Sunday, September 14, 2014

Whom Shall I Fear?

There are bullies in the world today doing atrocities striking fear into the hearts of men and women. That's the way bullies operate. They manipulate by fear. Fear is a powerful dictator. But there is One who is much more powerful. He is the Lord, Jesus Christ! He defeated the author of fear long, long ago. Jesus rules the universe. He created the universe, and those who subject themselves to His Lordship also inherit the power with which He defeated all evil. With His power we rule OVER all evil, thus all fear of evil.

Those who are His have the peace which passes all understanding ruling their hearts, their minds, and their lives. After all, He is the "Prince of Peace". In the midst of the storm, peace rules. Even over the blatant threats from the enemy....peace rules. Even in the face of danger...the peace of God reigns supreme.

This post is a message for anyone who may be struggling with fear as the world seems to spiral out of control. Listen to God's powerful Word:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evil doers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident." (Psalm 27:1 -3)

David the psalmist never said war wouldn't come. David was a man of war. He never said evil doers won't attack to devour. He never said we wouldn't have adversaries and enemies. He never said a host would not encamp against you and me. But David did say they would stumble and fall. He did say,"...my heart will not fear." He did say he would remain confident...in spite of all the enemy does. King David's knowledge of the Lord, his Light, and His Salvation; his knowledge of the fact that He will defend him prompts some very literal questions. Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I dread? Paul said, "...If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:32b) The answer to the 3 previous questions is one and the same...NO ONE!

One of my favorite Biblical events is found in 2 Chronicles 20. The nation of Judah is surrounded by an coalition of enemies. The situation is hopeless...so it seems. King Jehoshaphat first fears, but then turns his attention to seek God's help. He calls the entire nation (from the oldest to the youngest) to a solemn assembly of prayer. They fasted and prayed fervently for their nation. Just before the Word of the Lord broke through proclaiming how God would defeat their enemies, Jehoshaphat prayed theses words: "For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." Could it be that's where we are today? Could it be we need to turn our eyes back to the Lord Jesus, expecting Him to fulfill His Word concerning those who are His? After all, whom shall we fear?

This is the point at which God spoke prophetically to Jehoshaphat. "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15) Notice God's first instructions to Jehoshaphat and Judah were "Do no fear or be dismayed..." You will notice back in verse 3 Jehoshaphat was afraid. God continued to proclaim that He would fight and win the battle for Judah. As a result they celebrated victory even before it actually happened.

There are great dangers threatening innocent people of the world, including God's people. But God sent His only Son to break the grip of sin off of me. He did that by defeating the the author of death, destruction, and fear. When those who make themselves my enemies (because I choose Jesus) come against me, they will ultimately stumble and fall. When war rises against me I will be confident in my Savior. I am His. Therefore whom shall I fear?

Choose from thousands of faith and family DVDs

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

He Waits For You

Recently I got up early, as I do every day, to spend time with the Lord. It was a typical morning as I prepared to be with Him. I'm not sure about you but usually, early on a work morning, my mind and body are not raring to go....even to the Lord. I don't mean I don't want to hang out with Him. I do mean though, that the fleshly, soulish part of me sometimes does not.

If I offered my flesh the choice of getting up to spend time with Him or staying in bed, my flesh would choose to stay in bed every time! But....I don't give my flesh a choice. I subject my flesh to my spirit, by subjecting my entire being to the Spirit of God! My spirit which is recreated in the image of Christ wants to be in the presence of Jesus every day...all the time! We simply must do our part to create an atmosphere conducive to meeting with Him.

I like to listen to anointed worship music to get me started. That is the easy part. The most difficult part is getting my flesh to worship. There are times when I think I can hear my flesh say "I dare you to make me worship!" But I keep pressing. I keep praying. I keep worshiping. There is always a point at which my flesh gives in. It is not always at the same point. Some days that point comes later than on other days. But as I have committed my life to praise, worship, and prayer...that point always comes! And oh, what a joy to break forth into His incredible presence! "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises." (Psalm 98:4)

And then there are those mornings like the particular morning I'm referring to (which are coming more frequently) when it seems He is waiting on me. Think about it. The Creator of all the universe is waiting to be with me intimately! How can I let my fleeting flesh keep me from these Divine appointments? I won't! I've gone too far! I've experienced too much of His goodness. I've found the secret place of the Most High!

Understand there is great cost to intimate fellowship with Him. But the joy, the strength, and the blessing far outweigh the cost. And the change in attitude, outlook, and perspective far surpass the effort. What is the cost? You! Your time, your focus, and perhaps some sleep! We have a responsibility to approach Him. He is the King. He is the Creator. He is the awesome One!

There is no better place to be than in His presence! I challenge you to press in, to move forward, to seek Him fervently with only one purpose...to meet with Him.

"You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." (Psalm 16:11)