Her response was why on earth would she be depressed after all the blessings she has experienced in her life? She exuded great joy of all the Lord has done for her. She has an attitude of gratefulness – one that I need to take to heart myself.

When we are grateful for all we have in our lives – all the blessings the Lord has given us – there is no room for fear. When we see our Great God for who He is, there is only hope for a brighter future, because God has all things in His control. Nothing is a surprise to God. It might come as a great shock to us – but for the Lord, this is nothing. If it’s nothing for Him, then why should we be concerned?

We have a focus problem when we are fearful. We focus on the problem and not the One who is in control of the problem. These times maybe unnerving at the moment, but it’s nothing to fear. I don’t like my IRA to drop as it did this week, but I believe God’s in control of my resources too. After all, all the resources come from Him; He knows my needs now and in the future.

I will get out and vote in the next few days for a candidate to run this nation and for those in congress. In November, I will do so again and will hopefully join a larger group that will put the right people in office to do the right thing for God’s will to be done.

And for the virus of the day, I will keep myself healthy – sleep well, eat well and exercise – and take my supplements to keep my immune system running well. There are always steps for us to take as God makes His will known to us. We do our part as God does His.

Our focus should be on doing His will and let the consequences play out as God allows. Keep the faith and do your part too. God is bigger than all this. Trust Him in the midst of our difficulties and let gratitude for a great God exude from you too.

As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure. Psalm 18:30-32

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12 Jun 2013

Defining Moment

We all have defining moments in our lives when we have to give in to the fear or trust God in faith. I had one of those defining moments recently. For several days I wrestled with fear. I have been on the road to a healthy lifestyle for the last seven years. With God’s provision, I have recovered my health so that I am more fit and healthy today. I am able to go and do as never before. Even so much so, I have taken on the challenge of going on the mission field for a week in Honduras. It’s only through the grace and mercy of God that I am able to do these things.

But it comes with a challenge to my health issues. I surrendered to the fact I needed shots to do this mission trip. As I was in the nurse’s office listening to all the dos and don’ts, I had a bit of anxiety come over me. It has only grown in my mind since. I have been wrestling with the fear of losing my health once again. With God’s help, I have changed many things to bring about my health. It’s been a long seven years of change. But I feel so good right now that the thought of suffering again brings about the fear. I realize this is spiritual warfare going on. This fear only comes from Satan. God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear but power, love and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

In my quiet time, two things were put before me. The first was from Philippians 2:12b-13: “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Through this passage, I found I need to trust God completely. I need to trust that He will work all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). If God allows something to happen to my health, then He will work it out for His glory. Charles Stanley commented on this passage in his devotional “we must realize whatever we experience is under the authority of a kind, loving Father. God never allows anything to touch us that He will not turn to our benefit and the good of His kingdom.” Satan is only allowed so much leeway. Satan has no authority but only that which God has granted him for a time.

The second thing that came into my focus was from Matthew 5:13-16. We are to be the salt and light for the glory of God. I can do nothing without Him. If He chooses for me to suffer a little while, then I need to be ready to suffer for His name with no complaints. Jesus suffered far more than I will ever have to endure. This is my defining moment to trust God completely in all things. I surrender Lord! I am your servant – let it be as you say. Amen.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

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