Fearless - Day 2

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7

The next time you are tempted to give in to fear, stop and remember this verse! Imagine how differently you’ll feel when you realize that you are not alone and that the God of the universe has placed heavenly protection around you! Take note of the word “encamps.” That means He’s here to stay, 24/7.  It’s not a phone call or a visit. He makes His dwelling in and around you! Walking in this one simple belief will go a long way to helping you become the fearless child of God that you were created to be!

For reflection:  Do I see God as “out there somewhere” or always with me? How does His nearness impact my feelings of fear?

Lord, I trust your word and I thank you that you are with and around me. When I wake up in the morning, you are there. And when I sleep at night, you are watching over me. Thank you for your presence and the freedom from fear that it brings. There’s always hope because you’re always with me.

Fearless - Day 1

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

The scripture says that God our Father has been pleased to give us the kingdom! He loves it; He finds joy in it! Sadly, many people have a very different image of God. When they pray, they don’t imagine a Father who is delighted to give good things to His children. They see an angry Father who wants to mete out justice for the wrong that they’ve done. While it is true, God is fully just in every way, He is also fully merciful! That’s why He sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross. Justice is satisfied, in Christ, so mercy can be extended to us! Father is pleased to give you the fullness of His kingdom in every dimension of your life! Don’t let fear rob you of your birthright in Christ!

For reflection: Do I envision God wanting to give me what I deserve or what He has promised in Christ? How does seeing His pleasure in giving me “the kingdom” change how I approach Him?

Father, I thank you that you are pleased to give me Your kingdom. Your love is beyond description and I am truly grateful! Forgive me for carrying wrong perceptions of you. Help me to see you as you truly are and let that vision guide me every day. Help me to walk fearlessly in the knowledge that you are my Father and have given me your kingdom!

30 days to fearless living!

On Easter Sunday morning, River City Community Church kicked off a sermon series and campaign called "Fearless!"  We will be walking together for 30 days looking at what the bible says about being set free from fear. We live in a culture held in bondage to fear, and yet, one of the most common exhortations in scripture is "Do not be afraid." Every message in April will look at how the bible says we can be free from different life-altering fears. Our life groups will all be centered around helping people explore and apply the "Fearless" message as it pertains to their lives. Every evening, beginning on Tuesday, April 2nd, on this site, I will post a devotional on fear to be available the next day (except on Saturday evening because the devotion for Sunday will be the "Fearless" message at River City).

This is going to be a powerful time of learning to think differently about fear. I encourage you to attend the "Fearless" series at River City, commit to a group for the month of April, and look here on this blog for a daily devotion on overcoming fear!  Jesus said "You'll know the truth and the truth will set you free." We’re going to get serious about letting the truth of scripture set us free from stranglehold of fear!