Theme: Done with Fear

No Fear

Fear is a concept that has negative connotations no matter how you look at it. As a person who is constantly trying to strive for the "meat and potatoes" in my spiritual walk, it is hard to find any optimism in regards to fear. As living and breathing human beings we constantly try to avoid the feeling of fear, and rightfully so. For me personally, when I am afraid or fear something it really puts a strain on my ability to be the person I need to be because it attacks the mind, just like a terminal disease does the body. Sometimes (and I know I have experienced this) we are so concentrated on trying to avoid fear that we wind up putting ourselves right back in the midst of it.  The definition of fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.”

When we were choosing from this round of  “Word For Today” topics and as I browsed through them to pick which one I wanted to take a run with, my first thought was to take the easy route and do a “Freelance” article. Instead I thought to myself,  "You know, human nature is to take the easy way out, and from a personal standpoint, this would do me no good because I  need to be stretched and broken in regards to my faith and how my priorities align with God’s priorities." So I decided to do myself  up right and share my perspective on fear. Let me tell you, this is a tough concept to digest, which explains to a certain extent why I migrate to the last day to submit my article.

If you will remember (and most will, a few years back) there was a clothing line that was released with the Phrase “NO FEAR” plastered all over t-shirts and other apparel. I must say, I was a consumer of a few of these products. When this line of clothing came out, I thought it was pretty neat; the designs and concepts were appealing to a young boy like myself.  When I wore the t-shirts that had “No Fear” on them I actually felt “No Fear,” and, quite honestly, it fed my ego a little because I looked at it from the standpoint that others would perceive me as having “NO FEAR.” When I look back I have to ask myself,  "Do I really have “NO FEAR?” To be honest, it does not matter what the clothing portrayed. I still have a since of Fear. So, the real question remains: Why? How, if I claim to be Christian, could I fear anything? Not that easy, believe me, I know.  1 Peter 3: 13-15 says: "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." This verse is why it is not easy. It seems easy and self-explanatory, and to be brutally honest, it is. But the part that messes it all up is the fact of how I use this verse in daily meat and potato living. When I read these 3 short verses life experiences start flashing like “Red Lights.” It puts in perspective and explains why I have struggled with some of the things I have and makes me feel a little dirty because I have done some “Pharisee living.” You know, I was enlightened by an individual just last night of the very fact that we can read our scriptures and take from them what our individual being will allow us to, but what drops us to our knees is when we are really using them. I can tell you that if I use 1 Peter 3:13-15 I would have “NO FEAR” just as the clothing line suggests.

God, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for giving us Hope. God, help us to use 1 Peter 3:13-15. Your word makes it easy for us if we just use it in our daily walk with you. Thank you for Jesus because through him we do have “NO FEAR” and we are saved. We love you. AMEN!!!!

Landon Kribbs
Stephenville, Texas

Theme: Done with Fear

Glory of God

My husband and I were in Dallas with another couple attending a business convention.  That evening after leaving the meeting we were involved in a hit and run while going through a tunnel, slamming our car into a concrete barrier. 

At the time of the accident we had a 3 year old, 1 year old, and I was pregnant with our third child.  I miscarried within a few days following the accident.  After a couple of months I continued to have severe pain and was hospitalized when it was discovered that I had torn my rib cage during the accident, but there was more and a surgeon would be in to talk with us.  A tumor on my liver had been found during the scans and I was immediately referred to a liver specialist at Baylor University Medical Center.  My first thought….FEAR!  I  was scheduled within a month for a biopsy.  Routine blood tests were done and it was discovered that I was pregnant.  The doctors repeated the test and it was indeed confirmed, I was pregnant.  My doctor had never seen a scenario like mine and regretfully informed us that the biopsy on the tumor could not be performed until after the baby was delivered.  I would have to wait 9 months to find out if the tumor was malignant or benign.  My first thought….FEAR!

  In Psalms 3, David is in the midst of great distress. Throughout this psalms David asks God for help, anticipates God’s help, and offers praise to God.  In verse 5, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  This is a beautiful prayer and David’s confidence in God is a testimony to us today.  As I faced reality of the unknown and grasped for the joy in the child that grew within me, I like David, looked to my heavenly Father to shield me, bestow His glory on me, and lift up my head. (v. 3,4)  I also called upon several godly white-haired men who came weekly to my home and prayed with me.  The peace that I received was beyond comforting.  Not only did the prayers of my family, friends, church family sustain me, but the Holy Spirit’s presence was sustaining and abundant.  When we receive Christ as Lord we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit.(Ephesians 1:13)  The Holy Spirit’s presence is abiding and forever.(John 14:16)  When we are filled with the Spirit we become people of courage. (Acts 4)  By faith in the name of Jesus we are made strong just like the crippled beggar in Acts 3:16.

