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 1 John 4:18
Every day we find ourselves face to face with frightening experiences. Sometimes it comes when we have to make decisions we are unsure of. We want to choose right. We want what God wants in our lives. Voices from every side come trying to redirect our steps and choices. We feel pressured to go one way or another. This brings us to be intimidated. Intimidation is one way Satan tries to strip us of our spiritual authority which is rightly ours through faith. Jesus overcame Satan’s of authority in our lives. Satan wants it back. It’s up to us to choose wisely, by recognizing the work of Satan in our lives. Jesus restored out authority and taught the disciples that divine authority was now our right. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Fear is a reaction to the things in our lives that may bring pain or punishment. Sometimes we experienced them once before and we don’t want to go through that again. The pain was too great! I have discovered that fear can push you to deeper depths in God. We know that the Word of God teaches us that there is no fear in love, and we do not have to be slaves to fear. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Rom 8:15 NIV When you are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell your human vessel, the temple of God. The Spirit makes us part of God’s family. When we find ourselves in trouble, we can call on Him….”Daddy, Father”… and He is always there to help us in our time of need. Children who live in a healthy home trust in the protective care of their father. We are part of God’s special family. When we love God perfectly, there is no need to fear anything that would come against us...not cancer, unemployment, the future, and even death itself. Love trusts and fills us with peace. There is no torment in love...only in fear. Sometimes it is guilt that causes fear to flood our emotions. Forgiveness takes away that fear. How often have I heard new believers say they felt like a huge load was lifted when they experienced God’s forgiveness.
What do you fear? If there is something you fear, you give power over to it. But, if you feed your faith, your fear will starve to death. How do we feed our faith? By spending time with the One we love—in the Word of God, in prayer, in fellowship, and by surrounding ourselves with other believers whose love for God results in positive living and a clear focus on who is really in charge. When we choose to fear God, being in total awe of Him, rather than fearing Satan and his tactics, we learn God is greater than anything Satan can throw at us. Spiritual leaders discover that there is no place in their lives for fear if they are to fully serve the Lord. Their lives are motivated by love and flows out to everyone they influence. Their love for God raises the faith level around them. If we are to believe the promises of God, we must trust His Word. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35, 37
Sometimes we allow the fear of possible failure to keep us from ever trying to do something challenging. Satan uses this fear to keep us from fulfilling the call of God in our lives, and keep us trapped in a cage of fear. We could lie down in frustration and fear, or we can claim our freedom in Christ. Taking that first step of recognizing what is happening, will lead us to spiritual freedom in Christ Jesus. Too many Christians discover at the end of their lives that the fear was just a ruse of the enemy to keep us from winning the lost to Jesus Christ. The moment we open our mouths and declare the powerful Word of God, the enemy is sent on the run...just like Jesus did against the attacks of Satan in the wilderness. We can go boldly forward without fear, in perfect obedience and walk in complete victory. Remember the promise: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed John 8:36
The Word of God teaches us not to fear. Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Thank God we can therefore walk in confidence, no matter what comes our way. We do not need to fear and in fact, we need to choose not to fear. There is One who is holding our hand, who sees the road ahead of us, who knows how to destroy dangers and who prepares the way. He has promised to help us...and His help is all we need. Our own efforts will fail, but His help will overcome, and take us to new levels of spiritual confidence. There will always be times of spiritual resistance. We can expect to come under attack, but God is faithful and He will enable us. He has given us weapons of spiritual warfare and we can go forward as good soldiers, in confidence, knowing who it is who stands beside us. There is no need for fear or cowardice when the King of Kings has already given us the victory over the enemy. We need not fear the challenges of life nor even the challenges of death. In either case, the Lord holds our hand. Are you afraid today? Has the enemy caused you to step back from being the bold Christian God wants you to be? In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! ….Give it everything you have, heart and soul…..Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1: 7, 9 (TMB)
J. Johnson
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Dear friends,
Please continue to pray for us as we seek God’s future for our lives. Praise the Lord! We are so thankful and so appreciate each of you who take the time to pray and write. Your financial gifts are so important and needed. We are facing many added bills at this time as Joyce fights her battle with cancer, your cards and notes are so encouraging. God bless you all! God is faithful and we anticipate great things in the future……Serving the Master! David and & Joyce Johnson
Update…..Joyce is now finished with all cancer treatments. Thank you for praying. She still needs strength and is slowly getting back to ‘normal’. We wish all of you the blessing of the Lord and lives filled with the unfailing love of God.
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