That One Message

You know that moment when someone else is talking and suddenly they mention something you're passionate about. Almost immediately you (or I at least) take over the conversation and go on and on about it. It is like a bright fire in your soul ever burning but only sometimes showing itself. It is a special passion given to us from God to share with others, the message we feel the world needs to hear. Well, recently I feel like my message has become clearer, so I want to share it briefly with you.

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Fear it is real. Very real. It is a tactic of the Devil. In fact, I think the Devil suffers from it himself. It manifests itself in many different ways, but all have the same solution. It can be glaringly obvious or extremely subtle. I think we all go through times of fear. But how dangerous is it and what should we do to overcome it?

Fear shows a lack of faith. I found 144 verses that use the words 'fear not' but I have heard there are 365 with that message. Just one (Rev 1:17) says Fear not; I am the first and last, that covers everything. From a lack of faith fear leads directly to disobedience. Without a trust in God there is no way we can step out and do as he asks. A few biblical examples are: Isaac feared the men of Gerar would kill him for his wife so he lied about her. Uzza touch the ark of God because he feared it would tumble etc.

Now comes the alarming part, what does disobedience lead to? Death. Fear leads to death. Revelation 21:8  But the fearful... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

But wait there is a solution, His name is Jesus Christ, Lord, Savior and Redeemer! He saves from fear, because He is Love (1 John 4:8). 1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. It is thrilling. He is the answer! Hold onto Him, He will give you liberty, freedom.

From this that God is Love, perfect Love, when we fear even in little things we are not abiding in Christ. It's something I have found very personally challenging. I fear things regularly. But it is as each one of us abides in Christ that He sets us free from the chains of fear- which is death. John 10:10 ...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I have found when I am fearful I like to remember and repeat scripture it helps me focus on the Solution not the 'problem'. Here are some of my favorites. 

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

Hebrews 13:6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Proverbs 3:26  For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Revelation 3:8  ...behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it...

And of course 1 John 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.