 I delivered a beautiful healthy baby girl and my tumor was a benign type of tumor not even requiring removal.  So I live with the reminder that ugly lives within me, but I have been given a new life through Jesus Christ.  When we put complete trust in Him we are filled with the Holy Spirit and and we have the power to meet Fear head on. A spirit filled individual is all about the Glory of God.

 Precious Father and and Author of Life, thank you for your son, Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Redeemer and through his blood has allowed us eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Show us where we are not glorifying you in our lives and help us to overcome our fears.  Help us to repent, obey, and preach the good news with boldness.  All to your Glory, Amen.

Carla Henson

Abilene, Texas

Theme: Done with Fear

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13: 5,6

My family moved recently. If you have moved in the past decade, you know that moving is code for “hemorrhaging cash.” Deposits and repairs and one thing and then another. It is staggering. Of course, in this economy you don’t even have to move to experience the angst of financial struggle. It’s no wonder that couponing has become an extreme sport.

As God tends to do through these experiences, He has grown me into a clearer way of thinking. It seems we have a dialog about yielding my stubborn will to His peaceful way.

I create a budget and spending plan at the beginning of the month, a wise way to be a good steward of the blessings God gives us -- large or small -- I believe. Yet when I look at the very small amount left for gasoline or groceries, the worry bubbles up. And, I confess, I even look at line item #1 -- my giving back to the Lord -- and think how much I could do with it instead of giving it away. Oh, I feel so small to say that.

It is in those times that God speaks to me. I hear it in my head, but it was first on the printed page of His word:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Okay, God is slowly releasing my death-grip on my finances. The finances that I say out loud are His anyway, but my actions show are MINE, MINE, MINE because the bills are all in my name. Can I get an “Amen?”

God continues to speak to me through His word:

“Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:7-9)

Well... wait a minute. I liked it better when He was going to pour out blessing on me.

As I look back to my budget and show it to God that it simply won’t work and begin to dream up all of the ‘what ifs’ of the month that can go wrong, He reminds me again:

“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

As I ponder the times that my anxiety is the lowest, I realize that it’s when I can see how it will all work out. When the plan is all mapped out on paper and everything is comfy that I am at peace. Then I realize -- that isn’t faith, that’s me being in control. Faith is taking a step when there is no place to land. Faith is trusting that as I am faithful in my finances, God will continue to provide for those things that crop up. And they always crop up. Faith is praising for what He has given, instead of worrying about what I don’t have.

It’s a learning process, walking on faith in my finances. And it’s a fine line to walk to keep from crossing over into irresponsibility. I would love nothing more than to take an entire paycheck into the nearest department store, outfit myself with the latest fall fashions, then proclaim on faith that for the rest of the month “The Lord will provide!” I don’t feel that is where the Lord is leading me in this journey.

But as I see the month stretch out and the dollars in my envelope-system dwindling, I am tempted to worry and fret over how it will possibly work. Yet I praise Him for the food in the pantry, the gas in the tank, and sometimes I’m even so bold as to praise Him for the wonder of not knowing how He will take care of it. And He always does.

Sarah Stirman

McKinney, Texas

Theme: Done with Fear

Peace Instead of Fear

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.   John 14:27

“10-4, good buddy,” was repeated countless times daily in the long-ago days of the citizen band radio craze.  The message communicated acknowledgement and, possibly, understanding or agreement.  CB radio communication wasn’t limited to facts and details.  Drivers often used the public airwaves for trivia, expressing opinions and frustrations and disappointments.  The uncertainty of “what’s going to happen next” makes us nervous and afraid.

Fear is a common emotion shared by humanity.  The focus and extent of our fears are personal and unique.  Likewise, our method of managing fear, or, possibly, how our fears manage us, can range from peaceful irritation to irrational obsession.  The important thing is to identify our fears, so we can learn to cope in healthy ways.

Jesus knew his followers would be impacted by the fear of losing him.  He wanted to prepare his followers for the turmoil they would endure in the coming days.  As part of the plan for peace, Jesus tells them, the Father will send the Counselor.  The Holy Spirit, sent in the name of Jesus, will teach all things and remind the believers of everything Jesus said to them.  This must have been a tremendous comfort to them.  The disciples, though sad and confused, gained insight into God’s eternal plan.  The New Testament writers possessed spiritually enhanced memory.  Upon hindsight, because of the Spirit’s influence, confusion gave way to clarity.  They received peace and encouragement beyond worldly understanding.

Jesus’ instructions are meant to persuade us to completely trust God.  Alone, we are vulnerable to the attacks of the “prince of this world.”  Let us praise God that Satan has no hold over Jesus.  We, too, following in the path of Jesus, choose to love the Father and obey His commands.  Don’t let your hearts be troubled.  We have been given peace.

Prayer

Dear Father, we thank you for knowing our hearts and leaving us with peace.  We thank you for sending your Spirit to teach us and provide comfort.  Thank you for Jesus’ victory over Satan.  Because we are in Christ, we know the prince of this world has no hold on us.  Peace reigns!  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas

Theme: Done with Fear

WORLD: Zero  
CHRIST: WON!


I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 (NIV)

Have you ever observed a scene so profoundly moving your heart could hardly stand it?  That’s how I feel when I read John chapters 14 through 17.  Jesus’ death is imminent and he’s bidding farewell to his disciples.  

His words are full of comfort and encouragement; longing and warning.   He tells them how to live, and how to love.  He tells them – again – Who he is, Whose he is, and why it’s important they understand that.  He had kept them from harm until now, but he’s entrusting them with a message and knows they’ll be killed for delivering it.

The air is palpable with urgency as he says, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear” (John 16:12).  

He reassures them.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled…Because I live you also will live…My peace I leave with you…my peace I give you…do not be afraid…no one will take away your joy…I have overcome the world.”

In other words, life is one painful battle after another.  Have no fear.  The war is over and Christ already won it for us.

John 17:1 says, “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed.”  Imagine overhearing the Savior of the world praying!  For himself, for his disciples…and for us!

Read John 17:20-26 to find out what Jesus prayed for on our behalf.  Here’s a hint:  “I have given them the glory that you gave me that they may be one as we are one” (v. 22).                 

Heavenly Father, because Christ obeyed you to the death, we have no need to fear life.  Neither do we as believers need to fear each other.  Help us work together in unity so the world will see You.  Through Christ, amen.    

Sandra Milholland

Abilene, Texas

Theme: Done with Fear

What Do You Fear?

When my children were very young they would become afraid.   It might be the dark, or a bad dream, or a bug.  They would come running to me and cry out "Daddy I'm scared".  I would pick them up, hug them and say "It's OK.  I'm right here, Daddy's not going anywhere".  Reassured by a good hug and kiss their fears were quickly forgotten.    

What do you fear?  We may have gotten over being afraid of the dark but as we get older we have deeper fears.  Rejection, failure, loneliness, illness, and old age cause us great anxiety. My humanness compensates by feeling safe  when I have a good balance in my checking account, when I drive a nice car and live in a nice home, when my job is going well, when my health is good, when all is well with my wife and children, when I’m acknowledged by others, and when I’m being a good Christian.  Let any one of these be threatened and I become weak, insecure, and full of fear.

Jesus wants us to be fearless, fearless of anything that may come. No matter what you face. Rejection, loss of your job, loss of your marriage, loss of someone you love, or even loss of your own life.  He says, "come to Me, the Maker of heaven and earth, the One who even the winds and waves obey." If we run to Him, He takes us into His arms, He holds us, kisses us on the forehead and says “I will never leave you, I will never forget you”. Don’t be afraid of anything because I am here with you (Hebrews 13:5-6).

In Acts 4 Peter and John are thrown into prison for teaching about Jesus.  They are threatened and told to stop.  The Jewish leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak and they understood that these men had no special training or education.  So they were amazed.  Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).  Peter and John saw the reality of who Christ was, the truth of His message, and had accepted with no reservations His promises of heaven, of an eternal relationship in a new life with Him.  To the point that even with imprisonment and threats to their earthly life they “spoke God’s word without fear” (Acts 4:31).  Our view of Jesus must change to be like that of Peter and John.  The radical message of Christ calls us to believe something unbelievable.  His message is, with me you’re safe, we are going somewhere you cannot imagine, just hold on and it will make anything here seem so small.  Like fear of the dark, a bad dream or a bug.  The radical message of Christ is contrary to everything our society tells us.  Everything we attempt to hold on to, everything that gives us value, everything that gives us worth, everything that we think will give us peace will come up short.  Give it all up Jesus challenges and I will give you an abundant life. Give up reliance on your money, your belongings, your religion, yourself, and your fears will be gone. Jesus provides great reassurance and our foundation for fearlessness when we accept with childlike faith His challenge “Do not be afraid, just believe”, “I will never leave you, I will never forget you” (Mark 5:36, Hebrews 13:5-6).   

Lord, help me cross over from trusting in the things of this world and in myself to complete trust in You.  Let Your Holy Spirit reveal to me that there is nothing I will fear because You are with me.  Amen

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas